Warhawk Almanac: UW-Whitewater’s Centennial Anniversary

Written by Jacob Ober

On April 21st, 1868, also known as “Founder’s Day,” a dedication ceremony was held for the newly-opened Whitewater Normal School. 100 years later, Whitewater Normal School, having been recently renamed to Wisconsin State University-Whitewater in 1964, celebrated its centennial anniversary. When Whitewater Normal School was founded, the 48 students enrolled were taught by 9 faculty members. 100 years later, the school had expanded far beyond its original function of being a school for teachers, broadening its curriculum to include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines. In its centennial year, enrollment at Wisconsin State University-Whitewater topped 8,000 students.[1]

Photo of Governor Knowles signing proclamation designation 1868 as Wisconsin State University-Whitewater’s (now UW-Whitewater) Centennial Year
Wisconsin Governor Warren Knowles signs a proclamation that designates 1968 as Wisconsin State University-Whitewater’s (now UW-Whitewater) Centennial Year.[2]
Photo of Mary Conohan crowned as Miss Centennial
Mary Conohan crowned as “Miss Centennial”[8]

The celebration of Wisconsin State University-Whitewater’s centennial began on January 31, 1968 with a Serendipity Singers concert and the crowning of Mary Conohan as “Miss Centennial.” [3] While there was a year-long celebration, the “Centennial Week” festivities began on April 16th, featuring an art exhibition in Crossman Gallery, a number of music recitals showcasing Whitewater faculty, and different guest speakers from around the country.[4] Speakers included John F. Mee, Mead-Johnson professor of management at Indiana University, Cary McWilliams, editor of The Nation, and Delyte W. Morris, president of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.[5] Celebrations also featured a proclamation by Wisconsin Governor Warren Knowles recognizing 1968 as the centennial year of Wisconsin State University-Whitewater, read by Lieutenant Governor Jack Olson during a reception at Wells high rise.[6] The week-long celebration was capped by the lighting of a 55-foot candle fitted with 1,224 blue, white and gold lights in front of Old Main on April 21st.[7]

Today, what was formerly the Whitewater Normal School and Wisconsin State University-Whitewater is now called the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a name it has held since 1971. Despite the name changes, the campus continues to celebrate its heritage, with the most recent Founder’s Day observed on April 21st, 2024, the school’s 156th anniversary. As we look to the future, one must wonder what kind of celebration will greet students and faculty for the school’s bicentennial in 2068!

Photo of President Carter standing in fron tof large birthday candle.
University President William L. Carter speaks before a large birthday candle in celebration of UW-Whitewater’s 100th anniversary, 1968.[9]

[1] “Speakers Named for Whitewater Centennial Week April 16 – 21,” The Whitewater Register, April 4th, 1968.

[2] Minneiska, 1968, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 122.

[3] “Serendipity Singers Will Kick Off 1968 Centennial Year’s Festivities,” The Royal Purple, January 11, 1968.

[4] “Kickoff of Centennial Celebration, Minneiska, 1968, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 124 – 125; “Fine Arts Events Schedules for WSU Centennial Symposium,” The Whitewater Register, April 18, 1968.

[5] “Speakers Named for Whitewater Centennial Week April 16 – 21,” The Whitewater Register, April 4th, 1968

[6] “Kickoff of Centennial Celebration, Minneiska, 1968, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 123.

[7] “University Activities Mark Centennial of Whitewater Founding,” The Whitewater Register, April 25, 1968.

[8]”Kickoff of Centennial Celebration, Minneiska, 1968, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 125.

[9] “Historical Timeline,” 100th Birthday (1968), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, https://www.uww.edu/150/timeline

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Warhawk Almanac: Online MBA Program 25th Anniversary

Written by Ashley Bowe

The University of Wisconsin Whitewater is well known for its elite business school, particularly its online MBA program. The program has been ranked number one in Wisconsin for years and has held many honors throughout its history. In recognition of the College of Business and Economics celebrating the 25th anniversary of the online MBA program during the 2023-2024 academic year, we reflect on the program’s success as well as its impact on UW-Whitewater students.[1] 

Early version of the online MBA program logo
An early version of the logo for the online MBA program[2]

