From finance to TV to law firms, UW-Green Bay puts students to work

In virtually every academic discipline at UW-Green Bay, internships — and experience in practical problem-solving — are part of the college experience.

Prof. Marilyn Sagrillo sees the benefits for students and businesses alike. In her field, accounting, local firms have a long, successful history working with UW-Green Bay students.

"I've had students who've fielded job offers as much as a year and a half before graduation as a result of their internships," she says.

More than 800 UW-Green Bay students have been enrolled in internships for credit since the spring 2001 semester. And that doesn't even count hundreds in programs such as Education and Social Work — where field work is built into the curriculum — or students who pursue internships, sometimes two or three in total, solely for the experience.

"Many students don't need the additional credits for graduation, so some internships will never show up on a transcript," says Linda Peacock-Landrum, director of Career Services. "They just want the hands-on experience."

Peacock-Landrum has been campaigning to convince students of the value of internships since 1998 when she began making presentations on the topic to incoming freshmen. She believes it has made a difference.

Surveys show the number of graduating seniors completing internships is on the rise.

"Internships are a complement to the classroom experience," says Prof. Fergus Hughes, chair of Human Development. In addition to the learning Human Development students gain in their internship settings, they must do research, keep a journal of their experience, and write a 25-page paper to receive credit.

Hughes says Human Development students work in settings that cover the gamut of the human life span, from youth projects to nursing homes. It is among the units with the highest numbers of interns.

"Internships are not required, but are strongly encouraged," says Prof. Scott Furlong, chair of Public and Environmental Affairs, which also has a lot of interns. "Internships give students a chance to explore careers, and hone skills, and it's good for their resumes." Public and Environmental Affairs students may intern in state agencies, local government, nonprofit organizations and law firms.

Prof. Tim Meyer, who teaches electronic media, says internships not only give students an opportunity to try out careers they think they'll like, but to discover what they don't like. "About 20 percent find out it's not what they want to do," he notes.

Meyer says internships also help students decide what further classes they'll need to take to prepare for their careers. Meyer teaches in Communication Processes, which encompasses print and electronic media, public relations, photography and organizational communications and places interns with local TV stations, PR firms and a range of settings. The unit has the largest number of students enrolled in internships for credit. "In my area, internships are absolutely crucial," he says.

Adds Sagrillo, "Internships certainly give students a 'leg up'."

Internship is her 'foot in the door'

This fall, Crystal Pollack, a junior from Ripon, works 20 hours per week in the finance department at Schneider National Inc. headquarters on Packerland Drive. The worksite is crosstown from campus but linked closely to her UW-Green Bay studies.

Pollack's paid assignment at Schneider constitutes an internship. It's more than "related work experience." It's work for academic credit guided by a predetermined list of objectives as mapped out by supervisor Matt Wiskerchen and endorsed by faculty member Ann Selk.

"Internships are very important to accounting majors," Pollack says. "My goals include expanding my knowledge of the world of business. You need more than just book knowledge to be successful."

She describes Schneider as "what I expected and more," with helpful professionals and projects that offer a real-world blend of assignments from routine to challenging. She does weekly "scorecards" and summaries, distributions at the end of the month, and looks at SG&A (selling, general, and administrative) expenses as part of her varied duties.

"This gets your foot in the door to start networking and meeting people," says Pollack, who plans to graduate in May 2005 with enough credits to sit for the CPA exam. "So far, it's been a great experience."

'Alumni 400' make leadership mark

Call it the "Alumni 400" or the "Phoenix 400," but more than 410 UW-Green Bay alumni are owners, CEOs, presidents and corporate leaders in the region and around the country.

A sampling:

M2 Logistics Group De Pere	Perini America Latina Coral Gables, Fla.
Community Medical Care Washington, D.C.	Decision Stat Houston
Quick Signs Green Bay	Flanagin Angiographics Troy, Wis.
Badger Creek Golf Course New Holstein	Bay Towel/Royal Image Green Bay
Click Visuals Green Bay	Prairie Nursery Westfield
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kahului	Broadway Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick Pulaski
Bay Environmental Strategies Green Bay	Green Bay Converting Green Bay
S & R Marine Inc. Pewaukee	F & M Bank- Northeast Green Bay
Appleton International Kimberly	TaylorMade-adidas Carlsbad, Calif.
Goltz & Seering Agency Green Bay	Saturn Corporation Grosse Point Park, Mich.
Aventis Business Solutions San Francisco	Oxford's Cafe and Pub Green Bay
Equity Enterprises, Inc. Milwaukee

Talking business

We have at least five or six employees who are UW-Green Bay graduates. If it came down to hiring a Green Bay graduate and someone else with similar strengths and experience, we'd hire the UW-Green Bay student. People from this area realize what it takes to live and work in this community. It's important that if we spend the resources to help them develop their careers that they stay with us.
— Rick Chernick,'74, CEO, President, Camera Corner/Connecting Point

At First Northern Savings Bank we use the University as a helpful resource. Prof. Phil Clampitt and his students have twice led our employees through attitude surveys that helped lead management to changes employees were suggesting in areas of training, etc. We also know that if we hire somebody out of a local university they already have a flavor for what the local business picture looks like and they'll have some sense of what is going on in the area. We've found UW-Green Bay graduates to be well educated, with good problem-solving skills.
— Mike Meeuwsen, President, CEO, First Northern Savings Bank; President, COO, Bank Mutual Corp.

