UWO students to showcase undergraduate research at Wisconsin State Capitol
Five UW Oshkosh students will showcase their research at the 20th Annual Research in the Rotunda on March 6 at the Wisconsin state capitol.
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.
UWO midyear commencement: Family, friends and faculty share joy in student success
Nearly 4,000 people filled Kolf Sports Center Saturday morning for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s 59th midyear commencement ceremony. All the emotions of pride and joy were on display as the crowd celebrated the graduation of nearly 700 students with associate, bachelor’s and master’s and doctoral degrees.
Learn more:
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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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.
Danielle Juan earns STAR Award for December
Danielle Juan, a compliance specialist in the compliance, risk and integrity office, has earned the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh STAR Award for December. Juan was nominated by Michelle Bogden Muetzel.
The nomination is as follows:
Since the Office of Compliance, Risk and Integrity (OCRI) was created in 2022, and brought together not only Risk & Safety, but Public Records, Title IX, and Ethics, Danielle has jumped in to help the staff succeed. She volunteered to join the Youth Protection Team, organize operations, create resources, and help with compliance and correspondence with program directors to meet the new UW System Administrative Policy 625 that became effective 3/01/2023. She has also taken on special projects in Environmental Health and Safety, including agreeing to take on a role for Workers’ Compensation when the previous person left the role. Danielle has quickly become such a vital part of the OCRI office and we all can only see big things to come from her career here at UW Oshkosh.
Danielle has been the University Staff Senate (USS) President since August 2023.
STAR Awards recognize and thank University staff members, limited-term employees and project appointment employees who go above and beyond their normal job description. They are handed out monthly. The nomination form is available here.
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UW Oshkosh Alumni Obituaries: December 2023
’60s
Mary Ann (Hanseter) Dedow (LS) ’62, Oshkosh, Oct. 25, 2023
Bette (Bahr) Deiters (EHS) ’63, Oshkosh, Oct. 18, 2023
Barbara Koran (EHS) ’67, Racine, Nov. 4, 2023
Stephen “Steve” Liebert (B) ’67, Green Bay, Nov. 12, 2023
Karen (McKinnon) Pfeffer (EHS) ’67, Palatine, Illinois, Sept. 19, 2023
Jeanne Voss (EHS) ’67, Madison, Oct. 19, 2023
Charles Weier (LS) ’63, Two Rivers, Oct. 27, 2023
Kathleen Weinzierl (EHS) ’69, Green Valley, Arizona, Nov. 4, 2023
‘70s
Dyann Abel (EHS) ’73, Menasha, Oct. 27, 2023
Mary (Bittner) Borchardt (EHS) ’70, Appleton, Aug. 2, 2023
Tom Frisch (B) ’73, Merrill, Nov. 6, 2023
Michael Kelley (LS) ’70, Manitowoc, Nov. 5, 2023
Mary Ann (Mayhew) Kurban (EHS) ’71, Milwaukee, Oct. 13, 2023
Stephen “Steve” Marshall (LS) ’73, Hudson, Oct. 30, 2023
Jim McGreevy (LS) ’75, Oak Park, Illinois, Oct. 13, 2023
Gregory Price (LS) ’73, Oregon, Oct. 20, 2023
Marjorie Weiss (N) ’78, (MSN) ’84, Neenah, Oct. 29, 2023
Lois Winter (EHS) ’79, Markesan, Oct. 23, 2023
‘90s
Scott Czarnecki (LS) ’95, Port Washington, Oct. 15, 2023
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UWO alumnus lauded for years of service as city finance director (pg. 3)
Oshkosh Herald, pg. 3, March 20
UWO chancellor says Universities of Wisconsin system didn’t sell out students of color for $800M
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 25
UWO gymnasts three-peat, win record-breaking national championship
WFRV, March 24
UWO gymnastics crowned three-peat national champions
WLUK, March 23
One last play to take stage at UWO Fond du Lac this spring before campus closes for good
Fond du Lac Reporter, March 23