Friends see sunshine in UW-Green Bay forecast

The year 2001 marks a clear dividing line for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

On one side stands nearly 40 years of history as a growing and innovative, student-centered institution of higher learning. On the other side? The sky's the limit.

Really.

"This University is magnificently positioned to move forward," says Lou LeCalsey. "We are thrilled with the progress that has been made."

LeCalsey, a business leader and chairman of the Chancellor's Council of Trustees, spoke at a recent campus and community gathering at the Weidner Center. He said the new $20 million academic building is only a start. He believes that with prospects for additional new facilities and renewed emphasis on its mission of interdisciplinary, problem-focused education for every student, UW-Green Bay can be a leader in the Midwest and even nationally.

LeCalsey is not alone in that belief.

"We can celebrate where this campus is today," says Rick Beverstein, another business leader and advocate who serves as president of UW-Green Bay's Founders Association. "There have been so many accomplishments. I know we are all proud of this University."

Beverstein and LeCalsey touched on many of those accomplishments during the going-away program May 23 for Chancellor Mark Perkins and Provost Howard Cohen. Both men were recently hired away to begin work July 1 as CEOs for larger universities — Perkins at Towson University near Baltimore, and Cohen for Purdue University Calumet near Chicago.

Success commands attention, as Donald Langenberg, head of the University System of Maryland, observed in appointing Perkins.

"I kept an eye on the Green Bay campus because I have family in Wisconsin," Langenberg said. "I noticed that for much of the 1990s and through today, it has been on a remarkable upswing."

So Towson, with more students and programs, a higher pay scale and a metropolitan East Coast location (important to Perkins, nearer his Virginia and North Carolina family), has a new chancellor. And UW-Green Bay is looking for a replacement.

"I think we know this is a very competitive time to be on the market for an educational administrator," says Prof. Scott Furlong, chairman of the campus search committee, who also notes that in recent years UW System executive salaries have lagged national averages.

"But we also know that UW-Green Bay has a national reputation," Furlong says. "People are excited about the institution and the opportunity. We have excellent candidates who are interested in UW-Green Bay."

That's good. The University is also likely to appoint, in the coming year, its next generation of academic leadership including not only the chancellor and provost but two academic deans, as well.

LeCalsey is among current leadership's biggest boosters. He credits not only Perkins and Cohen, but the extended leadership team, for the University's recent success. From growth at the Weidner Center to full 10-year accreditation, from information technology advances to Lab Sciences remodeling, from the new logo to new student housing, LeCalsey says, "it is a very impressive list."

He expects the University won't miss a beat in moving forward with the change in administrators.

"Transition, yes, but there will be no turning back," LeCalsey says. "The Council of Trustees, the Founders and all our University boards, our faculty, staff and students share the vision of UW-Green Bay as a distinctive, one-of-a-kind institution of higher learning. UW-Green Bay is going to realize its dreams."

Moving Forward …

Here's an abbreviated list of major advances at UW-Green Bay during the last seven years:

• Funding for Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, a $20 million state-of-the-art classroom building to open this fall

• Funding for a planned $17 million remodeling and expansion of the Laboratory Sciences Building

• UW-Green Bay meets its state-assigned enrollment target for six consecutive years (fall 2000)

• Planning proceeds for expansions of the University Union and Phoenix Sports Center (2000)

• UW-Green Bay earns its first, full 10-year accreditation from the North Central Association (1998)

• UW-Green Bay completes a $4.6 million addition to the world-class Weidner Center for the Performing Arts (1998)

• Campus opens its first upscale "apartment suites" housing units (1996, 1998)

• Leadership secures $1.5 million in new, annual state funding for creation of the Institute for Learning Partnership, a national model for teacher preparation (1997)

• The University convenes a blue-ribbon community panel to analyze the highly successful NCAA Division I Phoenix Athletics program and ensure its financial viability (1996)

• Leadership completes a campuswide review of academic program array, with reallocation and reorganization for higher priorities (1995-96)

A man who was present at UW-Green Bay's beginning and helped guide the institution for nearly 30 years as a faculty member and top administrator is returning as interim chancellor.

William Kuepper will lead the institution on an interim basis until a new chancellor is named and arrives on campus. Kuepper gave the Commencement address as part of graduation ceremonies on campus May 19.