I think it is very important to have a regional university in this area. It's important considering the nature of the job market these days. People no longer make lifelong careers out of their jobs, they cruise from career to career every five to ten years. It is very important that UW-Green Bay can help people develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills they may need for training in another area.
— Mary Pieschek,'79, President, Public Relations, Inc., Green Bay

One of Schreiber Foods' key business priorities is to attract, develop and retain top-quality employees. UW-Green Bay - and its business program in particular - plays an important role in our ability to do so. It is an excellent pipeline for graduates with a great blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience. It also gives our existing employees easy access to opportunities to continue to learn and grow. On a broader level, having UWGB close by fundamentally enhances the quality of life in the area, making it a more attractive place to live and enjoy a career.
— Jeff Ottum, Senior Vice President-Human Resources, Schreiber Foods, Inc.

Career, classroom come together in pursuit of Management Master's

UW-Green Bay graduate Randy Van Straten is in the business of breaking down walls. Not with wrecking balls or explosives, but with tools equally effective — listening and progressive programming.

An employee of Bellin Health, he specializes in occupational health and workplace wellness, a rapidly growing segment of a competitive, fast-changing industry. He is called upon to be "the eyes and ears" of Bellin as it relates to the health of client organizations and their people.

It's a challenging assignment, but he finds welcome allies in higher education and his own tailor-made academic training. So far, he's on track for an 'A' in helping take more services beyond Bellin's own walls into the workplace.

Van Straten is in many ways representative of the 64 working professionals currently enrolled in UW-Green Bay's Master's of Management degree program, new this fall. University officials launched the program in response to regional demand, and expect enrollment to climb significantly each year.

"My experience was that I didn't have to jump through hoops to make things work out at UW-Green Bay," Van Straten says. "From scheduling classes to making sure our projects can directly relate to the business or organization we serve, this program has been a good fit.

The class I'm in right now, Leadership and Innovation, is an absolute joy because it challenges us to be creative and think outside of the box, and that's what our industry demands of us as well."

Van Straten has mixed school and work, UW-Green Bay and Bellin, his whole life. He started with the hospital as a night maintenance worker while earning his bachelor's in human biology, in 1986. His progression took him from maintenance to recreation to manager of Bellin's Health Connection, prior to heading up the occupational health area.

When he decided that master's degree training would help him keep pace, he sought a dynamic program with a desire to be relevant to students' careers. He found it at UW-Green Bay.

The management program's launch was timely. Although Bellin has been involved with occupational health for a decade, it wasn't until about two years ago that Van Straten and company began to lead the organization in a new direction. Rather than making clients come to Bellin for health services, Bellin began to make house (or, more accurately, business) calls. v "We literally began to pack up a vehicle with physical therapists and equipment and deliver services to where our clients needed it most — at the workplace," he says.

Bellin's "Occupational Health Solutions," headed by Van Straten, quickly expanded to many services including injury management, rehabilitation, drug test management, compliance, health and wellness, and worksite services including immunizations and physical therapy.

Says Van Straten, "The (master's) program gives me both a new perspective, and hard evidence, for being innovative in our offerings and for making positive change in the community."

Accounting alumnus moves from back row to head of the class

When Steve Muzatko, '85, was a UW-Green Bay senior, his accounting professor, Karl Zehms, told the class of 30 students that each of them should consider continuing on for a Ph.D. A regular in the back row, Muzatko recalls looking around the room at the other 29 students and considering himself the least likely to follow through on Zehm's suggestion.

Muzatko, Professor Muzatko that is, now makes his home in front of the class, as an assistant professor of Business Administration, teaching classes like Intermediate Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Information Systems.

"I think about the success that some of us who sat in the back row have had since we graduated — professor, attorney, CFO of a bank and a busi- ness owner, of the few I've kept in contact with — and I've thought, 'Wow! I wonder what those front row people, the smart ones, are up to.'"

Muzatko worked as an accountant in the private sector for 10 years before giving a master's degree a try. It was then that he found a renewed passion for learning, and a desire to attain his Ph.D. He earned the degree, at UW-Madison, and returned to his alma mater. He is the first grad of UW-Green Bay's Business Administration program to return as a professor.

It's a winning situation. Muzatko notes many local firms are run by UW-Green Bay graduates.

"Our students have opportunities to form relationships with many firms well before they graduate through social events, career fairs, et cetera," Muzatko says. "It's extremely rare when an accounting student graduates from here and can't find employment."

Muzatko experienced first-hand validation of his own Green Bay education.

"When I sat in a roomful of other Ph.D. candidates, from many different undergraduate institutions, I realized they didn't have anything on me in regard to academic grounding and preparedness," he says. "And since, I've come to appreciate that more than ever, and appreciate what this campus and community has to offer.

Jay Kramer (class of '82), CPA and partner with Virchow Krause & Company, Green Bay, agrees.

"We've had an on-going relationship with UW-Green Bay in excess of 10 years and have had great success with intern candidates, many, in fact, that are then hired on a full-time basis," Kramer says. "UW-Green Bay students come to us well prepared with good attitudes."

As for Muzatko, who makes his campus home at Wood Hall 460, it's a short walk to, but a long way from, his old seat in the back of the room.

'We serve the region'

"It's such an exciting time to be back with the University... We are the type of program that serves the region. We have good students, well-prepared students, who will be happy with careers in Northeast Wisconsin. When the Chancellor emphasizes that we are a regional institution, serving the needs of this community, it gives us gratification that we're heading in the right direction. Yet we've also had tremendous success with students landing jobs outside the region, particularly Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Chicago."
— Prof. Steve Muzatko, Accounting/Business

Accounting for success

"The accounting professors at UW-Green Bay as well as the career services people... they've done a wonderful job preparing the students to work with us. We have at least 15 UW-Green Bay alumni working with us full time. Typically we like to have anywhere from one to four UW-Green Bay students interning with us at any given time."
— Donna Van Dyke, CPA, Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP, Appleton Office

"Schenck and Associates have an office in Green Bay and eleven throughout the state. I travel all over the UW System recruiting interns and employees and I can say I'm very impressed with the UW-Green Bay accounting program and the UW-Green Bay students that come out of it. They have been very successful with us. I think a large part of that success is the individual attention that professors offer their students."
— Richard Marshall, Human Resource Consultant, Schenck & Associates SC

Student dreams flower thanks to Roses, donors

When Rachel Abhold graduates from UW-Green Bay in a few years, she plans to pursue a law degree, but her most immediate challenges include balancing her studies, activities and the need to earn money to pay for college.

