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A doctor had doubts she’d finish college; UW Oshkosh student proves she could—twice

Fond du Lac resident Jackie Runge earned a UWO bachelor’s degree in 2020 and graduates with an MBA this weekend. She’s been determined to overcome speech, memory and physical challenges after suffering a stroke in 2011.

In Photo

EAA AirVenture guests receive Titan welcome, spend nights at UWO

About 3,700 guests from all parts of the U.S. and the world—including visitors from China, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and many other countries—take advantage of lodging at the University of Wisconsin over the weeklong run of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at nearby at Wittman Regional Airport.

“We also welcome many alumni back to campus as EAA guests, and they proudly lodge in our halls hearkening back to their collegiate days,” said Marc Nylen, director of Gruenhagen Conference Center, which serves as the operational headquarters.

Breakfast and dinner are served daily at Blackhawk Commons and dedicated city shuttles go to and from UWO to the AirVenture grounds. Staff from Reeve Union, University Books and More, Titan Convenience Store and other areas of campus work to provide a great EAA guest experience. It’s something UWO has done for 53 years, filling all 10 residence halls.

“We see our guests as family,” Nylen said, “and look forward to welcoming them home to our campus each and every year.”

UWO’s Grandparents University features education, exploration

More than 100 grandparents and grandchildren soaked up fun and instruction this week at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh during a popular summer academy that attracts generations of learners.

Grandparents University was held July 13 and 14, with many UWO alumni participants continuing their connection to UWO with their grandchildren ages 8-12.

Attendees took in a variety of interesting “majors”: Animal Adventures, Awesome Artists, Robotics and Coding, Spectacular Scientists, or Tech Titans.

Students had the opportunity to check out areas of campus, including the nursing skills lab, fitness stations at Albee Hall, and Kolf Sports Center, where the UWO national champion gymnasts offered a demonstration. Games, bingo and craft projects were available at night at Horizon Village. Grandparents and grandchildren also ate meals together, had the opportunity to stay overnight at a residence hall and enjoyed a Titan-inspired graduation.

UW Oshkosh alumni rocked at Waterfest in Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni kicked up their heels June 15 at Waterfest 37 at the Leach Ampitheater in Oshkosh.

The evening featured reunions with fellow Titans as they gathered to see Bob Schneider, Steely Dane and Grand Union. Before the music performances, UWO graduates and their families stopped by the gazebo at the Leach to catch-up with each other and pick up some free UWO swag.

Those with an Alumni Titan Card enjoyed free admission.

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In Video

There is no other place like UW Oshkosh

Our 150th Anniversary Giving Day is on Sept. 12. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate UW Oshkosh and all that is special about it … from our brilliant and passionate faculty and staff, to our vibrant and dedicated students and especially the supportive community that surrounds us. UWO seeps into each individual and leaves a lasting impression.

In being part of Giving Day, you will have the opportunity to join the entire Titan family in supporting the next generation of leaders, researchers and champions.

In the video below, Titan faculty and staff share their thoughts on what makes UWO so unique.

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UW Oshkosh thanks donors for ‘essential’ support to students

It’s been a challenging year for everyone. Our students needed support more than ever and our family of donors came through. We paid out over $1.1 million in scholarships and awards for the 2020-21 academic year.

The impact these scholarships and awards have had on our students is vast and long-lasting.

We are excited to share this message of thanks from Chancellor Andrew Leavitt and a few of our award recipients.

Learn more:

Spring semester closes with historic commencement

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Briefs

Recent UW Oshkosh STAR Award recipients announced

Jun 22, 2023

Recipients of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh STAR Award have been announced for April, May and June.

Ashley Behling

Ashley Behling, an administrative assistant with the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, earned the award for April. She was nominated as follows by the center’s interim director Tony Dirth:

“Ashley volunteered to serve as Clash at the first football game that the marching band performed. She is serving on the Dean of Students search committee. She is volunteering at Homecoming. She has done all of these things while providing a great level of service to our students in her regular role.

“Student Affairs was looking for a student to be Clash at the first football game of the year, to go out with the band as a part of that whole thing. When no students volunteered, Ashley said that she would do it. She dressed up as Clash for the afternoon. As for the Assistant Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students search committee, Ashley has served on this very time-consuming committee. This is actually her sixth search committee she’s volunteered to be on in the recent months, showing her dedication to the University. She also volunteered to help at the beverage table at Reeve for Homecoming festivities. For all of these reasons, she’s been a great contributor this semester and would be deserving of the award.”

Donna Johnson

Donna Johnson, a program assistant with the College of Nursing’s accelerated BSN program, earned the award for May. She was nominated as follows by Erika Janssen, the program’s assistant director.

