September 2006

8th Congressional District candidates to debate Oct. 26 at UW-Green Bay

GREEN BAY - The Republican and Democratic candidates for the 8th Congressional District seat in Northeastern Wisconsin have agreed to a debate Thursday, Oct. 26 at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Republican candidate John Gard and Democratic candidate Steve Kagen will respond to questions from a panel of state and local journalists to be named later.

The hour-long debate will begin at 7 p.m. in the Phoenix Rooms of UW-Green Bay's University Union. The event is free and open to the public.

Gard and Kagen, winners of their party primaries Sept. 12, are competing for the 8th Congressional District seat being vacated by Congressman Mark Green, who is running for Wisconsin governor. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Sponsors of the debate include the UW-Green Bay College Democrats and Republicans student organizations, Project VOTE of Brown County and WisPolitics.com, which will tape the debate for later Webcast. State and area news media also will be invited to cover the event.

With Green vacating the 8th Congressional District seat, the 8th District race is considered one of the most competitive in the country this year. It is receiving extensive national attention.

(06-177 / 28 September 2006 / SH)

UW-Green Bay welcomes selection for energy independence program

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is one of four UW System campuses selected to take part in a pilot program to make the campuses energy independent within the next five years.

At a news conference today at UW-Green Bay, Gov. Jim Doyle announced that UW System campuses at Green Bay, Oshkosh, River Falls and Stevens Point will participate in the statewide energy initiative. The campuses selected have been leaders in energy conservation and sustainability.

The four campuses will work with the state Department of Administration's Division of State Facilities to identify and implement technologies to move the campuses toward energy independence.

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard said he is pleased that UW-Green Bay will be part of the program aimed at promoting energy self-sufficiency.

"UW-Green Bay has a long and proud history of commitment to environmental awareness and efficient use of energy," he said. "It's only appropriate that we help pave the way for a more sustainable future."

Shepard noted that UW-Green Bay's Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, the campus's showcase academic building that opened in 2001, has been cited for its sustainable-design features. He also said UW-Green Bay was the first campus in the UW System to install a solar energy system to heat its indoor swimming pool.

This summer, Shepard appointed a Campus Sustainability Committee to include a focus on best management practices based on leadership in energy efficiency and environmental design. A recommendation to create the committee was included in the new UW-Green Bay Master Plan, or long-range development plan.

Shepard said the leadership of UW-Green Bay students has helped the University maintain its emphasis on sustainability. The most recent example of the students' role was in the development of the new Master Plan.

"It's clear that an ongoing commitment to sustainability is something our students value," Shepard said.

UW System President Kevin Reilly joined Gov. Doyle and Chancellor Shepard at today's news conference.

(06-176 / 27 September 2006 / SH)

Laboratory Sciences lounge to be named for early UW-Green Bay administrator

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will name a popular student lounge in the Laboratory Sciences building for a distinguished educator who was one of the UW-Green Bay's first administrators.

The Robert H. Maier Student Lounge will be located on the first floor of the Laboratory Sciences building, which was expanded and renovated in 2004.

Robert H. Maier joined UW-Green Bay as assistant chancellor for instruction and research in 1967, one year before the University began offering classes as a four-year institution. He was promoted to vice chancellor in 1969.

Maier, who left UW-Green Bay in 1979 to become vice chancellor at East Carolina University, died in October 2005.

A generous gift from Maier's family has led to the creation of a scholarship fund in his name to benefit UW-Green Bay students.

Chancellor Bruce Shepard said he is pleased that the Maier name will continue to be connected with UW-Green Bay.

"Dr. Maier is an important figure in the history of this university," Shepard said. "We greatly appreciate what he did for UW-Green Bay and also the generosity his family has shown to our university and students."

Maier was UW-Green Bay's second employee - Chancellor Emeritus Edward W. Weidner being the first - and was the first staff member Weidner hired.

Weidner recalled interviewing Maier in Los Angeles at the time of the first Super Bowl game, which was played in January 1967 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Green Bay Packers won the game.

The Robert H. Maier Student Lounge will be formally named in a ceremony at the lounge at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28.

