The newly-appointed Climate Commitment Committee (as part of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment) has begun its work. Greg Swanson, Director of Facilities Planning and Management, is chairing the committee. Other committee members are:
- Frank Bartlett, Residence Life
- Eric Compas, Geography & Geology
- Carla Corroto, Sociology, Anthropology, Criminal Justice
- David Dorgan, Facilities Planning & Management
- Paul House, Chemistry
- Paula Mohan, Political Science
- Ron Ulvog, University Center
- Jeffrey Zimmerman, Geography & Geology
- Harrison Draayers, Student Representative
- Sarah Herlache, Student Representative
- Andrew Smits, Student Representative
The committee has been asked to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality. They will begin this work by completing a comprehensive inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. They will then work to develop an institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral. As they do their work, they will make the action plan, the inventory, and periodic progress reports publicly available.
Thanks to all the committee members for their willingness to work on this important effort.
Congratulations to the Art Department! I was pleased to receive notice yesterday from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) announcing that the NASAD Commission of Accreditation had voted in October to grant membership to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. This action means that our Art degree programs are now accredited by NASAD. With the achievement of accreditation of the art program, all of our programs in the arts are now accredited.
I’d like to note the commendation from NASAD: “The Commission commends the institution for the thoughtful and comprehensive response to the Commission’s requests. The Commission commends the administration of the university and the art/design unit for making an investment to upgrade the facilities, address health and safety issues, and address personnel needs during a time of severe budget cuts.”
Congratulations to Chairperson Bob Mertens and the Art Department. Congratulations also to Interim Dean Dick Haven and Interim Provost John Heyer.
This afternoon, I was pleased to have the opportunity to recognize and to honor student, faculty, staff, and community veterans at UW-Whitewater. Veterans contribute in a very positive way to our campus and community. We acknowledge their service to the country and express our appreciation for that service, and for the personal sacrifices they have made in order to serve our country. I thought you’d be interested in some photos from that event today.
UW-Whitewater singers distinguished themselves last Friday in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Auditions at Lawrence University. Nine UW-Whitewater students advanced to the semi-final round: Brandon Auer, Janalyn Bump, Amanda Franecki, Amber McKoy, Maddie Olson, Sarah Rehborg, Michael Roemer, Marie Severing, and Deborah Skidmore. Two of the students, Michael Roemer and Janalyn Bump, advanced to the finals round where they earned First Place awards in their respective divisions. To top it off, Michael was named the Outstanding Male Performer.
My congratulations to these outstanding singers. My congratulations also to Brian Leeper, Voice Area Coordinator, and the Music Department faculty and staff.