“Donna is the glue that keeps the accelerated program running on schedule. She is responsible for keeping track of students’ admissions, interviews, onboarding, health requirements and numerous program processes (it would be too long to list here). We have three cohorts running at all times with 30 students each. Yet, she found the time and effort to revamp our holistic admission interview process to eliminate barriers and redundancies. This will help expedite the interview process and allow us to admit students quicker.

“Donna took the initiative to create a new virtual interview process where students can record their answers to the assigned interview question and submit them to Donna. Donna then organizes the students’ files and assigns the interviews to instructors and faculty for review. This new process allows us to continue with holistic admissions. It simultaneously enables instructors and faculty to complete the review on their own time without having to try to fit them into their busy schedules.

“Donna also streamlined our application process and moved it to an online form where students can complete the forms and submit every necessary document in one place. I know this might seem like a small task, but it takes extra time and initiative to accomplish.

“Donna is always looking for new ways to improve our processes. Her organizational skills are exceptional. She makes running an accelerated nursing program look easy. We are grateful for all she does!”

Lesa Jorgensen

Lesa Jorgensen, a finance and administration executive assistant, earned the June award. She was nominated as follows by Kim Harrington, the unite business offer:

“Lesa is the glue that holds the Student Affairs Division together. There have been several impactful changes and there continue to be changes to the division, and Lesa smoothly adapts and assists the division through those changes. One of these big changes was the recent addition of the Academic Support for Inclusive Excellence Department to Student Affairs.

“Through COVID, Lesa was one of the few staff on campus every day. During COVID, she supported an interim vice chancellor, chaired a search for a new one and then was/is the support of the new vice chancellor.

“Currently, Lesa is completing the duties of two positions in her office.

Through all of this and more, Lesa has done an outstanding job of dealing with everything that comes across her desk. She sees what has to be done and makes sure it happens smoothly.”

UWO Fox Cities staff savor White Award honors

May 31, 2023

Nominated by their colleagues, a pair of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities campus employees who have made exceptional contributions to the campus recently were named as 2022-23 White Award recipients.

The Marilee White and Larry D. White Awards have recognized outstanding employees annually at the campus since 2000. Marilee White was a lecturer in English, and Larry White was a political science professor.

Senior chemistry lecturer Brian Rukamp received the Marilee White Instructional Academic Staff award. Trevor Tanner, of facilities maintenance, is the Larry White University Staff award winner.

A recommendation for Rukamp spoke of his knowledge and work with students:

Brian Rukamp has been a valuable and contributory member of the department and campus for the last 20 years. In that time, he has taught almost all the chemistry courses formerly offered by the UW Colleges. Currently, Brian anchors the general chemistry and organic chemistry curriculum, with CHEM 105 and 106 being our highest enrolled courses. As evidenced by classroom visitations and student evaluations, Brian is an effective and dedicated instructor and mentor. Furthermore, Brian has a good rapport with his students that helps with retention into second semester general chemistry, the organic chemistry sequence and the American Chemical Society-affiliated Chemistry Club for which he serves as the adviser.

Rukamp coordinates the laboratory instruction in general chemistry when other staff are needed to teach lab sections because of load issues. Rukamp now offers organic chemistry lecture point-to-point so that students at Fond du Lac have the opportunity to take the course.

Tanner’s nomination spoke of his dedication:

Tanner started with the local Thrive program on campus and worked at UWO Fox Cities as a grounds employee for two summers. He was hired when a full-time grounds position came available. Tanner is responsible for taking care of grounds in the summer and winter. In addition to grass cutting and weeding, the position includes snow removal, tree care and flower bed planting and maintenance. Tanner has received a number of positive comments over the past few years about the well-cared campus grounds—comments from the city arborist, mayor, citizens and county board members.

Tanner consistently makes sure that first impressions of the campus leave positive lasting impressions and he takes great pride in a job well done.

Tanner and Rukamp were presented with awards and a gift at the collegium May 5, courtesy of the UWO Fox Cities Foundation, Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region and the endowment left by Larry and Marilee White.