Kuepper retired from UW-Green Bay in 1995 after 30 years as a member of its faculty. He served twice as vice chancellor for academic affairs, for a total of 13 years in that position. Between his two terms, he spent two years in Madison with UW System Administration as interim vice president for academic affairs. In 1996, Kuepper moved to Colorado, where he was senior policy adviser with the Higher Education Commission.

The naming of UW-Green Bay's newest academic building for philanthropist Mary Ann Cofrin is fitting, Chancellor Mark Perkins told a gathering last spring.

In fact, given the building's role as the primary UW-Green Bay classroom facility and Mrs. Cofrin's longstanding interest in developing the University and supporting student learning, the fit couldn't be better.

"Mary Ann Cofrin has been a full partner in one of the most remarkable stories of philanthropy in the 150-year history of the University of Wisconsin and the UW System," Perkins said.

Mary Ann Cofrin and her husband, retired physician Dr. David Cofrin, have supported UW-Green Bay initiatives ranging from development of the campus arboretum to construction of the nationally acclaimed Weidner Center for the Performing Arts.

"I'm happy for the University and the progress they're making with this wonderful new facility," Mrs. Cofrin said. "I am delighted to have my name associated with it."

The Cofrins, now retired, reside in Gainesville, Florida. They are parents of five children: David Jr., Paige, Mary Ann, Edith and Gladys.

Mrs. Cofrin lists among her current activities genealogy and local history in and around Gainesville and Alachua County, Florida. She has been a benefactor of projects in education, the arts, and nature preservation. She expressed particular interest in the energy-efficiency design of Mary Ann Cofrin Hall.

Come Tuesday, Sept. 4, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall will be the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for many of the University's students.

The day it opens, the $20 million facility becomes the University's primary classroom facility. It will be home to at least one-third of all classes offered and a good share of the University's academic offices.

"Mary Ann Cofrin Hall will define UW-Green Bay for the 21st century," Chancellor Mark Perkins said at the building's naming ceremony this spring. "Most of the learning that takes place on this campus will take place here."

With 20 classrooms, a variety of special computer-based instruction spaces, and academic program offices, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall will be a destination point for students and the general public alike. Its public resources will include the Richter Natural History Collection, the University Herbarium, and headquarter offices for the new Cofrin Arboretum Center for Biodiversity. The building's courtyard will be the gateway to the arboretum.

Major classrooms are designed to incorporate more than state-of-the-art learning technology. They will also feature risers, chairs, tables and sight lines arranged with input from building users, including UW-Green Bay environmental psychology students and Prof. Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges, a consultant on architectural projects, who offered their ideas on "the perfect classroom."

The facility's impact is expected to extend well beyond campus.

Mary Ann Cofrin Hall is regarded as a regional and national demonstration project for sustainable design and new, energy-generating technology. In April the University hosted an industry conference on efficient building design. Major national trade publications have made mention of the project's cutting-edge use of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

The UW-Green Bay building is the first in Wisconsin to deploy two new BIPV technologies (standing seam metal roof and "vision glass") together to generate electricity. In simple terms, sunlight falling on the building's skin — the walls, roof and windows — generates electricity.

The combined BIPV system will be the largest in the Midwest. The Winter Garden area is the site of the first vision glass installation in the United States.

Wisconsin Public Service Corp. has supported the project for its demonstration value to the thousands of people who work, study or attend events at the University each year. The BIPV technology is expected to save the state an estimated $2,000 in electrical energy costs, and combined with other design elements, result in one-third less energy usage than comparable buildings.

In addition, WPS points out, local roofers, glass installers and electricians gained first-hand experience in the technology, which should promote the use of BIPV systems in construction projects across Wisconsin.

Other notable aspects of the "green" design of Mary Ann Cofrin Hall include the use of renewable finishing materials such as cork and bamboo flooring, wool wall carpet, and linoleum; and recycled material including porcelain tile.

Daylighting was a design priority throughout. Skylights, light diffusers and photosensors act together to maximize the use of natural daylight.

A series of grand opening events for Mary Ann Cofrin Hall will be scheduled in conjunction with the building's debut as a classroom facility in September. Public open houses and tours are expected in early fall.

Electric windows: Special panes will generate juice

An innovative energy-generating technology is getting first-in-the-nation use at Mary Ann Cofrin Hall right here on the UW-Green Bay campus.

