Campus Connection - July 13-19, 2009

Smith named interim director of School of Arts and Communication

Ronda Smith
Ronda Smith

Ronda Smith, Communication Studies, has been appointed to a 50 percent position as interim director of the School of Arts and Communication for the 2009-10 annual year and assumed duties on July 1.

Smith has been chair of Communication Studies, where she has provided leadership for a department of 27 faculty and staff and over 400 undergraduate majors and minors. Smith has extensive experience in university leadership roles. She has served on the Faculty Senate Committee/Executive Committee and on the Joint Planning and Budget Committee/Executive Committee. She chaired the College of Liberal Studies (CLS) Dean Search and Screen Committee, the CLS Public Relations Committee and the Communication Committee for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Smith maintains an active teaching schedule, with a focus on interviewing principles and processes and organizational, professional, group and health communication. Her recent publications and presentations span such topics as students’ perceptions of learning in a study abroad experience and recommendations for effective pedagogy, computer mediated communication and adult learners, and service-learning and learning community.

Smith has served as editorial review board member for the Journal of Communication Studies, Communication Teacher and Health Communication Studies. In November 2006 she received the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women Award, Education Achievement Award. She was also recognized for excellence with a CLS Recognition of Excellence Award for Service in 2005. She can be seen each semester in concert, as a member of the UW-L Women’s Samulnori (Korean Percussion) Ensemble.

Smith's office is now located in 235E Morris Hall.

Wilder Hall demolition

Wilder Hall coming down

Demolition of Baird, Trowbridge (erected 1959) and Wilder halls is nearing completion. Wilder Hall, below, built in 1951 as the first residence hall on campus, was converted to administrative use in 1971, and housed the offices of Career Services, Counseling and Testing, Computer Based Testing, Academic Discovery Lab, Residence Life, Student Support Services and the military science department. Fifty-eight years later, on July 9, it came down to make room for UW-L's new academic building, " Centennial Hall." Occupancy in "Centennial Hall" is slated for the beginning of the 2011 fall semester.

Watch construction progress online at www.uwlax.edu/edtech/centennial-hall. For a map of the construction, visit www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/summer/june/CentennialHallConstructionMap.pdf

 

Wilder Hall demolition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follett Higher Education Group managing bookstore, textbook rental

Bookstore summer hours, sale

The bookstore's summer hours are 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Many gift and clothing items are currently discounted by 50-75 percent.

UW-L has partnered with Follett Higher Education Group to manage the bookstore and textbook rental operations effective July 1. Follett is a family held company founded in 1873 and based in Oak Brook, Ill.

“The Follett Higher Education Group is associated with over 860 educational institutions in the United States and Canada, and is very honored to be a partner with the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse,” says Guy McCauley, regional manager.

Debbie Veglahn, assistant to the vice chancellor for Administration and Finance, will be responsible for contract management and will be working closely with Follett during the transition period. Follett is in the process of interviewing for a store manager; helping through the transition will be Store Manager Carlena Goddeau. McCauley will be on campus periodically during the management search and through its completion.

Ordering textbooks for fall semester is being worked on. If you have questions about your orders, contact Goddeau at 785.8855 or at uwlacrosse@bkstr.com.

Afternoon, evening of jazz, art highlight final Jazz in the Park series concert

If you go—
What: Riverside Jazz Party and Art Show II
When: 2-10 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Where: Band shell, Riverside Park. The rain site is Valhalla, UW-L Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: Free

An afternoon and evening of jazz and art in La Crosse’s Riverside Park will once again conclude the Gertrude Salzer Gordon Jazz in the Park concert series.

The Riverside Jazz Party and Art Show II begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the band shell in Riverside Park. The rain site is Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. The event is free and open to the public.