Learn more:

Study at the UW Oshkosh, Fox Cities campus

UW Oshkosh alumni obituaries: June 2023

May 30, 2023

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Relations Office has received the following death notices:

‘50s

Arlita (Lovedale) Koerner (EHS) ’59, Green Bay, April 23, 2023

‘60s

Richard Flintrop (LS) ’60, Washington D.C., May 13, 2023
Shirley Lipsky (EHS) ’64, De Pere, March 28, 2023
James Schafhauser (LS) ’61, Appleton, May 5, 2023

‘70s

Robert Beaupre (LS) ’74, Murrieta, California, Nov. 29, 2022
Diann (Heinen) Duffy (EHS) ’71, Naples, Florida, April 20, 2023
Kenneth Grissman (MSE) ’77, Kaukauna, April 27, 2023
Jack Hemb (LS) ’70, Middleton, May 7, 2023
Katherine Pray (LS) ’74, Cottage Grove, April 29, 2023
Robert Taylor (MBA) ’74, Markesan, April 7, 2023
Robert Wegener (N) ’73, Loudon, Tennessee, April 4, 2023

‘80s

Gordon Ellis (MPA) ’85, Green Bay, May 17, 2023
Mark Mortensen (LS) ’80, Berlin, April 25, 2023
Paul Peterson (B) ’80, Ashburn, Virginia, April 8, 2023

‘90s

Craig Challoner (N) ’92, Omro, May 12, 2023

‘10s

Brian Gerrits (LS) ’13, Neenah, April 22, 2023

Faculty and friends

Donald Haynes (LS) ’74 and (MA) ’76, senior lecturer, UW Oshkosh History Department 1988-2011, Oshkosh, May 6, 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.

UW Oshkosh alumni class notes: June 2023

May 30, 2023

’72 Joe Sosa (LS) and ’78 (MSE), of Katy, Texas, retired after 42 years of teaching special education in public schools, starting his career at Oshkosh North High School.

’73 Catharine (Bruning) Linhart (LS), of Grafton, and Richard Linhart celebrated 50 years of marriage.

’76 Richard Van Dyke (LS), of Cincinnati, Ohio, is the keyboard area coordinator at Northern Kentucky University. Van Dyke performed a piano concert in his native Kaukauna in April.

’79 Mary Bergin (LS), of Madison, published her sixth book, Small-Town Wisconsin: Fun, Surprising and Exceptional Road Trips, featuring 50 communities with populations under 5,000. Bergin is a four-time recipient of the Lowell Thomas Award, the highest national recognition for travel journalists.

’79 Greg Peck (LS), of Janesville, published his third book, Snakes, Squirrels & Bears, Oh My! Finding Humor Amid Life’s Frustrations. Peck retired from the Janesville Gazette in 2016.

’81 Sandy (Ryba) Matuszak (N), of Green Bay, retired from active nursing and works full time as a long-term substitute health teacher at Pulaski High School.

’85 Mary Schommer-Loney (EHS), of Bonduel, is a violinist with the Civic Symphony of Green Bay.

’85 Joy Smith (LS), of Lakeland, Florida, is writing two novels, Velvet of Swords and a new edition of Strike Three.

’86 Karen Gibson (EHS) and ’90 (MA), of Menasha, released her fourth novel, Laurel Lake Remembers.

’93 Kristin (Kocian) Weinstock (LS), of Deforest, completed an alternative pathway to become a licensed teacher, certified to teach first through eighth grade.

’94 John Buelow (B), of Fond du Lac, president of Mercury Marine, was elected to the National Exchange Bank & Trust Board of Directors. Buelow is married to ’95 Kristine (Kebble) Buelow (EHS) and ’00 (MS).

’98 Luke Whitburn (LS), of Waunakee, is vice president of people operations at Inner Circle Autism Network. Whitburn has 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles in talent acquisition and human resources.

’99 Barbara Beuscher (LS) and ’18 (MBA), of Fairview, Pennsylvania, is joining ThedaCare as chief philanthropy officer and senior vice president where she will lead the ThedaCare Family of Foundations. Beuscher was formerly the vice president of advancement at Gannon University.

’02 Amy (Ceretto) Levonian (LS), of Oak Creek, is the principal at Burlington High School.

’03 Deanne (Bahti) Koll (LS), of Roberts, is an attorney at Bakke Norman, S.C. Koll was elected treasurer of the State Bar of Wisconsin and is married to ’06 Kyle Koll (LS).

’04 Michelle Gross (LS), of West Allis, is a project coordinator for the CREATE Institute at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

’05 David Diekelman (MBA), of Stevens Point, is the national sales director east for Willamette Falls Paper Company. Diekelman has over 30 years of experience in the paper industry.

Sarah Schettle ’08

’06 Eric Slee (LS), of Springfield, Virginia, is a senior professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Slee was formerly the vice president of government affairs at WISPA.

’08 Sarah Schettle (LS) and ’20 (MBA), of Rochester, Minnesota, a physician assistant in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Mayo Clinic, received the Recognition of Outstanding Contribution Award from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Alumni Association. The award recognizes alumni who have made exceptional contributions in clinical care, research, mentoring and education, or humanitarian endeavors.

