Campus Connection | UW-La Crosse

Truman Lowe (Hoocąk, 1944–2019), Feather Canoe, ca. 1993. Peeled willow saplings, feathers, copper wire, 22 x 74 x 12 in. National Museum of the American Indian 27/607 National Museum of the American Indian

Honoring Truman Lowe Posted 3:14 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 Smithsonian hosts first major retrospective of UWL alumnus and Ho-Chunk artist Read

Current news

The annual Say it in 6 competition challenges graduate students to distill big ideas into a single image and just six words. This year's theme: growth. (Pictured, first place winner Megan Vandermause)

Saying more with less Posted 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 Say it in 6 competition challenges grad students to rethink communication, reflect on growth Read

Sarah Arendt-Beyer, '07, will receive the 2026 Rada Distinguished Alumni Award during an award presentation in April.

Helping others thrive Posted noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 Sarah Arendt-Beyer to receive Rada Distinguished Alumni Award Read

At right, Junior Finn Patenaude, a geography major with GIS concentration, presents maps on optimal sites for wildlife crossings and the mass migration of monarch butterflies during UWL’s Geography & Environmental Science Department reverse career fair where students shared their projects with employers. The GIS classes here at UWL give us the tools that both unlock our imagination and allow it to run wild. Showing our creative side in addition to our academic and technical skills allows us as students to share what makes us special and unique with potential employers, he says.

Mapping what matters Posted 3:20 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 Students explore commerce, data center suitability, wildlife protection and other real-world questions through GIS Read

Abigail Stafslien-Dumale is graduating from UW-La Crosse with a master's degree in public health. She will then go on to medical school to pursue a career as a physician.

Graduating with fresh perspective Posted 9:17 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 December grad Abigail Stafslien-Dumale credits UWL for holistic view of healthcare Read

November at UWL Posted 2:05 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 Relive the month through our favorite images Read

Find out all you need to know before UWL's winter commencement Sunday, Dec. 14.

Winter commencement set for Dec. 14 Posted 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 UWL to recognize nearly 700 new graduates Read

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Submit your news suggestions using UWL Share by no later than noon on Wednesdays preceding the next Monday's edition.

For more information, contact University Marketing & Communications at 608.785.8487.

Currents

Red maple leaf with a hint of yellow and orange. Concentrations of diverse molecules in a leaf can make it appear multiple colors.

Why do fall leaves change color? Posted 8:32 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 UWL scientists explain the basic science behind the beauty Read

More news

Light Reads

An aerial view looking east to the bluffs over the La Crosse State Teachers College with athletic field and fair grounds in the background ca. 1939. Photo courtesy UWL Murphy Library, Special Collections/ARC.

UWL history quiz Posted 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Take this short quiz spanning UWL’s 114-year history Read

More news

Announcements Add Announcement

Human Resources News

ETF Employer Update: 2026 State ICI Annual Review & Premium Adjustments Posted 9:34 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 Based on the continued strong financial position of the state Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) Program, the ICI premium rates for 2026 will decrease by 10%. Read

The SWIB Podcast on What A.I. Means for the WRS Posted 8:37 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 Public pension systems have always balanced two big priorities: delivering secure retirements to members and safeguarding assets for the long term. Now, artificial intelligence, or AI, is entering the picture. Read

LinkedIn Learning December Highlight | Improving Your Mental Health at Work Posted 8:34 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 Learn more about "Improving Your Mental Health at Work" via this LinkedIn Learning course Read

December Policy Review | Personal Holiday and Legal Holiday Administration Posted 8:31 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 Review of the Personal Holiday and Legal Holiday Administration policy Read

Telecommuting Policy review Session | Sign up now Posted 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 Join Us for a Telecommuting Policy Review Session – December 16 Read

General Announcements

Community Engaged Learning Proposals now being accepted for fall 2026

The window to apply for a Community Engaged Learning (CEL) designation for fall 2026 courses is now open. A limited pool of Professional Development funds and Supplies & Expenses funding is now available on a first-come, first-served basis. View a preview of the CEL proposal. If you’re looking to connect with a community partner, you can find potential project ideas on the UWL Community Idea Exchange or contact UWL Director of Community Engagement Lisa Klein.

The round one deadline to apply for the fall 2026 semester is Feb. 15, 2026. The CEL designation will be applied to your course by the start of registration. The round two deadline for fall 2026 is May 15, 2026. If you apply by the round two deadline, the designation will not be applied to your course at the start of registration.

The Office of Community Engagement is excited to welcome you to the growing list of CEL instructors at UWL.

