The Andersen Library Blog

On December 7^th, 2002, the Williams Center was alive with excitement. UW-Whitewater was in the middle of a game against Washington University (St. Louis). The winner of the game would be crowned NCAA Division III women’s volleyball champion. For the first time ever, the Warhawks would take that title.

In 2002, Whitewater only held two official national championship titles. Both titles were won by the men’s basketball team, one in 1984 and the other in 1989. In women’s sports, Whitewater only held an unofficial title in golf (1985). The Warhawks win over the WU Bears in 2002 was UW-Whitewater’s first women’s championship, third official championship, and fourth championship overall.[1] Before the season began, the team had lost their senior All-Conference players from the year before. As a result, the head coach, Kris Russell, expected to spend the season rebuilding the team. Whitewater was not expected to win the WIAC, let alone the NCAA. However, the team spent the season learning to trust each other and developing a strong harmony that pushed them forward.[2] The volleyball team had a fantastic season in 2002. They placed first in the WIAC regular season and then took home the post-season title. The team went on to play through three rounds of NCAA tournament play.[3] This string of wins led them to their final showdown on December 7^th. Having lost to Washington University earlier in the season, the stakes were high. The Warhawks were not deterred. After a series of impressive rallies, Whitewater was able to take three consecutive sets, defeating Washington 3-0. Senior Warhawks Kristin Dettman, Angie Wildish, and Lindsay Tamosovich collected the team an impressive number of kills, digs, and service aces, landing themselves a place on the All-Tournament team. Tomasovich was even named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.[4] With their win over Washington, the Warhawks had won Whitewater’s first official women’s sports championship. Many more championships would follow, but it is undeniable that the 2002 women’s volleyball team is a significant aspect of UW-Whitewater’s tradition of excellence.

[1]“Notes from the Championship,” The Official Athletics Site of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, December 11, 2002, https://uwwsports.com/news/2002/12/11/womenvolleyball_9916.aspx.

[2] Ryan Ratajewski, “Warhawks Crowned National Champs,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI), January 22, 2003.

[3] “UW-Whitewater Hosts NCAA III Volleyball Championship Finals,” The Official Athletics Site of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, November 28, 2002, https://uwwsports.com/news/2002/11/28/womenvolleyball_1151.aspx.

[4] John Ackely, “Purple Reign,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI), December 12, 2002.

On November 22^nd, 1963, the United States was given horrible news. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated during a visit to Texas. From Friday to Monday, the whole nation observed a weekend of memorialization to honor the fallen leader. To allow students a chance to mourn and attend memorial services, the Whitewater State College cancelled or postponed all classes and activities through Monday, November 25^th.[1] When classes began again on the 26^th, the Royal Purple encouraged students with a short editorial piece celebrating Kennedy and reminding students that “life goes on”.[2]

In their commemoration of Kennedy, the campus community was reminded of their special connection to the President. Only four years prior, President Kennedy (then Senator Kennedy) had spoken at the Whitewater State College on his campaign trail. Kennedy was invited by the college’s Young Democrats club and spoke to a large crowd that went over the capacity of the auditorium. Senator Kennedy spoke about his support for education and answered questions about the current G.I. bill. During the discussion period, Senator Kennedy eagerly answered all of the crowd’s questions, creating a pleasant atmosphere for all who attended.[3] It is no surprise that the Whitewater community reminisced on this event in commemoration of such an impactful individual.[4]

[1] “Whitewater Joins World in Mourning; Memorial Services Held Monday,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), November 28, 1963.

[2]  “…And Life Goes On,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), November 26, 1963.

[3] “Senator John F Kennedy Addresses Capacity Crowd,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), February 23, 1963.

[4] “’but what can you do for your country,’” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), November 28, 1963.

For many Americans, November 11^th has always been the day set aside to honor the nations veterans. However, the date traces its origins back only as far as the end of World War I. November 11^th is the date WWI officially ended in Europe. Many American citizens celebrated the end of the war on November 11, 1918, and the students and citizens of Whitewater were no exception. The fire siren sounded as citizens of all ages ran through the streets sharing the news. By the afternoon, a parade was organized. Whitewater citizens, Normal School students, and even a few veterans of the Civil War, marched down the street making sure to stop and salute any service flag they passed. The celebrations concluded at City Hall, where the community gathered to sing songs and cheer for the Whitewater men who were serving at the time.[1]

One year later, Whitewater again honored its veterans by celebrating the first anniversary of the armistice signed in France, in other words, the first Armistice Day. On campus, a program was held by the campus community where campus leadership honored the Whitewater Normal School students who served in or lost their lives serving in the war.[2] Off campus, the Normal School Glee Club and President Hyer introduced a special speech by Professor S. H. Clark, the associate professor of Public speaking at the University of Chicago. Prof. Clark reminisced on his time overseas, called for continued support and action, and praised the spirit of American soldiers.[3] Sentiments like these evolved into modern celebrations of Veteran’s Day. A day when the service and dedication of America’s armed forces is celebrated and honored. 