Music for the afternoon and evening includes:

David Cooper
David Cooper

2 p.m. — David Cooper/New Breed Jazz Quintet. The quintet, formed in 2001, has been hosting a Wednesday jam session in Madison since. The group includes David Cooper on trumpet, Anders Vane on sax, David Stoler on piano, Nick Moran on bass and Michael Brenneis on drums. Collectively, the group plays with ensembles such as Madisalsa, Tony Castineda Latin Jazz Sextet, Art Blakey Tribute Band, Tim Whalen Nonet, Tomato Box and the Madison Symphony Orchestra. The quintet’s repertoire is steeped in the tradition of ’60s post-bop jazz.

 

Signe Hensel Greg Balfany
Signe Hensel Greg Balfany
Byron Stripling Rich MacDonaold
Byron Stripling Rich MacDonald

3 p.m. — Signe Hensel Quartet. Emerging from the Minneapolis music scene, Hensel can be seen in jazz clubs in the Twin Cities. She is known for her strong, clear voice that works well in both the higher and lower registers. Hensel’s debut CD, “Invitation,” offers a mix of sultry ballads and swinging Big Band numbers. Backing up Hensel are three of Minneapolis’s premiere musicians – drummer Nathan Norman, pianist Tom Pletscher and bassist Bruce Heine.

4 p.m. — Optimism Sextet. The newly-formed sextet features six of the region’s premiere jazz performers. The group performs repertoire of New York’s contemporary jazz groups, including pianist David Hazeltine’s “All for One” and the “T.S. Monk Quintet.” Greg Balfany, Tom Gullion and Jim Piela all perform on tenor saxophone with the ensemble. The rhythm section is comprised of bassist Karyn Quinn, pianist Chris Frye and percussionist Rich MacDonald.

5 p.m. — David Cooper/New Breed Jazz Quintet.

6 p.m. — Signe Hensel Quartet.

7:30 p.m. — Byron Stripling and the Great River Big Band. Trumpet virtuoso and actor/singer Byron Stripling plays for audiences worldwide performing as a soloist with the Boston Pops, The American Jazz Philharmonic, at the Hollywood Bowl, or as a lead trumpeter with the Big Bands of Count Basie, Woody Herman, The Lincoln Center Classical Jazz Orchestra or the GRP All Star Big Band. Stripling portrayed Louis Armstrong in the Broadway production of “Satchmo.” The Great River Big Band, comprised of professional musicians from Wisconsin and Minnesota, is concluding its 35th summer concert series. The band has performed at numerous festivals and has backed up some of the greatest names in jazz, including Clark Terry, Ed Shaughnessy, Frank Wess, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Sunny Wilkinson and more. Find out more at: www.greatriverbigband.com.

Along with the music, the second Riverside Juried Art Show runs from 2-8 p.m. in the park. More than a dozen juried artists are planning to exhibit.

Extra performance with guest artist Stripling set

Jazz great Byron Stripling will front the LaX Jazz 4tet, plus Marty Busch on trombone from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, in the Cargill Room Riverside Center II in the Logistics Health Building. The performance will help set the tone for Sunday’s Riverside Park event. The free performance includes complimentary appetizers courtesy of the Waterfront Restaurant.

Register now for July 23-24 Wisconsin Science & Technology Symposium

Second annual event offers statewide connections for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors

“The Second Annual Wisconsin Science & Technology Symposium will showcase technical innovations being developed by our comprehensive campus faculty and students. I am very encouraged by the efforts of the UW System and WiSys Technology Foundation in bringing together other research organizations to jointly develop discoveries that will benefit all of Wisconsin’s residents.”

— Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle

The Second Annual Wisconsin Science & Technology Symposium Thursday and Friday, July 23 and 24, brings together science and technology researchers, entrepreneurs and investors from across the state to help them share ideas and spark new collaborations.

Registration is open for the event, which is intended to encourage interdisciplinary research and offer valuable information and networking opportunities. Academic and industry researchers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and interested community members are encouraged to participate. Government officials and representatives from key companies also are expected to attend.