When the new academic building opens late this summer, visitors to the Winter Garden atrium near the main entrance will notice windows and skylights made up of special glass panels. Called "vision glass," the semi-transparent panels allow some of the daylight to pass and harness the rest for electricity. The energy flows through power-conversion equipment to feed alternating current to the building's electrical loads.

Known in the trade as building-integrated photovoltaics, vision glass technology has received some use in Europe. The installation in Mary Ann Cofrin Hall was made possible through the sponsorship of Wisconsin Public Service Corp, which hopes the demonstration site will spur interest locally. The glass is expected to generate about 12,000 kilowatt-hours of power per year.

High-tech tools send profs back to school

No cutting these classes.

Professors who will be teaching in the new, state-of-the-art classrooms of Mary Ann Cofrin Hall are being urged to sign up for instructional-technology refresher sessions before the fall semester begins the day after Labor Day.

"These new rooms will be a quantum leap beyond anything we have now, in terms of technology," says Robert O'Donnell, media services manager for the University.

A demonstration classroom was opened in a "dust-free" corner of the still-under-construction building, to provide faculty members a place to preview their new tools. Training sessions will be scheduled for late August.

Out are overhead projectors and old-fashioned chalkboards. In are classrooms designed around the "presentation wall" of each space, much like a performing arts theater is designed around its stage.

The new classrooms feature a touch-screen control unit that drives data- and video-projection systems. Included are stereo audio playback systems, speech reinforcement systems, hearing assistance, and control systems for room lighting and daylighting shades. Document cameras replace overhead projectors. Chalkboards are replicated, in a fashion, via dry-erase marker panels below each screen.

New academic building is first since 1974

Remember when the Socio-Ecology Building was new? The Community Sciences Building? The Creative Communications Building? Studio Arts?

If you do, you must have been around UW-Green Bay in the mid-1970s, when dedication ceremonies were held within a few months of each other for the young university's four newest academic buildings.

Since then, SE has become Wood Hall, CS is now Rose Hall, and CC was renamed Theatre Hall. (SA, while still home to some of the University's most avante garde, creative souls, remains, well, plain old SA.) UW-Green Bay enrollment has grown from about 3,800 students to today's 5,500. The ranks of alumni have swelled from barely more than a thousand to today's 19,000.

While the campus has added a number of learning spaces — with classrooms, special instructional studios or satellite labs at the Weidner Center, the University Union, the Phoenix Sports Center, and Residence Life's newest housing units — the $20 million Mary Ann Cofrin Hall is the first new building to be dedicated primarily to classroom use since SE and CS opened in fall 1974.

Phoenix will fly high on new building

The mythical rising Phoenix will be a prominent decorative feature on the exterior of UW-Green Bay's new Mary Ann Cofrin Hall.

A major Green Bay employer has agreed to underwrite the installation of an oversize, etched-glass panel on the building's west fa�ade. The panel will be located near the main entrance and stairwell tower. It will be a visual focal point in and around the central campus, particularly from the vantage point of the new "campus green" created by the construction of Mary Ann Cofrin Hall and its concourse-level links to the library building and university union.

The window featuring the University symbol will measure 8 by 12 feet. An artist's stylized depiction of the window, suggesting the campus proximity to the bay, is being used as a logo (above graphic) for Mary Ann Cofrin Hall and its extensive glass and energy-saving features.

UW-Green Bay gets some pluses and some minuses in the recent Report on Equality for Women issued by a special campus task force.

On the positive side, the report notes:

• Progress in hiring and promoting female faculty;

• No significant pay disparities between men and women for doing the same work;

• Good recruitment of women students in pre-college programs, strong enrollment of women in undergraduate programs and excellent opportunities for women in athletics;

• An array of positive programs to make the learning and working environment more welcoming to women, especially women of color and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.

Challenges to be addressed include:

• Lower retention rates for female faculty and staff than for men;

• A campus climate that is unsupportive to women, according to some faculty and staff members;

• Concerns that some women students, especially non-traditional students, the disadvantaged, and others, have inadequate access to certain majors, courses and information resources;

• Perceptions that the campus lacks policies and services to support balancing work and family life issues that impact women more heavily than men.

The report recommends that UW-Green Bay create an administrative position answerable to the chancellor and a broad-based Chancellor's Advisory Council on Equality for Women to pursue the issues raised.

The report has been forwarded to the executive committees of the faculty, staff and student governance bodies at UW-Green Bay for their reactions and recommendations. A 1998 UW System study asked each campus to develop a plan for improving the status of women.

