Media trailblazer, UWO alum VandeHei to deliver Spring Commencement keynote
UWO alumnus Jim VandeHei ’95, co-founder and CEO of Axios, will provide the keynote address at both 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 18 Spring Commencement ceremonies in Kolf Sports Center.
UWO students snag free finds at Clash Collective Pop-Up Thrift Shop
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students snapped up free clothes, shoes, housewares, pictures and more at the popular, award winning Clash Collective Pop-Up Thrift Shop.
With table after table of donated items, students had fun checking out and selecting up to five items each of the two days of the event. The items might otherwise have been tossed and ended up in a landfill.
New Student and Family Programs Manager Stacy Dreweck said they gave away 2,079 items that were selected Feb. 6 and 7 by 635 students inside Reeve Memorial Union.
“Many students told us they were so happey we held this program,” she said.
There was plenty of donated items leftover and the Clash Collective initiative goes on the road this week to UWO Fox Cities campus in Menasha.
Check out photos of the Oshkosh event:
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Unseasonably warm week kicks off UWO’s spring semester
With temperatures in the 40s during an unseasonal stretch of mild February weather, a group of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students took advantage of some free time to reunite with friends in front of Polk Library
The spring semester started this week and there has been no need for winter boots. The snow has all but melted, patches of grass are turning green and confused buds are poking through the soil.
Check out some photos of students enjoying the Tuesday afternoon sunshine.
Pat’s pics: UWO photographer shares fave images from 2023
Nobody sees the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh quite like Pat Flood does.
Through his camera lens, he focuses on the action, joy and beauty of UWO’s three campuses. His images capture attention on UWO’s website, on its main social media accounts and in a myriad of communication and marketing materials.
Check out Flood’s favorite pictures from 2023 and learn how he created them in his own words.
UW Oshkosh year in review: We bid you adieu, 2022
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh community thrived in 2022, with plenty of events and lots of learning and opportunities for connection.
Take a moment to watch the recap video of 2022.
We look forward to seeing what 2023 holds for our University.
60 seconds of joy: UWO midyear commencement video highlights
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s proud alumni community grew by nearly 1,000 on Dec. 17 as the University staged its 58th midyear commencement. The achievements of 922 students were recognized in a 10 a.m. ceremony at the Kolf Sports Center on the Oshkosh campus. The ceremony came at the conclusion of the fall semester and honored those who graduated with bachelor’s, associate, master’s and doctoral degrees in the summer and fall. Cheers to all the “beautiful full-bloomed futures” ahead.
More from midyear commencement:
UWO graduating senior finds passion to go beyond survival to thrive
Since a horrific car accident nearly eight years ago altered forever the trajectory of her life, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh psychology senior Abby Lane has chosen time and again to push forward with her recovery and educational goals. Now just weeks after unexpectedly losing her father, Lane is set to graduate Saturday, Dec. 17 at Kolf Sports Center.
Watch the inspiring story of one of UWO’s soon-to-be alumni:
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UWO Music department to host WI Alliance for Composers New Music Festival
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Music department will host the annual Wisconsin Alliance for Composers (WAC) New Music Festival this weekend on campus.
The event takes place Feb. 25 in the Music Hall, with concerts at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The 3 p.m. concert features winning compositions and honorable mentions from the statewide WAC Student Composition Contest. Student works in four categories—elementary, middle school, high school and undergraduate—will be performed by UWO music department students and faculty. The concert will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/_9k03L_8AU0?feature=share.
The event provides an excellent opportunity for student composers to hear their original music performed by accomplished musicians and to share their creativity with the public. For many students, this will be the first time they hear their music performed live in concert.
