University of Wisconsin - Stout News

Chamber puts out casting call for The Apprentice: Dunn County

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sept. 25, 2009

Local students who think they have what it takes to impress a Donald Trump-like boss may apply for The Apprentice: Dunn County.

The Apprentice: Dunn County is a program of the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce designed to build youth leadership through teamwork and creative skills. The program is based on the NBC’s hit television show, starring Donald Trump.

Similar to the prime-time show, high school and college students in Dunn County will compete for the “ultimate job interview.” The students will use their talents and intelligence to conquer existing challenges issued by local businesses. In the final “episode,” teams of students will present their proposals, and the winning team will be “hired.”

Individuals eligible to compete include Chippewa Valley Technical College students in Menomonie, freshman-standing students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and junior- and senior-ranking high school students from the school districts of Colfax, Elk Mound and Menomonie. Applications are due Oct. 23.

Student teams may be asked to address business challenges in the areas of accounting, entrepreneurship, human resources, information management, international business, marketing, management and manufacturing.

The teams will develop model concepts, strategies or design proposals for participating businesses to consider and implement. Each team will be mentored by a business member and an educator.

Selected students will be introduced to team members and their business challenger at a kick-off event to be held Thursday, Dec. 3, at the CVTC campus in Menomonie.

The Team Showcase finale will be held April 29 at the Stout Ale House in Menomonie. The top three student teams will receive awards.

The Apprentice: Dunn County is funded by a Program Innovation grant from UW-Extension. Project members include representatives from the chamber, Big Dot of Happiness, CVTC, Dunn County Cooperative Extension, Dunn County Economic Development Cooperation, Royal Credit Union, UW-Stout, Visioning Dunn County, West Central Wisconsin–Workforce Resource Dunn County and the school districts of Colfax, Elk Mound and Menomonie.

Student applications are available at http://www.tadunnco.com/.

For more information, contact project coordinator Tara Bergeson, of UW-Stout Outreach Services, at bergesont@uwstout.edu or 715-232-5270.

UW-Stout receives federal grant for violence prevention

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sept. 28, 2009

The University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie is pleased to continue its Campus Violence Prevention Project as the result of a federal grant award.

The university has received a three-year grant totaling $275,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women, a division of the Department of Justice. The grant cycle begins Oct. 1.

UW-Stout received funding in 2004, and again in 2006, to initiate the campus-wide violence prevention project. The project provides victim advocacy and violence prevention education.

The grant was not renewed for another cycle in 2009 due to the sheer number of applications submitted to the Department of Justice for new grant programs. However, additional funding became available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and UW-Stout was invited to update its proposal for consideration of the funds.

“We couldn’t be more pleased,” Amber Gerber, coordinator of alcohol/drug and violence prevention programs, said. “This project has made great strides in improving service to student victims, promoting healthy relationships among college students, and increasing campus and community collaborations around the issues of violence against women. The renewed funding will allow us to continue these efforts at a high-quality level.”

“Receiving this grant serves as an endorsement of five years of hard work by many people and will allow us to continue our positive momentum in the coming years,” said John Achter, director of the Counseling Center, which serves as the campus home to the Campus Violence Prevention Project.

A search for a grant coordinator to implement the program has begun. The program is expected to be fully operational beginning the second semester.

The Campus Violence Prevention Project will continue to coordinate services with city and county law enforcement, Bridge to Hope, Dunn County’s Sexual Assault Nurse Program, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Dunn County’s Victim/Witness Assistance Program.

For more information, contact Gerber at gerbera@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2468.

UW-Stout awards more than $500,000 in scholarships

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sept. 28, 2009

Stout University Foundation awarded scholarships totaling more than $500,000 to a few hundred students this fall.

More than 320 students at UW-Stout received the awards at the foundation’s annual scholarship reception Sept. 17. In addition, more than 100 donors of the scholarships attended the event to meet, award and congratulate the student recipients.

“Scholarships are increasingly important to our UW-Stout students,” said David K. Williams, vice chancellor for university advancement and marketing. “Declining direct support from the state of Wisconsin means tuition needs increase and scholarships are often the best way students can meet that increased need.”

Connie Hines, Scholarship Committee chair, presided as master of ceremonies during the event. Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen and Foundation and board president Tom Kornegor greeted and congratulated the students.

The Stout University Foundation has been in the scholarship business since 1962 when the founders sold buttons at homecoming to award two $100 scholarships.

“We’re pleased to provide as much support as the foundation does, but we recognize the need is still great,” Williams said.

For more information about the scholarship program, contact Williams at williamsda@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1151.

Photo and video opportunities for the week of Sept. 28

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sept. 28, 2009

The following UW-Stout events are photo and video opportunities for the media.
Monday, Sept. 28, Blue Devil Products will host Stupid Human Tricks at 6:30 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. Homecoming king and queen candidates will perform one “stupid human trick” or talent each. The tricks will be judged on creativity, originality and performance.

Monday, Sept. 28, UW-Stout will host a grand opening event for its Merle Price Commons dining hall from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen will cut the ceremonial ribbon at 8:30 p.m. There will be tours, prizes, trivia, food samples and a review of the remodeling process. To learn more about the remodeling, visit the Dining Services home page. For more information, contact Ann Thies at thiesa@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2134.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, Blue Devil Productions will host a soapbox derby. Construction begins at noon and continues until 3:30 p.m. on the Memorial Student Center south lawn. Races begin at 4 p.m. and are held at Wilson Ave. and Second Street West.

Also from 3-7 p.m., Tuesday, student organizations will participate in window paintings depicting homecoming’s Cirque du Stout theme in the Terrace of the Memorial Student Center.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, David Barnard, professor and dean emeritus of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, will deliver a reminiscence talk from noon to 1 p.m., in the Maple and Oakwood rooms of the Memorial Student Center. Barnard, who retired from the university in 1987, will share stories from his 41 years of service to the campus and community. The Reminiscence Speaker Series, sponsored by the Stout Historical Association of the Dunn County Historical Society, features talks that illuminate the “spirit of Stout.” For more information, contact Sue Pittman at pitmanns@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1151.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, Comedian Rob O’Reilly performs at 8 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center.

Thursday, Oct. 1, Blue Devil Productions begins its annual 24-hour Couch-a-Thon event at noon on the Memorial Student Center south lawn; the event continues until noon, Friday, Oct. 2. As a kick-off for the event, the Eau Claire Indie band, Laarks, and the band, A Whisper in the Noise, will perform beginning at 8 p.m., Thursday on the south lawn.

Thursday, Oct. 1, Kelly Wilson, founder of the Minneapolis Center for Forensic Psychology, will present “Real World Forensic Psychology” from 1:15-2:45 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. Wilson specializes in expert testimony, trial consultation, and providing training for attorneys and mental health professionals in such areas as forensic ethics and violence and sexual risk assessment. She is currently in private practice conducting forensic evaluations for criminal, civil, juvenile and family courts. The public is welcome to attend. This event is the fourth in UW-Stout Psi Chi’s Annual Speaker Series, and is co-sponsored by psychology program director, Ed Biggerstaff, and the UW-Stout Center for Applied Ethics.

Friday, Oct. 2, The School of Education at University of Wisconsin-Stout will host the event Sips for Scholarships beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Student Center. The evening activities include an expert presentation on food and wine pairing by Peter D’Souza, associate professor of hospitality and tourism. For more information, contact D’Souza at dsouzap@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1491. Friday, Oct. 2, The interactive comedy duo, Show Off Show, will perform starting at 8 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. The performance is followed by the announcement and coronation of the homecoming king and queen.

Saturday, Oct. 3, UW-Stout’s homecoming parade begins at 11 a.m., at the Dunn County Recreation Park. The parade path follows Main Street to Ninth Street, then south on Ninth to Wilson Avenue. The parade then proceeds on Wilson Avenue to Third Street, ending near Johnson Fieldhouse. All members of the 2009 Cirque du Stout Homecoming Court, dressed in circus attire, will ride together in the parade.

UW-Stout will meet UW-River Falls in a football game at 1 p.m., Saturday, at Don and Nona Williams Stadium. The 2009 Homecoming King and Queen and members of the Royalty Court will be introduced at halftime.

Upcoming calendar of events

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sept. 28, 2009

UW-Stout will host the following events.

Sept. 30, David Barnard, professor and dean emeritus of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, will deliver a reminiscence talk from noon to 1 p.m., in the Maple and Oakwood rooms of the Memorial Student Center. Barnard, who retired from the university in 1987, will share stories from his 41 years of service to the campus and community. The Reminiscence Speaker Series, sponsored by the Stout Historical Association of the Dunn County Historical Society, features talks that illuminate the “spirit of Stout.” The event is free and open to the university and Menomonie community. Bring a lunch for an interesting hour highlighting the university’s rich history.

Oct. 2, The School of Education at University of Wisconsin-Stout will host the event Sips for Scholarships beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Student Center. The evening activities will include a silent auction, a wine and food sampling, and a dinner featuring haute cuisine. Individuals interested in attending the event are encouraged to register online at www.uwstout.edu/advancement and clicking on Sips for Scholarships or to register by telephone at 715-232-1151. Registrations are open through Monday, Sept. 21. The cost for the evening is $50 per person.