UW-Green Bay's hopes for additional public funding for the Learning Experience Initiative face an uncertain future after action by the Legislature's chief budget-writing committee.

The Joint Finance Committee voted in June to reject a funding plan that would have provided an additional $750,000 over two years to reduce class sizes and fund other improvements at UW-Green Bay.

The University developed a package of proposed curricular and facilities enhancements that would position the school as a special option within the UW System and the Midwest. The Learning Experience Initiative promises higher retention and graduation rates, and a curriculum that will extend special, personalized learning experiences to every student.

"Our position all along has been that this is the right thing for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and we plan to do it, whether that is right now or in the future," Provost Howard Cohen said. "Politically, it means this is going to be a more difficult challenge."

For UW-Green Bay, it started with the AMCU, continued with the Mid-Con, and took a step forward with the MCC.

Now, add "Horizon" to history's list of Division I conference affiliations for Phoenix Athletics.

Emphasizing the overall development of the student-athlete, the nine-member Midwestern Collegiate Conference announced last month that it had changed its name to Horizon League.

Why? Horizon officials say the new name and logo symbolize the celebration of past academic and athletic successes and community involvement, as well as a new perspective that takes a long-term view of the college student-athlete's journey through not only the college years, but his or her entire life.

The Horizon League is made up of Butler, Cleveland State, Detroit Mercy, Loyola-Chicago, Illinois at Chicago, UW-Green Bay, UW-Milwaukee, Wright State and newly added Youngstown State.

The man who was UW-Green Bay's second in command is the school's second administrator selected to head a new campus.

Dr. Howard Cohen was named chancellor of Purdue University Calumet, a comprehensive regional university of about 9,000 students located in Hammond, Indiana, just southeast of Chicago.

Cohen served as provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at UW-Green Bay since 1995. He was the chief academic officer reporting to the chancellor and the chief operating officer, overseeing student services, information services, planning and budget as well as the academic programs.

He listed among his major accomplishments leadership of the "CAPE I" and "CAPE II" evaluations of the academic program array, and of the Task Force on the Compelling Idea, which focused planning for future growth on academics and the student learning experience.

A ritual object with roots in the Middle Ages is brand-new at UW-Green Bay.

The University's first mace — a ceremonial staff signifying authority — was unveiled at spring commencement.

While the first maces were spiked clubs used to smash armor, today's versions are art works used in civic and academic ceremonies, typically at larger universities in the United States.

The UW-Green Bay mace has at its top a phoenix standing upon a representation of an ancient astronomical instrument, in this case bearing images of the Milky Way and the double helix of DNA. The bottom of the mace is removable to permit insertion of a ceremonial document.

The University's first three chancellors — Edward Weidner, David Outcalt and Mark Perkins — signed the document during May's dedication ceremonies. The mace was a gift from Perkins, his wife, Carolyn, and their daughters, Patricia and Diana.

UW-Green Bay shares in $6 million EPA grant

UW-Green Bay will collaborate in a $6 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop and test environmental indicators for the coastal and near-shore regions of the Great Lakes. The UW-Green Bay portion of the grant is nearly $1.4 million, according to Prof. Robert Howe, director of the Cofrin Arboretum Center for Biodiversity and a co-principal investigator on the project. Of that portion, $249,775 is designated for a study of birds and amphibians that will take place at UW-Green Bay and the remainder will be subcontracted out for other aspects of the study. It is one of the most ambitious studies of the Great Lakes ecosystem ever attempted.

Wilson joins UW-Green Bay as Advancement leader

A senior paper-company executive with longstanding ties to the Green Bay community is the new Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement at UW-Green Bay.

Charles D. Wilson was selected this spring to lead the institution's fundraising, advocacy, alumni, marketing and communications functions.

Says Wilson, "Having a top-tier university in Green Bay is important not only for our students and for those who personally experience our cultural and educational outreach offerings, it is vital to the long-term economic health of this region."

Wilson held the position of vice president of public affairs for Fort Howard Corporation. During a decade with Fort Howard in Green Bay, he was active with the United Way and other charitable organizations. He relocated to suburban Chicago and retained the title of vice president of public affairs when merger created the Fort James Corporation in 1997.

"I am absolutely delighted to be able to return to Northeast Wisconsin," Wilson says. "I enjoy the Green Bay community and have a deep appreciation for the role that UW-Green Bay can play."