(06-175 / 25 September 2006 / SH)

UW-Green Bay dining area to be named for Leona Cloud

GREEN BAY - In recognition of a longtime supporter and distinguished graduate, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will name the main dining area in the University Union the Leona Cloud Commons.

UW-Green Bay is honoring Leona Cloud for her involvement with the University and community and for her generous financial support of the Kress Events Center.

The dining area will be named and dedicated at a ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27.

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard thanked Mrs. Cloud for her generosity and support of the University, particularly of the Kress Events Center.

"Leona Cloud has been a great friend and supporter of Green Bay's University of Wisconsin," Shepard said. "We are proud that her name will be connected with one of our campus's most popular spots."

Mrs. Cloud and her husband, the late Walter R. Cloud, joined the UW-Green Bay Founders Association in 1975 and were members for many years. They also supported the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts and the University's first capital campaign.

More recently, her gift for UW-Green Bay's newest classroom building, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, furnished the Cloud Lounge, a gathering place for students. She also was an early and generous supporter of the Kress Events Center, the renovated and expanded Phoenix Sports Center. The sports and events center will open in fall 2007.

Mrs. Cloud is an alumna of UW-Green Bay, having graduated in 1980 after returning to school as an adult student. She earned a degree in Human Development with high honors.

In May 2005, she received a UW-Green Bay Chancellor's Award for service to the University and the community.

(06-174 / 25 September 2006 / SH)

Institute presents 'Boys in Crisis' topic at annual Fall Conference

GREEN BAY - The Institute for Learning Partnership's eighth annual Fall Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will address the gender gap issue of "Boys in Crisis," with a keynote address by international expert, educator and author Paul Slocumb.

The conference, which will be held Oct. 4 and 5, also will feature hands-on, interactive workshops for educators, parents and community members.

Slocumb will give the conference keynote address at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the Phoenix Rooms of the UW-Green Bay University Union. The next day, he will lead a hands-on interactive workshop for educators at UW-Green Bay and a parent/community workshop at the Neville Public Museum.

Slocumb is the author of the book Hear Our Cry: Boys in Crisis (2004, aha! Process, Inc.), and, with Ruby Payne, the co-author of the book Removing the Mask: Giftedness in Poverty (2000, aha! Process). He is a career educator, author and consultant and has extensive knowledge and experience working with boys in crisis and gifted and talented students from disadvantaged families.

Prior to Slocumb's keynote address, candidates and graduates from UW-Green Bay's graduate program in Applied Leadership in Teaching and Learning and those in the Institute's Professional Development Certificate program will display and discuss their recent research. The Green Bay Boy Choir will perform at 6:50 p.m., just prior to Slocumb's address.

New this year is a one graduate credit option in conjunction with the Fall Conference.

For more information on the credit option, go to www.uwgb.edu/educationoutreach, select Fall 2006 courses, and click on 'Boys in Crisis'. Or, contact Annie in the UW-Green Bay Outreach Office at (920) 465-2480, toll free at (800) 892-2118, or via e-mail at lietzowa@uwgb.edu.

For more information on the Fall Conference, contact Juliet Cole at (920) 465-5094.

The Institute for Learning Partnership is a collaborative effort to improve the quality of teaching and learning in Northeastern Wisconsin. Partners include UW-Green Bay, technical colleges of Northeastern Wisconsin, CESA 7, CESA 8, St. Norbert College, education associations, the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education program, and many other entities.

(06-173 / 21 September 2006 / SB)

Informational sessions announced for UW-Green Bay Adult Degree Programs

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is holding free informational sessions this fall for working adults interested in learning about UW-Green Bay's Adult Degree Programs.

Sessions will be held on the UW-Green Bay campus, 2420 Nicolet Drive, on Wednesday Sept. 27, Thursday, Oct. 26, and Tuesday, Nov. 14. All sessions will be in Room 204 of Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

UW-Green Bay's innovative and convenient Adult Degree Programs make a bachelor of arts degree accessible to nontraditional adult students who have heavy work and family responsibilities.

The information sessions cover a wide range of topics such as starting and returning to college as an adult student, support services for adult students, program costs and financial aid, credit for life learning and how to get started.