Oct. 3, UW-Stout’s homecoming parade begins at 11 a.m., at the Dunn County Recreation Park. The parade path follows Main Street to Ninth Street, then south on Ninth to Wilson Avenue. The parade then proceeds on Wilson Avenue to Third Street, ending near Johnson Fieldhouse. The football game against UW-River Falls begins at 1 p.m., at Don and Nona Williams Stadium. The 2009 Homecoming King and Queen and members of the Royalty Court will be introduced at halftime.

Oct. 6-8, UW-Stout will hold its annual career conference from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day in the Memorial Student Center.

October 30-31, UW-Stout will host the 2009 Body, Mind and Spirit Conference in the Memorial Student Center. The conference is devoted to the journey of wellness, spirituality, personal growth and natural healing. To learn more and to register, visit http://www.uwstout.edu/outreach/bms or call 715-232-2793.

Cynthia Gilberts retires as UW-Stout’s executive director of enrollment services and director of admissions

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 1, 2009

Talk about going out on top.

Cynthia Gilberts is ending a 32-year career at University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie after accomplishing an ambitious goal set by Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen a few years ago: increase the university’s fall enrollment past the 9,000 mark.

Gilberts, who left Oct. 1 as executive director of enrollment services and director of admissions, saw the fall 2009 enrollment climb to a record 9,016. Her retirement was planned for some time, but meeting the chancellor’s challenge made leaving a little easier.

“I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to be part of a thriving university,” Gilberts said. “It's been a wonderful and fulfilling career. I feel lucky.”

“Working for UW-Stout was more than a job for Cindy, it was a passion,” said Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen. “She was totally dedicated to the institution and was a true professional in every respect. Her retirement will leave a big hole on campus.”

Gilberts began working for UW-Stout in 1977 as assistant director of advisement and school relations. She was named director of admissions in 1995 and added the title of executive director of enrollment services five years later.

The changes to the university over that tenure have been amazing, Gilberts said, and have helped her and her staff recruit more students to UW-Stout.

For example, UW-Stout for many years offered a limited number of undergraduate majors, she said, but the last few years have seen an explosion in those offerings. UW-Stout now offers 37 undergraduate majors and there are plans to add four more in the near future.

Gilberts said the university now has a major, for example, for students who want to attend medical or dental school. It also offers a number of engineering programs, including computer engineering.

“These new majors have opened up a whole new pool of applicants for us, no question,” Gilberts said. “That has changed tremendously over the years.”

Another major development that has helped with recruiting, she said, is the e-Scholar effort that provides a laptop computer for every undergraduate. “We had no trouble marketing the laptop program,” Gilberts said, because students and parents alike see that it “adds value to their education.”

Employers report that UW-Stout students show up much more ready than other students to use whatever technology is required in the workplace, she said.

“Companies don’t have to train our students on how to use the software,” Gilberts said, because they have been using it for four years.

A third major development was the designation of UW-Stout as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University by the UW System Board of Regents in March 2007. The three components of a polytechnic university — career-focused majors, the use of applied learning methods and collaboration with business, industry and other institutions — fit UW-Stout well, Gilberts said, and resonate with prospective students and their families.

“In my opinion, we have always been a polytechnic university,” Gilberts said. “Basically what we did was, we just put a name on it.”

Gilberts said her office has had to adopt some new strategies for reaching high school students to get them interested in coming to UW-Stout. “They are so much harder to get to,” she said of today’s high school students. The admissions department has had to use a myriad of methods — including its Web page, social media like Facebook and Twitter, videos, etc. — to augment the traditional approaches of mass media advertising and visits to high schools.

“It’s a total cultural change,” she said.

As for the future, Gilberts said will serve on the advisory council of the National Hispanic College Fair Organization, which helps bring university representatives together with minority students. That will come after spending time with her parents and other family members.

“After 32 ½ years, it’s time to move on,” she added.

(UW-Stout has named Pamela Holsinger-Fuchs, who most recently worked at UW-Eau Claire, as Gilberts’ replacement. Details of that appointment are available in this news release.)

Upcoming calendar of events

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 2, 2009

UW-Stout will host the following events.

Oct. 6-8, UW-Stout will hold its annual career conference from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day in the Memorial Student Center.

Oct. 30-31, UW-Stout will host the 2009 Body, Mind and Spirit Conference in the Memorial Student Center. The conference is devoted to the journey of wellness, spirituality, personal growth and natural healing. To learn more and to register, visit http://www.uwstout.edu/outreach/bms or call 715-232-2793.

Nov. 14, UW-Stout will host the second annual Chippewa Valley Code Camp from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Millennium Hall. Visit http://www.chippewavalleycodecamp.com for more information or to register for the event. Software professionals interested in speaking at the Code Camp can e-mail presenters@chippewavalleycodecamp.com.

Photo and video opportunities for the week of Oct. 5

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 2, 2009

The following UW-Stout events are photo and video opportunities for the media.
Oct. 5, UW-Stout senior lecturer Juliet Fox will be leading a session on planning for the future, using The Futures Game, from 1-3 p.m., in the Cedar, Maple and Oakwood rooms of the Memorial Student Center. The interactive game explores how decisions shape economic, environmental and community well-being. Working in teams, participants will be challenged to make decisions about contemporary issues, including investment in renewable energy, land use, economics, workforce and social impacts. This is a tool being used for community, business and organizational planning as a means to experience the long-term decision-making process and the consequences. For more information, contact Fox at foxju@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2365. 2365

Oct. 6-8, UW-Stout will hold its annual career conference from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day in the Memorial Student Center.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, Amy Lane, director of UW-Stout’s Career Services office, will moderate the employer panel “How to Market your Athletic Experience in the Corporate World” from 10-11 a.m., in Ballroom C of the Memorial Student Center.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, Amy Lane, director of UW-Stout’s Career Services office, will moderate the employer panel “The Importance of Professional Communication Skills for Your Career” from 1-2 p.m., in Ballroom C of the Memorial Student Center.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, Amy Lane, director of UW-Stout’s Career Services office, will moderate the employer panel “How to Make the Most of Your Co-op Experience” from 10-11 a.m., in Ballroom C of the Memorial Student Center.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, Amy Lane, director of UW-Stout’s Career Services office, will moderate the employer panel “How to Build Your Leadership Skills for Success” from 1-2 p.m., in Ballroom C of the Memorial Student Center.

Thursday, Oct. 8, Amy Lane, director of UW-Stout’s Career Services office, will moderate the employer panel “Corporate Politics 101” from 10-11 a.m., in Ballroom C of the Memorial Student Center.

Thursday, Oct. 8, Amy Lane, director of UW-Stout’s Career Services office, will moderate the employer panel “Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy” from 1-2 p.m., in Ballroom C of the Memorial Student Center.

Stout engineering professor named ASM Society Fellow

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 2, 2009

Rajiv Asthana, a professor of engineering and technology at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, has been named a Fellow of the American Society for Materials, ASM International. Asthana teaches in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. He was selected by the society based on his contributions to cast metal-matrix composites and ceramic-metal joining.

The Fellow of the Society honor was established in 1969 by ASM International to recognize members for their distinguished contributions to materials science and engineering and to develop a broad-based forum of technical and professional leaders to serve as advisers to the society.

Asthana started to work on cast composites in 1983 while he was employed as a scientist with India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. He continued this research over the next 15 years in India and the United States; this included four years at the NASA Glenn Research Center in the early 1990s. He was recognized by NASA for his technical innovations.

Asthana’s recent collaboration with NASA has led to additional innovative concepts and approaches with important ramifications in the area of propulsion. His collaborative partnership with NASA also has opened up research opportunities for UW-Stout students.

In the summer of 2009, undergraduate students Casandra Baer, an engineering technology major, and Bryan Coddington, a manufacturing engineering major, researched ceramic joining at NASA Glenn during 10-week paid internships.

Asthana also maintains scholarly collaboration in the science of joining with the Center for High-Temperature Studies at the Foundry Research Institute in Krakow, Poland. In August, he presented some of his collaborative work at the European Congress on Advanced Materials — EUROMAT-2009 — held in Glasgow, Scotland at a symposium he organized and co-chaired. In mid-October, Asthana will be in Poland for two days to present an inaugural lecture at the International Conference on Cast Composites 2009, at Kocierz, near Krakow.

An author or co-author of 150 refereed publications and four books, including one of the first books on solidification of reinforced metals, Asthana has been a guest editor, editorial board member, invited speaker, conference organizer, and a visiting professor. He has just finished editing a book on ceramic integration to be published by John Wiley & Sons in 2010.

For more information, contact Asthana at asthanar@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2152.

UW-Stout’s Career Conference features employer panels

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 2, 2009

New to the annual Career Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie this year is a series of employer panels. Specific career-related topics will be discussed each day of the three-day conference at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m., in Ballroom C of the Memorial Student Center.

The Career Services Office at UW-Stout will hold its annual Career Conference Oct. 6-8, in the university’s Memorial Student Center from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily.

