Archived News

 

Auditions set for the UW-La Crosse Choral Union

Area singers are welcome to join the UW-La Crosse Choral Union this fall when it sings “Gloria” by Francis Poulenc and “Chandos Anthem #9” by George Frederic Handel. The concert will be Sunday afternoon, Nov. 23, at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse.

The UW-L Choral Union includes 90 UW-L students, faculty, staff and adult singers from the greater La Crosse area. The ensemble rehearses from 7-9:15 p.m. Mondays in 58 UW-L Center for the Arts.

To schedule an audition, contact director Paul Rusterholz at 608.784.4497 or rusterho.paul@uwlax.edu. Auditions, held in 134 Center for the Arts, will be scheduled between Aug. 27 and Sept. 5.  

If you go—
 Who: UW-La Crosse Choral Union
What: Auditions
When: Between Aug. 27 and Sept. 5.
Where: 134 Center for the Arts
Schedule an audition with:  Director Paul Rusterholz at 608.784.4497 or rusterho.paul@uwlax.edu

State Educators Convene for Annual Kick-off to the Academic Year

Major focus:
Educators from around the state will gather in La Crosse Aug. 1-3. They all serve as graduate faculty and work directly with more than 420 students in the the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Master of Education-Professional Development (ME-PD) Learning Community program. They will meet to celebrate teaching and discuss strategies for the upcoming year’s statewide classes.

Community benefit:
More teachers are able to advance their careers at their convenience and with a cutting-edge program. The program — in its 11th year —  provides hundreds of working teaching professionals an opportunity to gain a Master of Education-Professional Development degree through UW-La Crosse.

Time/Place:
Aug. 1-3, Radisson Hotel, La Crosse. WI

Background:
The 32 graduate faculty members attending the “August Retreat” serve in teams of two as facilitators of 16 Learning Communities located throughout Wisconsin. Each brings together 20-40 graduate students who enroll together, work through a spiraled curriculum with each other and then graduate as a class.  The theme of this year’s retreat is “Reflecting on the Past to Move Into the Future.”  

For more information:
For more information contact Rhonda Rabbitt at 608.785.5409. Find out more about the ME-PD Learning Community program at www.uwlax.edu/mepd/lc/index.html.

50th Annual AAUW Art Fair on the Green

The 50th Annual AAUW Art Fair on the Green begins Saturday on the campus lawn, 16th and State streets. Admission: $3; free for children 12 and under.

  • Saturday, July 26, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 27, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.    

‘Cabaret’ to be performed at UW-La Crosse      

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Theatre Arts Department will perform “Cabaret” as its SummerStage 2008 production. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. June 27-28 and July 2-3 and July 5, and 2 p.m. Sundays, June 29 and July 6. Performances are in Toland Theatre in the UW-L Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine Streets.

Kander and Ebb’s musical is set in a turbulent pre-war Berlin, where the dynamic and wicked Emcee runs the seedy Kit Kat Klub, while its star, Sally Bowles and American writer Cliff Bradshaw suffer a doomed romance. Their struggles are a mirror to the political chaos in the world outside the Klub, chaos that gave rise to the Nazi regime.  The musical features such well-known songs as “Cabaret,” “Willkommen,” “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” and “The Money Song.”   

UW-L’s production will be directed by Mary Leonard with musical direction by Gary Walth and choreography by Kathy Gorman. The trio previously collaborated on many UW-L’s productions, including “Evita,” “The Full Monty” and “Oklahoma!” The SummerStage cast includes UW-L students and other community actors and production team members.     

Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, June 23, at the box office located in the lobby of the Center for the Arts. Tickets are $9 for UW-L students; $14 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $16 for others. For reservations call the box office at 608-785-8522. Box Office hours are 1-4:30 p.m. weekdays and one hour before show times.     

If you go—
Who: UW-L SummerStage What: “Cabaret”
When: 7:30 p.m. June 27-28 and July 2-3 and July 5, and 2 p.m. Sundays, June 29 and July 6.
Where: Toland Theatre, UW-L Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets
Admission:  $9 for UW-L students; $14 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $16 for others. For reservations call the box office at 608.785.8522 beginning 1 p.m. Monday, June, 23.   

Professor Greg WegnerProfessor Gregory Wegner Receives Richard T. Farrell Teacher of Merit Award

The 2008 Wisconsin Richard T. Farrell Teacher of Merit Award was presented to Department of Educational Studies faculty member Dr. Gregory Paul Wegner.  The award was in recognition of his outstanding dedication to improving the teaching and learning of history in Wisconsin.  Dr. Wegner received the award at the National History Day in Wisconsin State Event on the 3rd of May 2008.  Wegner has served as Western Wisconsin Regional Coordinator for National History Day for the past 15 years. 

UW-L Student Colin Thomas Receives Yale Fellowship

Colin Thomas, an Archaeology major and Anthropology minor at UW-La Crosse, has received a Graduate Fellowship in the Anthropology Program at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. This prestigious Fellowship includes a full tuition waver and a generous stipend for five years, with an additional stipend option for the sixth and final year of the Ph.D. program.

Colin Thomas
UW-L Student Colin Thomas Received a Full-Ride Fellowship to Yale starting Fall 2008.

Colin's work in Archaeology includes the successful award of three research grants and multiple fieldwork experiences. Professor Timothy McAndrews, Colin and 12 other participants spent four weeks in Bolivia last summer conducting field research and exploring major archeological sites in the area. At the Pirque Alto site near Cochabamba, Bolivia, they unearthed some rare finds - two intact pots, what may have been a looted burial site and the remains of a domestic terrace. Opportunities for this kind of fieldwork have led to many successful admissions into graduate school for Archaeological Studies and Sociology graduates at UW-L. Colin remarked that his ability to demonstrate that he can effectively write and get grants and do undergraduate research was a primary reason for his successful admittance into Yale, plus excellent letters of recommendation from UW-L faculty.

Colin is actively involved on the UW-L campus, serving as the President of the Archaeology Club and as a member of the Aikido Club as well as spending the spring beaks of his freshman and sophomore years building homes for low-income families in Florida as part of Habitat for Humanity. He graduates this semester and will go on Yale for the fall semester to earn a Ph.D. in Anthropology with a focus in Andean Archaeology. While at Yale, he will be working with Dr. Richard Burger studying the Chavin culture of Peru. Dr. Burger specializes in the Central Andes and has been carrying out research in Peru for over two decades.

When asked how he chose this field, Colin remarked that when he was in kindergarten, he could spell paleontology before he could even spell his own name - he had his path picked out long ago!

UW-L Students Wage Advocacy Campaign - Be B.R.A.V.E.

During the week of April 20th, the Capstone in Child Youth Care students executed a well planned advocacy campaign called Be B.R.A.V.E. (Bullying, Respect, and Violence Education) in Holmen Middle School.

The Child Youth Care program is a multidisciplinary program between Community Health Education, Communication Studies, Educational Foundations, Exercise and Sport Science, Health Education and Health Promotion, Political Science/Public Administration, Psychology, Recreation Management, Sociology, Special Education, and Therapeutic Recreation that allows students to obtain either an emphasis or minor in working with at-risk children and youth.

Lisa Caya began coordination of the program a few years ago and, starting last year, revamped the Capstone course to include an advocacy component.  This year the students chose to educate on bullying - a huge problem in our schools today.  Activities for the week included:

April 22:
12:30-2:00 at Holmen Middle School. The students put on three different assemblies (there are over 700 middle school students in Holmen!) and shared their Be B.R.A.V.E. (Bullying, Respect, and Violence Education) campaign.

Also, during the following two weeks in Holmen Middle School they will be working with the students on counter-bullying strategies.  The CYC students created Brave Bucks that the teachers and staff will be handing out when they witness the middle school students exhibiting positive interactions with their peers.  The students created a contest between the homerooms and whomever wins with the most Brave Bucks gets a sub party.  There are also contests throughout the week, such as a poster contest, trivia games, etc. that can earn the students Brave Bucks or even a special raffle prize.  The CYC students were able to get prizes donated from the following companies/organizations: Papa Murphy's, Applebee's, Fayze's, The Pearl, La Crosse Loggers, Children's Museum, La Crosse Speedway, La Crosse Community Theater, Holmen Aquatic Center and Mary Kay Inc.