The symposium from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. in Cartwright Center features the latest scientific discoveries from the UW System and Wisconsin clinical organizations in biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, tissue engineering, bioenergy and clinical sciences. Participants will include representatives from the UW System, Marshfield Clinic, Aurora Health Care, BayCare Health Systems and private industry and state government. This event is a premiere opportunity to network with scientists across the state and form partnerships and collaborations.

“These gatherings strengthen the ties among our campuses, facilitate productive collaborations among all research institutions of our state, and showcase the creativity and innovative thinking of our faculty and students. The symposium offers a unique insight into the cutting-edge technical discoveries occurring in our comprehensive campuses and the opportunities available to our students.”

— UW System President Kevin Reilly

In addition to symposium registration, sponsorship opportunities and exhibit space also are available.

The symposium is being organized by WiSys Technology Foundation Inc. and UW-L. For more information, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.wisys.org/. For more information, contact Mike Cenci at mcenci@wisys.org or Chandra Hawkins at hawkins.chan@uwlax.edu.

About WiSys Technology Foundation

WiSys, an affiliate of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), works with the 11 comprehensive UW System campuses to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, protect and generate patentable discoveries and foster the career development and scholarship required for today’s knowledge-based society.

'Carbon Free and Nuclear Free: Wisconsin Can Be Both' program set for July 23

“Carbon Free and Nuclear Free: Wisconsin Can Be Both,” a presentation by Jennifer Nordstrom from the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, in 102 Wimberly Hall. Al Gedicks, sociology/archaeology, will give a brief response to the presentation.The event is free and open to the public.

Co-sponsors of the event include the UW-L Progressives, the Native American Student Association, Clean Energy Coalition of La Crosse/Western Wisconsin, Wisconsin Resources Protection Council and the La Crosse Peace and Justice Coalition. For more information, call Al at 785.6782.

AAUW Art Fair on the Green on campus July 25 and 26

The 51st annual American Association of University Women's Art Fair on the Green will be on UW-L campus Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26. The event runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday on the University Lawns, 16th and State streets. Admission is free for children 12 and under and $3 for others. All proceeds from this juried art show go to local scholarships. For more information, call 608.788.7439 or e-mail pstaupe@centurytel.net.

For more La Crosse area events, see http://lacrossevisitor.com/Pages/events.html.

UW-L announces spring 2009 Dean’s List

The list of students who have been named to the Dean’s List at UW-L for the 2008-09 academic year spring semester, ending May 2009, is available at www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/summer/july/deanSPR2009.pdf.

Qualification for the Dean’s List is limited to students who have attained outstanding academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have earned not less than a 3.5 semester grade point average and have carried a minimum of 12 semester credits.

Application deadline for 2010-11 Fulbright opportunities in all disciplines is Aug. 1

Faculty and professionals who are U.S. citizens may now apply for the Fulbright Scholar Program for 2010-11. The application deadline is Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009.

The Fulbright Scholar Program offers grants in more than 125 countries around the world. For the academic year 2010-11, Fulbright lists 144 awards open to all disciplines and 421 awards in 45 discipline specific categories.

Some of the countries offering awards open to all disciplines and their regional highlights include:

Middle East and North Africa: This region features 27 awards in the All Disciplines category, including awards in the Middle East and North Africa Regional Research Program, Egypt and Israel.

Western Hemisphere: 22 countries in this region, which spans Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Each offers awards open in all disciplines. In some counties, the award is titled All Disciplines; in others it is described as two awards: in Sciences and Technology and in Social Sciences and Humanities.

Sub-Saharan Africa: All Disciplines: Awards are open in 10 Francophone countries of Sub-Saharan Africa for scholars who can lecture in French.

Southern and Western Europe: This region offers All Discipline awards in nine different countries. Examples include Award #0219 in Bulgaria, Award #0327 in Macedonia, Award #0269 in Hungary and Award #0390 in Turkey.

U.S. citizenship is required. For a full, detailed listing of all Fulbright program awards and other eligibility requirements visit www.cies.org or send a request for materials to scholars@cies.iie.org.