Amy Lane, director of Career Services, will moderate the panels.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10-11 a.m., the topic will be “How to Market your Athletic Experience in the Corporate World.” From 1-2 p.m., the discussion will focus on “The Importance of Professional Communication Skills for Your Career.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 10-11 a.m., the topic will be “How to Make the Most of Your Co-op Experience.” From 1-2 p.m., the discussion will focus on “How to Build Your Leadership Skills for Success.”

On Thursday, Oct. 8, from 10-11 a.m., the topic will be “Corporate Politics 101.” From 1-2 p.m., the discussion will focus on “Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy.”

For more information, contact Lane at laneam@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1469.

UW-Stout’s “Don’t Blow the Bulb” places third in energy competition

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 2, 2009

University Housing at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie has won third place in the 2009 Best Practices Awards competition held by the Central Association of College and University Business Officers.

University Housing was recognized for its “Don’t Blow the Bulb” Residence Hall Energy competition, which it held in March. The competition pitted hall residents against each other in finding the simplest and best ways to reduce energy consumption. The hall with the largest percentage decrease in electricity usage received a pizza party during finals week.

The competition was sponsored by Stout@Hand, which is a sub-committee of UW-Stout’s Inter-Residence Hall Association — a student organization dedicated to representing all the students who live in the residence halls. The committee discovered that simple changes in daily habits, such as turning off lights when rooms were unoccupied and unplugging appliances when not in use, had a large cumulative effect.

To kick off the competition, students invited representatives from the university’s Physical Plant to teach them about different types of energy such as electricity, water, waste and recycling materials. They also learned about the ways in which different types of energy are measured.

Since electricity usage is measured in kilowatts and is easy to convert to cost savings, the students had goals of reducing electricity usage as well as reducing costs. Overall, the residence halls reduced electricity usage during the contest month by almost 6 percent across the Residence Hall System, saving a total of 23,885 kilowatts or $2,329.

The award will be presented to a UW-Stout representative at an annual conference in Cincinnati Oct. 6. The third place award is a plaque and a check for $500.

This is the second time UW-Stout has won an award for best practices. In 2008, the Physical Plant also placed third for its Enhanced Safety Awareness Program.

For more information, contact Scott Griesbach, director of Housing, at griesbachs@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

UW-Stout Homecoming weekend sees a decrease in citations

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 5, 2009

Police agencies in Menomonie reported a significant decrease in incidents over the University of Wisconsin-Stout Homecoming weekend.

The UW-Stout Police Department reported 37 citations from Thursday evening to Monday morning. That is a 26 percent decrease from the 50 citations they issued during the Homecoming weekend in 2008.

The Menomonie Police Department reported that 139 citations were issued from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. That, too, was a 26 percent decrease.

University officials attributed the improvement to a variety of factors, including:

• The UW-Stout Smart+Healthy effort, intended to reduce alcohol and other problems through a social-norming campaign. This campaign is in its second year.

• A cooperative effort between the UW-Stout and city police departments, which led to effective enforcement of campus, city and state ordinances and laws.

• An emphasis on providing attractive activities for students to participate in or attend as an alternative to drinking. Officials reported healthy attendance at many events throughout the week.

• The generally cold and wet weather throughout the weekend.

Campus police reported they issued 29 citations for under-age drinking and a small number of citations for other infractions.

###

UW-Stout names September classified employee

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 6, 2009

Beverly Deyo-Svendsen, University Honors Program, has been named the Employee of the Month for September.

The individuals nominating Beverly stated: “Beverly’s attitude is great! She never says no. She’s quick to see the positive in all situations. She is not a naysayer. She is a realist without being negative. She can quickly analyze and assess situations and is always pleasant and wonderful to work with. Beverly was hired as a half-time department associate in the University Honors Program — UHP. Shortly after, the UHP exploded with students and her job was increased to 75 percent. Beverly agreed without hesitation to work the additional hours serving UHP staff and students. She enthusiastically supports the UHP and UW-Stout. She is an ethical, compassionate and honest person who always does her best to meet the goals of UHP. She is an employee students can look to for help, for an ear to listen, for suggestions to grow, and for someone students can count on every day to be in the office. Bev is stellar in all aspects. A job is not just a job to her — she never stops working for the causes in which she believes.”

Nominations can be made by university supervisors, fellow employees or students. The Classified Employee of the Month award, now in its fifth year, was established by Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen to recognize classified employees at UW-Stout.

Reminiscence Speaker Series to feature Rosemary Jacobson

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 9, 2009

Rosemary Jacobson, a lifelong resident of Menomonie, will deliver a reminiscence talk Wednesday, Oct. 14, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Maple and Oakwood rooms of the Memorial Student Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Jacobson will share stories from her almost 30 years of service to the campus as a television producer, director and writer. During her tenure at the university, she worked at the UW-Stout Teleproduction Center, a broadcast television production facility. The center earned numerous regional and national awards for its work in the production of educational and instructional video materials including the San Francisco State University Broadcast Media Award, the Ohio State Award, an International Film & TV Festival of New York silver award, an American Film Festival Red Ribbon Award, regional Emmys and other recognitions. Jacobson retired from the position of manager of media production and delivery in 2004.

The Reminiscence Speaker Series, sponsored by the Stout Historical Association of the Dunn County Historical Society, features talks that illuminate the “spirit of Stout.” The original series was held in advance of the university's centennial in 1991 and made a significant contribution to Stout’s oral history. The institution has seen considerable change in the years since and the association reinstated the series to continue documenting the university’s unique culture and history.

The event is free and open to the university and Menomonie community. Participants may bring a lunch.

Upcoming calendar of events

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 12, 2009

UW-Stout will host the following events.

Oct. 30-31, UW-Stout will host the 2009 Body, Mind and Spirit Conference in the Memorial Student Center. The conference is devoted to the journey of wellness, spirituality, personal growth and natural healing. To learn more and to register, visit http://www.uwstout.edu/outreach/bms or call 715-232-2793.

Nov. 14, UW-Stout will host the second annual Chippewa Valley Code Camp from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Millennium Hall. Visit http://www.chippewavalleycodecamp.com for more information or to register for the event. Software professionals interested in speaking at the Code Camp can e-mail presenters@chippewavalleycodecamp.com.

Photo and video opportunities for the week of Oct. 12

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 12, 2009

The following UW-Stout events are photo and video opportunities for the media.

Monday, Oct. 12, The UW-Stout organization Pride Alliance will host “Be a safe face,” a National Coming Out Day march and program, to show support of the university’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and staff. The march begins at 11:30 a.m., at the Ally Center in the Memorial Student Center and weaves through the campus, ending at the Clock Tower Plaza at about noon for the program. For more information, contact Julie Miller at millerjul@uwstout.edu or 715-232-5622.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, Rosemary Jacobson, a lifelong resident of Menomonie, will deliver a reminiscence talk Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., in the Maple and Oakwood rooms of the Memorial Student Center. Jacobson will share stories from her almost 30 years of service to the campus as a television producer, director and writer. During her tenure at the university, she worked at the UW-Stout Teleproduction Center, a broadcast television production facility, which earned numerous regional and national awards. For more information, contact Sue Pittman at pittmans@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1151.

UW-Stout to hold 13th annual Body, Mind and Spirit Conference

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 12, 2009

University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie will host its 13th annual Body, Mind and Spirit Conference Oct. 30-31. The theme this year will focus on healing the planet.

On Friday, Oct. 30, a full-day pre-conference workshop titled “Inner Ethics: Examining Countertransference with Compassion” will be held. The workshop helps participants compassionately explore the personal countertransference and transference issues that arise in all counseling and healing work. The program is based on the book “The Ethics of Caring” by Kylea Taylor, which provides a model for transforming the understanding and practice of ethics in healing relationships. Cost for the pre-conference workshop is $75 through Oct. 19, and $95 after that date.

The one-day main conference is Saturday, Oct. 31 and includes a keynote address by spiritual writer and teacher Andrew Harvey titled “Sacred Activism and the Future of the Planet.”Harvey’s presentation will be based on his most recent book “The Hope,” in which he argues that spiritual practices are beneficial in preparing to address the problems facing humanity. Harvey has published more than 20 books on spirituality and mysticism. More information on Harvey is available at http://www.andrewharvey.net/.

The conference also will offer experiential sessions with more than 20 presenters, including nurses, psychologists, clergy, body work practitioners and other alternative healers. An exhibit hall with books, alternative therapy options, jewelry, and experiential work with massage therapists and others will be open.

The intended audience for the conference includes traditional and alternative healers, professionals and students in medicine, therapy and psychology, and anyone with an interest in spirituality and healing.

Participants also may earn one or two undergraduate or graduate credits in association with a course taught by conference co-founder Bob Salt, professor in UW-Stout’s department of human development and family studies.

Cost for the main conference is $95 before Oct. 19, and $115 after that date. Fees cover all workshops, lunches and materials. A student discount is available.

To register for the conference or for more information, contact UW-Stout Outreach Services at 715-232-2793, or visit http://www.uwstout.edu/outreach/bms/.