April 24:
7:00 p.m. at the La Crosse YMCA - The students hosted a panel discussion to educate the public on bullying.  Panel guests included: Dr. Casey Tobin (UWL Psychology faculty member) speaking from a counseling perspective, Lisa Hesch (at-risk coordinator for Holmen High School), a new teacher that has been subbing in different schools since graduating), and Karl (Leah’s father) and Leah Matz (Leah is a student from St. Peter, MN that has experienced extreme bullying).  The panel flyer can be found here.

Lisa Caya states, "I am very proud and honored to work with the dedicated, intelligent, and absolutely amazing Child Youth Care students in the Capstone course.  They have outdone themselves.  I am also very excited to say that our student, Kayla Breckheimer, was able to arrange Channel 8 to film both the assemblies and the panel discussion! After speaking with Adam from Channel 8, he said that Lisa Klein is doing a week long segment in May on cyber-bulling and would like to interview us for her news piece!"

"I would also like to say thank you to all the campus community that has supported the Child Youth Care program.  I feel very fortunate to coordinate the program and work with the incredible students that I do.  We couldn’t do it without the campus-wide support and we appreciate it."

The brief WKBT newscast about this event can be found here.

The audio clip of the radio announcement for this event can be found here.

Lisa Caya can be contacted at caya.lisa@uwlax.edu or at 608-785-6895.

UW-L's Found-Object Heron

Erin Woida and Nichol Schoen One of 35 Herons of La Crosse presented to the city in awareness and celebration of the Arts, the Found Object Heron was sponsored by the UW-L Foundation.

Members of the UW-L Art Student Association - Carly Dilworth, Beth Crook, Patty Bindley, Erin Woida and Nichol Schoen and Meagan Rhodes from the School of Education - created this heron, inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.  He is known for his trencadis structures throughout Spain. Trencadis is a type of mosaic made from broken tiles. Gaudi used this technique to cover irregular, curved surfaces with tiles.  He is most famous for projects in Barcelona's Park Guell. 

The "found objects" were mostly broken ceramic plates purchased from Goodwill that the students spray painted.  Their spray technique involved different layers of harmonious colors. First the plates were painted whole and then broken with a hammer. The pieces were next mortared to the heron. Finally they grouted their mosaic pieces using white unsanded grout. They did not want to cover the entire heron in a mosaic; as a result, they completed the heron using vivid acrylic paint.

The heron can be found at the corner of 16th & State Streets, adjacent to Morris Hall, from April to October 2008.

Student Senior Artwork Exhibit Opening Reception

Art students graduating in May will show a wide variety of artwork in the Spring 2008 Senior Exhibition.

Seventeen graduating seniors will show paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, metal work, prints and video. The exhibition opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 18, in the University Art Gallery in the Center for the Arts. The show runs through May 9; admission is free.

Student artists exhibiting work include: Rachel Abraham, Hassan Albanjabi, Christine R. Benzschawel, Wesley DeVries, Carly Dilworth, Chris Hansen, Ingrid A. Hudak, Joseph L. Keenan, Maggie Lach, Lindsey Martin, Meghan MacCoun, Jessica Mootz, Heather Neff, Ian Roberts, Nichol Schoen, Becki Viner and Billy Zakrzewski.

Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The gallery also opens for appointments by calling the art department at 785.8230.

If you go-
 What: Spring 2008 Senior Exhibition
When: April 18-May 9. Opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 18. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: University Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
Who: John Ready at ready.john@uwlax.edu
Admission: Free

Symphony Orchestra Sets Masterworks Concert - Commissioned Piece to Debut

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra will debut a commissioned piece at its upcoming final concert of the academic year. The orchestra presents “Masterworks Concert Series IV” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

The concert will feature three pieces. One is the debut of “From the River to the Skies” by Daniel Maske. The work was commissioned by the orchestra and the winner of the Composer in Residence Competition sponsored by UW-L and the Wisconsin Alliance of Composers. The title refers to the La Crosse area, specifically the bald eagles that live along the Mississippi River. Maske holds bachelor’s and master’s in music theory and composition from UW-Milwaukee and doctorate in music composition from UW-Madison.

Beethoven’s “Concerto for Violin, Violoncello and Piano Op. 56 in C Major” will feature UW-L faculty, soloists David Phipps, Derek Clark and Mary Tollefson. Ensembles and arias from the first act of Mozart’s “Cosi fan Tutte” will highlight voice students from the music department. The orchestra is conducted by Enaldo A. Oliveira.

Suggested ticket donations are $2 for UW-L students, $4 for other students and $8 for others. Get tickets by calling in the music department listening lab, 145 Center for the Arts, or at 608-785-8415.

If you go—
 Who: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra
What: “Masterworks Concert Series IV”
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Admission: $2 for UW-L students, $4 for other students and $8 for others.

UW-L Concert Choir Sets Spring Concert

The UW-La Crosse Concert Choir will give its final concert of the school year at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, in Annett Recital Hall in the UW-L Center for the Arts. Along with the Concert Choir, the concert will feature UW-L’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble and guest high school choir, the Robed Choir from G-E-T High School conducted by UW-L graduate Ryan Stuempges. The concert is free and open to the public.

During the program, the Concert Choir will perform a diverse program featuring choral works from Serbia, Mexico, Kenya, Great Britain and the United States. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform an a cappella set featuring arrangements by Sharon Broadley and a setting of Toto’s hit “Africa.”

Music department faculty members performing with the Concert Choir include Tammy Fisher on xylophone, and Christopher Frye on piano. Student instrumentalists will include pianists Carolyn Temanson, Ceera Machotka and Christine Walth; clarinetist Kate Haskin; violinist Nick Bailey; trumpet player Carlton Fowler; and percussionists Brooke Moerkerke and Sarah Horstmann. Pianist and UW-L graduate Alethia Kenworthy will also be featured.

The concert will conclude with all three choirs performing conductor Gary Walth’s arrangement of the spiritual “Wade In The Water.” Graduating seniors of the Concert Choir will be recognized during the concert as well.

If you go—
 Who: UW-La Crosse Concert Choir, along with UW-L’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Robed Choir from G-E-T High School
What: Spring Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-L Center for the Arts
Admission: Free.

UW-La Crosse Theatre to Perform ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

The UW-La Crosse theatre arts department will bring to life the legendary story of Holocaust victim Anne Frank. “The Diary of Anne Frank,” newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 25-26 and May 1-3. Sunday matinee performances run at two o’clock April 27 and May 4. Performances are in the Toland Theatre in the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine Streets.

Kesselman’s adaptation of the 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett brings to life personal accounts of the Holocaust through the words of a young girl. The performance includes vivid depictions of the lives of the Annex residents through inspirational scenes and heart-breaking moments.

The play is directed by UW-L faculty member Walter Elder and features a cast of students portraying historical characters. Tickets are $3 for UW-L students; $8 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $10 for others. Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, April 21, in the Center for the Arts Box Office or at 608-785-8522. Box office hours are 1-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and one hour before show times.

If you go—
 What: “The Diary of Anne Frank”
Who: UW-La Crosse Theater Arts Department
When: 7:30 p.m. April 25-26 and May 1-3. Sunday matinee performances run at two o’clock April 27 and May 4.
Where: Toland Theatre, UW-L Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine Streets.
Admission: $3 for UW-L students; $8 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $10 for others. Call the Box Office at 608-785-8522 beginning April 21.

State Music Festival Set for UW-La Crosse

Thousands of middle and high school students will head to UW-La Crosse Saturday, May 3, for an opportunity to perform in a Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Music Festival, one of the largest student events of its kind in the nation.

More than 32,000 student musicians will take part in WSMA State Music Festivals held on 11 university campuses throughout the state. UW-La Crosse hosts a WSMA State Festival from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is an exciting day for the performers, their parents and teachers,” says Tammy Fisher, Director of Bands and Percussion Studies at UW-La Crosse and WSMA State Festival Manager. “It is also an important day for our campus because the WSMA State Music Festival is one of the largest events the UW-La Crosse music department hosts.”

To participate in the WSMA State Music Festivals, students must first earn a “starred first” rating in Class A (the most difficult music) at a WSMA District Music Festival, hosted by schools for students in grades 6-12. Students can select from a variety of instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble categories for their performances. Over 225 district festivals were held in Wisconsin during the past six months, involving more participants than any other student activity in the state.

“We are extremely proud to support educational development of students throughout Wisconsin with programs like WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals,” says Robert Kase, WSMA executive director. “The dedication and effort that the students demonstrate is truly inspiring.”