For more information on the Fulbright Scholar Program, contact Jay Lokken, International Education Office, at 785.8017 or lokken.jay@uwlax.edu.

Cleary Alumni & Friends Center

Changes in the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center

State budget constraints and reduced personnel are driving changes in UW-L's Cleary Alumni & Friends Center.

Some of the changes include:

  • The UW-L Foundation's main phone number, 608.785.8489, is now being answered with a recording which gives callers directory information to connect with the desired staff member.
  • There is no longer a receptionist at the reception desk at the entrance from the parking lot. A directory there identifies by function and room number staff members in the building.
  • The guest rooms are shut down and are no longer available for use. The staff time and expense of operation can no longer be maintained or justified, says UW-L Foundation President Al Trapp.
  • UW-L Foundation Program Associate Natalie Olsen is now the contact person for meeting room reservations. Contact Olsen at 785.6803 or olsen.nata@uwlax.edu.

"These changes, under current circumstances, are necessary and taken only after thorough discussion, consultation and agreement among the three units in the building, the UW-L Foundation, Alumni Programs and University Relations," says Trapp. "Vice Chancellor Bob Hetzel, Director of the Alumni Programs Janie Spencer and I have signed off on these measures and will continue to collaborate closely to make the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center work at as high a level as possible despite challenging circumstances."

Campus Kudos

 

 

 

Cynthia Berlin and Gregory Chu, geography/earth science, conducted a workshop June 22-26 on the use of Geographic Information Science (GIS) in developing lessons on understanding global warming. The workshop was part of the activities related to a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (NSF) grant awarded to Cynthia Berlin (PI), Gregory Chu, Tim Sprain, and Angela Smith from the Directorate of Geosciences at NSF. The workshop was attended by 13 middle school and high school teachers from the La Crosse School District. They learned data animation, GIS, and Global Positioning System techniques that can be used to develop lessons relating to illustrating and analyzing global warming patterns. A second workshop is planned for next summer.

Taggert J. Brooks, economics, presented "Extramarital Sex: Closing the Gender Gap” July 2 at the Annual Western Economics Association International’s Conference in Vancouver, BC.

Cecilia Manrique, political science/public administration, was re-elected president of the International Leadership Council of the Golden Key International Honour Society. Her second three-year term begins in August and makes her a member of Golden Key's Board of Directors.

Nick Nicklaus, Residence Life, served as a faculty member for the National Housing Training Institute held June 8-13 at the University of Maryland. The institute, in its 19th year, is sponsored by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International.

Centennial logo
Videos on Centennial Site

New videos posted on UW-L Centennial Web site

Check out the new videos on UW-L's Centennial Web site at www.uwlax.edu/100years. The videos highlight alumni, friends and community members from around the country.

“The purpose of the Centennial Web site is to create a rich media and interactive environment for the viewer,” commented Jim Jorstad, Educational Technologies/ITS. The Web site features online videos, a Ning social network, images and stories. In an effort to create a Web 2.0 experience for the campus, 62 members have already joined the Centennial Ning network. Members are from all across the U.S. and the world, including China, Saudi Arabia, Denmark and the Russian Federation.

“What is good about the social network is that it allows participants to post photos and stories about their experiences. In addition, we have put some requirements in place to make the site more secure and private, unlike other social network options," commented Jorstad.

Currently members are approved by Larry Sleznikow, Educational Technologies, who also monitors the published photos. “It’s a great way for people to connect for the Centennial. Once you navigate the site, you will quickly see how you can interact with members worldwide," Sleznikow says.

Continuing Education logo

 

 

 

The 18th annual Young Scholars program, July 13-17, offers more than 95 students hands‐on experiences primarily in the arts and sciences through inquiry, creativity and problem solving. Eleven UW‐L faculty and academic staff will teach classes for the program.

Human Relations

 

 

 

Domestic Partner Health Insurance available Jan. 1, 2010

As part of the recently passed Wisconsin budget, domestic partners of employees of the state of Wisconsin are eligible for coverage under the employee’s group health insurance, effective January 1, 2010.

