From ICU nurse to the hospital’s president: UWO alum shares his journey of growth, leadership
Shane Carter, named president of Ascension NE Wisconsin – Mercy Campus in November, 2023, said he was at risk as a nursing student at UW Oshkosh before deciding to “buckle down” with his studies.
100 fruit trees planted across UW Oshkosh campuses
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh welcomed the addition of 100 new fruit trees across its three campuses Monday as the result of a Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformations project sponsored by the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corp. and Arbor Day Foundation. It was the culmination of work that began in 2019. About 100 Kimberly-Clark employees and members of the University community spent several hours planting trees along Pearl Avenue and at Congress Field on the Oshkosh campus. In all, 200 trees were gathered—50 for the Oshkosh campus, 25 for each access campus and 100 for those who volunteered to help plant the trees to take home.
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Fox Cities campus hosts Welcome Back Bash
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities campus students, staff and faculty took some time to kick back Monday at the annual Welcome Back Bash that included free food, games, prizes, inflatables and caricature artists. The fun took place at the Fox Cities campus fieldhouse and was put on by UWO Fox Cities Student Life.
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Campfire on the Fox gives students chance to relax near opening week’s end
Students at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh had a chance to kick back, roast marshmallows and maybe make some new friends at Thursday night’s Campfire on the Fox event outside the Culver Family Welcome Center. The Reeve Union Board-organized gathering came near the end of the first week of classes in the fall semester.
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Titan athletics campaign helps elevate the student-athlete experience
The support Titan athletics receives from its family of donors is second-to-none. The contributions allow University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student-athletes to compete at the highest level, while gaining a top-notch education and making a lasting impact in their communities.
Check out the video below to see the impact donations have on the athletic programs and student-athletes.
If you are able, consider donating to the Rise as One campaign. Your 100% tax-deductible donation can go to a specific sport, or you can donate to general athletics.
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Ahead of Black & Gold Ball, UWO community gets dance lessons from pro
Jitterbug, Rumba or Foxtrot, anyone?
Those types of dance are among the new skills members of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh community are adding to their repertoire ahead of the annual Black & Gold Scholarship Ball. UW Oshkosh College of Business Dean Barb Rau and the UWO Swing Club have come together to arrange free ballroom dance lessons to anyone up for the challenge. Zeke and Pamela Cribbs of Boogie Ballroom in Neenah are leading the sessions.
Those interested are invited to Reeve Union Room 202. Sessions run 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 3 and 10.
The Black & Gold ball, the University’s signature scholarship fundraising event, is Nov. 13 at the Gibson Social Club in Oshkosh. The formal evening includes cocktails, dinner and dancing with live entertainment from the Big Band Reunion. For more information, visit the Black & Gold Scholarship Ball website.
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Distinguished Alumni Award honorees showcase passion for UWO
The annual Alumni Awards Celebration, hosted by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Association, is set to kickoff Homecoming weekend on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Culver Family Welcome Center. The event will honor 11 alumni who have had an impact on their community and professional fields and showcases future promise.
Along with celebrating the accomplishments of these honorees next week, Justine Stokes, director of television services in the radio TV film department, and a few UW Oshkosh students put together videos on the winners.
In the videos below, we showcase the Distinguished Alumni Award winners, including Sheria (Grice) Robinson-Lane ’03, who shares why UWO is special and what her favorite place on campus was.
More Distinguished Alumni Award winner videos:
UW Oshkosh alumni obituaries: October 2023
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Relations Office has received the following death notices:
‘50s
Fred Cruckson (EHS) ’57, Fond du Lac, Aug. 29, 2023
Doris “Dewey” Schumacher (EHS) ’50, (EHS) ’65, Montreal, Aug. 16, 2023
‘60s
Steve Frankwick (EHS) ’60, Oconomowoc, Sept. 10, 2023
Dean Moede (LS) ’65, Menasha, Aug. 19, 2023
Diane (Dumbleton) Paterson (EHS) ’68, Sturgeon Bay, Sept. 2, 2023
James Scott (LS) ’69, Saukville, Aug. 8, 2023
Elizabeth “Betsy” Wagner (EHS) ’64, Pewaukee, Aug. 15, 2023
‘70s
Jayne Godleski (EHS) ’78, Fond du Lac, Aug. 21, 2023