Wisconsin universities hosting WSMA State Music Festivals April 26 include UW-Oshkosh, UW-Whitewater, UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee. St. Norbert College in DePere is scheduled to host the WSMA State Music Jazz Festival on May 2. Festivals will be held May 3 at Cardinal Stritch University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point.

Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting www.wsmamusic.org. WSMA State Music Festival information will be posted as available. Schedules and results will be searchable by school, student and event number.

If you go—
 What: Wisconsin School Music Association State Music Festival
Who: Area middle and high school students
When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Headquartered in the UW-L Center for the Arts
Admission: Free.

UW-L Choral Union Sets Concert with La Crosse Chamber Chorale

The UW-La Crosse Choral Union and the La Crosse Chamber Chorale will join forces to perform a rarely performed oratorio for large chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra. Under the leadership of Paul Rusterholz, the ensembles will present the religious cantata “Stabat Mater” by Antonin Dvorak at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at the Viterbo Fine Arts Center, 929 Jackson St., La Crosse.

Written by the Czech composer Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904), the “Stabat Mater” is a beautiful and deeply moving work, says Rusterholz. The text is a medieval devotional poem about the sorrows of the Virgin Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross. Over the centuries, there have been numerous musical settings of these words by many great composers. Dvorak’s music is particularly poignant because it represents his response to the death of three of his own children: one in 1875, and two in 1877.

Rusterholz chose to combine the singers of the Chamber Chorale and the Choral Union because of the dramatic nature of the music, and to facilitate a good balance between the voices and the orchestra. UW-L music department faculty member Enaldo Oliveira will be concertmaster of the orchestra, which includes community musicians and UW-L music faculty.

Vocal soloists for the “Stabat Mater” include sopranos Marilyn Lee, Kate Haskin and Linda Zoerb; altos Jane Powell and Kaye Lehrman; tenors Jerry Benser and Terence Kelly; and basses Jeff Kroes, Hans Laping, Patrick O’ Shea and Mark Mattison.

This is the third concert in the La Crosse Chamber Chorale’s season, so Chamber Chorale season ticket holders already have their tickets. Additional tickets are $8 for students and $12 for others by calling the La Crosse Chamber Chorale at 608-780-6107. Tickets will also be available at the door. The concert is sponsored by the Morris Family Foundation.

If you go—
 Who: UW-La Crosse Choral Union and the La Crosse Chamber Chorale
What: “Stabat Mater” by Antonin Dvorak
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4
Where: Viterbo Fine Arts Center, 929 Jackson St., La Crosse
Admission: $8 for students; $12 for others.

UW-L Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble To Perform

The UW-La Crosse Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will hold their final concerts of the school year Sunday, May 4. The Symphonic Band concert will begin at 2 p.m., followed by the Wind Ensemble at 4 p.m. The concerts will be held in Annett Recital Hall in the UW-L Center for the Arts.

Music department faculty member Tammy Fisher directs both ensembles. The Symphonic Band concert will also feature student conductor Sarah Becker. Admission is free; donations will be accepted at the door.

If you go—

What: Spring Concerts
Who: UW-La Crosse Symphonic Band
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4.
Who: UW-La Crosse Wind Ensemble
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4.
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-L Center for the Arts
Admission: Free; donations will be accepted at the door.

"Steam Ticket XI" Release Party

You're invited to a celebration of UW-L Writing Talent!

What: "Steam Ticket XI" Release Party
Appearances by rap artist Lucas Dix, UWL creative writers, musicians and more! Door prizes! Refreshments!
When: May 5. Doors open at 3pm, entertainment 5-7pm.
Where: Ward room, Cartwright Center

Over the years, Steam Ticket has achieved international recognition from many of its subscribers and contributors. The journal continues to be hosted by the UW-La Crosse English Department, and commits itself to celebrating diversity in its journal selections and authors.

The release party is in honor of not only the publishing of the 11th edition but also for all the hard work and time put into the magazine by staff members. Further information about Steam Ticket can also be accessed on the Steam Ticket website at www.steamticket.org.

English Department Colloquium Series

The UW–L English Department’s 2007–2008 William J. and Yvonne Hyde Colloquium Series wraps up with its last presentation of the Spring semester.

The colloquia take place in Room 207 Wimberly Hall, 2:30pm-3:30pm on the Fridays indicated.
All are welcome to attend.

May 2: Don LaCoss
“Arabic Surrealism, German Romanticism & the British Occupation of Cairo, 1941-1946
See the Presentation Flyer.

UW-L English Professor To Receive Library Honor

A longtime English professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will receive an award for his service to the university’s library. Richard Gappa will receive the 2008 Eugene W. Murphy Library Special Recognition Award during a program and reception at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, in 155 Murphy Library. The event is open to all.

Gappa teaches children’s and adolescent literature courses. His interest and expertise in juvenile literature made him a natural to work with Murphy Library in selecting books. In this role, Gappa became the primary force in developing a first-rate juvenile literature collection, housed in the Alice Hagar Curriculum Resource Center.

Gappa went far beyond simply recommending book titles. For more than 30 years, since the days when the collection was housed in Morris Hall, he worked closely with educators and education students to ensure meaningful integration of juvenile literature into classrooms and other K-12 education environments. He shaped the juvenile literature collection to meet the real needs of local educators, both professional and pre-professional.

Countless teachers, library media center staff, reading specialists and school administrators have benefited from the collection of juvenile literature that Gappa created. As students at UW-L, they learn from Gappa how to integrate juvenile literature into their classrooms. As practicing teachers, they have a strong collection to review and to inform them as they develop their curricula and keep up with trends and new developments in the field.

The award was established in 1986 in cooperation with the UW-L Foundation to recognize notable contributions to the library’s mission and program.

UW-L History Student Symposium, Spring 2008

Join the UW-L History Department for the Spring 2008 Student Symposium on April 29th and 30th from 4-6pm in room 142 CWH.

Tuesday, 29 April 2008 - 142 CWH

  • 4:00 p.m. - Terrance Niedziela,  Jr. - "The Writer of Kings: Historian or Theologian?'
  • 4:20 p.m. - Laura K. Malone - "The Social Memory of JFK's Assassination"
  • 4:40 p.m. - Melissa Vogler - "Eusebius, a Church Historian"
  • 5:00 p.m. - Allen B. Doan - "Environmentalism, Class, and Masculinity in the La Crosse Boathouse"
  • 5:20 p.m. - Beth A. Komisarek - "Monuments, Mass Graves and the Contested Memory of the Spanish Civil War"
  • 5:40 p.m. - Taylor Semingson - "Mercy Otis Warren: A Revolutionary Historian"

Wednesday, 30 April 2008 - 142 CWH

  • 4:00 p.m. - William T. Tourville - "Developing 'Moral Equity':  The Elimination of La Crosse's Red Light District, 1908-1915"
  • 4:20 p.m. - Andrew Neckar - "Bernal and the Conquest of Spain"
  • 4:40 p.m. - Matthew S. Roeder - "Old Habits Die Hard:  Narratives of Race in the 1995 and 2000 Indian Casino Controversies of La Crosse, Wisconsin."
  • 5:00 p.m. - Nicholas Bakke - "David Halberstam: Going against the Grain"
  • 5:20 p.m. - Jesse Chariton - "James Anderson, Historian of the Freemasons"

For more information, contact Kathy Schultz in the History Department at schultz.kat2@uwlax.edu or 785-8350.

Korean Percussion & Women's Samulnori Ensembles Concert

Korean Percussion EnsembleDate: Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Location: Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts

In spite of their short history, the Korean Percussion and Women's Samulnori Ensembles at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse have performed on numerous occasions on campus, in local public schools, at state level conferences, as well as at national level professional conferences. The percussion instruments used in these ensembles are authentic instruments from South Korea. Along with the exposure to Korean music culture, one of the groups' main goals is to ignite the desire to learn music and perform music well without previous musical training. This goal is affirmed by the fact that the majority of the ensemble members do not have a performance or musical background.

For more information, contact Soojin Kim Ritterling at kim.sooj@uwlax.edu.

Recognition of Excellence Celebration

Excellence AwardThe 2008 CLS "Recognition of Excellence" Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students from a diverse group of departments and programs in the College of Liberal Studies. The Awards Ceremony was held on April 2nd, but we continue to celebrate and appreciate the contributions made by these outstanding individuals.

The evening's program can be found here.