The online MBA program opened its virtual doors in 1998 as one of the few universities to offer a completely online MBA degree at that time.[3] It was the first to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).[4] The online MBA was a visionary program in 1998 as it demonstrated a foresight into the future and popularity of online learning.[5] As an early adopter of online learning, the program was designed to accommodate all students, specifically marketing to students with full-time jobs and families. “It was designed for working adults”, said John Stone, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs in 2016, “it was a way for people who were working full time who wanted a college degree.”[6] Although the program did not start with servicing non-traditional students, as many were students taking classes online from their dorm rooms, the average age of enrolled students in the online MBA program today is 30 years old with 90% of students taking classes while employed full-time.[7] 

Today, the program continues to hold its ranking as the number one online MBA degree in Wisconsin and 55th in the nation.[8]  As of the 2023-2024 academic year, 760 students are currently enrolled in the program.[9] The top three concentrations within the MBA program include Management, Project Management, and Data Analytics. In addition to being a continuously highly ranked program in the state and nationwide, the online MBA strives to be an economical program. It is credited to be an affordable degree program offering great value at $678 per credit whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student. [10]

Photo Master's Hooding Ceremony for College of Business and Economics
Master’s Hooding ceremony for 2023 MBA graduates[11]

The online MBA at UW-Whitewater was a game-changing and forward-thinking program from the outset and twenty-five years later it continues to be an influential program. Its flexibility and customization possibilities, including 13 emphasis and 50 electives, provide students with choices to “tailor [their] degree to meet [their] career goals.”[12] Over the years, the MBA program has grown steadily and remains the top graduate program at UW-Whitewater in terms of enrollment and degrees awarded. As a program, it has lived up to its potential as a degree that develops aspiring professionals who are “capable of thinking globally, behaving ethically and leading innovation.”[13]


[1] “UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics celebrates 100th anniversary,” College of Business and Economics, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, March 1, 2024, https://www.uww.edu/cobe/news/cobe-110th-anniversary

[2]“About the Program,” University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Internet Archive, http://academics.uww.edu/business/business.htm.  

[3] Michael O’Herron, “New online program lets MBA students stay at home,” The Royal Purple, October 28, 1998.

[4] Kimberly Wethal, “Online Program Ranked in Top Ten,” The Royal Purple, February 9, 2016, https://royalpurplenews.com/18408/campus/online-program-ranked-in-top-ten/

[5] Dylan Piccolo, “Pioneer Program Stays on Top,” The Royal Purple, February 11, 2019, https://royalpurplenews.com/24509/womens-sports/pioneer-program-stays-on-top/.

[6] Kimberly Wethal, “Online Program Ranked in Top Ten,” The Royal Purple, February 9, 2016, https://royalpurplenews.com/18408/campus/online-program-ranked-in-top-ten/

[7] “University of Wisconsin – Whitewater – College of Business and Economics,” The Princeton Review, https://www.princetonreview.com/business/university-wisconsin-whitewater-college-business-economics-1036185?program=online.  

[8] “Online Master of Business Administration,” University of Whitewater – Online, https://www.uww.edu/online/masters/mba.

[9] “Business Administration – Enrollment by Major & Emphasis,” Institutional Research & Planning, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, May 7, 2024.

[10] “Online Master of Business Administration,” University of Whitewater – Online, https://www.uww.edu/online/masters/mba.

[11] Nick Pook, 051223_CoBE Masters Hooding 2023_010, May 12, 2023, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

[12] “Online Master of Business Administration,” University of Whitewater – Online, https://www.uww.edu/online/masters/mba.

[13] “Online Master of Business Administration,” University of Whitewater – Online, https://www.uww.edu/online/masters/mba.

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Warhawk Almanac: Jane Clem

Written by Riley Smith

Jane E. Clem was born in 1886 in Dennis, Kansas. She graduated from Bushnell High School, in Illinois, in 1904 and completed her bachelor’s degree in science and math in 1909 at Hedding College in Abington, Illinois. Clem taught in various high schools in Illinois for 10 years before pursuing her Bachelor of Accounts from Gem City Business College in Quincy, Illinois in 1916. After years of teaching, Clem went back to school to earn her master’s degree, which she received from the University of Chicago in 1931.[1]

Photo of Jane Clem
Jane Clem. UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center.

