Eagle Connection - Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2008

Raffle winner to receive free tuition

Senior Elese Berdan has good reason to celebrate the holidays. She is the winner of the UW-L Foundation tuition raffle and will receive free tuition for her last semester, spring 2009. When Berdan received an e-mail last week telling her she'd won free tuition, she was skeptical. It wasn't until she received an e-mail from her mom that she realized it was true. The Spanish major has never won anything before, she says, and didn't know that her parents routinely purchased raffle tickets each year. It paid off for this family from Sleepy Eye, Minn.

The UW-L Foundation holds a tuition raffle both in the fall and spring semesters. Letters and tickets are sent to students and parents offering them the chance to win tuition at UW-L for a semester. Beginning with the spring 2009 semester, the Foundation will hold two spring raffles. Tickets will be $10 each or 6 for $50. Proceeds benefit the university through the support of scholarships, emergency student loans, research, on-going programs and new projects on campus. To find out more about the UW-L Foundation, visit www.foundation.uwlax.edu.

 Elese Berdan
Students in lab

Onalaska High School students George Xiong, left, and Toua Yang, study the mass of pennies by measuring the amount of water displaced by them in Kendric Nelson's E-mentors in Science and Mathematics program workshop "Funny Money."

Middle, high school students on campus to kick off E-mentors in Science and Mathematics program

Twenty middle school and high school students were on campus Nov. 14 to kick off the E-mentors in Science and Mathematics program. The program encourages one-on-one electronic mentoring among UW-L science and mathematics faculty and middle and high school students to form. The program encourages and supports students' interests in science and mathematics, and makes campus more accessible. Middle and high school teachers and counselors nominated many of the students to the program. One central aim is to encourage minority students to enter the sciences. UW-L's Continuing Education and Extension and Multicultural Student Services Office helped reach out to minority students.

 

Students participated two hour-long science workshops. Roger Haro, biology, taught students how insects breathe under water in "Animal Scuba Divers." He was assisted by UW-L River Studies Center and biology graduate students Reid Northwick and Katri Laukkanen.

In "Funny Money," a class taught by Kendric Nelson, chemistry, students investigated the weight and mass of pennies to determine the metals used. He was assisted by chemistry major Sarah Luchsinger and lab manager Laura Roessler.

 

Student at microscope
Logan High School student Kiswana Robinson examines a caddidsfly in Roger Haro's "Animal Scuba Diversworkshop." The insects spin silk under water to encase themselves in natural materials.

After the workshops, the students toured Cowley Hall and were joined by their parents and the science e-mentors. Haro talked about his experiences as a first-generation college student. Then students and parents talked with their individual e-mentors at dinner.

The students and faculty e-mentors will correspond throughout the year. There will be two more campus visits in January and early May.

The program is funded by a grant written by Susan Kelly, mathematics; and Penny Tiedt, Continuing Education and Extension. Faculty e-mentors are: Mike Abler, Faye Ellis, Haro and Peg Maher, all biology; Sue Anglehart and S.N. Rajagopal, both microbiology; Cynthia Berlin, geography; Sandy Grunwald and Kris Rolfhus, both chemistry; Jon Hasenbank, Kelly and Bruce Riley, all mathematics; and Kenny Hunt and Mao Zheng, both computer science.

The program is directed by Andrea Hansen, Continuing Education; and Grunwald, Haro and Kelly.

 

 

UW-L fair trade market open Dec. 1-2

Shop responsibly this holiday season by shopping at a fair trade market on campus. The market is open from 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, and from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Ward Room, Cartwright Center.

Products available for sale are from Concern America, Ten Thousand Villages, Heart of the Sky, Kickapoo Coffee, Red Earth and more. Fair trade markets provide an alternative for holiday shoppers. Each product is 100 percent socially responsible. The certified products guarantee fair wages for the worker, quality products, community development and sustainable environment.

Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based model of international trade which promotes the payment of a fair price, as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods. The movement focuses, in particular, on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine and fresh fruit.

The vendors are a part of a worldwide movement striving to practice fair trade. Ten Thousand Villages is one of over 300 International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) members in 70 countries. IFAT members agree that fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade. It is a trading partnership aimed at sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers. It seeks to do this by providing better trading conditions, by raising awareness and by campaigning.

The IFAT key principles of fair trade include:

  • Creation of opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Capacity building
  • Payment of a fair price
  • Gender equity
  • Good working conditions
  • Care for the environment

The event is sponsored by UW-L Progressives, Environmental Council, Amnesty International, the UW-L Bookstore, and the Native American Student Association.