Students' late-night hangout is … the library!

New, late-night study hours at the Cofrin Library this past spring were a quiet success. On some nights, as many as 75 students used the library's study areas during the midnight hours. (The library pushed back its closing time from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the request of students.) There is also interest in even later hours. Student leaders are asking for a dedicated 24-hour study area when the next remodeling takes place at the University Union.

UW-Green Bay admissions picture remains tight

Know a potential future Phoenix? The best counsel, as always, is "apply early." Facing its tightest enrollment picture in nearly a decade, UW-Green Bay stopped accepting most new-freshman applications in February to keep from exceeding fall 2001 targets. The cutoff was the second-earliest on record. The limits do not apply to transfer students, re-enrolling former UW-Green Bay students and from students in the Extended Degree, nursing completion and graduate programs.

Student groups buy air-pollution reduction

The Public and Environmental Affairs Council and Round River Alliance pooled $225 and purchased one ton of sulfur dioxide emission allowance in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2001 sulfur dioxide allowance auction. The student groups will retire the allowance so that it won't be emitted into the earth's atmosphere.

Wilson-Doenges is spring 'Featured Faculty'

Prof. Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges of the Urban and Regional Studies (psychology) unit won the Faculty Development Council's "Featured Faculty" award for spring semester 2001. The award recognizes outstanding teaching.

Checked the Web Cam lately?

If you're an Inside reader from out of town — even if you're a UW-Green Bay employee whose office overlooks the new-building construction — don't forget you can get some neat views of the new Mary Ann Cofrin Hall via the Wisconsin Public Service Corp. webcams atop the library. Today's views are at http://www.buildingsolar.com/webcam.asp

Jackson and Moore are new SGA leaders

Joanelle Jackson and Priscilla Moore won election this year as president and vice president of the UW-Green Bay Student Government Association. Election officials believe the vote resulted in one of the best turnouts in campus history, with nearly one in four of the school's 5,500 registered students casting ballots.

Basketball: That was one tough schedule

Tickets go on sale soon for Phoenix men's and women's basketball. The women's team and Coach Kevin Borseth are coming off a year in which they made their fourth consecutive post-season appearance (this time, the Women's NIT) and recorded their 24th consecutive winning season. For Mike Heideman and the Phoenix men, the schedule can't be any tougher than last year. Five of the 15 teams that visited the Brown County Arena made the "Big Dance," and only the Wisconsin Badgers failed to make it out of the first round. Kent State, Hampton and Butler all won their NCAA openers, and Gonzaga (a loser to the Phoenix) won twice to reach the Sweet 16. For ticket info, call Marilyn McCarey at (920) 465-2625.

Riopelle, LeCalsey receive chancellor's honors

Chancellor Mark Perkins, left, presented special awards at commencement to two community supporters. Lou LeCalsey, chairman of the Chancellor's Council of Trustees, and council member Virginia Riopelle received Chancellor's Awards of merit for their service to the institution.

Tour focused attention on PSC needs

Limitations of the Phoenix Sports Center were the topic when key community supporters and others were given a tour of the PSC prior to a women's basketball home game vs. Butler. Visitors were shown workout areas, locker rooms and storage space and told how space deficiencies are causing headaches in terms of student rec programs, NCAA Division I athletics, and student recruitment. Renovation and expansion of the PSC was identified as a priority in the Campus Life for the 21st Century Report, and earmarked for planning money in the UW System capital budget.

Institute for Learning publishes first book

A new book aimed at improving preparation for mathematics and science teachers has been released by the Institute for Learning Partnership at UW-Green Bay. The "Mathematics and Science Task Force Report" is a collaborative effort by faculty members and local teachers identifying competencies that schools expect of math and science teachers. Prof. Francine Tompkins, director of the Institute, says the project that led to the book will enable educators to make more informed decisions about how to reform teacher preparation programs, adding that it will become the "gold standard" as a model of how to use research to inform practices. The book is available for purchase for $8 through the Institute for Learning Partnership at (920) 465-5555.

Books and Baskets has many winners

This spring's Books and Baskets raffle for the Cofrin Library saw several thousand dollars raised for the library, six delighted winners, and an increase in the size and scope of prize donations from alumni and community supporters. Buying winning tickets were Curt Heuer, Michael Troyer and Illene Noppe of the faculty, student Christi Bushman, and Cliff Van Beek and Arch Johnson of the community.