Rachel Abhold, meet John M. and Meredith B. Rose. The longtime friends of the University, prominent in the community's banking and financial industry and famous for civic involvement, help make Abhold's dreams — and those of 22 other students this academic year — affordable, through their contributions to a UW-Green Bay scholarship fund.

The Meredith B. and John M. Rose Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic achievement. The Rose awards are representative of 44 named endowed scholarships benefiting more than 120 students annually. Abhold, a political science major, is grateful for the Roses' generosity, which frees her to be active in student government, Circle K, Phi Eta Sigma and the Public and Environmental Affairs Council. "I think it is really great that people are willing to give scholarships. It does make a big difference and it is recognition for hard work that often goes unnoticed. It makes me feel like I am making a difference," she says.

Founders' help is vital to UW-Green Bay

The Founders Association has supported the University through philanthropy and advocacy since 1973. Gifts to the Founders go directly to support the University's academic mission by funding programs such as student scholarships, named professorships, and activities including admissions initiatives, faculty development, merit-based scholarships and special programs that enrich the lives of students and enhance teaching.

The Association Awards program annually recognizes up to six faculty and staff, for excellence in teaching, scholarship, academic support, institutional support, community outreach and administrative support. This year's recipients were Don McCartney, Theodor Korithoski, Ismail Shariff, Harvey Kaye, Karen Swan and Dolores Brault.

Why biggest? Reasons both typical, 'special'

Has been, is now, and perhaps always will be true: Ask a UW-Green Bay student his or her major and the most common response is likely to be "Business Administration."

The numbers represent neither a majority or even a decisive plurality — the University's enrollment of 5,300 is actually distributed rather evenly among nearly 40 majors across a wide spectrum — but with 425 declared majors and at least 200 minors, business has a clear lead.

Its position atop the popularity poll is typical for a university of UW-Green Bay's size, type and service area.

"Many students and their families regard business as a good, solid choice," comments Dr. Jane Muhl, who oversees professional studies and outreach as interim dean. "They identify business and our areas of emphasis — marketing, finance, management — as being applicable to a number of familiar career fields."

Students and graduates have distinguished themselves. A few years ago, graduating seniors scored in the top 15 percent, as a group, on a national standardized test. The Accounting program has long been proud of its CPA pass rate. And while current and future leaders come from every academic area, Business Administration is well represented on what a recent records check revealed to be the "Phoenix 400" list of alumni in executive positions.

Prof. Karl Zehms, program chairperson, sees distinctive value in UW-Green Bay's version of the degree that is offered at most colleges and universities nationwide.

"First, this is a special university - the interdisciplinary aspect of seeing things from different perspectives and the fact we emphasize hands-on problem-solving. These things hold true for people in our business and accounting programs," Zehms says.

"Second, this is a special community. It's a regional hub with a diversified economy, in transportation and manufacturing and healthcare and tourism and communication, right on down the line. There are just so many opportunities for our students and graduates."

Regional impact

The list of those employing UW-Green Bay alumni mirrors the list of largest local employers. About 75 percent of current students are local, and most stay local following graduation. The following is approximate data; actual numbers could be higher.

Green Bay Area School District - 254
Schneider National - 168
UW-Green Bay - 133
Humana - 123
Wisconsin Public Service - 109
Brown County - 104
Bellin Health - 101
St. Vincent Hospital - 89
American Medical Security - 74
Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin - 53
Georgia-Pacific - 50
Shopko Stores - 46
Associated Banc-Corp - 45
Schreiber Foods - 43
Family Services - 41
Howard-Suamico School District - 39
Thrivent (formerly AAL) - 39
KI - 39
City of Green Bay - 36
St. Mary's Hospital - 35
Procter and Gamble - 33

Getting aggressive vs. hackers, bandwidth hogs

When it comes to securing the Internet, UW-Green Bay is taking a cutting-edge approach that heads off problems before they can occur. It's also saving the University money — to the tune of more than $100,000 a year.

According to David Kieper, networks and infrastructure manager, the University made major advances this year in Internet security with the use of Check Point security technologies. Check Point, an industry leader, touts UW-Green Bay as one of its success stories.

Kieper, a 1979 graduate, says the new technologies provide greater control over what goes on with all desktop computers on campus and make the UW-Green Bay network a difficult target for hackers." We're being very proactive in keeping the Internet secure," he says.

With a large amount of bandwidth to the Internet, excellent public access and databases galore, UW-Green Bay is a "prime target" for intruders looking to cause mischief. Kieper estimates the University network often gets several hundred probes a day from the outside and a growing number from beyond U.S. borders.

UW-Green Bay also must protect itself from internal overuse. For example, students could bog down the network by downloading music and playing online games. With bandwidth restrictions now in place, it takes four hours to download a song that once could be downloaded in about four minutes. Improved management of bandwidth, which determines the rate at which information can be transmitted, has produced substantial savings for the University.

"If we didn't have it, we would be spending $130,000 more a year for the Internet," he says, not to mention staff savings when misuse is prevented rather than investigated after the fact.

UW-Green Bay art student 'rocks' City Hall

The summer action of UW-Green Bay senior Mike Cepress may have paved the way for a growing arts culture in his hometown of Wausau. Now the art education major hopes to motivate similar action on this campus and in the Green Bay community.