Mark “Gruny” Grunwald (B) ’78, Oshkosh, Sept. 8, 2023
Lezlee Hintz (LS) ’73, Oshkosh, Aug. 30, 2023
Daniel Orr (B) ’73, Altoona, Aug. 15, 2023
Jean “Jeanie” Schultz (EHS) ’72, (MS) ’80, Sacramento, California, July 25, 2023
Kenneth Tuschl (B) ’71, Lebanon, Tennessee, Aug. 13, 2023
Dorothy “Dottie” Unbehaun (EHS) ’74, Brillion, Aug. 17, 2023
Michael Vlies (LS) ’79, Green Bay, Aug. 13, 2023
‘80s
Dan Lyons (LS) ’81, Naperville, Illinois, Aug. 9, 2023
Patricia Macho (MSE) ’80, (MBA) ’92, Oshkosh, Aug. 15, 2023
Dale Mitchell (MBA) ’81, Gleason, Sept. 15, 2023
Gretchen (Aasen) Parker (EHS) ’82, Monona, Aug. 17, 2023
Robby “Gumby” Roseff (LS) ’84, Manitowoc, Aug. 31, 2023
‘90s
Don McPherson (LS) ’92, (MSE) ’94, Neenah, Aug. 25, 2023
‘00s
Kristina (Kallenberg) Johnson (B) ’05, Appleton, Aug. 24, 2023
‘10s
Brent Hielsberg (B) ’13, Oshkosh, Aug. 27, 2023
🟨 ⬛️ 🟨
ABBREVIATION KEY
COLLEGES
• AAS — Associate of Arts and Science Degree
• B — Business
• EHS — Education and Human Services
• LLCE — Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement
• LS — Letters and Science
• N — Nursing
GRADUATE DEGREES
• DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice
• EdD — Doctor of Education
• GMBA — Global Master of Business Administration
• MA — Master of Arts
• MBA— Master of Business Administration
• MPA — Master of Public Administration
• MS — Master of Science
• MSE — Master of Science in Education
• MSN — Master of Science in Nursing
• MST — Master of Science in Teaching
• MSW — Master of Social Work
If you know of a classmate, family member or other UW Oshkosh friend who has passed away, send an to email alumni@uwosh.edu or call the Alumni Relations Office at (877) UWO-ALUM or (920) 424-3449.
UWO Society for Human Resource Management student chapter earns Superior Merit Award
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has awarded a Superior Merit Award designation to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and SHRM engagement.
SHRM is the world’s largest association dedicated to Human Resources Management with over 170,000 professional members and 55,000 student members.
Those interested in getting involved with UWO SHRM can contact co-presidents Emma Leib at leibe50@uwosh.edu and Abbie Reinert at reinea20@uwosh.edu, or faculty co-advisers Sarah DeArmond at dearmons@uwosh.edu and Sarah Villanueva at villanuevas@uwosh.edu.
UW Oshkosh to host free speech discussion Sept. 27
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for Civic and Community Engagement will host a panel discussion on free speech later this month titled Crisis of Engagement: Why We Need More Speech on Campus.
Michael Ford
Details: 6 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Reeve Memorial Union ballroom
Featuring: Michael Ford, associate public administration professor, will moderate the discussion. Panelists will be Zach Greenburg from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, UWO communication studies professor Tony Palmeri and UWO journalism professor Sara Steffes Hansen.
Background: Following the UW System survey about student views on freedom of speech, several trends came to light, including that 70% of students say they are not interested in talking about controversial topics and only 12% of students are interested in having their views challenged.
Using the survey results as a starting point, the panel will discuss how to move forward to encourage students to use their right to free speech, learn how to engage in difficult (and sometimes controversial) conversations appropriately and become more involved on campus and in their communities as a result.
Learn more: UW Oshkosh Center for Civic and Community Engagement
UW Oshkosh alumni class notes: September 2023
’74 Jim Booras (LS), of Oshkosh, painted a mural on the Sliced Pizza building in Scandinavia which reflects Scandanavian folklore and highlights the bridge across the Little Wolf River. Booras is a retired graphic artist and illustrator.
’86 Mark Kinderman
’76 Denise (Zanto) O’Neil (N), of Appleton, retired from nursing after a 42-year career as a medical/surgical RN. O’Neil enjoyed participating in Sinfonia through the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra in June.
’86 Mark Kinderman (LS), of Oshkosh, is the director of food safety/food defense at Galloway. Kinderman and his wife ’94 Kathleen (Tassoul) Kinderman (LS) have a daughter studying criminal justice student at UWO.
’89 Tony Klaubauf (MSE) of Denmark, is the interim superintendent for the Southern Door County School District. Klaubauf served for 11 years as the Denmark School District’s superintendent and retired in 2018.
’94 Amy Fricke-Weigel (LS), of Manitowoc, is the CEO of Fricke Printing Service Inc. Fricke-Weigel joined the Shady Lane Inc. board of directors and has been involved in the Manitowoc community for 30 years.
’94 Matt Smith (EHS) and ’99 (MSE), of Kaukauna, is the principal at Pulaski High School. Smith has been the director of secondary education in the Kaukauna Area School District for the past 10 years.
’99 Bridget (Andrews) DeMartino (EHS), of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, received the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award of Maritorious Service Award as a Community Volunteer.