Daffodil sale is solid gold

UW-Green Bay faculty and staff members put their flowers where their hearts were for the American Cancer Society's spring daffodil fundraiser. The Classified Administrative Support Committee (including volunteers Bev Hendricks of Extended Degree and Carol Wolske of the Dean of Students Office, shown here) raised more than $1,500 to further the fight against cancer. Only American Medical Security and its 1,700 employees, nearly triple the number at UW-Green Bay, made more sales.

UW-Green Bay is home to state's honored poets

Poets Ellen Kort and Denise Sweet of UW-Green Bay have been accorded the highest honors in the world of Wisconsin poetry. Kort, an adjunct faculty member, was selected to serve as the state of Wisconsin's first official poet laureate. Sweet, an associate professor, was one of three finalists and has been named a "commended poet."

Ten longtime professors earn emeritus status

Ten retiring faculty members have received honorary titles traditionally earned in higher education through long service. Receiving Professor Emeritus titles at May commencement were Daniel Alesch, Public and Environmental Affairs/Political Science; Walter Herrscher, Humanistic Studies/English; Joseph Moran, Natural and Applied Sciences/Earth Science; Michael Murphy, Humanistic Studies/English; Jack Norman, Natural and Applied Sciences/Chemistry; and Charles Rhyner, Natural and Applied Sciences/Physics. Karon Winzenz was named Professor Emerita, Communications and the Arts. Associate Professor Emeritus titles went to Bruce Mielke, Information Sciences/Computer Science, and Robert Obenberger, Business Administration. Ann McLean of the Social Work faculty was named Associate Professor Emerita.

Hendrickson named 'Trustee Emerita'

Lamers, Cullen receive top student honors

Highest honors at spring commencement went to two students who grew up within a few miles of the UW-Green Bay campus, achieved academic excellence and also gave back to the University.

David Lamers, of Little Chute, is an elementary education major who received the Outstanding Student Award. Michelle Cullen, of Chilton, is a Human Biology major selected as student commencement speaker. Both students benefited from hands-on internships, field placements and mentoring opportunities as part of their academic programs.

Both Lamers and Cullen devoted a good share of their college careers to advancing the University's cause. They were active in student government, focusing their service on building new facilities and academic options through the Campus Life for the 21st Century Committee and the Learning Experience Initiative.

These alumni got 'Golden Apples'

Two UW-Green Bay graduates were surprised with 2001 Golden Apple awards given by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education. Greg Sauve, Communication and the Arts/Music '71, and Mary Connolly, Bachelor of General Studies '94, were recipients of the awards that recognize professionalism, leadership and innovation in teaching.

1970s

Lynda (Schad) Zeise, Human Biology '71, will follow her long-time dream of becoming a doctor in August when she begins studies at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. She worked for many years as a systems analyst for Schreiber Foods and as a marketing representative for IBM and raised five children, two of whom are doctors. More recently, Zeise prepared for medical school candidacy by earning a master's degree in microbiotics at UW-Oshkosh and volunteering with a local physician and in a hospital emergency department.

Daniel Keegan became director of the San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, Calif., late last year. The 1972 Communication and the Arts graduate had been executive director of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Mo. Before joining the museum world, he taught art, most recently at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Keegan earned his Master of Fine Arts degree at Southern Illinois University.

The Rev. Richard Runge, '74, will soon celebrate his first anniversary as pastor of First Reformed United Church of Christ, Manitowoc. Prior to his Manitowoc pastorate, he was at St. John's UCC, Merton. An Urban Analysis major, he graduated from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Minn.

Bob Lammers, Biology, '74, says he didn't purchase his ultralite powered parachute with the aim of using it for practical purposes on his 2,300-acre grain and vegetable farm near Oostburg, "but it has turned out to be excellent for that." Equipped with a CB radio, business radio and cell phone, Lammers literally stays on top of his business. A hand-held global positioning system unit allows him to pin-point drainage problems, weed patches and other issues to solve back on land. Lammers emphasized plant pathology and ecology in his UW-Green Bay studies. Son James Lammers is a UW-Green Bay senior completing a major in Psychology and minors in Human Development and Theatre.

Maria Hinton, Communication and the Arts '79, works to save the complex and disappearing Oneida Indian language. She is one of a few individuals remaining in Wisconsin who are fluent native speakers. Hinton puts in a five-day work week as a language curriculum developer at the Oneida Nation Elementary School, where one of her responsibilities is teaching the language to teachers. Hinton celebrated her 91st birthday on June 6.