UW-Stout students fish for a chance at $25,000 and new boat

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 12, 2009

Two students from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie will travel to Kentucky on a fishing trip later this month. If the students are lucky, they will catch more than a bass or two; they will catch a large donation for their university and a boat for their bass fishing club.

Jeremy Anibas, of Colfax, and Ryan Helke, of Menomonie, will compete in the National Guard College Fishing Central Regional Championship on Kentucky Lake in Murray, Ky., Oct 31-Nov. 2.

Earlier this year, the students finished second in the National Guard FLW College Fishing bass tournament on the Detroit River. As a result of their performance, Anibas and Helke earned invitations to the regional competition in Kentucky and UW-Stout received a $2,500 donation.

The regional championship event will be televised nationwide on Versus, with daily highlights streamed on http://www.collegefishing.com.

Should Anibas and Helke win, UW-Stout will receive a $25,000 donation and the students’ bass fishing club will receive a new Ranger bass boat. The top five teams in the regional championship also will advance to the national tournament in Knoxville, Tenn., in April.

For more information, contact students Anibas at anibasj@uwstout.edu and Helke at helker@uwstout.edu, or Dave Washburn of National Guard College Fishing at dwashburn@flwoutdoors.com.

UW-Stout is recipient of President Obama’s recovery act funding for medical research

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 12, 2009

The University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie will receive part of $5 billion in grant awards, which President Barack Obama designated for medical research week under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Associate professor of biology Jim Burritt is part of a team researching life threatening fungal infections of the lung. His research will be funded in part by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, which is part of the stimulus funding.

“Life-threatening fungal infections of the lung are an increasingly common problem in hospitalized patients with complex health problems,” Burritt said. “In recent decades, a filamentous fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus has become the leading airborne fungus causing death in patients with blood cancer and those individuals undergoing tissue or bone marrow transplants in an attempt to restore good health.”

Though progress is being made, the defense mechanisms that protect humans from infections caused by A. fumigatus are not clearly understood. New medical strategies are needed to strengthen the resistance in humans who are susceptible to this disease, Burritt said.

“The ability to reduce lung infections relies on a better understanding of the natural defense that protects healthy humans,” he added.

The team’s long-term research goal is to determine the molecular basis of resistance to A. fumigatus.

“The objective of our current study is to characterize the natural defense mechanisms of immune cells that kill fungi in the lung, so that these same strategies might be used to reduce these devastating infections in patients at risk,” Burritt said.

For more information, contact Burritt at burrittj@uwstout.edu or 715-232-5025.

UW-Stout celebrates National Coming Out Day

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 12, 2009

The Pride Alliance at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie celebrated National Coming Out Day with a march across campus today.

The UW-Stout organization held a march from the Ally Center in the Memorial Student Center to the Clock Tower Plaza just before noon today. Members of the organization and the campus community banded together and carried a “Be a Safe Face” banner.

“Be a Safe Face” is a campaign to build a caring and inclusive campus climate.

The march was organized to show support of the university’s students, faculty and staff who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

View a short video clip of the march, courtesy of the student organization, StoutMedia.

For more information, contact Julie Miller at millerjul@uwstout.edu or 715-232-5622.

UW-Stout incubator client Max-Bilt to hold open house

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 12, 2009

Phil Norvold, founder, owner and president of Max-Bilt, will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, in room 132A of the Applied Arts Building, on the University of Wisconsin-Stout campus in Menomonie.

Max-Bilt is a local company that recently moved into UW-Stout’s business incubator. Max-Bilt specializes in total Jeep restorations, customizations, fabricated specialty products and used Jeep parts.

The open house will showcase new products and display the current product line. Participants will learn how students, faculty members and businesses benefit from working together in the incubator. A special guest from JP Magazine will be in attendance.

Max-Bilt began in 2005 as a Jeep restoration project when Norvold, then 23 years old, restored his dad’s ’85 CJ-7. Norvold founded the company after realizing there was a need for modern features in a center console like lights, auxiliary switches, and a 12-volt power socket. He hopes his participation in UW-Stout’s incubator helps his company enter the off-road aftermarket industry. His participation already has expanded Max-Bilt from a 1,000-square-foot garage to a 6,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at UW-Stout. Max-Bilt corporate offices are located at E9893 408th Avenue, Eau Claire. For more information, visit http://www.maxbilt.com, e-mail sales@maxbilt.com or call 715-210-0256.

UW-Stout’s Technology and Business Incubator, which is part of the Stout Technology Transfer Institute and the Discovery Center, fosters technical businesses through close relationships with faculty, students, industry and the UW-Stout community to better enable Wisconsin to compete in the global economy.

The UW-Stout incubator eases the way into the private sector to promote further economic development in west central Wisconsin. New businesses receive affordable facilities, services and professional support in areas that include marketing, packaging, product development and plant layout. Some start-up costs are deferred until graduation.

The incubator has created more than 100 new jobs in the region with more than 70 percent of the incubator clients operating successful businesses today. Data collected in a survey of current and former incubator clients reported 393 employees, more than $73 million in annual sales and an excess of $15 million in investments.

The unusually high success rate for start-up businesses is due in part to the quality of services provided by the incubator staff and the numerous resources provided by UW-Stout students and faculty. Criteria for acceptance into the incubator also help to ensure the success of new businesses.

UW-Stout is currently the most active campus in invention disclosures, according to the WiSys Technology Foundation. The university had 35 disclosures from June 2000 through June 2009.

For more information about the incubator, visit http://stti.uwstout.edu/centers/incubator.asp.

UW-Stout to propose new major and present campus master plan to Board of Regents

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 13, 2009

University of Wisconsin-Stout will continue its effort to add undergraduate majors that resonate with today’s students by asking the UW System Board of Regents this week to approve a new Bachelor of Science degree in applied social science.

The board, meeting at UW-Eau Claire, also will hear a presentation Thursday about UW-Stout’s campus master plan, which details possible areas of growth for the campus in central Menomonie.

“The applied social science program is a perfect fit with UW-Stout’s designation as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University,” said John Murphy, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, which will house the new major. “It takes the traditional foundations of the various social science disciplines — history, political science, sociology, anthropology and economics — and develops, in our students, specific applications of the theoretical into the practical.”

If approved by the full board on Friday, this would bring to 38 the number of undergraduate majors offered at UW-Stout. That is nine more than UW-Stout had in June 2008, when implementation of the academic plan began.

Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen said the number of majors offered at UW-Stout has nearly doubled in his 21 years on campus. “We have listened to what our students, faculty and staff have told us we should be offering as we align our academic plan with our polytechnic designation,” he said, crediting Provost Julie Furst-Bowe with keeping the implementation of the academic plan on schedule.

Murphy said that UW-Stout typically enrolls about 300 students every fall who do not designate a preferred major, and this program will “be very attractive to many of these students.” Another group that may have a particular interest in the program, he said, is the large number of transfer students who are attracted to UW-Stout.

“This program will continue to strengthen our long standing connection to Wisconsin's two-year institutions,” Murphy said.

Murphy emphasized that several studies have indicated that major American companies value the managerial, social and community service skills students receive in an education based in the social sciences. The program will give students a breadth of understanding in those areas, he said.

However, students then will develop a deeper knowledge in one social science concentration, such as history and politics, economics, sociology and anthropology. Finally, Murphy said, the student will acquire specific skills in a concentration or minor that is career oriented. The concentrations include environmental issues and analysis, and global issues. The applied minors include business administration, military leadership, project management, human resource management, tourism and several others.

“The proposed program is unique in that it offers extensive interdisciplinary grounding in social science theory accompanied by practical training in research methods and general social science practice,” UW-Stout officials wrote in the proposal before the Board of Regents. UW-Stout officials also estimated there would be in excess of 115 students in the new major at the end of five years. The Board of Regents tentatively is scheduled to consider two additional majors for UW-Stout at the December meeting in Madison. They are Bachelor of Science degrees in supply chain management and cognitive science.

The campus master plan that will be presented to the Board of Regents Thursday is a 20-year comprehensive plan that will strengthen UW-Stout as a living and learning center.

The master plan proposes the creation of a new academic quadrangle. The Communication Technologies and Vocational Rehabilitation buildings will be removed and two new academic buildings will be added.

The plan also calls for expansion of the Memorial Student Center and the Sports and Fitness Center, reconfiguration of the recreation and athletic fields, new perimeter parking, landscaping and university-friendly private development to link Main Campus and North Campus.

In addition, a proposed development of North Campus will provide more student amenities including parking, recreation and student services. Included in this development will be the removal of the Jeter-Tainter-Callahan residence hall, which will create recreation space and offer panoramic views of Lake Menomin.

UW-Stout to pilot three-year-degree program

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 14, 2009

Students in three majors at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie will be given the option next year of completing their bachelor’s degree in three years, Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen announced Wednesday.

"In these challenging economic times, we need to offer our students every avenue possible to complete their degrees quickly and get into the workforce," Sorensen said. "I am pleased that we have found a way to offer this option for some of our students and I look forward to the day when the majority of our students will have this opportunity."