’99 Jessica (Ball) Miller (LS), of Menomonee Falls, celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary with her husband ’98 Jason Miller (LS). The Millers met at UW Oshkosh, where their son will study in fall.
’02 Stephan Wucherer (LS), of Waupaca, is the orchestra director for SPASH High School in Stevens Point. Wucherer is the Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra director.
’99 Bridget (Andrews) DeMartino
’07 Luke Leitner (EHS), of Ripon, is the assistant director of financial aid and student employment manager at Ripon College. Leitner was nominated for the Ripon College President’s Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the campus and community.
’08 Mark Gutknecht (LS), of Beaver Dam, is the technology coordinator at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association. Gutknecht has 27 years of experience in the information technology field, most recently as executive director for technology solutions and technical manager for web solutions at CESA 6 in Oshkosh.
’15 Dan Brosman (B) and ’21 (MBA), of Oshkosh, was honored with the 40 Under 40 Award by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network for his efforts to launch the statewide Digital Marketing Clinic and his outreach efforts. Brosman is the director of the UW Oshkosh SBDC.
’15 Briana Hetherington-Swenson (EHS), of Tomah, is a homeless-resource navigator with Children’s Wisconsin in Black River Falls. Hetherington-Swenson is married with a 3-year-old daughter.
’16 Matthew Nielsen (LS), of Chicago, Illinois, is an actor and comedian who has performed standup in clubs all over the Midwest, including the Comedy Bar and Milwaukee Improv. Nielsen is a graduate of the conservatory at Second City.
’17 Alia Carroll (B), of Appleton, was honored with the 40 Under 40 Award by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network for her exceptional commitment to assisting small businesses get the resources they need. Carroll is a financial consultant with the UW-Eau Claire SBDC.
’18 Jennifer Gauthier (MPA), of Shawano, is the director of the Sustainable Development Institute at the College of Menominee Nation. Gauthier is chairperson of the Menominee Language and Culture Commission and an inaugural board member of the Kaehkenawapahtaeq Charter School.
’19 Elizabeth (Turner) Ahnert and ’19 Nathan Ahnert
’18 Peter Kotarba (LS), of Rhinelander, is the director of the Edward U. Demmer Memorial Library in Three Lakes.
’19 Elizabeth (Turner) Ahnert (LS), of Appleton, and her husband ’19 Nathan Ahnert (LS), bought a home where they live with their two dogs. Elizabeth works for the Oshkosh Community Pantry and Nathan is employed by Navitus Health Solutions.
’21 Jelissa Burns (LS), of Oshkosh, is transitioning from finance reporting to food and drink reporting for the The Post-Crescent in Appleton. Burns formerly worked as a reporter for the Sheboygan Press.
’21 Steve Diehl (B), of Oshkosh, is a business banking representative with Bank First.
’22 Dayne Volz (LS), of Freedom, is an officer with the Ripon Police Department.
UW Oshkosh alumni obituaries: September 2023
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Relations Office has received the following death notices:
‘50s
John Zeinert (EHS) ’52, Neenah, July 23, 2023
‘60s
Sophia Evans (EHS) ’65, Appleton, Aug. 8, 2023
Kenneth Freitag (EHS) ’60, Wausau, July 15, 2023
Joseph Murray (LS) ’66, Appleton, Aug. 1, 2023
‘70s
Gerald “Arnie” Arnoldussen (B) ’74, Appleton, June 25, 2023
Sharon (Czecholinski) Chmielinski (EHS) ’73, Caledonia, June 29, 2023
David Morien (LS) ’74, New London, July 19, 2023
Diane Williams (LS) ’71, Eagle, Aug. 3, 2023
‘80s
Lynn (Neulreich) Coady (B) ’81, Sheboygan, Aug. 9, 2023
Mary Grundy (LS) ’83, Oshkosh, Aug. 5, 2023
‘10s
Michelle Peterson (N) ’12, Wausau, Nov. 22, 2022
🟨 ⬛️ 🟨
ABBREVIATION KEY
COLLEGES
• AAS — Associate of Arts and Science Degree
• B — Business
• EHS — Education and Human Services
• LLCE — Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement
• LS — Letters and Science
• N — Nursing
GRADUATE DEGREES
• DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice
• EdD — Doctor of Education
• GMBA — Global Master of Business Administration
• MA — Master of Arts
• MBA— Master of Business Administration
• MPA — Master of Public Administration
• MS — Master of Science
• MSE — Master of Science in Education
• MSN — Master of Science in Nursing
• MST — Master of Science in Teaching
• MSW — Master of Social Work
If you know of a classmate, family member or other UW Oshkosh friend who has passed away, send an to email alumni@uwosh.edu or call the Alumni Relations Office at (877) UWO-ALUM or (920) 424-3449.
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