The 4:30 p.m. concert will feature new music from WAC members from throughout the state, including works by UWO music faculty and festival co-hosts John Mayrose and Ed Martin. The eclectic program will include an exciting variety of works for synthesizer, guitar, piano, saxophone, voice, flute and video. Performers include faculty members Kirstin Ihde, Nathan Krueger, Drew Whiting and others.UW Oshkosh Alumni Obituaries: Feb. 2024
‘30s
Margaret (Kelroy) Schmitz (EHS) ’37, Fond du Lac, Dec. 29, 2023
‘50s
Robert Albright Sr. (LS) ’59, Winneconne, Nov. 20, 2023
Lillian Greenquist (EHS) ’50, Florence, Dec. 26, 2023
Junice “June” (Maurer) Budnik (EHS) ’59, Chaska, Minnesota, Jan. 11, 2024
Pauline (Kornely) Ott (EHS) ’59, Eagan, Minnesota, Nov. 25, 2023
Nancy (Swanson) Tebo (EHS) ’53, (MSE) ’73, Appleton, Dec. 21, 2023
Ardys (Lemke) Wellso (EHS) ’52, Lomira, Nov. 19, 2023
‘60s
Michael Dodson (EHS) ’68, Oshkosh, Jan. 16, 2024
John Green (LS) ’66, Appleton, Nov. 21, 2023
David Grey (LS) ’67, Oshkosh, Dec. 15, 2023
Dale Heinen (EHS) ’64, Waukesha, Nov. 18, 2023
Neil Johnson (LS) ’66, Appleton, Dec. 17, 2023
Gary Kott (LS) ’69, Manitowoc, Dec. 21, 2023
Jane (Slaby) Kronschnabel (EHS) ’62, Montello, Nov. 29, 2023
Mel Mickey (LS) ’63, Wauwatosa, Jan. 1, 2024
David Patton (MST) ’69, Fond du Lac, Dec. 15, 2023
James Paulick (LS) ’68, Oshkosh, Dec. 30, 2023
Richard Pelc (LS) ’64, Amery, Dec. 23, 2023
Thomas Schroepfer (LS) ’69, Marinette, Dec. 31, 2023
Paul Ten Pas (EHS) ’62, Sheboygan Falls, Dec. 24, 2023
Jean Van Dixhorn (EHS) ’65, Sheboygan, Dec. 26, 2023
David Wirth (LS) ’64, Berlin, Nov. 13, 2023
‘70s
Holly (Ralston) Albe (LS) ’71, Vero Beach, FL, Dec. 1, 2023
Lawrence “Larry/LD” Burt (B) ’73, Green Bay, Nov. 16, 2023
Walter Daehler (MBA) ’75, Mundelein, Illinois, Dec. 20, 2023
Douglas Fritsch (EHS) ’70, Lake Mills, Nov. 2, 2023
Robert “Bob” Garfinkel (EHS) ’70, Luxemburg, Dec. 22, 2023
James Happel (MS) ’75, Appleton, Dec. 19, 2023
LaVerne Hoffman (B) ’71, Oshkosh, Nov. 21, 2023
Cynthia Johnson (MS) ’78, Baileys Harbor, Nov. 13, 2023
Michael Lackas (LS) ’70, Fond du Lac, Dec. 2, 2023
Nona Prestine (EHS) ’70, Peshtigo, Dec. 6, 2023
Rosanne (Heppe) Sang (MST) ’77, Slinger, Nov. 19, 2023
Kerry Schmidt (LS) ’75, Oshkosh, Dec. 27, 2023
Tanya (Truax) Shawcroft (N) ’73, Hansville, Washington, Dec. 23, 2023
Robert Veleke (EHS) ’70, Clintonville, Jan. 15, 2024
Mary Wegener (LS) ’71, Waukesha, Dec. 29, 2023
‘80s
Bahram “Barry” Khodavandi (LS) ’86, Madison, Nov. 7, 2011
Wendy Rodman (MSE) ’80, Oshkosh, Nov. 27, 2023
Mary Walden (MSE) ’84, Green Bay, Nov. 27, 2023
‘90s
Ann Fowler (MSE) ’99, Burnsville, Minnesota, Nov. 28, 2023
Ginger Peterson (LS) ’98, Merrill, Jan. 10, 2024
William “Bill” Sauld (EHS) ’91, Princeton, Nov. 28, 2023
‘00s
Kristin Rogers (B) ’05, Winnie, Texas, Dec. 31, 2023
‘10s
Tyler Kraning (B) ’18, Appleton, Dec. 6, 2023
Faculty and Friends
Frederick Blank, lecturer, Economics Department 2002-2006, Neshkoro, Dec. 5, 2023
Jane Garton, lecturer, Journalism Department, 1986-1987, 1994-1995, 1999
Robert Greuel, faculty assistant and instructional academic staff, Geography Department 1966-2007, New Holstein, Dec. 22, 2023
Harold “Skip” Thorpe, professor of special education, 1972-1983, Butte des Morts, Jan. 6, 2024
UW Oshkosh Alumni Class Notes: Feb. 2024
’69 Robert Keller (B), of Kaukauna, retired as chairman of the board of directors at J. J. Keller and is now the chairman emeritus.
’74 Bill Pratt (N), of Cedarburg, retired after 24 years at Wesley Willows in Rockford, Illinois where he served as the CEO.