When the city of Wausau, and its local paper, called for young people to stay in the community and help make it special, Cepress took it personally. Disappointed over the lack of youth activities in the area, the young rocker and leader of his band, Mike Cepress and the Shakin 78s, proposed a four-band, free rock concert in the city square — a regular venue for public events and activities. It wasn't an earth-shattering proposal, but Cepress saw it as a way to begin to improve the culture for young people in the Wausau area.

"I thought it was a great idea and perfect timing," Cepress said. "Just a week before I made the request, the paper had written this huge feature about the how the youth of Wausau were leaving the area and the population of people ages 18 to 30 was shrinking. They were exploring activities that could help retain this age group as future leaders of the community."

Cepress lined up three other bands that would play for free, and made a request to the Wausau/Marathon County parks to reserve use of the stage in the square.

Despite his good intentions, a local official denied the request, reacting to, "a paper description of the event (and) a picture identification of a person (Cepress) who looks quite young, (with) shoulder-length hair."

Cepress persisted, despite being cautious over what he sensed was a subtle form of age discrimination. Through conversation, Cepress convinced the park authority to give the event a shot. He also rallied support from the local community and area business leaders, who pledged donations of time, staging, sound system and publicity. But Cepress was then told he would need a special events permit and a $1/2 million insurance policy. He met with the Boys and Girls Club — an organization that agreed to pay for the permit and insure the event, because it so closely matched the mission of the club — to provide safe and fun youth-oriented activities to the Wausau community.

Finally, five weeks later and with only two days left before the original requested date, the City Council gave approval for the concert. Cepress and friends handed out as many posters and flyers for the event that they could in the short time left, and the bands performed in front of an estimated audience of 400 people. A figure he hopes will grow steadily with a repeat performance in 2003.

"We gave a great show — a four-hour show," Cepress says. "Since we're a rockabilly band, we played to a wide audience, from grade schoolers to senior citizens. The other bands played punk, ska and rock. The event went so smoothly. It was a success on many levels.

More importantly, Cepress held to his convictions.

"I think an artist's job is to create and then put what they've created out in the community where people can see it. That goes for music or ceramics. It's not art until people have had a chance to look at it, feel it, listen to it and interpret it.

"The same goes on this campus. I want to get the art out of the studios and the dorm rooms and the closets for people to see it. I think in this community and on this campus, we're much like Wausau. We see bits and pieces and events, but there is not 'a scene.' We need to improve the culture."

Art start

With a mission to get UW-Green Bay students' artwork out of studios and residence halls and in front of the public, Art Agency co-chairs Mike Cepress and Brian Berggren turned to community partner Goltz Seering.

The advertising and public relations firm worked with Art Agency to decorate its lobby area with original artwork by UW-Green Bay students. Soon A.G. Edwards, a financial services company, made a similar request.

Getting student artwork into the community has been our goal," says Cepress, a visual and performing arts activist. "Any venue to get our work seen is a positive for us. It's what art is supposed to be, a form of expression, to be seen and interacted with."

More campus news

Edible emblem!

It was Cyndie Shepard's idea to use her Phoenix cookie cutters (received as a gift) to create the treats for the Inaugural reception earlier this fall.

Multiplying her favorite recipe, right, by 45 — that's 135 eggs, 67 cups of sugar and 24 pounds of butter — she and helpers baked and sprinkled about 1,600 edible emblems.

The involvement of student volunteers, the whimsical touch and the no-frills, low-cost practicality were all in keeping with the style of Cyndie's husband, Bruce, in being installed as the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's fourth chancellor.

Phoenix Cookies
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Mix together first 4 ingredients. Sift together flour, soda, salt and cream of tartar. Mix all together into soft dough. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Roll out on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes or until golden.

Master's in Social Work is new in 2003

Set to begin next fall is UW-Green Bay's newest master's program, in Social Work. Only a few courses will meet on campus, with most at off-site locations convenient to Green Bay and co-sponsor UW-Oshkosh. The curriculum for working practitioners emphasizes commitment to public-sector practice, leadership, family-focused issues, diverse clients both urban and rural, and interdisciplinary cooperation. The UW System approved the program after being told by human service directors and social workers that distance from Madison and Milwaukee is a barrier to many professionals otherwise interested in the credential.

Bragging rights

The Phoenix women's basketball team has the first opportunity in four seasons to claim state bragging rights. It's the first time since 1998-99 that the team will play all three Wisconsin Division I opponents, Marquette, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Madison. The 2002-03 schedule includes the team's first-ever Oneida Bingo and Casino Holiday Tournament at the Resch Center (a ticket to the men's game vs. the Badgers, also gains entry to the women's tournament). The Phoenix, 24-7 and last year's Horizon League champion, will prepare with six teams that played in a postseason tournament in 2002, including "Sweet 16" Kansas State. For info, go to the Web at www.uwgb/edu/athletics/.

Three's a charm

For the third straight season, the Phoenix women's basketball team received a Top 10 ranking in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association annual Academic Top 25 Honor Roll. UW-Green Bay posted a 3.402 team gpa in 2001-02, and is the only NCAA Division I level school to be ranked in the Top 10 in each of the past three seasons.

Still popular

If you know someone interested in applying to UW-Green Bay the best advice remains: "Apply soon." The University shut down transfer and new-application admissions early for fall 2002 and anticipates similar conditions for 2003. Improved retention and more full-time students are factors: headcount enrollment is down slightly, at 5,267, because with students taking more credits per semester it takes fewer individuals to account for the approximately 4,400 FTEs (full-time-equivalent students) Green Bay is allotted. Chancellor Bruce Shepard says, long-term, the University must pursue strategies that will allow it to grow to 7,500 students to better meet regional demand.

