Football:
WIAC Player of the Year, Justin Jacobs (2nd year in a row.)
WIAC Scholar Athlete of the Year: Ryan Kleppe
WIAC Coach of the Year: Bob Berezowitz
First WIAC school to go undefeated in back-to-back seasons since 1950.
Volleyball:
Rebekah Nelson and Carley Polk named All-Americans.
The team finished third in the nation — and remains a powerhouse in the sport.
I was delighted to learn that Ryan Kleppe, a Warhawk senior defensive lineman, has been named as a finalist for the Gagliardi Award. This prestigious annual award goes to the student athlete who distinguishes excellence both on and off the field. That certainly characterizes Ryan. Not only is he one of the best defensive linemen in the nation, he has a wonderful record of academic success and community-service involvement. He has been on the Dean’s List every semester he has been in school and recently won the 2006 WIAC scholar-athelete award. In addition to numerous campus activities, Ryan spends much of his time as a community volunteer.
In the history of the Gagliardi Trophy, only one defensive player has won this award and only a few public university athletes. In my opinion, Ryan epitomizes the essence of a Division III student-athlete and it was my honor to recommend him with high praise.
I was so pleased to see that Sen. Russ Feingold recently read into the Congressional Record a statement on International Education Week (Nov. 13-17) including comments on UW-Whitewater.
Here’s what the senator said, “A University of Wisconsin-Whitewater professor wrote to me recently and said:
For about ten years now, I have been the coordinator of a student exchange between UW-Whitewater and Arnhem Business School in the Netherlands. My students change dramatically during their experience. They even “look” different when they return. At first they are tentative and worried, and by the time they leave, they are truly citizens of the world…Working as a coordinator is one of the most rewarding things I do as a professor.
This example drives home the fact that in Wisconsin, and also across the United States, students who choose to engage in international education and exchange opportunities are truly changed forever.”
Sen. Feingold quoted from comments made by UW-Whitewater marketing professor Lois Smith.
It’s encouraging to know that our Senator understands and embraces the power of international studies. He has sponsored and supported numerous resolutions backing student exchange programs. He supports the findings of the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship program that encourages “at least 1 million students in the United States to participate in study abroad programs … within 10 years, including students in technical and scientific fields of study. The program also seeks to ensure that an increasing portion of study abroad takes place in nontraditional destinations, with substantial increases in developing countries.”
UW-Whitewater currently sends students to study in Africa, Australia, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Thailand, Sweden, Switzerland and Vietnam. It is my hope that we can increase the number of our own students who take part in the life-changing experience.
If you’d like to read Sen. Feingold’s full comments, you can find them at http://feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/statements/06/11/20061113.htm
I know Harlan Smith, UW-W’s director of international studies and programs, would love to talk to any student who is interested in this educational adventure.
When our alumni recall their time at UW-Whitewater, they may remember events and places. More often, they remember teachers like Jack Cummings, who took the time to encourage them, challenge them, and help them learn.
On Saturday it was my honor to name a facility in our newly renovated Upham Hall for Jack. Do come by and take a look at the Jack Cummings Natural History Museum.
I never stop being impressed with the service-mindedness of our students. Read Art Graham’s note below:
I would like to draw your attention to a group of students who provide an invaluable service to the Whitewater community. The students to whom I am referring are: Zach Acker, Sam Armstrong, Chris Birenbaum, Heather Delfs, Erika Goad, Shannon Moore, Brent Schambow, and Jenna Wiskes. These are students who volunteer as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) for the Whitewater Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad.
Some students come to the Rescue Squad already licensed as EMTs because they provide the same service in their hometown community. Other students pursue licenses by themselves or work with the Rescue squad to obtain one.
A lot of time and effort goes into getting and maintaining an EMT license. Even more time goes into responding to 911 calls that can come at any time of the day or night. These students are willing to take the time to get a license and provide this service in addition to their obligations as students. Evidence of the time and effort these students commit is demonstrated by the fact that this year’s “EMT of the Year” for the Rescue Squad is Erika Goad and two years ago that same honor was shared by a former UW-W student named Dave Duchrow and another Rescue Squad member who is also a current UW-Whitewater employee.
Teamwork, adaptability, and collaboration are essential when responding to 911 emergencies. These characteristics are typical of the students who volunteer for the Rescue Squad.
I would also like to draw your attention to the UW-Whitewater staff members who provide this same invaluable service to the Whitewater community. These staff members include: Steve Chene, Theresa Grair, Carl Peterson, and Kim Simes. These people exhibit the same qualities and commitment. For example, Carl shared the recognition for “EMT of the Year” with Dave Duchrow and last year he was named “Firefighter of the Year”. Carl is also an officer of the Rescue Squad. His team-oriented and collaborative leadership style has been instrumental in the successful functioning of the Rescue Squad. Steve Chene is also a good example of someone who is committed to providing this type of public service. Prior to moving to Whitewater, Steve volunteered at a different Fire Department and provided similar public service.
It is a pleasure to volunteer with these fine people and UW-Whitewater should be proud that they are providing this significant contribution to the community.
Sincerely
Art Graham