Sorensen accepted the recommendations of a task force that concluded UW-Stout, beginning in fall 2010, should allow students in three programs the option of completing a degree in three years. The majors are psychology, business administration and hotel, restaurant and tourism. These are three of the largest programs on campus.

Under the plan, the three-year degree option would be an accelerated track for degree completion and the university would not be lowering any requirements for admissions, total credits to degree, general education and programs.

Students would sign a contract stating they understand the requirements included in getting a degree in three years and acknowledging what UW-Stout will do in return. A plan then will be developed on how the degree will be completed within that timeframe.

Students who choose this option will receive priority when registering for classes, which officials said is crucial if the students are to get the classes they need during the compressed schedule.

Students would have to take classes during Winterm and summer as well.

Because UW-Stout charges students on a per-credit basis, the cost in tuition will be the same under the three-year plan. However, the student would at save at least a year’s worth of living expenses and would start earning a paycheck earlier.

"The three-year degree will allow students to enter the workforce or graduate school earlier than is typical," said Ed Biggerstaff, professor of psychology and the program director for the Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Biggerstaff served on the task force that developed the three-year degree proposal.

Sadie Larson, 21, a graduate student in applied psychology at UW-Stout, said she benefited greatly by putting together her own plan to complete her bachelor’s degree in three years.

"I never lost touch with school or felt like I got out of the loop because of summer classes and Winterm," she said. "Also, because I completed my B.A. degree early, I have hopes of completing my master's degree by the time most of my friends are finishing their bachelor’s degrees — considering five years is almost the norm now."

Larson, who is from Phillips, added, "I feel that I have just completed another task most people say is not very likely. Hard work, organization and determination can create more possibilities and give a person a great advantage in life. I am proud that I am so young and in graduate school."

While some universities have offered a three-year option for some time, there has been renewed interest in the idea across the country in 2009. At the American Council on Education's annual meeting in February, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. and a former university president, told college presidents they should offer three-year degrees, calling them the "higher-ed equivalent of a fuel-efficient car."

It is unclear how many universities in the United States offer a three-year option. The Associated Press in February reported that "Three years is the norm for undergraduate degrees in Europe, and a handful of U.S. colleges offer variants of a three-year program …"

Besides Biggerstaff, other UW-Stout officials who worked on the proposal were Damian Hanft, Karen Martinson and Janice Coker.

UW-Stout to offer degree in applied social science

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 16, 2009

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved a new Bachelor of Science degree in applied social science at UW-Stout. Students may begin enrolling in the new major in the fall of 2010.

“The applied social science degree will provide a unique opportunity for students who wish to pursue careers in either the public or private sector,” said Provost Julie Furst-Bowe. “This degree will give students the critical thinking skills and broad background in the social sciences that they will be able to apply in their professional careers.”

According to John Murphy, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, several studies have indicated that major American companies value the managerial, social and community service skills students receive from an education based in the social sciences. The program will give students a breadth of understanding in those areas, Murphy said.

However, students then will develop a deeper knowledge in one social science concentration, such as history and politics, economics, sociology and anthropology. Finally, Murphy said, the student will acquire specific skills in a concentration or minor that is career oriented. The concentrations include environmental issues and analysis, and global issues. The applied minors include business administration, military leadership, project management, human resource management, tourism and several others.

UW-Stout officials estimate there will be in excess of 115 students in the new major at the end of five years.

The addition of the new program continues a steady effort to increase the number of majors offered to undergraduates at the university, said Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen.

Sorensen said the number of majors offered at UW-Stout has nearly doubled in his 21 years on campus.

“We have listened to what our students, faculty and staff have told us we should be offering as we align our academic plan with our polytechnic designation,” he said, crediting Furst-Bowe with keeping the implementation of the academic plan on schedule.

The Board of Regents tentatively is scheduled to consider two additional majors for UW-Stout at the December meeting in Madison. They are Bachelor of Science degrees in supply chain management and cognitive science.

More information on the new program in applied social science is available online at http://www.uwstout.edu/programs/bsass/.

Upcoming calendar of events

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 19, 2009

UW-Stout will host the following events.

Oct. 28, UW-Stout’s North campus residence halls are holding a trick-or-treat night for community children from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Children are encouraged to don costumes and visit Jeter-Tainter-Callahan, Fleming, Hovlid, Wigen and Red Cedar Halls for treats and fun.

Oct. 28, Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology at UW-Stout, is hosting guest speaker Monica Jordan of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, from 7-8:30 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. Jordan speaks about all aspects of victimization. The law firm of Beasley-Allen has named a yearly scholarship in her honor.

Oct. 30-31, UW-Stout will host the 2009 Body, Mind and Spirit Conference in the Memorial Student Center. The conference is devoted to the journey of wellness, spirituality, personal growth and natural healing. To learn more and to register, visit http://www.uwstout.edu/outreach/bms or call 715-232-2793.

Nov. 14, UW-Stout will host the second annual Chippewa Valley Code Camp from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Millennium Hall. Visit http://www.chippewavalleycodecamp.com for more information or to register for the event. Software professionals interested in speaking at the Code Camp can e-mail presenters@chippewavalleycodecamp.com.

Photo and video opportunities for the week of Oct. 19

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 19, 2009

The following UW-Stout event is a photo and video opportunity for the media.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, The new dining facility in Merle Price Commons is holding an open house from 2-3:30 p.m., in room 130 of Price Commons. There will be a slide show, samples of new menu items and a Trivia contest. Tours of the newly remodeled dining and service areas will be given at 2:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

UW-Stout residence halls host Halloween fun Oct. 28

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 19, 2009

Just about every child wishes door-to-door Halloween candy handouts happened more than once a year. The residence halls at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie are making that wish come true.

UW-Stout’s North campus residence halls are holding a trick-or-treat night for community children from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28. Children are encouraged to don costumes and visit Jeter-Tainter-Callahan, Fleming, Hovlid, Wigen and Red Cedar Halls for treats and fun.

North campus residence halls are located on Broadway Avenue between 1st and 4th avenues. Red Cedar Hall is located on 2nd Street, between 1st and 3rd avenues.

UW-Stout students will be on hand in the main lobby of each building to greet and direct children and parents. The halls will feature games and activities such as spider toss, pumpkin bowling and a Halloween Hunt. Student residents will be handing out traditional candy treats and trinkets such as pencils, crayons, ping-pong paddle games and temporary tattoos.

During the festivities, the residence halls also will be holding a food drive to benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry of Dunn County. Participants are encouraged to bring a canned food item to donate.

For more information, contact Fleming Hall Director Andrea Fults at fultsa@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2783.

Two UW-Stout students earn U.S. Department of Education scholarships

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 19, 2009

A little-known, high-dollar scholarship is benefiting two graduate students in the risk control program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie.

Graduate students Amnesty Kochanowski, of Junction City, and Tyler Murphy, of Plainview, Minn., each have been awarded a $10,000 Erma Byrd Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Education. The program, which was created by the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, provides up to two years of scholarship funding to individuals who are obtaining a degree in a program of study that will lead to a career in industrial health and safety occupations.

Kochanowski, who has worked for the National Park Service as part of the Student Career Employment Program, hopes to become an occupational health and safety manager for a western national park.

“I am grateful to have been awarded this scholarship,” Kochanowski said. “It will allow me to fully focus on classes and to earn this degree debt free.”

Since she will graduate in May with a master’s degree, Kochanowski may also be able to apply it toward her doctoral degree.

Murphy, too, said that the scholarship helped him financially.

“The money allowed me to cancel the entire amount of student loans that I would have taken through financial aid,” Murphy said. “It will also alleviate my final semester’s tuition, as well as pay a small portion of my previous student loans.”

Murphy also plans to graduate in May and pursue a career in the field of safety and health.

Brian Finder, director for the graduate program in risk control, learned of the scholarship opportunity from the university’s Research Services office and passed it along to his students. Kochanowski and Murphy decided to apply.

“Amnesty and Tyler are very career-path oriented and deserving of this scholarship,” Finder said of their scholarship awards.

Finder said enrollment in the risk control program has been strong and job placement after graduation has been high, even in the recession.

“Companies are more aware of managing risk,” Finder said. In addition, he added, “OSHA came about in the ‘70s; retirements are happening and opening up new opportunities.”

For more information, contact Finder at finder@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1422. The students may be contacted at kochanowskia@uwstout.edu and murphyty@uwstout.edu.

UW-Stout students perform research for NASA

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 19, 2009

The research of two University of Wisconsin-Stout students is helping NASA develop energy-efficient and environmentally friendly subsonic gas turbine engines.

Undergraduate students Casandra Baer, an engineering technology major, and Bryan Coddington, a manufacturing engineering major, conducted research at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland this summer as part of a competitive 10-week internship program.

The students researched joining ceramics to metals to be used at high temperatures and explored creative approaches to lessen residual stresses in joints. While helping NASA tackle the manufacturing problem, the students used chemistry, materials science and engineering they learned in their college courses.

After creating brazed joints under controlled conditions, Baer and Coddington examined the joints for integrity using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Knoop microhardness testing — a test for mechanical hardness used particularly for very brittle materials. Their data can be used to determine the best fuel tube material and brazing alloy for fuel injector use in the next generation of efficient gas turbines.