CLS Faculty & Academic Staff “Recognition of Excellence” Awards

Sheri Ross
Walter Elder
Sheri Ross (Department of Philosophy) – Award for Teaching
Walter Elder (Department of Theatre Arts) - Award for Research/Scholarship/Creative Endeavors
Matthew Cashion
Elise Denlinger
Matthew Cashion (Department of English) – Award for Service
Elise Denlinger (Department of Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies, Modern Languages, & ESL) – Award for Teaching
Karyn Quinn
Janis Hanson
Karyn Quinn (Department of Music) - Award for Research/Scholarship/Creative Endeavors
Janis Hanson (TESOL) – Award for Service

 

CLS Undergraduate Student “Recognition of Excellence” Awards
Kaitlyn Borland

Kaitlyn Borland, Department of Archeology

Kaitlyn feels that her CLS major, focused on learning about the past, actually has taught her how to better shape her future. Because Archaeology is a comprehensive, holistic discipline, she feels prepared for whatever direction her future takes her. Kaitlyn believes that her UWL experience has been especially rewarding due to the incredibly intelligent professors who were so willing to share their wealth of knowledge. She is also most grateful for all of the people with whom she shared the college experience.

Lauren Jagielski

Lauren Jagielski, Department of Archeology

Life will always be a glass half-full for Lauren because her CLS experiences have helped prepare her for her life-long goals. She’s sees no greater gift than to have learned how to live with and enjoy all that surrounds her.  Lauren is thankful for the memorable faculty and students who instilled in her a passion for life and learning, and that possibilities in life are truly limitless.  She has learned that experience is everything and that she can do no better than being the best person she can be, and to show others how to do the same.

Maggie Lach

Maggie Lach, Department of Art

Through the multitude of opportunities offered at UWL, such as studying abroad, Maggie has learned to appreciate human differences and to learn from one another with an open mind.  She credits and is thankful for her passionate professors and fellow students who want to learn.  Maggie is also grateful for the support of her family and friends, some of whom she never knew existed until La Crosse became her second home.  Maggie will never take her education for granted and “have no regrets."

Adam Ludwig

Adam Ludwig, Department of Communication Studies

Adam credits his Communication Studies major for his ability to observe and ask “why?”.  This ability will be forever and integral part of Adam, and is essential for a life in which we never stop learning and growing.  Adam thanks the synergy of the faculty, staff and fellow students for creating an experience that is greater than any one factor combined.  This very experience has taught Adam to love people for who they are, going beyond tolerance to acceptance.  Adam urges students to leave their comfort zone, to accept new things, people and ideas, and to choose a way to go. 

Teri Passow

Teri Passow, Department of Communication Studies

Rarely is there only one way to approach something.  Teri attributes her knowledge of the importance of looking at things from a variety of perspectives to her experiences as a CLS major.  She is thankful for the opportunities to develop and grow as a person that have allowed her to learn the importance of a diverse approach to life and understanding.  Teri sees her education as a chance to get out and learn about the world and the people in it, and encourages students to take advantage of their opportunities as UWL.

Renee Smith

Renee Smith, Department of Communication Studies

Renee is extremely grateful for the genuine caring of the professors in her program.   She points to the mutual care and respect between faculty and students as a critical element in helping her to realize the importance of knowledge and creativity.  She is also grateful for the equally important opportunities for hands-on experience in preparing her for the “real world”.  Renee stresses the importance of getting involved inside and out of the classroom to make meaningful connections between what is learned in class and the text and real life situations.  To Renee, success is about personal drive, motivation, and hard work.

Angela Armstrong

Angela Armstrong, Department of Educational Studies

In her five years at UWL, Angela learned the value of education in opening minds to new ideas.  She has also learned to embody the philosophy of carpe diem.  Angela made the most of her time here, and will fulfill a dream of teaching eighth grade abroad in Columbia next year.  She is grateful for the support, opportunities and encouragement that faculty have given her.  Angela has also learned to value friends and family and to embrace and learn from the diversity in the world.

Jaime Burse

Jaime Burse, Department of Educational Studies

Jamie’s experience as a student in the College of Liberal Studies that has opened her eyes to what she feels is the true purpose of her life—to teach. She will soon step into a classroom and know that she will be teaching because it is what she loves and not for the glory or the money. She simply wants to “love what I do” and share her passion with others. Her advice for new UWL students is to get involved!  She believes the college experience is a chance of a lifetime and students need to break out of their “box” and make the most of it!

Rebecca Hendrikse

Rebecca Hendrikse, Department of Educational Studies

Rebecca’s major has served to strengthen her dream of teaching elementary kids in the third-world.  In that pursuit, she has learned the importance of early childhood education.  She has also learned that it is her responsibility to make learning enjoyable and applicable.  Rebecca is grateful for the strong relationships she has built while at UWL and sees them as most important, even if life seems too busy with exams, papers and work.  Rebecca has also learned what an opportunity and privilege it is to attend college, an opportunity many do not have.

Maura Henn

Maura Henn, Department of English

Maura knows her limits and how to overcome them, thanks to discussions with students and professors, and for the academic and personal challenges she has overcome.  She encourages others to find a major in something they are passionate about so that their academic relationship can foster their interest in what they are learning.  Maura has learned that she can truly accomplish her goals if she sets her mind to them, and that friends can be as much a part of family as relatives.

Kathryn Kaspar

Kathryn Kaspar, Department of English

Find and pursue something you love and everything else will fall into place.  Sound advice, as Kathryn sees it.  She is thankful for the supportive and encouraging faculty in CLS for teaching her to question things she once took at face value and to look at things from several perspectives.  She indeed has learned that she should not be afraid to ask questions, and that impossibility is a false concept.

Beth Komisarek

Beth Komisarek, Department of History

The journey is more important than the destination.  Beth sums up this sentiment by stating that life is more about what you learn and how you grow than just reaching goals.  Do what you think you cannot.  Beth credits the wonderful faculty at UWL:  Their inspiration and constant pushing for her to do her best.  She is also thankful for her study abroad experience, which taught her the importance of trying new things.  She has also learned to work hard, to think independently and to take pride in her work. 

Leah Ziegler

Leah Ziegler, Honors Program

Applying psychology to everyday situations and conversations is one way that an education in the College of Liberal Studies has shaped the person that Leah has become.  A combination of wonderful friends and professors has made Leah’s time at UWL the best educational experience she could have, for which she is very grateful.  Leah has learned that you can never learn too much, and vows to be a student in one way or another for life.  She has also learned that relationships with others are the key to her happiness, not money.  She advises students to choose wisely because college offers more than one can imagine.  Keep in mind the person you want to become.

Elizabeth Bisswurm

Elizabeth Bisswurm, Department of Modern Languages

Time flies, so make the most of it!  Elizabeth has done that.  She is grateful for her opportunity to study abroad and for all of the great people she has met in her for years as a German major.  She has learned that even if you choose the right major, and going to class if fun, the majority of what a person takes with them after college will be outside of the classroom.  With an open mind, you can learn much from the most unlikely people and experiences. 

Laura Greschner

Laura Greschner, Department of Modern Languages

In her pursuit of a career teaching language and culture, Laura will take with her the importance of diversity close to home and around the world.  She credits her CLS major with helping to strengthen and stretch her understanding of the world.  She will also rely on what she has learned at UWL; that teachers who care really do make all the difference. The easiest path is not always the most rewarding, and that languages open up people to new ideas, experiences and worlds. 

Rachael Kramer

Rachael Kramer, Department of Modern Languages

As a Spanish major, Rachel has learned to appreciate both the diversity and similarities that unite humankind.  She attributes her own passion to excel to the passion for and knowledge of the language of her instructor in her first college Spanish course.  Rachel values her vast experiences in the CLS and how they have let her see the world through different eyes.  Rachel hopes to fulfill her desire to help people understand each other by becoming an interpreter and translator.

Sarah Becker

Sarah Becker, Department of Music

Sarah feels that her view of life has become more focused by her experience of being a student in the College of Liberal Studies. Specifically, she now focuses on the importance of a broad spectrum of experiences that help shape a person’s intellectual and individual self. She feels confident as a future teacher because of valuable hours within a classroom setting. Her advice for new UW-L students is to keep an open mind about everything! College is a time to explore new interests and solidify the beliefs of the person you would like to become.

Patrick Lindsley

Patrick Lindsley, Department of Music

Patrick points to the breadth of knowledge and wisdom presented in each and every classroom as helping to teach him to appreciate every aspect of life, no matter the situation. He learned to develop and utilize different approaches to different circumstances, and to work hard to accomplish his goals.  He enjoys what he is studying, and to Patrick, that is all that matters.