            Clem landed a teaching position at the Whitewater Normal School, now the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, in 1919. During her tenure, Clem was responsible for teaching four classes: third and fourth-year typing, Typewriting, and Typewriting Methods.[2] Clem had a reputation from her previous teaching positions as being a serious instructor who demanded excellence from her students, while at the same time, being humorous and not so extreme with her workloads that a student would be overwhelmed.[3] Clem certainly did not disappoint on that account, nor many others. During her 37 years at the university, Clem, along with the help of accounting instructor Paul Carlson and shorthand instructor Marie Benson, advanced the business program which led to a significant increase in enrollment.[4] Due in part to her work, the university was given the nickname “Typewriter Tech”, and students of Clem were greatly sought after as business education teachers following graduation.[5] In an interview, Clem said, “I see my Whitewater students who are successfully teaching all over the West. Several have made names for themselves that has brought honor to Whitewater.”[6]

Photo of class using typewriters in Old Main
Typewriting Class in Old Main. UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center.

            Not only was Clem a fantastic instructor, but also an accomplished author and a forefront figure in the typewriting field. In 1929 she published the first typewriting textbook in the United States titled The Technique of Teaching Typewriting. [7] The textbook was met with great enthusiasm and became the standard for high school typewriting courses across the country. It remained popular and in January of 1955, Clem released the second edition of the textbook. In 1930, Clem published Clem’s Junior and Senior Typewriting Tests, in which her name was intentionally added to the title to ensure a great amount of sales.[8] Later, in 1936, Clem would go on to publish an article titled Grading Typewriting Skills which would earn her the title of “one of the country’s outstanding typewriting authorities.”[9] Then, in 1937, Clem collaborated on the college edition of Business and Personal Typewriting, where many of her survey tests published in the book became standards in the field.[10]

            Clem retired in 1956 and moved to San Diego. Ten years later, in 1966, to celebrate her many accomplishments in the field of typewriting and the acclaim she brought to Whitewater, the university named a newly constructed residence hall in her honor.

Photo of Clem Hall
Clem Hall[11]


[1] Richard C. Haney,  Campus Cornerstones: University of Wisconsin Whitewater Biographical Sketches of the People Whom Buildings & Facilities are Named (Whitewater: University of Wisconsin Whitewater, 1997), 30.

[1] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 31.

[2] Haney,  Campus Cornerstones, 31.

[3] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 31.

[4] Mary Jannette Bohi, A History of Wisconsin State University Whitewater, 1868-1968 (Whitewater, Wisconsin: Whitewater State University Foundation, Inc.), 133-134.

[5] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 31.

[6] Bohi, A History of Wisconsin State University Whitewater, 1868-1968, 138.

[7] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 31.

[8] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 31.

[9] “Miss Jane Clem recognized as Typewriting Authority,” The Royal Purple, May 18, 1936.

[10] Bohi, A History of Wisconsin State University Whitewater, 136.  

[11] “Clem Hall,” University of Wisconsin – Whitewater – Housing, https://www.uww.edu/housing/residencehalls/hall-tours/clem.

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When the Robots Came to the Library…

…for a Stuffed Animal Sleepover event!

Did you notice little children and stuffed animals in the library earlier this month? It’s no surprise! 8 children from ages 2 to 8 years old visited Andersen Library on April 5, 2024, to participate in the library’s ninth Annual Stuffed Animal Sleepover. The children from families of UW-Whitewater students, staff, faculty, and the Children’s Center participated in a craft followed by a story time.

students painting props

Library student staff members took a lead role in planning and prepping activities. Orion Regenold’s robot face-in-the-hole boards were a hit with both the children and their stuffies! 

Hannah Featherly pulled together craft supplies for children to make their own robot and prepared storytime props. 

Volunteer assists a child with a craft.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers along with student volunteers Georgia Mayfield and Jaelyn Krohn helped the children engineer their own robots. 

With crafts complete, the children geared up for a robot story time with library student employees Hannah and Beau Boyd, and Jaelyn each leading a robot story from the UW collections.

Volunteer students read robot stories to the children

Of course, there’s always a song or two to sing. What Would You Do If a Robot Came to Tea fit perfectly!

Before heading home, the children said goodbye to their stuffies for the evening. The stuffies stayed up all night exploring the library, reading more stories, making robot friends, and taking photos, with the assistance of student volunteer photographer Lilian Schildbach. The event volunteers created a photo memory booklet of the stuffies adventures which the children kept as mementos.

A big thank you to the volunteers that helped make the event a success!  We are so grateful for the many student workers and staff members involved behind the scenes, blowing up balloons, creating props, moving furniture and tidying up. 