NASA boosts funding for space program

NASA announced this fall that it is doubling its support of the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium headquartered at UW-Green Bay. The allocation now totals $475,000 annually for scholarships, research grants and new programs to fuel interest in aerospace education statewide. An additional grant will fund student-designed satellites and payload projects at college campuses across Wisconsin. Local business leader George French, a key player in Green Bay's landing the Consortium two years ago, says, "This is a big win for Wisconsin."

TV shines spotlight on students, MAC Hall

Mary Ann Cofrin Hall looked like the setting for a blockbuster movie one day in early fall as UW-Green Bay student "extras" got a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a TV commercial. About three dozen students were greeted by about that many members of a New York film crew for Wisconsin Focus on Energy spots touting the value of solar technology including MAC Hall's electricity-producing windows. The ads aired statewide in October.

Energizing history: Campus wins big grant for community's classrooms

UW-Green Bay could be a magnet for history teachers the next three summers. Prof. Andrew Kersten has won an $822,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create the Northeastern Wisconsin Teaching American History Program. The idea is to energize classroom teaching and generate activities and teaching materials for students grades 5-12. The campus will host two institutes per summer for the next three years, hosting up to 35 teachers from CESA 7 schools each time and showcasing nationally known historians. Kersten, an associate professor of Social Change and Development, has taught at UW-Green Bay since 1997. He is the son of former humanities faculty members Fred Kersten, a philosopher, and the late Raquel Kersten, a Spanish language specialist.

Hammersmith is new on campus

Sue K. Hammersmith is on board since July 1 as UW-Green Bay's provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. The chief officer reporting to the chancellor, she succeeds Howard Cohen and interim provost Carol Pollis. Hammersmith holds degrees through the doctorate in sociology and anthropology from Indiana University. Areas of interest have included international affairs, diversity, the arts and development of degree programs. She was formerly an academic dean at Ferris State University in Michigan.

Alumni news

Shepard meets alumni on the job

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard has made a point of getting out in the community to meet alumni in the places they work.

Called "Alumni Workplace Receptions," the on-site gatherings he hosts are helping re-connect graduates to UW-Green Bay. Alumni socialize with co-workers and familiar faces from campus, offer feedback and learn about developments in their old academic programs, University news, upcoming Weidner events, Phoenix sports, and opportunities in master's programs and continuing education. Past or future receptions have been scheduled at:

• Humana
• Wisconsin Public Service
• UW-Green Bay
• Tufco Technologies
• Wipfli
• Schenck & Associates

If your organization has a group of alumni interested in a UWGB on-the-road-reception, e-mail Chancellor Bruce Shepard at ShepardB@uwgb.edu

The vote is in: Suzanne Pedersen is new president

Suzanne Pedersen has been elected to succeed Pam Stoll, '74, as president of the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association.

Pederson, a 1995 graduate, holds a degree in business administration and is employed at ShopKo (Green Bay) corporate headquarters where she is responsible for individual and organizational development.

"I've wanted very much to get back involved with the University, and this seemed the best way to do that," Pedersen said. "We are very fortunate to have a full board of directors, and four decades of alumni represented on the board. One of our first goals will be to identify and diversify our offerings, providing more opportunity for alumni to become involved and connect with a larger group of alumni."

Other officers of the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association, all elected to one-year terms, are Janice Swiggum, '01, vice president of alumni operations; Chad Vandenbusch, '94, vice president of alumni services; David Lamers, '01, secretary; and Kelly Ruh, '01, treasurer.

Swiggum works in the UW-Green Bay Business and Finance office; Vandenbusch is an investment executive at Stifel, Nicolas & Co.; Lamers is an elementary schoolteacher in Appleton; and Ruh is a staff tax accountant at Wipfli.

Green Bay alums plan chapter for Chicagoland

Kurt Kober and Chris Kujak are organizing a Chicagoland Alumni Chapter. An interest survey will be in the mailboxes of Chicago-area alumni, soon. Those interested in learning more about the Chicagoland Chapter, or about starting a chapter in their area, should email Shane Kohl at alumni@uwgb.edu., Kujak at Ckujak@cancer.org and Kober at kkober@execpc.com. UW-Green Bay has a network of more than 19,000 alumni throughout the United States and around the globe. The University is represented by alumni in every Wisconsin county, every state in the United States and 44 countries.

In search of distinguished alumni

The Alumni Association is taking nominations for the 2002 Distinguished Alumni Award. Individuals can complete the nomination form found on the Web (www.uwgb.edu/alumni) or e-mail Director of Alumni Relations Shane Kohl at alumni@uwgb.edu for more information. Eligible candidates hold either a graduate or undergraduate degree from UW-Green Bay and fit the following criteria: Personal achievements in their field, civic responsibility and contributions to their community, continuing interest in the University, highest integrity in professional, public and personal relations.

Awards night set for March 15

Alumni Awards Night will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2003 in the Phoenix Rooms on campus. The program includes presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Distinguished Service Awards and the Honorary Alumnus Award. The second annual Cornerstone Dinner precedes the awards presentation.

Alumni notes

1970s

Keith Pamperin, '70, a leader in Green Bay housing and community development, was honored by the naming of the Keith A. Pamperin Living Learning Center at the University this fall. The center in the new Ed Thompson Hall is designed as a place to learn, collaborate and achieve through classroom experience, study, and recreation. Pamperin serves as housing administrator with the Green Bay and Brown County Housing Authorities. He has been instrumental in facilitating bonding to finance and develop 14 UW-Green Bay residence halls. A longtime advocate of UW-Green Bay, he received the Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1994.