’76 Deborah (Kelsey) Hamele (N), of Brooklyn, retired after working in the neonatal ICU at Meriter Hospital for 47 years. Hamele is now devoting her time to training her dogs to compete in agility, scent work, barn hunt, dock diving and dog therapy.
’76 Pamela (Senn) Corcoran (LS) and ’75 Timothy Corcoran (LS), of Custer, WI, continue to develop their permaculture small holding with chickens, sheep and two golden retrievers. Pamela owns Corcoran Puppets and continues to perform puppet shows at libraries and festivals.
’77 Art Rein (LS), of Waterford, released the second volume of his trilogy, The Red Wolf Chronicles. The novel A Flame Worth the Candle, was released in October as a sequel to Rolling in the Deep. Both novels are set in Wisconsin.
’80 Mary (Zodrow) Faltz (LS), of Montello, retired from the Marquette County Tribune after 43 years as general manager and editor.
’91 Michael Esslinger (LS), of Oshkosh, has published a photo book titled Oshkosh Quiet. Esslinger’s photos capture what his days looked like growing up in Oshkosh.
’94 Michael Stelling (EHS), of Erie, Colorado, was selected as the 2023 Colorado High School Counselor of the Year by the Colorado Council of High School and College Relations. Stelling is a counselor at Adams 12 Five Star School District.
’96 Joseph Capelle (LS) and (MSE) ‘99, of Fond du Lac, retired in March 2023 after working for 23 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of Wisconsin’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Capelle is now planning a trip to Hawaii for his 50th wedding anniversary.
’97 Florence Siebert (LS), of Elkhart Lake, is the director of mission and equity at Lakeland University.
’01 Dan Granger (EHS), of Wauwatosa, wrote the children’s book Why is Sam so SAD? Granger is attempting to bring a compassionate conversation about seasonal affective disorder and depression to children.
’01 Megan (Bohm) Brouch (LS), of Kaukauna, and her husband ’99 Adam Brouch (B) have been married for 22 years and have three children.
’02 Shane Carter (N) and ’10 (MSN), of Omro, is the president of Ascension Mercy in Oshkosh. Carter previously served as vice president and chief nursing officer at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh.
’02 Shawn Robinson (EHS), of Oshkosh, has been chosen for the Madison 365’s ninth annual list of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders. Robinson is the co-author of the graphic novel Doctor Dyslexia Dude and a research affiliate with Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion Laboratory at UW-Madison.
’03 Erin Krebs (EHS), of Appleton, was awarded the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Jazz Artist of the Year Award in 2023. Krebs performed three jazzy holiday concerts in the Fox Cities in December 2023.
’04 Ryan Haase (B), of Omro, is vice president of change management and marketing at Society Insurance. In his role, Haase supports employees on the marketing, change management, and corporate communications teams.
’04 Teri Grossheim (LS), of Arlington, Virginia, is an adjunct instructor at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, teaching entertainment technology drafting and Vectorworks SME.
’05 David Diekelman (MBA), of Stevens Point, is vice president of sales at Willamette Falls Paper Company and has worked in the paper industry for 30 years.
’05 Jeff Ehrike (LS), of Oshkosh, has opened an indoor pickleball and bags facility at the Oregon Trail Commerce Center in Oshkosh. He has extensive background in strength and conditioning and wanted to lean into pickleball’s allure.
’08 Margaret Brill (LS), of Oshkosh, is vice president of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Aviation Foundation. In her role, Brill designs and executes the Foundation’s year-round strategy for EAA’s numerous initiatives.
’09 John M. Erickson (LS), of West Hollywood, California, is the mayor of the City of West Hollywood. Erickson has a commitment to upholding the city’s “founding vision for a forward-thinking, diverse, and tolerant community” and is a member of the UW Oshkosh Alumni Board of Directors. Erickson welcomed the UWO Women’s Volleyball team while they competed in California.
’10 Taylor Porter (LS), of Algoma, is the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Oregon football team. Porter spent the past four seasons at Michigan State and brings 15 years of experience between the NFL and college football.
’12 Gerald Chatman (EHS), of Baton Rouge, LA, was hired as the defensive line coach for the University of Florida football team. Chatman’s previous school, Tulane, finished the year ranked eighth in the country in rush defense, fourth in turnover gains, and tied for 22nd in sacks.