If this sounds like fun for a little one you know, or if you are a UW-W student who would like to volunteer to help with this event in any way, keep your eyes peeled for next year’s event!

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Warhawk Almanac: U-Rock’s Longest Serving Dean, Dr. Thomas Walterman

“Sunshine Welcomed with Beer and Brats”, The Matrix, April 25, 1974, 6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.34666595

Thomas Walterman, grew up in the Quad Cities area to a lower-middle class, German family. After high school, he began working in a factory in Bettendorf, Iowa, before enlisting in the Marines. Walterman spent two years in Korea then returned to his work in the factory. [1] Eventually, Walterman, attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He then started working as a high school history teacher and simultaneously worked on achieving his master’s degree at the University of Iowa. He later attended Washington University in St. Louis and achieved his doctorate degree. [2] He then used his education to help him get a position as Associate Professor of History and Assistant to the President at Central Washington University.[3]

In 1973, UW-Center Rock County named the Walterman Dean, succeeding Dean George Condon. [4] Upon his arrival, Dean Walterman quickly settled into the campus culture and communicated his desire to build a stronger presence in the community and expand the opportunities that the university had for non-traditional students. Walterman said, “We should do all we can for as many as possible, but still maintain the status of an educational institution for basic college instruction.[5] In April of 1974, the Vets for Vets Club honored Dean Walterman and other veterans with the “First Annual Beer and Brat Day”. The event raised funds for the club and included a performance by the Jazz Ensemble, frisbee contests, and hoop-rolling.[6]

“U-Rock Dream Coming True”, The Janesville Gazette, January 25, 1980, 10.

Walterman was a major player in the development of campus facilities. The county denied initial requests for funding to help grow campus facilities. Walterman understood that improved campus facilities would improve the experience of students and could improve campus enrollment.[7] In 1978, Walterman’s advocacy proved successful and plans to build a gymnasium and fine arts building began building steam.[8] On February 14, 1980, the Rock County Board approved $2.6 million to fund the new buildings.[9]

Dean Tom W. Walterman, Janesville, 1981. https://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/LIRT6XXJQV3BM8O

In 1990, Walterman accepted a position at UW-Whitewater as the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. At Whitewater, Walterman would develop projects, create and review courses, update the course catalog, and serve on the campus space committee.[10] In his parting remarks, Walterman disclosed his appreciation for the UW-Rock County Center saying, “This place is a jewel of great value, and comparatively few people recognize that.”[11] Walterman spent five years at UW-Whitewater, then retired in 1995.[12] UW-Whitewater President, H. Gaylon Greenhill exclaimed, “I would describe Dr. Walterman as an extremely conscientious and hard-working individual. He is a professional who always expends the necessary time and effort to get a job done and to be certain that it is done well.”[13] He was nominated for the rank of Associate Vice Chancellor Emeritus, upon his retirement.[14]

Dean Dr. Thomas Walterman, Janesville, 1973/1990. https://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/BY3XVXJJO6LDA9E

Dr. Thomas Walterman’s dedication to accessibility paved the way for UW-Rock County and his awareness of the needs of students solidified his significance to UW-Whitewater. Walterman serves as an early example of the collaborative relationship between UW-Whitewater and UW-Rock County and his impact lives on throughout both campuses.  


[1] Rebecca Woosley, “Dean leaving ‘life on the lightning rod”, Janesville Gazette, August 31, 1990, 1.

[2] Ibid, 1.

[3] “Dean Walterman Arrives Today”, The Matrix, September 13, 1973, 1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.34666582

[4] Ibid, 1.

[5] “Dean Wants Student Feedback”, The Matrix, February 7, 1974, 4. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.34666590

[6] “Sunshine Welcomed with Beer and Brats”, The Matrix, April 25, 1974, 6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.34666595

[7] Mark Lindrin, “Enrollment drop delays expansion”, The Matrix, November 5, 1976, 6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.34666620

[8] F.M. Roach, “”Very Much Alive”, The Matrix, November 13, 1978, 1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.34666635

[9] Pat Soeder, “Building Project Carries”, The Matrix, February 25, 1980, 1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.34666643

[10] “Dean leaving ‘life on the lightning rod’”, 1.

[11] Ibid, 1.

[12] Anna Marie Lux, “Brave in battle: Book chronicles duty, danger, death for county’s Civil War soldiers”, The Janesville Gazette, March 10, 2002, 1.

[13] H. Gaylon Greenhill to UW-Whitewater, memorandum, May 5, 1995, “Dr. Thomas Walterman”.