1980s

Tom Diener, Social Change and Development '82, who had a notable UW-Green Bay basketball career, has made his mark as a high school coach too. His Milwaukee Vincent High School teams have won five of the last six state Division I tournaments. Diener was on UW-Green Bay teams in 1979-80 and l980-81 and is still ranked among career leaders in free throw percentage. After graduating, Diener taught social studies for several years. He completed a master's degree in exceptional education at UW-Milwaukee in 1992, the same year he joined the staff at Vincent where he works with exceptional education students. Joyce Fritz incorporated her jewelry and art object business in 2000 as Yipes, Inc. The 1984 Communication and the Arts graduate, whose emphasis was sculpture, began making jewelry from left-over porcelain scraps. She switched to more versatile polymer clay in the late 1980s and since 1993 has worked full time designing and producing fanciful collections of "bug" pins (above), lizard-handled salad tools and other objects produced in limited editions. Fritz designs a new line each year. She sells wholesale only to galleries, museum shops and stores across the U.S.

Joyce Fritz incorporated her jewelry and art object business in 2000 as Yipes, Inc. The 1984 Communication and the Arts graduate, whose emphasis was sculpture, began making jewelry from left-over porcelain scraps. She switched to more versatile polymer clay in the late 1980s and since 1993 has worked full time designing and producing fanciful collections of "bug" pins, lizard-handled salad tools and other objects produced in limited editions. Fritz designs a new line each year. She sells wholesale only to galleries, museum shops and stores across the U.S.

Judy Nighorn, Social Change and Development '84, is a social worker with Unity Hospice in Green Bay. She was a hospice volunteer and says her interest was "what sent me back to school" at UW-Green Bay to get a credential to become a professional. She completed a master's degree in Social Work at UW-Milwaukee.

Michelle Schartner is the bursar at UW-Milwaukee. She earned her degree in Managerial Accounting in 1984. Schartner worked for the former Gold Bond Ice Cream in Green Bay and M&I Trust Co. in Milwaukee before joining the university five years ago. She is working toward a Master of Business Administration degree at Milwaukee. Schartner and Edward Rodriguez, also on the staff at UW-Milwaukee, will soon celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

Mark Brandt, Managerial Accounting '85, has been promoted to manager in the Business Services Group at the Allouez office of Schenck & Associates S.C. Brandt previously worked for Shinners Hucovski & Co., which merged with Schenck & Associates in 1999. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Brandt also is co-owner of the Badger Creek Golf Course, located between New Holstein and Kiel.

Dan Spangler, Communication and the Arts '85, is vice president-affiliate marketing with The WB Television Network. Spangler worked for WBAY-TV in Green Bay while attending UW-Green Bay, then moved to New Orleans where he spent nine years at Fox and WB stations. He worked briefly at a WB station in Atlanta before accepting the position in Los Angeles four years ago.

Sue Premo, '86, received the 2000 Crystal Blossom Award from the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes individuals who have shown particular courage in dealing with life's challenges. Premo, who is legally blind, is manager of the Citizen's Advocacy Program at the Brown County Association for Retarded Citizens. Premo majored in Human Development with a Psychology minor.

George Brown, Business Administration '87, is facilities director for Humana Inc.'s Small Business Group, headquartered in De Pere. He oversees eight office buildings in De Pere, Green Bay, Ashwaubenon and Madison. Brown previously was regional vice president for North Shore Bank.

1990s

John Koch is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He's with the Indianapolis, (Ind.) Neurosurgical Group. A 1990 Human Biology graduate, Koch also completed minors in Chemistry and Nutritional Sciences and graduated from medical school at UW-Madison. He served his internship at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse and was a resident at Indiana University.

Add Bob McDermott, Bachelor of Social Work '91, to the list of alums who work in or own businesses in Green Bay's revitalized Broadway district. After working for several years as a social worker, McDermott says he "switched gears," attended the Urban Hope program for prospective entrepreneurs, and opened McDermott's Dream Celtic Gift Shop on Dousman Street in July 1999.

Dale Larson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '91, soon will observe his first anniversary as director of surgical care services at Sacred Heart Hospital, Chippewa Falls. He has held nursing and leadership positions at institutions in Wisconsin, Florida, and Arkansas.

