The Andersen Library Blog

On December 19^th, 1971, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater celebrated its eighth formal mid-year commencement ceremony. Having just changed its name in October, this was the University’s first ceremony as part of the University of Wisconsin System.[1] In honor of the new name and a fresh start, the mid-year graduation introduced an important new tradition. In addition to honoring the nearly 600 undergraduate and graduate level students earning their degrees, Vice President H. Gaylon Greenhill introduced a new award dedicated to honoring recent alumni. This award, titled the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, focused on celebrating alumni who achieved significant progress in their careers shortly after graduating from UW-Whitewater. The first ever recipients of this award were Dr. Carol Becker Cartwright and Dr. O. David Sherwood. Dr. Cartwright was recognized for her research in special education and the early identification of disabilities in children. Dr. Sherwood, an endocrinologist, was recognized for his work in reproductive biochemistry.[2]         

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award quickly became a permanent feature of UW-Whitewater’s commencement ceremonies. However, in 1984, the award received a new name. At the 1984 mid-year commencement ceremony, four alumni, William Malleris, Randall Radtke, Donna Crass Sefton, and Roger Wimmer, were awarded the newly monikered Outstanding Recent Alumni Award.[3] To this day, the award is presented under this name to alumni who have graduated in the past 15 years and have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement or community involvement.[4] To learn more about recent recipients of the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award, or to nominate a possible candidates, check out Whitewater’s alumni awards at https://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards.

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

[2] “UW-Whitewater Mid-Year Commencement Last Sunday,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), December 23, 1971.

[3] “UW-W To Honor Young Alumni,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), December 6, 1984.

[4] “Alumni Awards,” University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, UW Board of Regents, 2020. https://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards

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.