[14] Faculty Senate, “Resolution”, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, May 5, 1995.

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Warhawk Almanac: Oliver Cromwell Arey

Written by Madeline Church

Oliver Cromwell Arey, born in 1817 in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, was named after 17th-century English Puritan Oliver Cromwell.  From the ages of 16 to 21, Arey worked as a merchant sailor before receiving his degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York. After receiving his education, Arey served as the principal of two New York Normal Schools, located in Brockport and Albany respectively.[1]

Photo of Oliver Cromwell Arey
President Oliver Cromwell Arey[2]

In 1868, Oliver Arey became the first President of the Whitewater Normal School. When the Normal School opened in 1868, the school consisted of nine faculty members and forty-eight students [3]. Arey served not only as president, but also as a professor of mental and moral philosophy and theory and practice of teaching. President Arey, who had a strong dedication to living earnestly and “socially correct” behavior, decided that students would be “evaluated on the basis of character, integrity, and manners as well as on classroom academic performance.”[4] As President, Arey oversaw the first-ever Whitewater Normal School commencement ceremony in 1870. The ceremony, held in the Universalist Church in Whitewater, located on the corner of Center and Prairie Streets, recognized the first six graduates of the Whitewater Normal School.[5]      

During his tenure, Arey introduced “Student’s Day.” Student’s Day was an event held once each semester. On this day, faculty and staff were absent from school, leaving the students to be appointed by each other as “President and Faculty, who would at once take up the regular duties of the day and carry them seriously and successfully through to the close.”[6] The faculty and staff gave students no warning as to when this day would occur each term as a means to test their morals and abilities.  

Photo of Arey Residence Hall
Arey Residence Hall[7]

Arey left the Whitewater Normal School in 1876 to return to New York before becoming President of the Cleveland City Normal School in 1879.[8] Arey had a strong impact on the university here at Whitewater. Arey Residence Hall was built in 1963 and originally known as Carlson Hall. When the Carlson Business and Economics Building opened in 1971, the residence hall was re-named in honor of our first president. The residence hall continues to be in use today, housing up to 197 students and is located on the west side of campus.[9]

President Arey was last in Whitewater in 1904, three years before his death, to visit the graves of his two daughters who passed away while living here. Arey spent the remainder of his life in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.[10]


[1] Richard C. Haney, Campus Cornerstones: University of Wisconsin Whitewater Biographical Sketches of the People Whom Buildings & Facilities are Named (Whitewater: University of Wisconsin Whitewater, 1997), 8-9.

[2] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 8.

[3] “1868: Old Main is Completed,” Sesquicentennial: Historical Timeline, https://www.uww.edu/150/timeline.

[4] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 8-9.

[5] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 8-9.

[6] Albert Salisbury, ed., Historical Sketches of the First Quarter-Century of the State Normal School at Whitewater, Wisconsin, with a Catalogue of its Graduates and a Record of their Work: 1868-1893 (Madison: Tracy, Gibbs & C0., 1893), 7.

[7] “Arey Hall,” University of Wisconsin – Whitewater – Housing, https://www.uww.edu/residencehalls/hall-tours/arey.

[8] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 8-9.

[9] “Arey Hall,” University of Wisconsin – Whitewater – Housing, https://www.uww.edu/residencehalls/hall-tours/arey.

[10] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 8-9.

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Warhawk Almanac: The Construction and Dedication of Warhawk (Perkins) Stadium

This was written by Jacob Ober

On September 11, 1970, UW-Whitewater (then Wisconsin State University-Whitewater), a five-year-long process of planning and constructing a new stadium, was completed. The university dedicated the new stadium as Warhawk Stadium (now Perkins Stadium). The event was a sight to behold, even featuring one of the most famous American musical acts at the time, Neil Diamond. Campus christened the stadium with a football game the following day, a 35-10 Whitewater loss to Texas Trinity. Despite the loss, head coach Forrest Perkins, whom the stadium would later be re-named after, said, “This is the dream that all of us have waited for. I want to express my thanks to the thousands who have helped, and I know that they are proud and will remember this day for many, many years.”[1]

Warhawk (Perkins) Stadium under construction, July 17, 1970. [2]

The planning process began on November 2, 1965, when the Whitewater State University Student Council passed a resolution to support a fundraising drive for a new stadium. The official stadium fund drive began on October 1, 1966, led by drive chairman Forrest Perkins, also the head coach of the football team at the time. After three years of planning and fundraising, the stadium received bids totaling 1.2 million US dollars on May 8, 1969, and the Building Commission gave final approval on May 12 of that same year. [3] Construction was completed in Summer 1970, and campus held the dedication on September 11 of that fall semester. The new stadium was to seat up to 14,000 fans and feature a press box. 