As a result, Coddington is the lead author of a paper accepted for presentation at the 34th International Conference & Exposition on Advanced Ceramics & Composites. He will present the paper at the conference, to be held at Daytona Beach in January 2010. Baer’s research was in a report for the Subsonic Rotary Wing Project. Both students are planning to submit papers based on their research to UW-Stout’s Journal of Student Research.

“Several students on campus are now interested to seek this summer opportunity with NASA, and NASA is constantly looking for bright young people to replace its graying workforce,” said Rajiv Asthana, professor of engineering and technology. “Hopefully, we shall have many more students follow Bryan and Casandra’s example next year.”

For more information, contact Asthana at asthanar@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2152. The students may be contacted at baerc@my.uwstout.edu and coddingtonb@my.uwstout.edu.

Sorensen receives alumni award

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 26, 2009

University of Wisconsin-Stout Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen was honored Oct. 16 by Illinois State University's History Department.

Sorensen received a master’s degree from the History Department in 1967. He was cited during the university’s Homecoming weekend for his “excellence as a student and ambassador” for the department and university.

“I was honored to receive this recognition,” Sorensen said. “It was great to be back on campus, where I have many fond memories.”

Sorensen became UW-Stout’s sixth leader in 1988. A native of Moline, Ill., Sorensen received a baccalaureate degree in history and political science from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. After receiving his degree from Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., he went to Michigan State University, where he received a Ph.D. degree in American history. Sorensen also has attended the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management.

Victim advocate Monica Jordan to speak at UW-Stout

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oct. 27, 2009

The University of Wisconsin-Stout student honor society in psychology, Psi Chi, will host the presentation “Advocating for Victims of Violent Crime,” by Monica Jordan of Montgomery, Ala., at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center.

Jordan is a victims’ advocate for the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, and a MADD Victims Impact Panelist. As a result of her work, based in part on her family’s loss of two children to violent crime, she was awarded full scholarships at Auburn University, where she is a criminal justice major, and at Jones Law School. The law firm of Beasley-Allen has named a yearly scholarship in her honor.

In addition, her family was a recipient of an “Extreme Home Makeover Edition” home this spring.

Jordan will speak about her family’s personal experience with loss, her advocacy work and her recommendations regarding needed policy changes in the areas of domestic violence and drunk driving.

The event is co-sponsored by the undergraduate psychology program, psychology department, Multicultural Student Services and the UW-Stout Center for Applied Ethics. Admission is free and open to the public.

Upcoming calendar of events

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

UW-Stout will host the following events.

Nov. 9-14, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education will celebrate International Week. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Nov. 9, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education presents “China and the Chinese Culture,” at 6 p.m., in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Nov. 10, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education presents the panel discussion “Why Not Study Abroad?” at 6 p.m., in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center. Recent study abroad alumni and current exchange students will lead the discussion. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Nov. 11, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education presents “Short-Term Study Abroad Opportunities,” at noon, in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Nov. 12, UW-Stout will host the third annual Recyclable Art Competition from 6-8 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact Krista James at jamesk@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1557.

Nov. 14, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education will hold its annual International Dinner and Cultural Show in the Memorial Student Center. Cultural exhibits begin at 4:30 p.m., in the Crystal Ballroom. A buffet dinner, followed by a cultural and fashion show, will begin at 5:30 p.m., in the Great Hall. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Nov. 14, UW-Stout will host the second annual Chippewa Valley Code Camp from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Millennium Hall. Visit http://www.chippewavalleycodecamp.com for more information or to register for the event. Software professionals interested in speaking at the Code Camp can e-mail presenters@chippewavalleycodecamp.com.

Nov. 20, UW-Stout professor Janette M. Hare will present “Octomom: Ethical problems in the Nadya Suleman case” from 2:30-3:30 p.m., in the Maplewood and Oakwood rooms of the Memorial Student Center. A review of in-vitro fertilization, guidelines established by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies and a discussion of three ethical problems associated with the Suleman case will be covered. The event is free and open to the public.

Photo and video opportunities for the week of Nov. 2

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

The following UW-Stout activities are photo and video opportunities for the media.

Tuesday, Nov. 3, Chandra N. Sekharan, an American Council on Education Fellow being mentored by UW-Stout, will present “Programming models for many-core computers” at 12:20 p.m., in room 409 of Harvey Hall. Sekharan is chair in the department of computer science at Loyola University of Chicago. He currently is the ACE Fellow at UW-Stout for the fall and spring semesters. For more information, contact Sekharan at sekharanc@uwstout.edu or visit http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsServices/FellowsProgram/ for information on the ACE Fellow program.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 and Thursday, Nov. 5, University of Wisconsin-Stout student Lauren Johnson, of Eden Prairie, Minn., has started a fundraiser to help rebuild war-torn schools in northern Uganda. Johnson will set up a table Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next two weeks in the Memorial Student Center to accept $10 donations in exchange for free T-shirts. Johnson also will clean homes for $15 per hour on Sundays in November, with proceeds benefiting the Uganda project. For more information, contact Johnson at johnsonlau@my.stout.edu.

Thursday, Nov. 5, Visiting artist Kate Basham will read original work at 4:30 p.m., in the Furlong Gallery of Micheels Hall. Basham has been on the faculty in English at the University of Minnesota-Duluth since 1970. She is published in Minnesota magazines and anthologies, and also has self-published two books. The reading is sponsored by the English and philosophy department through a grant from the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at UW-Stout. For more information, contact Brian Fitch at fitchb@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1485.

UW-Stout’s flag football team undefeated

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

Tailspin, the University Recreation-Intramural Sports Co-Rec flag football team at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, went through the IM Flag Football season undefeated.

As a result, the team will compete in the American Collegiate Intramural Sports Regional Flag Football Tournament Nov. 13-14 in Lincoln, Neb.

Team members will be videotaping their journey to Nebraska.

For more information, contact Tim Mertz, assistant director of University Recreation, at mertzt@uwstout.edu or 715-232-5190.

UW-Stout to participate in virtual college fair

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

College-bound students nationwide will be participating in CollegeWeekLive, a free, online resource to help students search for an appropriate college or university, Nov. 4-7.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie will be one of the institutions participating. This is UW-Stout’s second year to participate.

CollegeWeekLive is a virtual college fair that is connected to hundreds of colleges and universities that exhibit on a Web portal. According to CollegeWeekLive, its portal may make the search for an institution of higher learning easier and more cost-effective by bringing students, parents, counselors and college representatives together online, overcoming cost and distance.

Online speakers will share information about attending college, entrance exams, application essays and test preparation strategies. Registrants also will receive information on how to pay for college and compete for scholarships, take virtual campus tours and speak online with admission counselors.

For more information, contact Melissa Perez in Admissions at perezm@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2276. The college fair is online at http://www.collegeweeklive.com.

UW-Stout music professor honored

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

The choral work of a University of Wisconsin-Stout professor has been featured in the “Choral Reviews” section in the October Choral Journal.

Patrick Liebergen, professor of music, was featured in the official publication of the American Choral Director’s Association for his choral work “He Comes As King.”

Statements in the article included: “Jubilant and energetic writing joins the joyous keyboard part to complete this piece. Leibergen’s piece will find a large following and … it is sure to find a place in many church music libraries.”

In addition, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers has informed Liebergen that he will receive an ASCAPLUS award in 2010 for his numerous publications and performances of his works in the United States and abroad. ASCAPLUS is an awards program that provides cash and recognition to active and established writers.

For more information, contact Liebergen at liebergenp@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2084.

UW-Stout professor’s work featured in government events

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

The contributions of Ken Welty, professor of technology teacher education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, to a report on K-12 engineering education has caught the eye of both the House and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

The two entities of the federal government held a hearing Oct. 22, during which they featured the report.

For the past five years, Welty and fellow UW-Stout professor Brian McAlister have been involved in the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education, which is a project funded by the National Science Foundation based at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

As part of the project, Welty collaborated with the National Academy of Engineering to review engineering curriculum efforts at the K-12 level. Welty became a major contributor to a resulting publication, produced by the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council.

It was this publication that was featured in the Oct. 22 hearing.

For more information, contact Welty at weltyk@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1206. More information on the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education is online at http://ncete.org/.

UW-Stout to hold Recyclable Art Competition

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

Children and adults all over Dunn County will soon be able to turn their recyclables into artwork with the possibility of being rewarded for their efforts. The University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie is hosting the third annual Recyclable Art Competition from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center.

“This community-wide event has something for everyone: creative art, local entertainment and fun, interactive, educational games and activities,” Krista James, event organizer and UW-Stout biology lecturer, said.

Artwork will be judged in four age categories: elementary school students, middle school students, high school students and adults age 18 and older. Two prizes will be awarded for each category: Popular Choice and Judge’s Choice.

All art entries must be made from recyclable materials. All participants must deliver their artwork in person between 5:30-6 p.m., and must stay until 8 p.m., when winners are announced and photographs are taken.