John Deutsch

John Deutsch, Department of Philosophy

John feels majoring in the CLS has afforded him a more holistic view of the world. He fully appreciates the interconnected dynamism shaping us all. His education has afforded him a heightened awareness of the complexities of modern questions regarding culture, religion, politics and economics and therefore allows him to better approach these issues.  He is most thankful for those professors who genuinely encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and critical as well as creative thinking. He is also thankful for the philosophy and photography departments; without them his educational experience and personal growth would have been lacking. Lastly, he is thankful for all the candy and food Dr. Sherwitz, Sibbie, and others generously provided.

Jamie Belongia

Jamie Belongia, Department of Political Science & Public Administration

Jamie feels that public administration is one of few majors that truly encompasses aspects of every major because government is influenced, affected, and plays key roles in everything around us.  For this reason, public administration majors have extraordinarily different values, personalities, and experiences that they bring to the table. Jamie is most thankful for the relationships with wonderful faculty. 

Erin LaVoie

Erin LaVoie, Department of Political Science & Public Administration

Being a Liberal Studies major has widened her worldview.  The variety of disciplines can make a more well-rounded student and person.  Erin is thankful to have found an outlet of expression through activism.  She is most thankful for the UW-L Progressives and the Environmental Council.  “Being a part of those groups has most shaped my college experience by teaching me that if I find injustice in the world, there is something I can do about it.”    Education is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in you life, so it is very important to take advantage of your time in college.  “There is a lot going on in the world around you, get involved!”

Tiffany Gille

Tiffany Gille, Department of Psychology

Tiffany attributes her professor’s extensive real world knowledge base to opening her eyes to new experiences and viewpoints that never before considered. In fact, she believes that at UWL, if you take your education seriously, and apply yourself in everyway possible, your professors will help you every step of the way. Ultimately, Tiffany feels that UW-L has a lot to offer to a wide range of students, and has the support of a wonderful community; not to mention the beautiful location.

Rachel Mittag

Rachel Mittag, Department of Psychology

Throughout her academic career, Rachel has learned the value of individual differences in understanding people.  She also learned the value of research and critical thinking in understanding the world.  Rachel is thankful for the wonderful support of family in friends in helping her to realize the importance of never giving up.  Even though many goals seem out of reach, they are attainable.  Rachel vows never to forget the people who helped her get where she is.  She urges students to take advantage of experiences as UWL, as every one helps to shape life’s direction and to achieve one’s goals.

Meagen Oliver

Meagen Oliver, Department of Psychology

A liberal studies education has helped Megan to gain a better understanding of herself and of her environment.  She is especially grateful for the support and individual guidance of her professors in helping to mold her into a more compassionate and open-minded person.   Through her academic career, Megan has learned to appreciate the privilege of an education.  She has also learned to spend her time in ways she will not regret. Megan’s advice is to live life and to love the person you are.

Katherine Schaaf

Katherine Schaaf, Department of Psychology

Critical thinking and an eye for detail when analyzing an issue:  These are two ways in which a CLS major has helped shape Katy’s view of life.  Katy is thankful for her excellent mentors, and her opportunities to study abroad and become involved in undergraduate research.  She has learned the value of becoming involved through research, volunteering and engaging in extracurricular activities.  She has also learned the value of understanding other cultures and different world views.

Justin Sokol

Justin Sokol, Department of Psychology

Justin sees his undergraduate years as a time of tremendous personal and professional growth and maturity, in large part due to the vast array of opportunities and experiences available to students in CLS.  Justin is particularly grateful for the interactions with professors, and points out how they always made time for him, no matter how busy they were.  He values most the knowledge and skills he has gained in his career, and the opportunity he was given to develop his own interests, which include his goal of someday having a similar positive influence on the lives of college students.

Adam Conlin

Adam Conlin, Department of Sociology

Adam’s UWL experience has had an important impact on his life. In fact, he claims, the CLS program helped him begin to develop a comprehensive view of the many social and environmental issues rooted in our current societal system.  The drastic alteration from his previous world-view catalyzed by his coursework has motivated him to pursue a career in community organizing.  He is most thankful for the close relationships developed with advisors and professors, which allowed him to pursue an education beyond the classroom. Additionally, he is grateful for the network of friends that helped him every step of the way.

Maxine Mason

Maxine Mason, Department of Sociology

Maxine is most thankful for all of the opportunities that she has found. She has discovered there are many interesting events and organizations to take part in on campus. Through her involvement she has learned about the world around her, but also a lot about her strengths, weaknesses, and character.  Through her liberal studies education, she gained a comprehensive perspective towards people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds and a well-rounded education that has prepared her for whatever path she takes after college.

Joseph Pollack

Joseph Pollack, Department of Theatre Arts

One of the most valuable lessons that Joe has learned as a result of his experience in CLS is that there is more to life than just work, or that one’s profession is not the entirety of their life.  Joe attributes the learning of this lesson to his department’s ability to be a family for its students.  Joe has also learned to use his time wisely, as it goes by quickly; to have fun; and to find close-knit group of people for support.  These help Joe to cherish every moment, and to learn from every situation, even bad ones. 

Amanda Jansen

Amanda Jansen, Department of Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies

If you put yourself in different situations, you never stop learning.  This is the philosophy Amanda will take with her when she leaves UWL.  This philosophy of life was fostered through Amanda’s array of experiences that helped open her eyes to the diversity of life, and the importance of teaching others to accept and value diversity.  She credits her learning of social problems and how to work with others to her community involvement.  Amanda has also learned the value of advocating for change to help others while at the same time strengthening leadership skills. 

 

John E. Magerus Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in the College of Liberal Studies

Hollie Nyseth

Hollie Nyseth

A May graduate with degrees in Sociology & Political Science, minors in International Studies & Spanish, and a 4.0 gpa, Hollie has worked on campus as a research associate for the Research Center for Cultural Diversity and Community Renewal, she has also been a teaching assistant for the sociology department and is the Vice President of the Golden Key International Honor Society. She has been a RA, vice president of her hall, and been involved in many other extracurricular activities and community service projects. Hollie received a UWL-Undergraduate Research Grant for a research project that she conducted in Mexico on panhandling and has presented at the Midwest Sociological Conference.  Hollie has also spent time working on service projects in Mexico. This past summer she has taught English in a Mexican Prison and worked with a Mexican human rights group. She has also had an internship with a congresswoman in Mexico and worked with an NGO on service projects that help people with AIDS and people who live on the streets. Hollie has been accepted to several Ph.D. programs for the fall of 2008. Hollie is the daughter of Tim and Linda Nyseth, of Neillsville, Wisconsin

Entertainment was provided by the Department of Music and the Department of Theatre Arts.

Joseph Bathanti Story Reading, Discussion & Book Signing

Joseph BathantiJoseph Bathanti—story writer, novelist, poet, playwright, and creative nonfiction writer—will conduct a reading, discussion, and book signing, Wednesday, April 23, 5 p.m., 140 Cowley, on the UW-L campus. 

Bathanti’s most recent work, the short story collection, The High Heart, won the 2007 Spokane Prize.  His collection of poetry, This Metal, was nominated for The National Book Award.  He has been nominated for Pushcart Prizes in both short fiction and creative nonfiction.  His novel, Coventry, won the 2006 Novello Literary Award, and his novel, East Liberty, won the Carolina Novel Award in 2001.  He won the 1997 Oscar Arnold Young Award from The North Carolina Poetry Council.   His one-act play, Afomo, won The Wachovia Playwrights Prize.  He has received the Sherwood Anderson Award, the Linda Flowers Prize, and the 2007 Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Prize. 

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Bathanti moved to North Carolina as a VISTA Volunteer in 1976 to work with prison inmates.  Presently, he is Professor of Creative Writing at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. 

“In this beautifully written and deeply moving collection of linked short stories, Joseph Bathanti gives us all the sad trappings of working-class life--the Rolling Rock beer, the Pall-Mall cigarettes, the plastic lawn chairs, the beat-up Bonnevilles and Impalas. Yet the world of The High Heart never feels depressing.  It's impossible not to cheer on young Fritzy as he struggles to make sense of his eccentric parents, the ever-bickering, memorable couple  known as Travis-and-Rita” -—Rita Ciresi, author of Pink Slip and Sometimes I Dream In Italian

For more information contact Matthew Cashion at 608-785-8297 or cashion.matt@uwlax.edu.