Stephen Nick, '92, began duties as Eau Claire city attorney late last year. Nick completed majors in Public and Environmental Administration and Political Science at UW-Green Bay and earned his law degree from UW-Madison. He previously was a member of the Bye, Goff and Rohde law firm in western Wisconsin.

Deana Berndt, Business Administration '93, was named Outstanding Restauranteur of the Year by the Green Bay Chapter of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. She is co-owner of the Hardware Caf� on East Mason Street. Her duties include overseeing the cooks and kitchen.

Dan Schulz, '93, is half of "The Dan and Scott Show," the first and biggest Internet-only nightly show that airs on talk-radio website, eYada.com. The show has been featured in a Time Magazine cover story and featured or mentioned by the New York Post, PeopleOnline, ABC News, Entertainment Tonight, and others. Guests span the gamut from Charlton Heston to MTV's Dr. Drew and Zsa Zsa Gabor. Schultz earned his UW-Green Bay degree in Communication Processes.

Andy Beckman '94, blends his interests in history and cars as curator for the Studebaker National Museum, South Bend, Ind. Beckman graduated with a major in History and a minor in Public Administration. He says he comes from a Studebaker family — it was his grandfather's first car, several family members own Studebakers, and his own 1964 Daytona is "undergoing restoration." Beckman is able to pursue his other interest, music, as well. A trombone player with the UW-Green Bay Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble and Pep Band, he now performs with other musically inclined members in a band concert at the Studebaker Driver's Club annual convention.

Jean (Moon) Knaack and James Knaack, both '95, live in Arlington, Va., where Jean is director of finance and operations for RARE Center, an international organization promoting protection of globally significant wildlands, and James is a full-time student in the Law School at George Mason University. Jean's UW-Green Bay degree is in Nutritional Sciences and she later completed a Master of Public Administration degree at George Mason. James earned a master's degree in Environmental Science and Policy at UW-Green Bay and worked for an environmental consulting firm before devoting full time to law studies.

Aric Schmiling '95, was the proud maker of the von Stiehl Winery Johannesburg Riesling that won a gold medal at the American Tasting Institute's Food and Beverage Awards event in March. The wine was the only Riesling recognized out of 22 wine awards. Schmiling completed a major in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis and a minor in Chemistry at UW-Green Bay, and earned a master's degree in enology at Michigan State University.

Peggy Lynn Koss-Martinez, '95, is putting her Spanish major to work at Interact Travel in Green Bay, a business that arranges student tours and home stays in Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica and South America for students of Spanish in grades six through 12. Her job requires traveling to host countries as well as working with teachers in the U.S. to plan trips. Koss-Martinez earned a minor in Secondary Education.

Tracy Yttri, co-owner of The Attic Books & Coffee in downtown Green Bay, will celebrate the first anniversary of the business this summer. The shop specializes in quality used books — and will even conduct searches for out-of-print titles — and a full service coffee bar. Yttri graduated in 1996 with a major in Communication Processes and an Environmental Science minor.

Lenny Pearce, Janesville, Bachelor of General Studies '97, is maintaining a connection with UW-Green Bay through membership in the Friends of the Cofrin Library and has even taken time off to come to Green Bay to volunteer at some Friends events. Because he was a long-distance student, the Library's on-line accessibility was important, says Pearce. "The library was a vast resource for me," he notes. "This is an opportunity to give something back to the University." Pearce is parts manager at Tasch Chevrolet and Buick, Elkhorn.

Several members of the Citizen's Advisory Committee for developing Green Bay's new comprehensive plan have UW-Green Bay in common. Alumni members include Noel Halvorsen, '92, Naletta (Rucinski) Burr, '98, and Quasan Shaw. '97. Faculty members include Professors Marcello Cruz and Thomas Nesslein, both of Urban and Regional Studies, and Dean Rodeheaver, assistant chancellor for planning and budget. Also on the committee is student Kristin Murphy, who is completing majors in Environmental Policy and Planning and Public Administration. Green Bay's comprehensive plan was last updated in 1979.

Two 1994 alumnae have been promoted at The Goltz Seering Agency, a full-service advertising, promotions and public relations firm, Green Bay. Laura Gordon, whose major was Business Administration, has been named promotions director. She completed a minor in Economics. Tori (Elfstrom) Goetz, has been promoted to account executive. Her degree is in Communication and the Arts with an emphasis in integrated communications.

2000s