Artists must register by Nov. 8. To register, contact the organizer at jamesk@uwstout.edu. Registration e-mails must include name, phone number, e-mail address and age category. Participants also may register online at http://www.uwstout.edu/sustainability/recyclableart.shtml.

The event is sponsored by Dunn County Solid Waste, Sustainable Dunn, Greater Menomonie Area Community Foundation, West Wisconsin Land Trust and UW-Stout organizations and programs including GreenSense, Stout Student Association, Inter-Residence Hall Association, University Honors Program, the Environmental Sustainability Office and the departments of biology, art and design, and recreation.

For more information, contact James at jamesk@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1557.

UW-Stout mentors ACE Fellow

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 2, 2009

The University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie has been chosen to mentor a future academic leader, one who one day may lead a college or university in the United States.

UW-Stout senior administrators are host to Chandra N. Sekharan, an American Council on Education Fellow and chair in the department of computer science at Loyola University of Chicago.

The ACE Fellow program is a leadership development project that prepares senior leaders to advance their careers in higher education. Fellows typically attend high-level, decision-making meetings on both their host and home campuses to study leadership in action. Fellows contribute to their host institutions by providing an “informed outsider’s” perspective on challenges confronting the host institution, working on short- and long-term projects, and gathering information and data as needed.

Sekharan will participate in and contribute ideas toward UW-Stout’s institutional challenges during the fall and spring semesters.

As part of the program, Sekharan will present “Programming models for many-core computers” at 12:20 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, in room 409 of Harvey Hall.

Sekharan’s talk presents a survey of programming models available today on many-core machines. After a general overview of parallel architectures, the talk will cover some of the programming models and languages that are in use today and some applications. Two models that will be featured are the Threads and OpenMP models.

For more information, contact Sekharan at sekharanc@uwstout.edu or visit http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsServices/FellowsProgram/ for information on the ACE Fellow program.

Olson named UW-Stout’s October classified employee

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 3, 2009

Trudy Olson, food and nutrition, has been named the Classified Employee of the Month for October.

Individuals nominating Trudy stated: "Trudy Olson attains excellence in her work by judging if the student and the taxpayer are receiving the best service for their investments. This standard causes her to make wise decisions. Her decisions are also built on over 20 years of stellar ethics. Trudy has a warm, inviting attitude toward "customers" and peers. She creates a daily atmosphere of team work. As both a team member and team leader, Trudy is invaluable. Overall, Trudy loves life. This attitude radiates from her. She ignites and energizes people in our department to appreciate each day and each other. She is a consistent, high performing classified employee. She adds value to the learning community for students, staff, faculty and visitors to campus. She exemplifies the integrity and vision needed and valued at UW-Stout."

Nominations can be made by university supervisors, fellow employees or students.

The Classified Employee of the Month award, now in its fifth year, was established by Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen to recognize classified employees at UW-Stout.

Acclaimed writer to speak at UW-Stout Nov. 9

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 6, 2009

The University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie will host Clarissa Pinkola Estés, poet, activist and best-selling author of the groundbreaking book “Women Who Run With The Wolves,” for a free performance from 7-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9, in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center.

Estés, who is deputy managing editor and columnist for TheModerateVoice.com and a columnist at “The National Catholic Reporter” online, also is a Diplomat Senior Jungian psychoanalyst, a post-trauma specialist at Columbine High School and community, and a cantadora (a story-keeper of the Latina tradition).

Her performance at UW-Stout is sponsored by the student organization Manifesta; Women and Gender Studies; the Stout Student Association; the English and philosophy department; the College of Art, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and the Provost's Office.

The performance is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact director of Women Studies, Kate Thomas, at wgs@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1395; or Manifesta president, Kate Erickson, at ericksonc@uwstout.edu .

Students from China to present during International Week

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 9, 2009 University of Wisconsin-Stout will celebrate International Week Monday, Nov. 9 through Saturday, Nov. 14. The first event of the week is the presentation “China and the Chinese culture” to be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9, in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center. The event is free and open to the university and local community.

The presentation will be given by Xuedong “David” Ding, UW-Stout assistant professor in operations, construction and management in the College of Technology, Engineering and Management. The presentation will include information and some examples of the languages, music, art, fashion, cuisine, architecture, people and culture of China. A slide show and video also will be shown.

After the presentation, Ding and the Chinese international students will be available to answer questions. The university currently hosts 10 students from China and four from Hong Kong.

Also during the evening, Ding will introduce the 2010 summer two-week organizational leadership trip to China, to be led by Ding and Donna Steward, operations and management.

Ding, originally from Beijing, China, has been teaching at UW-Stout since Aug. 2007.

International Week culminates with the annual International Dinner and Cultural Show to be held Saturday, Nov. 14. Tickets, $11.50 for non-students, $8.95 for children and $8.50 for UW-Stout students, are available at the Service Center in the Memorial Student Center.

For more information, call 715-232-1122.

UW-Stout dining services goes green with compostable packaging

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 9, 2009

University Dining Service at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie has been making steady progress in making its operations more sustainable. In fact, the department is participating in the Eco-Products Million Gallon Challenge, a campaign demonstrating how customers help the environment and save energy when using food service items utilizing earth-friendly materials.

The campaign goal is to count energy savings up to 1 million gallons of gasoline. University Dining Service estimates it is saving almost 3,000 gallons of gasoline from its switch to compostable packaging alone.

University Dining Service started the 2009 fall semester by switching to commercially compostable packaging for all food and beverages served in disposable containers. Currently, 100 percent of the products used in UW-Stout’s residence dining halls for take-out food are compostable. In the university’s nine dining retail operations in other parts of campus, more than 80 percent of the packaging has been replaced with materials that are compostable. This includes cutlery, hot and cold cups and lids, plates, hot and cold bowls, straws, and clamshells (a type of packaging, often consisting of two parts attached by a hinge and that open and close like a clamshell). The remaining 20 percent of packaging will be changed to compostable items when solutions are discovered.

Although the compostable products will be approximately twice the cost of petroleum-based Styrofoam and plastic, the production uses less energy than traditional counterparts and produces less carbon dioxide. Using a program developed by the primary supplier of compostable packaging, UW-Stout estimates savings of 2,755 gallons of gasoline and 27,146 pounds of greenhouse gases — this is the equivalent of driving a new car 33,796 miles or having saved 81 trees.

Department officials decided to switch to compostable packaging after conducting extensive research into the market of food packaging and locating the right products to meet needs without sacrificing customer satisfaction. The new materials are made of resources that are renewable and biodegradable, including polylactic acid, known as PLA or “corn plastic” because it is make from corn starch or sugarcane. Other materials include bagasse, or the stalk of sugarcane after sugar juice is extracted, which is a reclaimed resource traditionally thrown away, as well as other plant starches.

The department also has determined 37 percent of its $1.58 million annual food budget is spent on items from Wisconsin food-production companies, reducing the distance the food travels and reducing its environmental impact. In addition, the department has invested in energy efficient appliances and use green chemicals for manual and machine washing.

UW-Stout now has begun searching for an outlet for food waste and commercially compostable packaging products so that both types of items enter the commercial composting waste stream. The department currently is working with Veolia, the campus waste hauler, to educate community foodservice professionals about the ability to begin compostable pick-ups at foodservice establishments in Menomonie.

Such a service already is underway in Eau Claire foodservice establishments.

For more information on University Dining Service’s sustainability efforts, contact director Ann Thies at thiesa@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2134. For more information on the Eco-Products Million Gallon Challenge visit http://www.ecoproducts.com/va-cms/the_million_gallon_challenge_1.html.

Photo and video opportunities for the week of Nov. 9

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 9, 2009

The following UW-Stout events are photo and video opportunities for the media.

Monday, Nov. 9, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, poet, activist and best-selling author of the groundbreaking book “Women Who Run With The Wolves,” will speak free to the public and campus community from 7-8 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact director of Women Studies, Kate Thomas, at wgs@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1395; or Manifesta president, Kate Erickson, at ericksonc@uwstout.edu .

Monday, Nov. 9, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education presents “China and the Chinese Culture,” at 6 p.m., in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, Students will line up to throw pies at some of UW-Stout’s authority figures and, in the process, raise money for the World Wildlife Foundation. The event takes place from 7-9 p.m., in the multipurpose room of the Sports and Fitness Center. The donation of $1 will allow a student to throw a pie at a UW-Stout administrator from an 8-foot distance; $3 from 4 feet; and $5 from 1 foot. Participating administrators include Vice Chancellor Phil Lyons, Executive Chef David Leach, and several UW-Stout police officers, hall directors and resident assistants. For the complete list of authority figures go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=196125256250&ref=mf . For more information, contact student organizers Allie Delosier at delosiera@uwstout.edu or Trey King at kingt@uwstout.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, The Ally Center for Civil Rights and Civic Responsibilities at UW-Stout is hosting a ceremony of recognition and remembrance at 11:11 a.m. on Veterans Day next to the Memorial Student Center flagpole. The flagpole is located at the corner of Third Street and 10th Avenue. Those who attend will be asked to share thoughts or memories of persons in their lives who have served in the military. A few brief readings will also be shared. For more information, contact Mary McManus at mcmanusm@uwstout.edu.