[1]  “Peace news Starts Wild Celebration,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), Nov.14, 1918.

[2]“Armistice Day Program,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov.14, 1919

[3] “Audience Thrilled by Prof. Clark’s Address,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 13, 1919.

In the late fall of 1921, Leonard Sheahan enlisted the help of William Olson, Clark Larkin, and Clyde Jungbluth to start the Whitewater Normal School’s first local fraternity. Together they became the four founding members of Phi Chi Epsilon. Shortly after their initial organization, Phi Chi Epsilon accepted their first two pledges Dwight Warner and Henry Van Duser. By April of 1922, membership in the fraternity had grown to nine and continued to expand steadily.[1] Phi Chi Epsilon is still an active participant of UW-Whitewater’s Greek society and is approaching its 100^th anniversary.

 Today’s chapter of Phi Chi Epsilon is known for its academic excellence and dedication to community service.[2] However, the chapter in the 1920s had a different claim to fame. In true Roaring 20’s fashion, the Phi Chis were notorious for their ability to organize a party. According to the local newspaper, Phi Chi Epsilon not only had good music and refreshments, but they also had the best decorations. For their annual formal in 1925, the Phi Chi brothers created an artificial moon that produced enough light for all 40 couples to dance by.[3] It’s safe to say no one ever left a Phi Chi party disappointed by a lack of creativity.

[1] Epsilonian scrapbook, Phi Chi Epsilon Records – UWW MSS 16, Anderson Library Archives and Area Research, Anderson Library, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI.

[2] “Home,” Phi Chi Epsilon, Accessed February 4, 2021. http://phichiepsilon.weebly.com/.

[3] “Normal School Fraternity Gives Delightful Party,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), May 14, 1921.

Fifty years ago this week, the Warhawk class of 1971-1972 celebrated Whitewater’s first homecoming as the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Just one week prior, the Wisconsin State University System officially merged with the University of Wisconsin System, forever changing Whitewater’s identity.[1] However, this momentous change did not affect the student’s enthusiasm. All homecoming activities continued as planned.

The 1971 homecoming week, themed “Poems, Prayers, and Promises,” started with a bang. On Thursday night, students, staff, and community members were treated to a concert performed by rising artist John Denver. Although Denver had not yet gained the popularity attributed to him today, his performance received two standing ovations and rave reviews.[2] In the following week’s paper, Royal Purple writer Ray Shaffer wrote, “Expect greater things from John Denver; you will not be disappointed.”[3] Shaffer proved to be correct.

Homecoming week continued with numerous university traditions and student activities. On Friday, Phi Chi Epsilon won the annual “Yell Like Hell” competition held at the pep rally. Later that day, the Warhawks competed in the yearly Bed Rally. Competitors in the Bed Rally had to race through six checkpoints where they had to complete an activity before they could move on. The activities included rollerblading, bobbing for apples, and even bagging a fish that had been released into the fountain. The Phi Chi Epsilon Fraternity and the Delta Zeta Sorority won the race.[4]

Of course, the 1971 homecoming week’s main event was Saturday’s game against UW – Eau Claire. The game started in Eau Claire’s favor, but the Warhawks managed to catch up before scoring a record-setting field goal (44 yds) in the second half. The game ended with Whitewater claiming victory with a score of 19-14.[5] Some homecoming traditions have change over the past fifty years, but the Warhawk’s enthusiasm and determination for greatness remains strong.

[1] “Senate publishes controversial merger bill; WSU-W officially becomes UW-Whitewater,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Oct. 12, 1971.

[2] Ray Shaffer, “Intimate rapport marks John Denver’s concert,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971. 

[3] Ray Shaffer, “Intimate rapport marks John Denver’s concert,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971. 

[4] “Promises fulfilled with UW-W homecoming ’71,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971.

[5] George Geise, “Warhawks erase early deficit, whip Eau Claire,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971.