Rainbow graduation set for Dec. 1

Each semester the Pride Center and Rainbow Unity acknowledge and celebrate graduating students. This December two Rainbow students are graduating. Celebrate with them at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Rainbow Graduation is a time for friends, faculty and staff to speak to honor the graduating senior. Each senior receives a rainbow tassel, and a gift from the Campus Bookstore and the Alumni Association, as well as a certificate for involvement on campus.

Students to read works at creative writing event

Students in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction classes will read selections from the work they have completed this semester at a creative writing event from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center Gathering Place. Cider and cookies will be served. Everyone is welcome.

Midsummer poster

Shakespeare takes the main stage on campus

UW-L's theatre arts department will perform William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 11-13. Sunday matinee performances are at 2 o’clock Dec. 7 and 14. All performances are in Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts.

Two pairs of star-crossed lovers, a feuding pair of supernatural spirits and a love potion gone wrong all come together in this Shakespeare classic. The production includes the theatrical vision of director Walter Elder and scenic design by senior theater major Tim Barbiaux. Costume designer Joe Anderson and student sound designer Justin Schmitz further add to the performance.

Tickets for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at the Box Office in the lobby of the Center for the Arts. Admission is $4 for UW-L students, $10 for other students and senior citizens, and $12 for others. For reservations or more information, call the box office at 785.8522.

If you go—
Who: Theatre arts department
What: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 11-13; 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14
Where: Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts Admission: $4 for UW-L students, $10 for other students and senior citizens, and $12 for others.

Reserve a 'Singing Holiday Card' beginning Dec. 3

Purchase a "Singing Holiday Card" and help support UW-L's Concert Choir May 2009 trip to Ireland. Quartets from the choir will be available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14, to deliver a holiday musical medley, either sacred or secular, to the person of your choice. A small greeting card and candy cane are included in the $20 price. Schedule a “Singing Holiday Card” by calling 785.8409 after 9 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Dec. 3. The number of “cards” is limited.

DodgeFest 2008 set for Dec. 6

Jump, dive, scream ... just don't get hit at the third annual DodgeFest tournament at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Amie L. Mathy Center on the Viterbo University campus. This event is open to the La Crosse community, so bring friends from all three college campuses, as well as the community. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Register through Wednesday, Dec. 3, by completing a registration form at the Western Wellness Center or the Mathy Center front desks. Or print the form from www.viterbo.edu/recsports.aspx?id=41520. The registration fee is $45, which includes a participation T-shirt, official’s fees and prizes. Up to two additional shirts may be purchased for $6 each. There is a minimum of six individuals to a team, with a two female minimum, and the maximum for a team is eight. Each team will play in a pool play and then be seeded into brackets.

For more information, contact Joe Loomis at 785.9443 or loomis.jose@students.uwlax.edu or visit www.viterbo.edu/recsports.aspx?id=41520.

Teada group shot
The Irish traditional music group Teada brings its “Irish Christmas in America — The Show” to UW-L Dec. 7.

Irish group brings Christmas show to campus

A legendary Irish group will share the sounds of the season at UW-La Crosse. Teada’s “Irish Christmas in America — The Show” takes the stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

Teada will give an inspirational presentation of seasonal Irish culture traditions. Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of the legendary Irish group, Teada, the show also features a photographic slide show with a narrative providing historical context.

The group uses Irish harp and uilleann pipes to augment Irish dance. The performers mingle ancient traditions with contemporary artistry.

Tickets are $4 for UW-L students, $15 for UW-L employees and $20 for others. Tickets and more information are available at Cartwright Information Counter, 785.8877. The event is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and La Crosse Irishfest.

If you go—
What: Teada’s “Irish Christmas in America — The Show”
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Admission: $4 for UW-L students, $15 for UW-L employees and $20 for others.

Applications for orientation assistants due Dec. 15

Applications are now being accepted for orientation assistants for the 2008-09 school year.

New students need great role models to help them feel welcome, learn about campus resources, get connected to other new students, develop a sense of UW-L pride and to get ready to be successful in the classroom. If you're a motivated, positive student leader who'd like to help incoming new students get off to a great start for fall 2009 apply to be an orientation assistant. The position helps student leaders develop great skills and pays $1,000.

To apply, go www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/OAJobDescription.pdf. Fill out the application and return it by 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, to 213 Wilder Hall. For more information, contact Chris Dziekan at 785.8079 or dziekan.chri@uwlax.edu.