Adult Degree students attend half-day Saturday classes and work independently between classes. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention.

Additional informational sessions are being scheduled this fall in Marinette and Shawano. Dates, times and locations for the Marinette and Shawano sessions will be announced later.

For more information about UW-Green Bay Adult Degree Programs or to register for the informational sessions, call (920) 465-2423 or (800) 621-2313 or e-mail adultdegrees@uwgb.edu. Online pre-regisatration is available at http://www.uwgb.edu/adultdegrees/html/info/newsEvents/infoSessions.aspx.

(06-172 / 20 September 2006 / SH)

Tickets for UW-Green Bay performances available through new service

GREEN BAY - Tickets for all performing arts events at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay are now available for purchase through a new university ticketing service.

University Ticketing Services (UTS) combines the expertise of the former ticket office of the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts and the central location and services of the University Information Center in the UW-Green Bay University Union.

University Ticketing Services handles ticketing for events in the Weidner Center's Cofrin Family Hall and Jean Weidner Theater, the University Theater in Theatre Hall and other on-campus venues.

Single and season tickets are available for events planned by the UW-Green Bay Theater and Music programs, the nonprofit Weidner Center Presents, Inc., the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra and Good Times Programming, the student organization that coordinates student life programming at UW-Green Bay.

UTS is located at the University Ticketing & Information Center on the ground floor of the University Union.

Tickets are available for purchase at the ticket center, by phone at 465-2217 or (800) 328-8587, or online at www.uwgb.edu/tickets. Maps of the UW-Green Bay campus, parking information, seating charts and a calendar of events also are available at the Web site.

For more information about University Ticketing Services, contact Lynn Rotter at 465-2217, visit the University Ticketing & Information Center or send an e-mail to tickets@uwgb.edu.

(06-171 / 20 September 2006 / SH)

Van Gruensven appointed human resources director at UW-Green Bay

GREEN BAY - Sheryl Van Gruensven has been appointed director of human resources and affirmative action at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The appointment is effective immediately.

Van Gruensven has been in the position in an acting capacity since October 2005. She joined UW-Green Bay as human resource manager in 2004 from a position as human resource manager with a Wausau law firm.

The director of human resources and affirmative action is responsible for the planning, administration, leadership, and development of human resources, payroll and affirmative action units at UW-Green Bay.

Van Gruensven has a bachelor's degree in human resources management from Upper Iowa University. She also has an associate degree in paralegalism from Chippewa Valley Technical College.

She is certified as a senior professional in human resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute.

(06-170 / 20 September 2006 / SH)

UW-Green Bay contributes to new
'Atlas of Breeding Birds'

GREEN BAY - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay faculty, staff and students played important roles in the development of the recently published Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Wisconsin.

The atlas, a project of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, is believed to be the largest natural history survey ever conducted in Wisconsin. The 602-page, full-color book documents the work of more than 1,600 field observers. It details distribution and general information for 237 species of Wisconsin birds.

Among the purposes of the atlas are to provide a permanent record of the bird species breeding in Wisconsin, provide data for monitoring future changes in bird populations, assess habitat needs of breeding species, help in land-use planning, and assist industry in preparing environmental impact assessments.

Robert Howe, UW-Green Bay professor of Natural and Applied Sciences and director of the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, initiated the project in 1995 and was co-editor and author of major sections of the book along with Noel Cutright and Bettie Harriman of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology.

Jennifer Davis, research specialist at the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, prepared all species maps and charts and handled Web publication.

Howe and Davis also are among the authors of specific species accounts. Other UW-Green Bay authors include Greg Davis, professor of Natural and Applied Sciences, Amy Wolf, assistant professor of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thomas Erdman, curator of the Richter Natural History Museum, and former students Joel Trick, Joan Elias and John Jacobs.

Photographers who contributed color images for the atlas include Howe, Gary Fewless, curator of the UW-Green Bay Herbarium, and UW-Green Bay student Nick Walton. Dozens of people associated with UW-Green Bay contributed to the project as field observers.