Thursday, Nov. 12, UW-Stout will host the third annual Recyclable Art Competition from 6-8 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact Krista James at jamesk@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1557.

Saturday, Nov. 14, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education will hold its annual International Dinner and Cultural Show in the Memorial Student Center. Cultural exhibits begin at 4:30 p.m., in the Crystal Ballroom. A buffet dinner, followed by a cultural and fashion show, will begin at 5:30 p.m., in the Great Hall. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Upcoming calendar of events

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 9, 2009

UW-Stout will host the following events.

Nov. 12, UW-Stout will host the third annual Recyclable Art Competition from 6-8 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact Krista James at jamesk@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1557.

Nov. 14, UW-Stout’s Office of International Education will hold its annual International Dinner and Cultural Show in the Memorial Student Center. Cultural exhibits begin at 4:30 p.m., in the Crystal Ballroom. A buffet dinner, followed by a cultural and fashion show, will begin at 5:30 p.m., in the Great Hall. For more information, contact Vickie Kuester at kuesterv@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2131.

Nov. 14, UW-Stout will host the second annual Chippewa Valley Code Camp from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Millennium Hall. Visit http://www.chippewavalleycodecamp.com for more information or to register for the event. Software professionals interested in speaking at the Code Camp can e-mail presenters@chippewavalleycodecamp.com.

Nov. 20, UW-Stout professor Janette M. Hare will present “Octomom: Ethical problems in the Nadya Suleman case” from 2:30-3:30 p.m., in the Maplewood and Oakwood rooms of the Memorial Student Center. A review of in-vitro fertilization, guidelines established by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies and a discussion of three ethical problems associated with the Suleman case will be covered. The event is free and open to the public.

UW-Stout celebrates International Week

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 9, 2009

International Week at UW-Stout is today through Saturday, Nov. 14.

At 6 p.m., today, in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center, David Ding and Chinese students will present “China and the Chinese Culture.” The university community and the public are invited to attend.

The panel discussion “Why Not Study Abroad?” will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center. Recent study abroad alumni and current exchange students comprise the panel. The university community is invited to attend.

The presentation “Short-term study abroad opportunities” will be held at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Ballroom A of the Memorial Student Center. The following faculty members will share about their short-term programs: --Nancy Murray: Wisconsin in Scotland --David Ding and Donna Stewart: Organizational leadership in China --Charlie Wimmer: London Summer Art --Pete Schlosser: Photojournalism and documentary photography in Scotland and Ireland --Ron Scozzari: Global sustainability in Denmark and Sweden

The annual International Dinner and Cultural Show will take place Saturday, Nov. 14. Cultural exhibits and a social hour will be held from 4:30-6 p.m., in the Crystal Ballroom of the Memorial Student Center. The international buffet dinner followed by a cultural and fashion show will begin at 5:30 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Memorial Student Center.

Tickets for the dinner and show are available at the Service Center at the Memorial Student Center or by calling 715-232-1122. The cost is $11.50 for nonstudents, $8.95 for children and $8.50 for UW-Stout students.

UW-Stout to hold Veterans Day ceremony

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 10, 2009

The Ally Center for Civil Rights and Civic Responsibilities at the University of Wisconsin-Stout is hosting a Veterans Day ceremony at 11:11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, next to the Memorial Student Center flagpole.

The flagpole is located at the corner of Third Street and 10th Avenue in Menomonie.

Those who attend will be asked to share thoughts or memories of persons in their lives who have served in the military. A few brief readings will also be shared.

For more information, contact Mary McManus at mcmanusm@uwstout.edu.

UW-Stout grad student designs system to sort medical supplies

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 16, 2009 Beth Meyers, of Baldwin, is integrating her training as a nurse with her graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in technology management to benefit a nonprofit organization.

Meyers is working with Hope for the City, of Minnetonka, Minn., to design a system to sort donated medical supplies so that the system can be run by volunteers who have no medical training. The system will train volunteers how to keep items sterile, to look for expiration dates, know which items to discard and how to sort items by categories, such as wound care, personal care, IV and injections, and general supplies.

Meyers plans to make a five to 10-minute training video of the system.

Hope for the City is an organization that was established to fight poverty, hunger and disease by using corporate surplus. The group collects overstock products from retailers, medical companies and food distributors nationwide and donates the items to people in need in Minnesota, throughout the United States and abroad.

The training program being designed by Meyers will help the nonprofit make its medical supply collections and donations more efficient. And since many of these types of donations are sent overseas, it may also help the organization increase its global reach.

For more information, contact Meyers at meyerse@uwstout.edu or professor Thomas Lacksonen at lacksonent@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1144.

UW-Stout students produce weekly show “StoutNation”

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 16, 2009 StoutMedia, a student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, has begun producing a weekly television show. “StoutNation” is shot in the studio of Millennium Hall and is hosted by UW-Stout student Austin Fassino.

Each week’s episode showcases stories — from both on and off campus — handpicked by members of the StoutMedia organization. Episodes can be viewed at 8 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, on UW-Stout’s channel 20 and also are available on YouTube.

The Nov. 9 episode features an interview with student Mitch Nelsen, aka "Snuggieman" and UW-Stout’s own YouTube sensation. The episode also brings the viewer to a dance party at the Acoustic Cafe in Menomonie and gives a glimpse behind the scenes of UW-Stout’s recent theatrical production “Sylvia.”

This week’s episode covers swine flu, showcases recycled artwork and gives the inside scoop on UW-Stout’s “Muffin Lady.”

To view the videos, go to http://www.uwstoutmedia.com/.

For more information, contact student Ian Itow at itowi@uwstout.edu.

UW-Stout Athletics Department receives Diversity in Athletics award

ask5000@uwstout.edu (ask5000) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nov. 19, 2009 The Athletics Department of the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie has been honored by the NCAA for its diversity efforts. It is the first time a Division III university has received this award.

The NCAA and the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport at Texas A&M honored a group of Division III schools with the 2008-09 Diversity in Athletics awards. A total of 38 athletics departments, including UW-Stout and eight other overall winners, earned the honor, which the laboratory presents in collaboration with the NCAA.

Established in 2005, the Diversity in Athletics award annually highlights athletics departments that excel in diversity. Recipients are recognized in six categories – diversity strategy, gender diversity of employees, racial diversity of employees, value and attitudinal diversity, gender equity (Title IX proportionality), and overall diversity. This is the first year that Division III schools have been recognized.

The nine overall winners – all Division III institutions – were UW-Stout, Carleton, Chatham, Haverford, John Jay, Mary Baldwin, New Jersey City, Occidental and Massachusetts-Boston. These institutions will be honored at the Division III business session Jan. 16 at the 2010 NCAA Convention in Atlanta. The focus for the awards this year was on Division III, since Divisions I and II schools had been recognized previously.

“This is a real confirmation of the dedication of everyone in our Athletics Department to champion diversity,” said UW-Stout Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen. “The entire campus should be proud of this award.”

UW-Stout Athletics Director Joe Harlan said, “Our coaches work hard recruiting not only locally, but also across the continent. We currently have student-athletes from Hawaii, Florida, the Los Angeles area, New York, Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona and many areas of Canada.

“It is a diverse world out there, and actively recruiting for our 18 varsity sports programs allows us to reach a really wide group of potential students that may be interested in UW-Stout.”

In congratulating all the winners, Dan Dutcher, NCAA vice president for Division III, said enhancing diversity is an important goal for the division.

“This award is significant because it demonstrates that diversity is more than a theoretical concept,” he said. “These institutions have demonstrated that diversity can be achieved on a very practical and personal level, further enhancing the educational experience of our student-athletes. These institutions can serve as a model and guide for the rest of our membership.”

Winners in each category were determined by responses to a questionnaire that was sent to the top athletics administrators at every Division III institution and other archival data sources. A total of 199 athletics departments responded to the survey. Schools were ranked in each category, and points were awarded based on those rankings.

In addition to being cited with one of nine overall diversity awards, UW-Stout was recognized in the value and attitudinal diversity category. UW-Platteville was recognized in the gender equity category, Beloit College was recognized in the diversity strategy category and Northland College was recognized in the value and attitudinal diversity category.

George Cunningham, an associate professor at Texas A&M and director of the laboratory, noted that from a research perspective, Division III institutions differed from Divisions I and II schools that have been recognized in previous years in that there are more single-gender institutions in Division III--and in that Division III schools do not offer athletics scholarships and thus don’t track graduation rates for student-athletes.

Overall, though, Cunningham said the number of Division III schools that scored well across all the categories was striking. He also noted that even institutions that were located in areas of the country that are not traditionally known as being diverse demonstrated exceptional dedication to diversity.

“That just shows that the overall commitment that they have among these schools to diversity, and it’s across the board,” said Cunningham. “It points to the leadership of those schools, of the athletics department and the coaches and administrators in that department, that they really have a commitment to diversity.” ###

Editors: for more information on the award, contact Joe Harlan at 715-232-5243 or via e-mail at harlanj@uwstout.edu or Doug Mell at 715-232-1198 or via e-mail at melld@uwstout.edu.