Health insurance selection may be made during the annual open enrollment opportunity in October. Human Resources will share more details as they become available.

Transfers

Laurie Collison to the academic department associate position in Communication Studies. Matt Hotlen, custodian, transfers from the Health Science Building to Murphy Library. Both effective July 1.

Susan Butterfield, university executive staff assistant to the Chancellor’s Office, effective July 5.

Obituary

 

 

 

Christopher Skidmore, a 26-year-old UW-L student, collapsed while jogging July 7 on a La Crosse marsh trail and died of a heart attack secondary to coronary artery disease, according to the La Crosse County Medical Examiner’s Office.

A wake and funeral at Buchanan Funeral Home in Pittsville is planned. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, July 13, and after 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 14. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The funeral home is on Highway 80.

"Chris Skidmore came into geography through my GEO 110 class," says UW-L Professor Georges Cravins, geography/earth science. "On my list of students, he was at the very top, and to say that he was a young man of great promise does not really capture the truth. He was one of those rare intellectual people who is so important to any serious academic program."

He was older and more experienced than most UW-L students, says Cravins, and played a leading role in the classes he had with Cravins. Along with being well-liked and highly respected, he was an independent thinker and had a great passion for history and geography facts, Cravins adds.

See also "Life Remembered: Man Found on Marsh Trail was a UW-L Student," La Crosse Tribune July 10 article at www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/07/10/news/01skidmore.txt.

See also "Authorities: Jogger’s Death Highlights Need for People to Always Carry Vital Information," La Crosse Tribune July 11 article at www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/07/11/news/00lead.txt.

Oral Defense

 

 

 

 

Ellanora F. Kraemer, master's candidate in exercise and sport science, "Hip Range of Motion in the Sport of Curling: Delivery," 4 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 121 Location: 121 Mitchell Hall. Adviser: Mark Gibson, exercise and sport science.

Peggy E. Miller, master's candidate in College of Science and Health, "Diagnosis, Prevalence and Prevention of the Spread of the Parasite Heterosporis sp. (Microsporida: Pleistophoridae) in Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and in Lake Ontario," 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, in 301 Cowley Hall. Adviser: Mark Sandheinrich, biology.

Classified

 

 

 

For sale

YWCA June Gardenfest leftover potting benches. Assembled $75. Kits $60. Pick up at 32nd St. and State Road Highway 33 by appointment. Local delivery is also available. To make arrangement and to find out more, phone 608.385.5481 or e-mail goodhart.rich@uwlax.edu. To find out more about the potting benches, visit www.ywcagardenfest.com/woodworkers.html.

1997 Isuzu Rodeo 4WD, automatic; 120,00 miles; new tires, brakes and shocks. Bluebook $3,400, asking $2,800. Paul at 608.769.2732 or campusminister@charterinternet.com.

Two dog kennels. Easy to assemble/disassemble panels. The first is 6x6, like new, never been outside, $40. The second, 6x12, has some rust and minor damage, give away. Contact Randy at 786.0936 or hoelzen.rand@uwlax.edu.

Three bedroom and two and one-half bathroom condominium. Access to tennis court and indoor swimming and Jacuzzi pools. Updated floors and countertops and a new h20 heater and softener was installed this past January. Located in Seminary Park condominiums just three miles from campus. Asking $134,900. Contact Mick at 608.397.7038 or 785.8932.

For rent

Luxury 2100 sq ft. home with attached home office. Exquisite location with bluff view. First time on market. Two bedroom, two bath, shower/Jacuzzi. W/D. Double Garage. All exterior maintenance provided. 24' X 12' living room/dining room, kitchen, large bedrooms and closets. Den, sunroom, patio. New HVAC. New paint/decor. Independent access to home office for business or entrepreneur. Available mid-July. No pets/smoking. Lease, application/reference required. Extra storage space available. Call for details at 608.385.5481. Access photos/details/floor plan at: www.apartmentconnextion.com/lcx/pb/1541.htm.

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