’12 Jon Ellmann (LS) and ’14 (MS), of Neenah, was named NCAA’s Division III Coach of the Year. Ellmann led the UW Oshkosh Women’s Volleyball team to the Elite Eight this season. Ellmann is married to ’06 Jackie Munoz-Ellmann (EHS).
’13 Mikhaila (Weister) Riska (LS), of Appleton, opened a family and pediatric/perinatal practice in the Fox Cities after graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2016. Dr. Riska recently opened a secondary location in Oshkosh. Dr. Riska is married to ’14 Zachary Riska (EHS).
’14 Alison (Kerwin) Hughes (B), of Waukesha, and spouse ’12 Joshua Hughes (LS) welcomed a baby girl in November.
’14 Andrew Kohel (LS), of Denver, Colorado, is the new head coach of the Carroll University men’s soccer team. Kohel brings four years of head coaching experience at the NCAA Division-III level.
’15 Travis Teesch (LS), of Watertown, was named fire chief of Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue. Teesch started as a volunteer with the Valders Fire Department in 1993 and is now a 30-year firefighting veteran.
’17 Ashlynn Schreiner (LS), of Kaukauna, is the marketing and communications coordinator for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce.
’17 Joshua Nave (MBA), of Appleton, is the vice president and director of information technology for Port Washington State Bank. Nave has more than 20 years of experience in the field.
’19 Michael Oldendorf (B), of Buffalo City, trained in logistics in Virginia before serving in Hawaii for three years as a quartermaster and in transportation. Oldendorf is now a first lieutenant in the Army where he works in the engineering branch.
’20 Ellie Barrera-Diaz (LS), of North Charleston, South Carolina, pursued a certificate in software development before relocating to South Carolina where she holds a position with Trustage as a software developer.
’22 Gabriella Keidl (LS), of Germantown, is a critical care technician at Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital and is planning to continue her education.
’22 Tory Jandrin (B), of Forestville, will be inducted into the Southern Door High School Athletic Hall of Fame in February. Jandrin works for Jandrin Refrigeration and coaches youth wrestling and high school football at Southern Door High School.
Beer garden open at UWO conference home basketball games
A new beer garden will be open this year at all conference home games for both the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Fox River Brewing Company is the official brewer and General Beer of Kaukauna is the official supplier of alcohol in the beer garden. The exclusive Titan Gold Ale will be offered alongside a seltzer product at the north end of the Kolf Sports Center fieldhouse.
To gain entrance to the beer garden, fans that are at least 21 years old with a valid ID will be able to purchase a wristband with three drinks tabs, for $20 (cash-only). The wristbands will be available at the entrance to the beer garden. An additional wristband may be purchased for $20.
Alcohol sales will begin one hour before gametime, the same time gates open, and end 10 minutes into the second half during men’s games and at the end of the third quarter during women’s games.
After the basketball seasons conclude, the UW-Oshkosh Athletics Department will conduct an operational analysis and determine if expansion to other sports is feasible.
Winners announced in UW Oshkosh 2023 Elevator Pitch Contest
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh senior William Dorsett, of Pine River, took home the grand prize of $1,000 in seed funding and a guaranteed spot in the upcoming Business Model Competition at the recent 90-Second Elevator Pitch Contest for his idea about new firefighting equipment to assist rural firefighters. Dorsett is a mechanical engineering technology major.
Second place went to first-year student Eliana Acosta, a social science education major from Grafton, for an exciting new condiment based on a family recipe. She won $350.
First-year student Shane Kinson, a music industry major from Elkhorn, was awarded $100 for his pitch about headphones to assist those who experience sensory overload and auditory processing issues.
Hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) and Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the contest is designed to be low-barrier and provide students with an opportunity to pitch their idea in a welcoming environment.
Guest judges for the competition were Kathy Fredrickson, Digital Marketing Clinic director; Brittney Racine, owner of Escape Oshkosh; Dayne Rusch, CEO of Vyper Industrial; and Jessica Solano, CEO of iSense Data.
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Fond du Lac Earth Day and Arbor Day special events include UWO Fond du Lac’s five-year Tree Campus award
Fond du Lac Reporter, April 22
UWO men’s basketball team’s top assistant hired as Simpson College head coach
KNIA KRLS Radio, April 22
UW Oshkosh approves new academic structure to save $1.5M annually
WLUK, April 19
Water on their minds: UWO students testing beach water in Door County found bacteria around Pilot Island
Door County Pulse, April 18
Oshkosh West and North high school graduations being moved to Kolf Sport Center
WLUK, April 19