The atlas can be purchased for $40 plus tax and shipping from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. Information on how to purchase the book is available online at www.uwgb.edu/birds/wbba.

Proceeds from sales of the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Wisconsin benefit the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology for student grants, conservation projects and an endowment to support the next atlas in 2015.

(06-169 / 14 September 2006 / SH)

UW-Green Bay to observe
Constitution Day with activities, displays

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will take part in the national observance of Constitution Day with a series of activities and displays during the week of Sept. 17.

Constitution-related displays, a film, a trivia quiz and theme meals will focus attention on the U.S. Constitution.

Constitution Day, founded in 1997 by a non-profit organization, officially is Sept. 17, the date on which the U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787.

"It is an important time to reflect on the document that created the United States government and the subsequent rights and freedoms associated with the Constitution and its amendments such as the Bill of Rights," said Scott Furlong, professor and chair of the UW-Green Bay Public and Environmental Affairs academic unit.

Furlong and Brenda Amenson-Hill, assistant dean for campus life, are coordinating the UW-Green Bay observance.

Furlong will show the film, "The Empire of Reason," at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 in the Christie Theater of the University Union. The 1988 film explores what it would have been like if television had covered the ratification process of the Constitution.

Other highlights of the Constitution Day observance at UW-Green Bay include the following:

• Constitution-related displays may be viewed from Monday, Sept. 18 through Friday, Sept. 22 in the David A. Cofrin Library and the Nicolet Room of the University Union.

• On Monday, Sept. 18, the Freedom Shrine, created by the Exchange Club of Green Bay, will be on public display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the University Union. The Freedom Shrine contains reproductions of numerous historical documents, including the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, The Emancipation Proclamation, the Monroe Doctrine and presidential addresses.

• Through Sept. 23, a trivia quiz at www.uwgb.edu/iia will enable participants to test their knowledge of the Constitution.

• Dining choices in the Union's Nicolet Room on Monday, Sept. 18 will have American themes, including an all-American cookout and a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

(06-168 / 13 September 2006 / SH)

New downtown lecture series to feature UW-Green Bay faculty

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will showcase some of its finest teaching scholars in a new lecture series in downtown Green Bay.

The series, "Downtown Third Thursdays," will provide an opportunity for the community to take part in lifelong learning and learn more about Green Bay's University of Wisconsin. The series also will enhance the city's downtown and strengthen connections between UW-Green Bay and the community.

The series, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Baylake Bank Learning Center in the Baylake Bank City Center.

"Downtown Third Thursdays" will feature UW-Green Bay faculty members talking on a wide variety of topics, ranging from politics to the impact of music on our lives.

The series begins Thursday, Oct. 19 with a timely talk by UW-Green Bay political scientist Scott Furlong about what to expect in the fall 2006 elections. Furlong's talk, "The Political Winds are a-Changin'...Or Perhaps Not," is from 11:15 to 11:55 a.m.

Other lectures in the series include:

• Electronic Bullying: Realities for Children and Adults. Join Fritz Erickson, UW-Green Bay dean of Professional and Graduate Studies, for a talk on tools used in bullying behavior and the impact of bullying on victims. Thursday, Nov. 16 from 11:15 to 11:55 a.m.

• Showcasing Your Assets: The Northeast Wisconsin/Green Bay "Brand." Donald McCartney, senior lecturer in Business Administration, will explore what Green Bay and the surrounding area have done to showcase the community's strengths and what an enhanced image means to the community and business. Thursday, Dec. 14 from 11:15 to 11:55 a.m.

• Romantic Love in America: A brief history and exploration of the importance of love in our culture. Denise Bartell, assistant professor of Human Development, will explore the evolving meaning and importance of romantic love in the United States. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007 from 11:15 to 11:55 a.m.

• A Musical Journey for Life. Cheryl Grosso, professor of Communication and the Arts and Music, will discuss the rigors and rewards of studying music and the impact of classical musicians on life in Northeast Wisconsin. Thursday, March 15, 2007 from 3:40 to 4:20 p.m.