John Heugel, '71, of Liebmann, Conway, Olejniczak and Jerry SC, Green Bay, serves on this state's alumni association executive committee for Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Mich.) He is also a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, the oldest and most prestigious international organization of attorneys representing corporations and insurers and an advocate for legal reform and professional development. Huegel's degree is in regional analysis.

David Boers, '72, is author of Lost and Found: CARTIE Classrooms for Reclaiming Students. Based on work with PK-12 students and supported by contemporary literature and research, Boers describes strategies and techniques teachers and parents can use to develop personal, emotional, social and academic success for all students. A professor of graduate education at Marian College in Fond du Lac, he received his degree in humanism and cultural change.

Dale Hanson, '73, has joined Bay View Real Estate, Sturgeon Bay. His degree is in human adaptability.

Patricia Finder-Stone, '73, has been appointed to the executive council of AARP-Wisconsin. Finder-Stone is a registered nurse on the state board of Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and chairs its Northeastern District. She also represents Brown County on the Bay Area Agency on Aging and is a board member of the Aging Resource Center of Brown County. Her degree is in growth and development.

Diane Nichols, '77, is manager of Revitalize Gillett Inc.'s Main Street Program. The program works with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to foster business development in traditional local business districts and encourages the preservation of historic buildings. She received her master's degree in administrative science.

Sam Kapelac, '77, recently published his first novel, Roaches. The book is a suspense drama that weaves in a look at some of the environmental issues we face today. Kapelac, already planning a follow-up novel, holds a degree in creative communications.

Rebecca Kaiser, '77, is one of 27 authors published in a new anthology, Pass Fail, which uses fiction, non-fiction and poetry to paint a colorful picture of today's classrooms. Her essay is "Breakable Ashley." Kaiser teaches biology at Troy High School in Troy, New York. She received her master's in environmental arts and sciences.

Environmental advocate Paul Wozniak, '78, announces the release of his book co-authored with Earth Day Founder Sen. Gaylord Nelson, Beyond Earth Day, Fulfilling the Promise. Published by University of Wisconsin Press, it was written with the assistance of award-winning environmental journalist Susan Campbell, formerly a news writing instructor at UW-Green Bay. Graduates Chuck Lacasse and Kiar Olson contributed graphics.

Ann Wuerger, '78, was recognized by The Einstein Project for her outstanding volunteer efforts. Wuerger, an administrative assistant at American Medical Security, Green Bay, helped coordinate volunteers for the annual Einstein Golf Scramble fund-raiser. Her degree is in communication and the arts.

Doris Yelk-Wilberg, '78, was appointed parliamentarian for the Green Bay-De Pere Business and Professional Women. Her degree is in business administration.

Paul Linzmeyer, '78, president of Bay Towel, has been appointed to the Governor's Council on Workforce Investment, a collaboration of business, labor, educational institutions, state and local government. His degree is in humanism and cultural change.

Steven Taylor, '79, of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation has been named an outstanding volunteer for his work with the Family Violence Center of Green Bay. Taylor received his degree in business administration.

Janice Vinopal-Schatz, '79, currently serves as controller for Silicon Logistics Engineering, Inc. of Eau Claire, Wis. She joined the company, a high-tech ASIC design firm, in 2000. She served in the Peace Corp in the Dominican Republic from 1980-82 and received a master's in business administration from UW-Eau Claire in 1987, followed by work as a controller for Lutheran Social Services for 10 years. Her bachelor's degree is in communication and the arts.

1980s

Steve Asher, '80, has joined the Ihlenfeld, Skatrud & Anderson CPA firm as a manager of the Sturgeon Bay and Algoma locations. His degree is in managerial accounting.

Patty Navin, '80, has been named development director at Encompass Child Care, Green Bay. She is the former owner of a local branding/marketing agency and has a background in special events coordination and fund-raising. She majored with a personal concentration.

Thomas Vandersteen, '81, has joined J.B. Hunt, Lowell, Ark., as a regional sales manager. He is responsible for marketing logistics, dedicated services, intermodal/rail and over-the-road truckload services in Wisconsin. His degree is in business administration.

Cindy (Lawler) Gault, '82, has been elected to the board of directors of Journal Communications, an employee-owned media and communications company with more than 6,500 employees nationwide. She is employed by WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, as an account executive. Her degree is in business administration.

Randall Johnson, '82, president of U.S. Lamp Inc., Green Bay, is teaching a one-day lighting seminar at the Milwaukee School of Engineering as part of the Wisconsin Focus on Energy operations certification program. He is a licensed designer of engineering systems and earned his credential by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions. His degree is in business administration.

Thomas Caldie, '83 and '91, was named coordinator for the division of professional studies at Silver Lake College and has assumed responsibilities as faculty chairperson. Caldie earned his bachelor's in a personal concentration and master's in administrative science in 1991.

Barbara Nick, '83, has been promoted to assistant vice president-corporate services at Wisconsin Public Service Corp., Green Bay. Her degree is in communications.

Keith Vanden Avond, '85, has joined Cornerstone Business Services as a business sales specialist. He earned a degree in communication and the arts.

Rick DeJardin, '86, was selected vice president-education for the Packerland Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants. An employee of Virchow, Krause & Co., he received his degree in managerial accounting.

Laura Nelson-Degreef, '87, is the program manager of Junior Achievement of Brown County. She received her degree in social change and development.

Julie (Moynihan) Brilli, '87, Pulaski Middle School principal, was named Wisconsin's Middle Level Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and the Department of Public Instruction. Her bachelor's degree is in Spanish.

Jeanne Stangel, '87, was recently named manager of contract, customer services, marketing and media relations for Tufco Technologies of Green Bay. Her degree is in business administration.

Stan Noel, '87, was selected a director for the Packerland Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants. An employee of Green Bay Packaging, he received his degree in business administration.