’09 Kristen (Siebold) Chaudoir (EHS), of Kewaunee, is a team lead and account manager with Robertson Ryan & Associates. Chaudoir is married to ’03 David Chaudoir (EHS).

’10 Jennifer Le Clair-Bemis (B), of Sheboygan, is vice president of Baird’s Le Clair-Bemis Miller Davis Group. Le Clair-Bemis assists clients with investment strategy, financial and estate planning, and tax efficiency analysis.

’12 Samantha Anderson (LS), of Suamico, is the program coordinator for the Wisconsin Caregiver Academy at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Anderson has worked for the Academy for six years.

’13 Marissa Reynolds (LS), of Wausau, married ’15 Kyle Birling (EHS). The alumni met while students on the UWO campus. Reynolds is an attorney and serves as assistant corporation counsel for Marathon County.

’15 Justine Braun (LS), of Green Bay, is the school and community relations specialist for Green Bay Area Public Schools. Braun was previously a video production specialist for the City of De Pere. Braun also serves on the UW Oshkosh Alumni Association board of directors.

’15 Clarinda Calling Thunder (EHS), of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, is a program administrator for the Northern Arapaho Tribe.

’15 Kyle Ellefson (MPA), of Columbus, is the Village of Johnson Creek’s administrator. Ellefson held this same position from 2016-2020 and was most recently the administrator for the City of Kewaunee.

’15 Katelyn Winkel Simmerman (EHS) and ’19 (MSE), of Elkhart Lake, a teacher at Cedar Grove-Belgium Middle School, was one of five teachers to be awarded the 2023 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Award. Winkel Simmerman also received the Herb Kohl Fellowship for excellence and innovation in the classroom.

Blair Braun ’18

’15 Jesse Smith (B), of Oshkosh, is the director of ticket sales for the Wisconsin Herd, the 2022-23 NBA G League Franchise of the Year.

’16 Jeremy Dyken (LS), of Oshkosh, is the director of application and product development , formerly known as e-business, at Fox World Travel where he has been employed for 19 years.

’17 Rose Filipiak (N), of Oshkosh, is a critical care transport nurse with Gold Cross Ambulance Service. Filipiak assists with education for the critical care team and enjoys the autonomy of her role.

’18 Blair Braun (LS), of Neenah, is an assistant professor of psychology at UW-Platteville following her graduation with her doctorate in psychological science from Kent State University.

’19 Kayla (Ammon) Fischer (LS), of Little Chute, is a community outreach and public relations specialist at Scheels.

’19 Trevor Kroll (B), of Oshkosh, is the group sales manager for the Wisconsin Herd, the 2022-23 NBA G-League Franchise of the Year.

’21 Paige Paulick (AS) of Oshkosh, is an inside sales associate with Girbau North America, a commercial laundry equipment manufacturer.

’22 Mallory Knight (LS), of Neosho, is a graphic designer for the Wisconsin Herd, the 2022-23 NBA G-League Franchise of the Year.

UW Oshkosh to host WiSys SPARK Symposium Aug. 6-8

May 24, 2023

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will host the 2023 WiSys SPARK Symposium Aug. 6-8 at the Culver Family Welcome Center on the Oshkosh campus.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register. Students attend free and, as the host site, UWO can extend free registration for up to 45 faculty and staff members who sign up and use the code UWO20.

As billed by WiSys—the UW System’s official designated technology transfer office for the comprehensive institutions—the SPARK Symposium “is where research, innovation and entrepreneurship collide.” SPARK travels to different UW System campuses each year, bringing together the best and brightest faculty, staff, students and alumni from across the UW System to network, collaborate and celebrate great ideas. It provides outstanding opportunities for UWO students to present their research and creative activities in posters and prototypes for an audience of statewide peers while learning about further studies, scholarship and career pathways after graduation.

The upcoming three-day symposium’s lead UWO host is the Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformations, and the event is taking on a sustainability theme. The conference agenda is still developing; however, you can expect talks and presentations on a variety of innovations and advancements in environmental sustainability, sustainable agriculture and related science and technology.

The symposium also will feature rapid-fire research talks, panels on student-career success and research-collaborations, poster and innovation showcases, the WiSys Quick Pitch contest finals and plenty of time for networking with peers from throughout the UW System.

SPARK was last hosted at UW Oshkosh in 2016.

Registration is open at the SPARK Symposium website. Registration closes July 21. More conference details are available at the site, and more information will be available as the event draws near.

Learn more:

UW Oshkosh Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformations

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