Increase community engagement through volunteerism

UWL staff, faculty and students are invited to find volunteer opportunities and track their service using a platform called UGetConnected. This platform is free for the campus community and provides users with an excellent resource to help track engagement and build their personal volunteer resume.

Employees can join the UWL Employee UGetConnected user group by signing in with their NetID and password. UWL students can log in on the UWL volunteer webpage. Summaries of our student and employee volunteering activities are occasionally reported to demonstrate UWL’s level of engagement.

Recreational Sports - Finals/Winter break hours

The Recreational Sports Department would like to share building/program hours for fall semester finals and winter break (Dec. 15-Jan. 2).  For more information regarding the Recreational Sports Department and the programs that are offered, visit the Rec Sports website or contact the office at recoffice@uwlax.edu.

REC/Fitness Center

Monday, Dec. 15: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 17: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

EZONE

Monday, Dec. 15: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 17: CLOSED

Outdoor Connection

Monday, Dec. 15: Noon-6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Noon-6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 17: CLOSED

Climbing Gym

Monday, Dec. 15: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 17: CLOSED

Mitchell Hall Pool

Monday, Dec. 15: Noon-12:50 p.m., 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16: CLOSED
Wednesday, Dec. 17: CLOSED

The Recreational Eagle Center and Mitchell Hall Pool will be closed Dec. 18 - Jan. 2.

Winter session hours will begin on Saturday, Jan. 3.

No Campus Connection Monday, Dec. 29.

There will be no Campus Connection email newsletter on Monday, Dec. 29. The Campus Connection will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.

Free Pickleball Fridays

Recreational Sports is excited to announce a new program to keep the community active this January: Free Pickleball Friday.

This complimentary program will be held on Fridays throughout the Winter term, specifically January 9, 16, and 23. It is designed to offer a fun, accessible way to play one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation.

You don't need a REC membership or have to purchase a daily pass. Just stop by the REC info counter or sign up online in advance.

Program details:

What: Free pickleball Friday

When: Friday, January 9,16 & 13 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Where: Recreational Eagle Center (Courts will be set up and ready for play)

Cost: Free! No membership is required.

Sign up at the REC info counter

Who can participate?This program is available to a wide range of the UWL community including

Students (including those not enrolled in classes during the break)
Faculty and staff
Affiliated Partners: Chartwells and Mayo Clinic employees.

Equipment will be provided. Participants only need to bring their enthusiasm!

Important note: While the program is free, pre-registration is mandatory to secure a spot. Interested individuals must sign up beforehand to participate.UWL Rec Sports is thrilled to provide this opportunity for the community to stay engaged and enjoy recreation during the Winter term.

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Tuesday, Dec. 16

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Thursday, Dec. 18

Friday, Dec. 19

Saturday, Dec. 20

Apply Now for CEL Course Designation Noon-11:30 p.m.

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Kristin Koepke, Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning (CATL) thanks Jen Towner, University Communications

Thanks to Jen Towner, University Communications, for showing up when a colleague was in need.
— Kristin Koepke, Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning (CATL)

Remembering

John Schnell, '53 Alumnus

Alumnus John Schnell, '53, died March 1. For more information see the obituary.

Darryl Sigurd Westlund, '75 & '81 Alumnus

Alumnus Darryl Sigurd Westlund, '75 & '81, died Aug. 30. For more information see the obituary.

Robert “Bob” William Bush, '70 Alumnus

Alumnus Robert “Bob” William Bush, '70, died Nov. 21. For more information see the obituary.

Harley Alfred Haefs, '62 Alumnus

Alumnus Harley Alfred Haefs, '62, died Nov. 29. For more information see the obituary.

Tina Noel Buchal, '96 Alumna

Alumna Tina Noel Buchal, '96, died Dec. 1. For more information see the obituary.

Darrell Joseph Dvorak, '69 Alumnus

Alumnus Darrell Joseph Dvorak, '69, died Dec. 1. For more information see the obituary.

William Howard "Bill" Temte, '64 Alumnus

Alumnus William Howard "Bill" Temte, '64, died Dec. 2. For more information see the obituary.

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Currents

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Announcements Add Announcement

Human Resources News

General Announcements

Community Engaged Learning Proposals now being accepted for fall 2026

Increase community engagement through volunteerism

Recreational Sports - Finals/Winter break hours

No Campus Connection Monday, Dec. 29.

Free Pickleball Fridays

Upcoming events Calendar

Kudos Add Kudos

Thanks Add Thanks

Remembering

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