Ted Staege, '87, worked as an actuarial programmer at CUNA Mutual Group for eight years before moving into technology support five years ago. He is now the senior member of the frontline team supporting the 3,000 Madison-based employees of the company. Staege's degree is mathematics.

Pam Hopps, '88, is treasurer for Green Bay's Management Women Inc. for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. She graduated with a degree in business administration and works for Schenck Business Solutions.

Christina Danforth, '88, was elected chairwoman of the Oneida Tribe of Indians. She received her degree in social work.

Kristin Lawniczak, '88, has joined The H.S. Group as an outplacement consultant. Her degree is in psychology.

Ben Woo, '89, is a managing director and manager of municipal bond research at US Bancorp Asset Management, an investment management subsidiary of US Bancorp in Minneapolis. His degree is in finance.

1990s

Mary Gallagher, '90, was recognized as 'Best Actress' in the second "Best of FEM" night - a venue for aspiring actresses to perform a 15-minute, one-woman show at the Egyptian Arena Theatre, in Los Angeles. For more information on her win log on to the Web site at www.15minutesoffem.com. Read her "diary" and how much she misses UW-Green Bay. Her other television credits include: Becker, Friends, Mad About You, Sister, Grace Under Fire, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and a game show called Faux Pause. Gallagher received her degree in theatre.

Dr. Richard Thyes, '91, a diagnostic radiologist at the The Sheboygan Clinic, has earned a 10-year board certification by the American Board of Radiology. Thyes received his medical degree from UW-Madison and completed his radiology internship and residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital-Oakland in Pontiac, Mich. He joined The Sheboygan Clinic in 2002. His bachelor's degree is in human biology.

James Stelling, '91, has been promoted to vice president, group health compliance at American National Insurance Co. of Galveston, Texas. His degree is in business administration.

Peter Lemke, '91, is director of facilities and property management services at Performa Inc., De Pere. His degree is in human biology.

Brent Roubal, '91, is director of development at United Way of Brown County. Roubal oversees the annual campaign, develops planned giving programs and researches new opportunities for acquiring funds. Prior to joining United Way, he served as UW-Green Bay's alumni director. His degree is in communication processes.

Behiye Mesutoglu, '92, is an EFL teacher at Bahcesehir University in Istanbul, Turkey. Her degree is in communication processes.

Lisa Cribben, '92, of Wipfli Ullrich Bertelson, Green Bay, has earned the Accredited in Business Valuation designation through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Her degree is in accounting.

Jodi Langer, '93, is a senior producer and writer for Food Network's, The Best Of television show featuring the best restaurants, chefs, and dining trends in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. She is also a contributing producer and writer for National Geographic Today on the National Geographic Network. Langer's degree is in humanistic studies.

Kristine Mason-Schultz, '93, has been promoted to claims representative for the liability unit at Integrity Mutual Insurance Co., Appleton. Her bachelor's degree is in business administration.

Mark Shryock, '94, is controller for Minnetonka Moccasin Inc. of Minnesota, a 55-year old international distributor of fine leather dress shoes, moccasins and sandals. Shryock was recently given the additional title of chief technology officer. He oversees company finances and technology acquisitions. His degree is in accounting.

Erik Malueg, '94, has been hired as a technology consultant for Infinity Technology, Green Bay. His degree is in mathematics.

Jennifer Buechel, '94, was promoted to senior employment/employee relations specialist for Nsight Teleservices, Green Bay. Her degree is in business administration.

Jeff Hamilton, '94, was promoted to district controller for United Rentals of California. He has an accounting degree.

Carter Boldt, '94, a school band director on the island of Maui, brought 30 band students on a tour of the mainland with a stop at UW-Green Bay in summer. He majored in music.

Megan (Pittner) Allen, '94, was honored as the Independent-Register's selection for Teacher Appreciation Week. The local paper honors a teacher each year based on service and enthusiasm with students. Allen is a 7th grade science teacher at Brodhead Middle School, near Monroe. Her degree is in elementary education.

Korey Damro, '95, was promoted to senior customer service representative for Aid Association for Lutherans of Appleton. Her degree is in psychology.

Randy Knaflic, '95, announced a release of a recording project featuring jazz giants Cedar Walton and Charles Davis. Knaflic splits time between freelance saxophone gigs and running a software-recruiting firm. The jazz studies major makes his home in TriBeca, New York, and he runs annually in the New York City Marathon.

Sue Ebbinger, '95, is treasurer for the Green Bay-De Pere Business and Professional Women. Her degree is in general studies.

Josh (Gajewski) Conklin, '96, returned to the Green Bay area for a role in "The Foreigner" at Peninsula Players in Fish Creek. Green Bay Press-Gazette reviewer Warren Gerds gave the production four stars in his Friday, Sept. 6 review. Conklin, who had an internship with the Players while he was a student, headed for New York after graduation. His film and television credits include "Guiding Light" and PBS's "Between the Lions." He has also been working steadily in off- and off off-Broadway productions. He performed in several UW-Green Bay productions, including "Rumors" and "The Fantasticks."

Ben Berlowski, '96, is a member of the Bouncers, a team in the new SlamBall League. The sport, a hybrid of basketball, football and rugby, can be seen nationally on TNN. He received his degree in communication processes.

April Struebing, '96, is currently living in Los Angeles and working in film post production for Company 3. Her degree is in theatre.

Penny Gundrum, '96, Waupaca County 4-H assistant, has been named secretary of the Wisconsin Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals. Her degree is in elementary education.

Jennifer Stadler, '96, is working as a speech-language pathologist for a private pediatric practice in southern California. She received an environmental science degree from UW-Green Bay, and a master's degree in speech-language pathology from UW-Oshkosh.