Notice to veterans being deployed

Veterans who receive notification that they're being deployed need to notify Veterans Benefits Coordinator Sharon Lehrke. Stop in 117 Graff Main Hall or contact her at 785.8751 or lehrke.shar@uwlax.edu.

snowflake

Note UW-L’s Inclement Weather Plan

When inclement weather, including dangerous temperatures, snow, ice, wind or rain occur, how do you know if UW-L classes and events are being held? Call the events line at 785.8900, check the UW-L Web site or listen to local media broadcasts. UW-L’s inclement weather plan is invoked in the most serious times when conditions make travel to and from campus dangerously imprudent or other events cause serious safety concerns. When inclement weather or other events, such as electrical failure or chemical spills occur, closure is determined prior to 5:45 a.m. for day classes and 1:45 p.m. for evening classes and events. Based on changing conditions, the plan can be implemented at any time. Closure means all university classes and events are cancelled. It is state policy to keep state offices open even when severe weather exists. When the governor closes state government offices, this does not include the UW System or UW-L.

Dave Malecek
Dave Malecek
Campus Kudos

Malecek selected honorary coach for NWCA Classic

UW-L head wrestling coach Dave Malecek was selected as one of four honorary coaches for the 43rd Annual National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Star Classic presented by the U.S. Marine Corps. The classic was Monday, Nov. 24, in St. John Arena at The Ohio State University in Columbus.

The event featured the top ranked National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I wrestlers facing each other. Student-athletes from Cornell, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin will compete.

Other honorary coaches at this year’s event include Tom Ryan (Ohio State), Mark Manning (Nebraska) and Jim Makovsky (Minnesota State, Mankato).

For details of the event, visit UW-L's Athletics at www.uwlax.edu/athletics/.

Malecek his in his third season as UW-L’s head wrestling coach. He has led the Eagles to back-to-back top-three finishes at the NCAA Division III Championships, placing third in 2007 and second in 2008. For his efforts, Malecek was named the 2007 NCAA Rookie Coach of the Year.

Malecek has also guided UW-L to two straight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) titles and has been selected the Mertz Mortorelli WIAC Coach of the Year both seasons. The Eagles, who are 34-3 in duals under Malecek, have won 11 consecutive conference crowns.

thanks

Thank you everyone who extended their deepest sympathy/condolences for the loss of my father through cards, flowers and e-mails. It was and continues to be greatly appreciated. — Antoiwana Williams, Upward Bound Director

Classified ads

For rent

Two- to four-bedroom home, 6.5 acre lot, two bath, 25 minutes east of La Crosse. Available Jan. 10. References required. $ 800 a month, electric and gas not included. 608.786.2128 or ostrem.tabi@uwlax.edu.

Wanted

Sub leaser for apartment, 303 11th St. N., La Crosse, January to end of May. Rent is $ 255 per month, utilities not included (about $45 a month includes cable and electric combined. Includes free: 32" TV with remote, medium-sized dresser and computer desk. Queen-sized bed, negotiable price. Contact Rob at sorensen.robe@students.uwlax.edu or 262.470.8805.

Mormon Coulee 4-H members. One of the oldest 4-H clubs in the county seeks new members - children in grades kindergarten through high school. Members learn about everything from animals to space exploration, develop leadership skills and meet and work with others from our area and around the world. For more information about 4-H, visit http://lacrosse.uwex.edu/4h/index.html. To learn about the club which meets monthly on La Crosse's south side, e-mail cvmaren@mwt.net or call 788.4039.

For sale

Four oak bar stools with high backs, $100. Great for kitchen or entertainment area. 180 degree swivel. Brass foot rests. Call 779.4967 to see.

Getting information into the Eagle Connection

The Eagle Connection is published Wednesdays when classes are in session. To submit information for inclusion in the Eagle Connection, e-mail it to connectx@uwlax.edu. The deadline for the Eagle Connection is noon Mondays preceding the Wednesday edition. If you are interested in writing or shooting photos, contact the Eagle Connection Editor Sue Lee at lee.sue@uwlax.edu or 785.8497.

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Or go to the Eagle Connection from UW-L's home page. Click on "More News" at the bottom of the page, then click on the Eagle Connection link on the Campus News Resources page.

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Or go to the Eagle Connection calendar from UW-L's home page. Click on "More Events" at the bottom of the page, then click on the Eagle Connection calendar link on the Campus Event Resources page.