River Valley Newspapers Features Article on UW-L's Enaldo Oliveira

See the original article here: http://www.rivervalleynewspapers.com/articles/2008/03/20/entertainment/lacrosse/local/02lastword20.txt

The Last Word: Enaldo Oliveira

By Terry Rindfleisch | La Crosse Tribune

Enaldo Oliveira

UW-L Symphony Orchestra Conductor Enaldo Oliveira
Photo by UW-L Student Katrisha Micks

Enaldo Oliveira says he wants to inspire people to play good orchestral music. Oliveira, in his second year as University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s director of orchestral studies, is trying to build quality college and community orchestral programs. A native of Brazil, the 40-year-old Oliveira has a 45-member UW-L orchestra and coaches two of the three university string quartets. He also formed a university/ community orchestra and directs the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Oliveira works as a guest clinician with school orchestras in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He also plays violin in the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.

Why did you starting playing violin?
My mother wanted us to have a more complete education, so I started playing violin at a music conservatory at age 7 with my brother. I didn’t like the violin right away. I was impressed with the bassoon and timpani, but violin became my passion.

How did your career progress in Brazil?
I attended a professional music school, studying with Brazil’s best violinist, Maria Wischnia. I played violin and viola and was a member of the Sao Caetano do Sul Art Foundation String Quartet. I was the conductor and pedagogical coordinator for the Guri Project for the Cultural State Secretary of Sao Paulo-Brazil for five years.

I built a string program for underprivileged children from 550 students to 22,000 students in Brazil by partnering with many institutions. I also developed an orchestra program for imprisoned juvenile criminal offenders in Brazil. I had 450 offenders playing strings, and we played 10 concerts with no escapes.

What brought you to the United States?
I wanted to work on my doctorate, and I got my PhD from the University of Iowa.

Who is your favorite composer?
Beethoven. He’s always fresh to me.

What is your favorite composition?
Brahms’ double violin and cello concerto and Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Music chooses you. You do it when you can’t think of doing anything else. Trust fully in your heart.

Music Scholarship Gala

Music Sholarship GalaJoin us on April 18th & 19th at the La Crosse Center Ballroom for the UW-La Crosse Music Scholarship Gala. Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres will be served starting 6:30pm. The Concert begins at 7:30pm and features the Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble I, Korean Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Women’s Chorus.

Recipients of the 2008-2009 Department of Music Scholarships will be announced at the Gala. The announced scholarship are raised directly from your donations by attending this event. The suggested donation for the Gala is $20. Seating is limited and advanced purchase is recommended. You may call 608-785-8415 for reservations.

For more information, see the Scholarship Gala website.

This event is sponsored by the UW-L Department of Music, the College of Liberal Studies, the UW-L Foundation, the Mid-West Family Broadcasting Group and WXOW 19.

Ceramics Sale in Port O' Call

Stop by to check out some of the great pottery being made by UW-La Crosse students. Pieces available for sale range from cups, bowls and vases to intricate necklaces and other art.

Tuesday, April 22
Ceramics sale, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Port O' Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

Wednesday, April 23
Ceramics sale, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Port O' Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

17th Century Texas Shipwreck is Topic at UW-La Crosse Presentation

The wreck of a French ship bringing muskets, tools, food and more for a late 17th century colony in Texas will be the topic of a Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center presentation at UW-La Crosse.

Jon Swanson, curator of collections and exhibits at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, will speak on “The Discovery, Excavation and Conservation of La Salle’s Shipwreck La Belle” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, in Port O’ Call in Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Admission is free.

Swanson will give an overview of the search, discovery, excavation and conservation of the shipwreck La Belle discovered in Matagora Bay, Texas, in 1686. More than 1 million artifacts were recovered from the wreck. The recovered artifacts — bronze cannons from Louis XIV, muskets, trade beads, axes, rings, bells, tools, food items, clothing, human remains, personal possessions and portions of the vessel — are from the ship carrying goods from France to colonize a settlement in the new world.

For more information about the presentation, contact MVAC at 608-785-8454 or dowiasch.jean@uwlax.edu.

If you go—
 What: “The Discovery, Excavation and Conservation of La Salle’s Shipwreck La Belle”
Who: Jon Swanson, curator of collections and exhibits at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15
Where: Port O’ Call, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: Free

Student Work Featured in University Art Gallery Exhibit

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students will showcase a wide variety of artwork in the 2008 All-Students Juried Exhibition.

The annual exhibition features art and creative endeavors by students from the entire campus. This year, judges worked with 133 entries from 55 student artists. They selected 24 works from 18 artists. Included are paintings, sculpture, metalwork, ceramics, prints, drawings, photographs and mixed media pieces. The judges also selected 11 works for further recognition, awarding various cash awards through funding from the UW-L Foundation and other donors.

Those student artists included in the exhibition are: Devon Browning, Whitewater; Amber Burns, Waupaca; Mao Cheng, La Crosse; Carly Dilworth, Greendale; Matt Duckett, La Crosse; Rochelle Dupont, Middleton; Libby Hansen, Norwalk; Nels Johnson, La Crosse; Joseph L. Keenan, La Crosse; Maggie Lach, Waukesha; Vong Lao, Schofield; Lindsey Martin, Prairie du Chien; Zachary Morin, Appleton; Ron Reimer, Ettrick; Vanessa Smith, Rochester, Minn.; Mai Ia Vue, Holmen; Arika Wussow, Reedsburg; Billy Zakrzewski, Cornell.

The exhibit opens with a reception to honor students and highlight those receiving awards from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the University Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the UW-L Center for the Arts. The show runs through Saturday, April 12.

Admission is free. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The gallery also opens for appointments by calling the UW-L art department 608-785-8230.

Judges for this year’s exhibition were Rachel Bruya-Walker, adjunct professor of design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and Lecturer at UW-Madison, and Kristopher Douglas, chief curator of the Rochester (Minn.) Art Center. The exhibition is supported by the UW-La Crosse Foundation and the UW-L Student Association. Awards are funded by UW-L Foundation endowments, RuthAnn Knapp, and the La Crosse Society of Arts and Craft.

More Artwork in Study Gallery, Hallway

Throughout the exhibit, work by non-traditional students and life-long learners will be featured in the adjacent Studio Gallery and nearby hallways. The works include: metals and jewelry by RuthAnn Knapp, Jo Ann Planavsky, Eileen Muller, Jane Murphy and Sailaja Hari, and ceramics and drawings by Stella Vognar.

In addition to its undergraduate program, the UW-L art department supports life-long learning experiences of community members wishing to continue their work in studios outside requirements of a degree program.

If you go—
 What: 2008 All-Students Juried Exhibition
When: March 28-April 12
Where: University Art Gallery, UW-L Center for the Arts
Admission: Free.

UW-L Students Receive Awards for Artwork

Juried exhibition continues through April 12.

Ten University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students have received 12 awards in the annual All-Students Juried Exhibition.

The annual exhibition features a wide variety of art and creative endeavors by students from the entire campus. This year, judges worked with 133 entries from 55 student artists. They selected 24 works from 18 artists. The works selected for award recognition include:

  • All Student Art Show — Nels Johnson, La Crosse, “Overpopulation," Intaglio print
  • Behind-the-Brewery Gallery Art Award — Devon Browning, Whitewater, “Kelly and Kelly in Shade,” oil on linen
  • Richard Koehler Art Award — Mai Ia Vue, Holmen, “Hmong in Modern America Series,” photographs
  • James Quillin Art Award — Mia Ia Vue, Holmen, “Metamorphosis,” digital image
  • Catherine Crail Art Award — Lindsey Martin, Prairie du Chien, “Missouri Ice Box,” oil on corrugated tin
  • Milton and Margaret Kosbab Art Award — Zachary Morin, Appleton, “Untitled,” digital photograph
  • Carol Hutchins Winther Art Award — Nels Johnson, La Crosse, “Overpopulation,” Intaglio print
  • Marion Biehn Art Award — Matt Ducket, La Crosse, “BRT ANSEO,” oil on linen
  • La Crosse Soc. of Arts and Crafts Award — Joseph Keenan, La Crosse,  “SOME BODYS HOME,” cast aluminum
  • RuthAnn Knapp Award for Jewelry/Metals — Carly Dilworth, Greendale, "Topographic Sunrise,” copper and brass brooch
  • Louise Drumm Art Award —Libby Hansen, “Bound,” Intaglio print
  • Ray Sherin Art Award — Vong Lao, Schofield, “What’s in the Bag?” charcoal, graphite and conte on paper

Students were recognized at an opening reception March 28. The exhibit runs through Saturday, April 12, in the University Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the UW-L Center for the Arts. Admission is free. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The gallery also opens for appointments by calling the UW-L art department 608-785-8230.