A completed Warhawk (Perkins) Stadium, 1970. [4]

The stadium dedication ceremony was held on September 10, 1970, and featured music artist Neil Diamond. Diamond, a New York native, had been on the scene throughout the 1960s, having achieved top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 by 1970 that included “Cherry, Cherry,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Holly Holy.”[5] The dedication concert was a big hit, as 7,000 people turned out to see the budding star perform. According to those who attended, Diamond “did as much moving around on stage as any musical performer ever did” and “showed all the charisma necessary to hold the attention of such a large gathering under anything but ideal conditions.”[6]

  [1] “Costley is ‘Costly’ in Warhawk 35-10 Dedication Game Loss to Texas Trinity,” The Whitewater Register, September 10, 1970.

[2] UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center.

[3] “Plans for Stadium Started in 1965,” The Whitewater Register, September 10, 1970.

[4] UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center.

[5] “Neil Diamond Chart History,” Billboard Hot 100, accessed November 2, 2023.

[6] Dale Reich, “Stadium Dedication Features Diamond,” The Royal Purple, September 15, 1970.

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Stuffed Animal Sleepover in the Library

UW-Whitewater students, staff, faculty and Children’s Center families, accompanied by a child 6(ish) years of age or younger, are invited to Andersen Library on the Whitewater Campus for the 9th Stuffed Animal Sleepover in the Library on Friday, April 5th. Children bring a stuffed animal friend to join them in a storytime and a craft activity – and maybe even make a new robot friend, too! The stuffed animals then get to sleep over and explore the library after hours.

Children will pick up their stuffed animal friend and a photo memory of their adventures on Saturday, April 6th, Sunday, April 7th, or Monday, April 8th during regular hours.

Note: Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but the library will provide chaperones for the stuffed animals’ overnight adventures.  

Please fill out this form to register: http://goo.gl/4WDQSJ

When? Friday, April 5th

Session 1: 3.30-4.30 PM
Session 2: 4.30-5.30 PM
Where? Andersen Library, 2nd Floor

Want to know more? See our posts from previous years’ events.

Questions? Need accommodations? Contact Ellen, the Education Librarian at 262-472-5525.

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Warhawk Almanac: Ambrose Health Center

Written by Ashley Bowe

Many students know of the Ambrose Health Center on campus, but few likely know the history behind its establishment. The health center opened in 1971, but its history starts in 1946 with Stephen Ambrose.[1] 

Photo of Stephen Ambrose
Stephen Ambrose[1]

Stephen Ambrose had always been interested in medical practice and botany, so after graduating from Illinois University with his undergraduate degree and M.D., he opened his own private practice in 1932. Upon the United States’ involvement in World War II, Dr. Ambrose entered the military in 1942. He was a Commander in the U.S. Navy and served as a physician in the Pacific Theater of Operations. After returning home from the war, Dr. Ambrose opened a private medical practice in his wife’s hometown, Whitewater.[2] 

The university’s student population started to skyrocket due to the baby boom following the end of World War II, “so in addition to his own private practice, Dr. Ambrose took on the additional responsibility of becoming the campus physician.”[3] However, Dr. Ambrose was not always readily available to students on campus. Dr. Ambrose was only available for a “one-hour sick call.”[4] At this time, there was no dedicated medical center on campus, so Dr. Ambrose’s office was in the east wing of Old Main. 

However, Dr. Ambrose resigned from his position before Old Main burned down. He served the University of Whitewater from 1946 until 1964 when he decided to pursue and devote himself to his private practice. On June 23rd, 1964, Dr. Ambrose was honored with a reception for the 18 years he dedicated to campus.[5]

Although Dr. Ambrose was no longer the campus physician, he did not completely sever ties to the university.  In 1966, two years after his resignation, Governor Warren Knowles appointed him to the University Board of Regents, on which he served until 1972. Not only was Dr. Ambrose a member of the University Board of Regents for Whitewater’s campus, but he also served as the representative on the Wisconsin State College Board of Regents, which dissolved in 1972 with the creation of the University of Wisconsin system.[6] In addition to his work at the university, Dr. Ambrose also served as the Medical Director at Fairhaven, a nursing home near campus, and was a member of the Walworth County Cancer Society.[7]

After the Old Main fire in 1970, there was no longer a place for the campus physician to attend to students. In response, the university built a dedicated student health center in 1971 and named it in honor of campus physician Stephen Ambrose. The Ambrose Health Center continues to serve students with physical and mental health concerns to this day. 