Jennifer Jansen, '96, performs in and creates vocal arrangements for Frank's Dinner Theatre in De Pere. Her degree is in music (jazz studies).

Heather Micoley, '97, is regional coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Wisconsin. Her degree is in business administration.

Matt Bellisle, '97, is an art director for Archetype Group, Green Bay. He will focus on the development of design in print, packaging, and direct marketing. His degree is in art.

Pamela Allen, '97, was promoted last year to assistant vice president and received the Stephenson National Bank and Trust's Award of Excellence. She is responsible for trust account administration, management of trust customers' investments and new business. She holds an accounting degree.

Michelle Kelsey, '97, is a supervisor with Hawkins, Ash, Baptie & Co., Green Bay. She received her degree in accounting.

Leanne (Egelseer) King, '98, owns her own business in a wellness center located in Scottsdale, Arizona. She graduated with a degree in communication processes.

Vicki Weber, '98, joined Buzz Communications as an account executive. She is responsible for coordination of current accounts, new business development and special events management. Her degree is in business administration.

David Melbye, '98, received a Doctor of Medicine Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in May. He will begin pediatric residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals in Milwaukee. His undergraduate degree is in human biology.

Jeffrey Danen, '98, of Hawkins, Ash, Baptie & Co., Green Bay, earned his Certified Public Accounting licensure. His degree is in accounting.

Julie Hahm, '99, is working on her master's degree in environmental chemistry and technology at UW-Madison where she serves as a research assistant. Her research focuses on polybrominated biphenyl ethers. She double-majored in chemistry and environmental science at UW-Green Bay.

Sara Ann Kleinhans, '99, is serving as operations manager for the Gallagher Student Center at Xavier University. The human development major graduated from Western Illinois University in 2002 with a master's degree in college student personnel.

Jamie Thomas, '99, earned her master's degree at UW-Madison in social work in May 2000. She works as an intervention specialist for Ozaukee Council, Inc., assisting at-risk teens struggling with drug and alcohol issues. Her undergraduate degree is in social work.

Lori Johnson, '99, is pursuing her teacher certification (mathematics emphasis) at Carroll College, Waukesha. Her degree is in human development.

2000s

Monette Bebow-Reinhard, '00, is a freelance history writer. She has had her work published (www.electronicpublishing.com) and continues to write on topics including the Civil War, Aztecs and local history. Her degree is in history.

Donald Benoit, '00, is a production supervisor for Appleton Sign Company and earned his degree in psychology.

Steve Bohman, '00, a human development major, is employed with Miller Brands and is pursuing a master's in school counseling.

Jamee Denil, '00, is an administrative assistant for an insurance and investment company. Her degree is in business administration.

Vincent Schamber, '00, has rejoined Virchow, Krause and Co., Green Bay, as an accountant. His areas of specialty are tax preparation for businesses and individuals, and financial statement preparation. His degree is in accounting.

Rebecca Ely, '00, is a restoration technician for The Nature Conservancy. Her degree is in environmental sciences.

Greg Klos, '00, is pursuing his teaching certification in secondary English education. His degree is in interdisciplinary studies.

Karen Palmer, '00, is completing a master's in management at UW-Green Bay. A Public Safety Education Consultant at Wisconsin Public Service, she also works with United Way, Junior Achievement and Green Bay's On Broadway revitalization program. Her bachelor's degree is in interdisciplinary studies.

Jodi Miller-Larson, '00, is director for the Packerland Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants. Miller-Larson works for Virchow, Krause & Co., Green Bay, and majored in accounting.

Andrea Glyzewski, '00, serves as a marketing assistant for Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Minneapolis, Minn. She coordinates press releases and written copy for the company's public relations and promotions efforts. Her degree is in communication processes.

Kari Heier, '00, joined the Candlewood Hotel Company as director of sales. Her degree is in communication processes.

Erin Miller, '00, is in her second year as an elementary music teacher in the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau (Wis.) School District. Her degree is in music education.

Scott Black, '00, a former Phoenix men's soccer player, is a men's assistant soccer coach for Penn State. His degree is in communication processes.

Mary Riha, '00, is director of marketing/admissions for San Luis Medical and Rehabilitation Center, Green Bay. Her degree is in social work.

Katie Karcz, '00, is public relations coordinator for Nsight Teleservices of Green Bay. Her degree is in communication processes.

Elizabeth Ross-Bush, '01, is enrolled in the Medical Technology program at UW-Stevens Point where she is engaged in clinical rotations at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. Her degree is in biology.

Phillip Wisneski, '01, is a reporter/photographer for Kalihwisaks, the Oneida Nation newspaper, following an internship. His degree is communication processes.

Shaun Mueller, '01, is an assistant planner/land use specialist for Kenosha County and is responsible for the planning efforts in seven townships. His degree is in environmental policy and planning.

Mark Stone, '01, is a manager in charge of delivery/service at Wenz Home Furniture, Green Bay. His degree is in business administration.

Amy Fluette, '01, is attending graduate school at Western Washington University. Her degree is in earth science.

Dan Bartels, '01, is pursuing a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology at Northwestern University. His degree is in psychology.

John McCrackin, '01, works for UW-Eau Claire's library and will begin work on a master's degree in library science at UW-Milwaukee. He majored in humanistic studies and social change and development.

John Willadsen, '01, has been named area director for the American Heart Association. John will coordinate activities out of the Wausau office. He received his degree in biology.

Phillip Schindel, '01, started in July as a grants specialist for the EPA. His degree is in political science.

Michelle Altman, '02, has been promoted to media coordinator for the Goltz-Seering Agency, Inc., Green Bay. She joined the agency in 2001 as a media intern and graduated with a degree in communication processes.