Awards are funded by UW-L Foundation endowments, RuthAnn Knapp, and the La Crosse Society of Arts and Craft. The exhibition is supported by the UW-La Crosse Foundation and UW-L Student Association.

Advising Fairs for Art & Psychology

Advising for students considering majors in Art will be from 12-1pm or 1:30 on April 9th in room 116, Center for the Arts. Psychology advising will be Thursday, April 10th from 2-4pm and Friday, April 11th from 9-11am in Main Hall 303.

CLS “Celebration of Faculty Research & Creative Endeavors”

Al Gedicks (Sociology/Archaeology) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “Indigenous Rising:  A Book and Senior Seminar on Global Resistance to Resource Colonialism”

If you go—
What: Al Gedicks (Sociology/Archaeology) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “Indigenous Rising:  A Book and Senior Seminar on Global Resistance to Resource Colonialism”
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: 259 Cartwright Center

English Department Colloquium Series

The UW–L English Department’s 2007–2008 William J. and Yvonne Hyde Colloquium Series continues during the Spring semester.

The colloquia take place in Room 207 Wimberly Hall, 2:30pm-3:30pm on the Fridays indicated.
All are welcome to attend.

April 4: Karen Stuart
Presentation: “Robert Musil’s Essayism: Ethics and the Politics of Writing"
See the Presentation Flyer.

May 2: Don LaCoss
“Arabic Surrealism, German Romanticism & the British Occupation of Cairo, 1941-1946”

UW-L Vocal Jazz Clinic

This year's Vocal Jazz festival includes high school vocal jazz ensembles from G-E-T, Prairie du Chien, Jefferson, and Sparta.  Guest singer Colleen Raye will be the featured artist, along with her son, Reed Grimm, senior UWL percussion major.  The UWL Vocal Jazz ensemble will also perform at the evening concert.

Date: Friday, April 4
Time: 2:30 - 9:30 pm
Location: Annett Recital Hall, CFA
Price of Admission: 2:30 - 6:00 pm event is free, 7:30 pm concert is $5.00 general admission for all ages

Sponsored by: UW-L Jazz Studies
Contact Person: Janette K. Hanson
E-mail: jhanson@spartan.org
Ticket Location: Music Department Office, CFA

One-Woman at UW-L Show Tells the Stories of First Ladies

If you go-
What: "Lady Bird, Pat & Betty: Tea for Three"
Who: Emmy Award-winning actress Elaine Bromka
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4
Where: Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts.
Admission: $4 for UW-L students, $10 for other students and senior citizens, and $12 for others. Tickets may be purchased at the UW-L Theatre Box Office beginning one hour prior to the performance.

Three former First Ladies will share their secrets in the one-woman show, "Lady Bird, Pat & Betty: Tea for Three," on campus.

Starring the Emmy Award-winning Elaine Bromka, the play offers a refreshingly witty and intimate portrait of Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford at threshold moments in their lives.

The 80-minute performance hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, in Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts. Seating is general admission. Tickets are $4 for UW-L students, $10 for other students and senior citizens, and $12 for others. Tickets may be purchased at the UW-L Theatre Box Office beginning one hour prior to the performance.

Bromka spent months poring over videotapes of the women and zeroing in on their stories. "These were women of intelligence and grit who suddenly found themselves in a fishbowl," Bromka says. "Pat Nixon called it the 'hardest unpaid job in the world.' I realized I wanted to tell the story from their point of view and explode myths.

"Pat was called 'Plastic Pat' in the press, for example, because she was always smiling," continues Bromka. "Look more closely at her eyes, though. There's nothing plastic about her. You see the eyes of a private, watchful survivor."

'Monkey King' Brings Traditional Stories to Life

If you go-
What: "Amazing Adventures of the Marvelous Monkey King"
When: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday,
April 5
Where: Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall.
Admission: $3 per person; available at the door one hour before each performance.

UW-L's Theatre Arts Department will perform the children's show, "Amazing Adventures of the Marvelous Monkey King."

Performances are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, in Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall. Tickets are $3 per person and available at the door one hour before each performance.

The play, by award-winning playwright Elizabeth Wong, brings to life traditional  stories of the mischievous Chinese superhero, Monkey King. The monkey struggles with getting kicked out of school, battling a one-horned ogre, and somersaulting into the future where he jives to hip-hop music. The impish character manages to triumph over his opponents through dancing and heroics, while he learns about leadership, responsibility and forgiveness.

The performance is directed by Theatre Arts Associate Professor Beth Cherne and features a cast of UW-L students playing a range of outlandish roles. This 50-minute production is best suited for children ages 3 to 9. Refer questions about the play to the Theatre Arts Department at 608-785-6701.

Jazz Combos in Cellar Thursday Night

If You Go-
 What: UW-L Jazz Combo and Gordon Scholarship Jazz Combo
When: 8-10 p.m., Thursday, April 3
Where: The Cellar, Cartwright Center

This Thursday's Cellar event will feature two talented jazz groups from UW-L's music department. The Gordon Scholarship Jazz Combo and the UW-L Jazz Combo will be performing from 8-10 p.m. Thursday, April 3.

While these two groups are credited courses for the musicians, the combos often play for campus and community events.  Coached by Greg Balfany and Karyn Quinn, respectively, the jazz combos play tunes reminiscent of Art Blakey and the Miles Davis Quintet. The Gordon Scholarship Jazz Combo will also be featuring a few original compositions. 

The Cellar show will kick off with the UW-L Jazz Combo and will be followed by the Gordon Scholarship Jazz Combo from 9-10 p.m.  

Regional Middle, High School Students Show Their History

Major focus:
The National History Day Regional competition at UW-La Crosse engages students in historical research through a variety of contexts.

Time/Place:
Wednesday, April 2
The event begins at 8 a.m. in Valhalla, Cartwright Center. Qualifiers for state competition will be announced at 3:30 p.m.
Exhibits will be in 337 and 339 Cartwright Center from Noon-1 p.m. Witness performances are in Valhalla throughout the morning; media documentaries open for public viewing throughout the day. The public is invited; admission is free.

Background:
More than 300 middle school and high school students from 10 school districts in western Wisconsin with present the results of their historical research projects relating to the theme of conflict and compromise in history. Student work will be presented through historical papers, Web sites, media documentaries, exhibits and performances.

Photo/video opportunities:
Opening session (8 a.m.) and closing session (3:30 p.m.) in Valhalla, Cartwright Center. Exhibits in 337 and 339 Cartwright Center from Noon-1 p.m. Witness performances are in Valhalla throughout the morning; media documentaries open for public viewing throughout the day.

For more information:
Reporters may contact UW-L Professor of Educational Studies Gregory Wegner, Western Wisconsin Regional Coordinator for National History Day, at wegner.greg@uwlax.edu.

Department of Modern Languages Advising Fair

The Department of Modern Languages will be holding an Advising Fair from 9am-3pm on Wednesday, April 2nd in Port O' Call, Cartwright Center. The Fair will consist of general advising in the languages offered by the Department of Modern Languages, study abroad advising, including peer study abroad advising provided by students who have studied abroad, and college-related advising (evaluate transcripts and SNAP reports).

The following will be available to students during the entire Advising Fair:

  • Refreshments
  • Raffle/Door Prizes (to participate submit your name/ph. number/email address at the designated table)
  • Cultural artifacts exhibit (faculty have assembled an exhibit of items from their travels associated with the languages and cultures taught through the department)
  • General advising for students in French, German, Spanish classes by respective language faculty
  • Study Abroad advising; complete the Study Abroad Academic Plan with specific language faculty
  • Advising for Majors and Minors in French, German and Spanish by faculty
  • Advising and information on study abroad from the staff of the Office of International Education
  • Peer study abroad advising (students who have returned from study abroad will be available to chat with you individually about their experiences)
  • Information on student scholarships
  • Information on student clubs, honor societies and organizations sponsored by the department

A number of breakout sessions are scheduled throughout the day and will cover topics such as:

  • international and domestic internships
  • career advising
  • the Global Awareness Through Experience immersion program in Mexico
  • teacher education
  • the Professional Development School program at North Woods International Elementary School (Onalaska)
  • a presentation by two UW-L students who have participated in the Costa Rica/Nicaragua Study Program
  • Human Rights in Guatemala
  • cultural presentations by our Amity Interns from Spain, Mexico, Germany, Chile, Colombia and Guadeloupe (West Indies)
  • a presentation by our visiting Chinese instructor who will provide an overview of the Chinese language and culture and will discuss the opportunities to study Chinese at UW-L and to study abroad in China
  • and a presentation by our visiting international instructor from Peru who will talk about culture and current events in Peru.