Dr. Stephen Ambrose played a significant role in Whitewater’s history, both on campus and off, and created an environment that continues to prioritize the health of Whitewater students. 

Photo of Ambrose Health Center
Ambrose Health Center[8]

https://www.uww.edu/uhcs

Monday-Friday 8:00 – 4:30 pm

uhcs@uww.edu


[1] Richard C. Haney, Campus Cornerstones: University of Wisconsin Whitewater Biographical Sketches of the People Whom Buildings & Facilities are Named (Whitewater: University of Wisconsin Whitewater, 1997), 4-5.

[2] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[3] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[4] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[5] “Reception for Ambrose,” The Royal Purple, June 23, 1964.

[6] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[7] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[8] Dauntae Green, “UHCS Pandemic Stress Counseling,” The Royal Purple, September 6, 2020.

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Warhawk Almanac: Vietnam War Moratorium at UW-Whitewater

This post was written by Jacob Ober.

From 1955 to 1973, the United States was involved in the Vietnam War, a brutal conflict between the communist forces of North Vietnam and the non-communist forces of South Vietnam. Intervening on the side of South Vietnam, the United States gradually increased its military involvement throughout the 1960s, authorizing the deployment of troops in 1965. Troop deployment to Vietnam reached a peak of over 543,000 in April 1969, with a total of 3.1 million American soldiers being deployed to Vietnam throughout the war.[1] Back home, opposition to the war grew as causalities mounted, resulting in large-scale anti-war protests, including at UW-Whitewater, then known as Wisconsin State College-Whitewater.

Anti-War student march in downtown Whitewater
A student-led antiwar march approaches the war memorial in downtown Whitewater on October 15th, 1969.[2]

In Fall of 1969, a massive nationwide protest called “The Moratorium to End the Vietnam War” took place nationwide. While the anti-war movement had been active for several years, this protest propelled it to new heights as US soldiers began participating in protests for the first time on a large scale.[3] At Wisconsin State College-Whitewater, around 1,000 people, mainly comprised of students, marched downtown in protest on October 15th, 1969, the day of the nationwide mortarium.[4] Many students also went door-to-door asking for signatures on an anti-war petition to be sent to President Nixon, garnering about 400 signatures in total.[5] The protest was mostly peaceful and looked upon with general approval by city residents.[6]

Anti-War student march in downtown Whitewater
Students participate in antiwar march in downtown Whitewater on October 15th, 1969.[7]

The march to downtown Whitewater was not the only protest event that occurred on that day. Prior to the march, a rally was held at Hamilton Field before being moved indoors to Hyer Auditorium. The rally featured speakers, including former Wisconsin attorney general Bronson LaFollette.[8] Wisconsin State College-Whitewater English department chairman Dr. Robert Burrows also spoke, expressing hope that more and more students would seek to get involved, stating, “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak. This is a time to speak.”[9] Overall, many saw the day as a success and reflected Whitewater’s anti-war sentiment in a pivotal moment in American history.

Police Officers holding up peace signs at the anti-war march
Whitewater police officers express their support for the protests by holding up peace signs.[10]

[1] “Vietnam War Statistics,” Vietnam Veterans Association, Accessed October 31, 2023, https://www.vva310.org/vietnam-war-statistics.

[2] Minneiska, 1970, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 46. https://jstor.org/stable/community.29546586.

[3] Derek Seidman, “Fifty Years Ago Today, US Soldiers Joined the Vietnam Moratorium Protests in Mass Numbers,” Jacobin, October 15, 2019.

[4] “400 Citizens Sign Moratorium Petition,” The Royal Purple, October 16, 1969.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] “Students March to Gain Peace,” The Royal Purple, October 16, 1969.

[8] Barb Cheek, “Speakers Want Withdrawal, Urge Student Involvement,” The Royal Purple, October 16, 1969.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Minneiska, 1970, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 46. https://jstor.org/stable/community.29546586

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