• Sexual Assault Awareness Month: How far have we come? Where are we going? Jolanda Sallman, assistant professor of Social Work and Women's Studies, will provide an overview of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and examine the prevalence and effects of sexual violence and how to respond to and prevent it. Thursday, April 19, 2007 from 3:40 to 4:20 p.m.

The "Downtown Third Thursdays" series is sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor at UW-Green Bay, the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association, Downtown Green Bay, Inc., Olde Main Street, Inc. and On Broadway, Inc. in collaboration with the UW-Green Bay Division of Outreach and Adult Access.

For more information about "Downtown Third Thursdays," call (920) 465-2320 or go online at http://www.uwgb.edu/downtown/.

(06-167 / 12 September 2006 / SH)

UW-Green Bay art exhibition addresses
'global networks'

GREEN BAY - An exhibition of printmaking, photography and digital artworks that address the theme of "Global Networks and Intimate Exchanges" opens Thursday, Sept. 14 in the Lawton Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

The ReFresh Print Biennial II exhibition runs through Oct. 5 in the Lawton Gallery, located in Theater Hall Room 230 at UW-Green Bay.

The exhibition — featuring 60 works of art by 24 artists — opens Sept. 14 with a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Guest curators Sarah Detweiler, assistant professor of Communication and the Arts (Photography), and Christine Style, associate professor of Communication and the Arts (Art), will give a gallery talk at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

According to the guest curators, the world is increasingly viewed as a community where electronic media has reduced distance and isolation. This modern reality mirrors the charge of the exhibition.

"Global Networks and Intimate Exchanges" seeks to show works that represent problems, questions, or ideas that touch one group and ultimately could have an effect on the entire system.

"As we viewed and selected works, we sought images that spoke directly to large global ideas or the antithesis of this — private ideas that relate to people in contemporary society," Detweiler and Style said.

The exhibition will travel from January 2007 to May 2008. Curator of Art Stephen Perkins, who manages the Lawton Gallery, is booking the traveling schedule.

ReFresh Print Biennial II opens the Lawton Gallery's fall 2006 schedule. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

(06-166 / 7 September 2006 / SH)

UW-Green Bay sets records for
enrollment of freshmen, students of color

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay welcomed the largest, most diverse freshman class in the University's history as classes started today for the 2006 fall semester.

UW-Green Bay enrolled 5,371 students, including 1,029 new freshmen, for the first day of classes. The freshman enrollment tops the previous record of 1,025 students set in 1998. Enrollment was bolstered by 536 transfer students.

UW-Green Bay also set records for minority freshmen and undergraduate minority enrollment. Eighty-one students of color are in the freshman class, up from 48 a year ago. Overall, 359 students of color are enrolled for the fall semester, up from 313 in fall 2005.

Sue Keihn, associate provost for student affairs/dean of students, said the overall enrollment figures show a continuing strong demand for a UW-Green Bay education.

As for the enrollment of students of color, Keihn said the strong enrollment this year is the result of numerous years of effort. She noted that applications from students of color have increased 97 percent since 2001.

"It doesn't happen all of a sudden," she said. "This is something that builds over time."

She credited Ron Morris, program manager for multicultural recruiting, for his hard work, persistence and community networking. She also said various pre-college programs are paying dividends.

First-day enrollment figures reported today are a snapshot of UW-Green Bay's enrollment. The University educated 7,165 students from Sept. 1, 2005 through Aug. 31, 2006.

Other facts and figures about UW-Green Bay's fall 2006 student body include:

• The freshman class enters college with an average high school grade-point average of 3.29 (on a 4.0 scale). About 78 percent of new freshmen had a high school grade-point average above 3.5.

• Twenty-two percent of the freshman class graduated from high schools in Brown County. The high school producing the most UW-Green Bay freshmen is Green Bay Preble with 42 students.

• Undergraduate students come from 70 of Wisconsin's 72 counties, 35 states and 25 other countries.

• Students transferring to UW-Green Bay have completed credits at a wide variety of schools, including colleges or universities outside of Wisconsin (38 percent) and other four-year schools in the UW System (35 percent).

• Female students in the freshman class outnumber male students by a margin of 66 percent to 34 percent.

(06-165 / 5 September 2006 / SH)