For more information, see the full event flyer or the Department of Modern Languages' website.

Recognition of Excellence Celebration

Excellence AwardThe 2008 CLS "Recognition of Excellence" Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students from a diverse group of departments and programs in the College of Liberal Studies. The Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 2nd at 6:15pm in the Toland Theatre, CFA.

See the event invitation here.

UW-L Symphony Orchestra Sets Masterworks Concert

World-renowned Oboist Alex Klein to Perform

A Grammy award-winning oboist will be featured in the upcoming University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s masterworks concert. Alex Klein, who received the 2002 Grammy Award for “Best Instrumental Soloist with Orchestra,” will perform with the orchestra at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Suggested donations for tickets are $2 for UW-L students, $4 for other students, and $8 for others.

The concert includes “Slavonic Dance Op. 46 No. 4” and “Slavonic Dance Op. 72 No. 8” by Antonín Dvorak, “Pavana” by Benjamin Gutiérrez, and “Prelude” by Jean Sibelius. Klein will be the featured soloist in “Introduction, Theme and Variations” by Johann Nepomuk Hummel and “Concertino in G minor” by Bernhard Molique. Enaldo Oliveira is conductor of the UW-L Symphony Orchestra. The concert’s guest conductor is Alex Vaver.

Klein, the orchestra’s 2007-08 Artist in Residence of the Year, will also hold a masterclass at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29, in Annett Recital Hall. Students from high schools and colleges in the tri-state are being selected to perform to Klein during the class. The class is free and open to the public.

Klein, a native of Brazil, studied with the late Professor of Oboe James Caldwell at the Oberlin Conservatory. Klein earned a bachelor of music in 1987 and an artist’s diploma in 1989. He was principal oboe of the Chicago Symphony from 1995 to 2004. He is currently a professor of oboe at Oberlin.

Tickets for both masterclass and concert are available by calling the UW-L music department at 608-785-8415 or by stopping by 145 Center for the Arts during regular business hours.

If you go—
 What: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30
Where: Valhalla, UW-L Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

Fiction Reading, Discussion & Book Signing with Shauna Singh Baldwin

Shauna Singh BaldwinOn Wednesday, March 26th at 5pm in Port O' Call, Shauna Singh Baldwin, award-winning novelist and short-story writer will read from her latest short story collection, We Are Not in Pakistan. 

We Are Not in Pakistan - Book CoverBorn in Canada to Indian parents, Ms. Baldwin grew up in New Delhi, and has made Milwaukee her home for the past twenty years. Her fiction has topped best seller lists in Canada, India, and elsewhere, and has earned glowing reviews in the New York Times and the Washington Post as well as high praise abroad. Her first novel, What the Body Remembers, won the 2000 Commonweath Prize for Best Book in the Canadian-Caribbean region; it has since been translated into fourteen languages. Her collection, English Lessons and Other Stories, won the 1996 Friends of American Writers prize; and her second novel, The Tiger Claw, was short-listed for the 2004 Giller Prize and shared the short list for India's 2006 Hutch Crossword Award with works by V.S. Naipaul and Salman Rushdie.

You may also visit the author's website at: www.shaunasinghbaldwin.com

If you go-
 Who: Shauna Singh Baldwin, award-winning novelist
What: Book reading, discussion and signing
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26
Where: Port 'O Call, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center
Admission: Free

Sponsored by the UW-L English Department. Contact: Matthew Cashion (cashion.matt@uwlax.edu).

UW-L Concert Choir Sets Winter Concert

The UW-La Crosse Concert Choir will highlight music from the western part of the United States during an upcoming Winter Concert. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in Annett Recital Hall in the UW-L Center for the Arts. The concert is free and open to the public; seating is limited.

The 55-member choir will feature works with roots in the western part of the U.S. “Four Pastorales,” a piece for choir and clarinet written by Colorado composer Cecil Effinger, features settings for the poetry of Thomas Hornsby Ferril, a long-time writer for the Denver Post and a celebrated Colorado poet. Kate Haskin, a senior music education major from Holmen and member of the choir, will be the clarinetist for the piece.

Utah composer and arranger Mack Wilberg’s setting of the American folksong “Cindy” will also be performed. Along with the choir, the work features accompanist Alethia Kenworthy and guest artist Tammy Fisher on the xylophone. Fisher is UW-L’s conductor of the Screaming Eagles Marching Band and interim conductor of the UW-L Wind Ensemble.

Also, the choir will perform works from Kenya, Yugoslavia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, along with featuring the ensemble’s men and women on separate pieces. And, the choir will perform two compositions by conductor Gary Kent Walth, in his 15th year as the university’s director of choral music studies. His compositions are titled “My God is a Rock” and “Set me as a Seal.”

If you go—
What: UW-La Crosse Concert Choir Winter Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts.
Admission: Free

Oklahoma! Coming to UW-La Crosse Stage

The classic musical “Oklahoma!” will be performed at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The theatre arts department will perform the musical Feb. 29-March 2 and March 6-9. Curtain time is 7:30 nightly except for two o’clock Sunday matinees in Toland Theatre in the UW-L Center for the Arts.

The turn-of-the-century musical follows the romance of a young cowboy, Curly McLain, and farm girl, Laurey Williams. A love triangle ensues when Laurey’s farmhand, Jud, also seeks her affections. Their story is comically offset by a whirlwind romance between Laurey’s friend, Ado Annie, and cowboy, Will Parker. The production include dancing and many memorable songs, including “Oklahoma!” “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin,’” and “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” by the famous classic musical team, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

UW-L’s production of “Oklahoma!” is directed by Mary Leonard with musical direction by Gary Kent Walth and choreography by Kathy Gorman. Leonard, Walth, and Gorman have previously collaborated on UW-L’s productions of “Evita” and “The Full Monty.”

Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, in the box office located in the lobby of the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets. Tickets are $4 for UW-L students, $10 for senior citizens and other students and $12 for others. For reservations, call the box office at 608-785-8522. Gunfire will be used during this performance.

If you go—
What: “Oklahoma!” by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Who: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29-March 1 and March 6-8; 2 p.m. Sundays March 2 and 9
Where: Toland Theatre, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets
Admission: $4 for UW-L students, $10 for senior citizens and other students and $12 for others. For reservations, call the box office at 608-785-8522 beginning Monday, Feb. 25.

A World View of Art Exhibited On Campus
South African printmaking, student's social artwork featured

"Apartheid" Artist statement

Having been awarded an undergrad research grant to study the art form of printmaking in South Africa, I traveled to several universities and community art centers observing printmaking techniques that I could incorporate into my own body of work.

Having been oppressed for so long under apartheid, many of the Blacks have not yet escaped the bonds of poverty, and, therefore, must accomplish their art making using inexpensive and, oftentimes, found materials.

Their style is simple but very direct and results in very powerful images relating to their daily lives and those of their ancestors. As a result, I have tried to make my prints simple, direct, and, hopefully, filled with as much passion as theirs.

- Nels Johnson, artist

 Apartheid artwork

Artwork from halfway around the world will be displayed at UW-L during the first week of March.

UW-L art majors Nels Johnson and Maggie Lach traveled to South Africa last summer as part of an undergraduate research grant to study printmaking.

While there, the two visited various studios and arranged for prints from the Artists Proof Studio in Johannesburg to be sent to La Crosse.

The exhibit runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, March 7, in 334 Center for the Arts. The show will also feature prints by UW-L students.

During the exhibit, Johnson and Lach will give demonstrations of their research and explain their newly-founded printing techniques. Also, printmaking classmates will demonstrate their printmaking skills.

The exhibit and demonstrations are free and open to the public. Prints from both continents will be available for purchase. Proceeds will be returned to Johannesburg to help develop programs to teach printmaking techniques to underprivileged artists to help them develop their skills.

Social Art on Exhibit Too

If you go—
What: Art exhibit from Johannesburg
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, March 7
Where: 334 Center for the Arts
Admission: Free.
Also: Social Art Exhibition featuring UW-L student work, Monday-Friday, March 3-7, hallways adjacent to