Learn About UW-Marinette
NEWS RELEASES February '08
Governor Doyle Commends UW Colleges and UW-Extension for Increasing UW Degree Opportunities for Adults Statewide
February 28, 2008
Governor Jim Doyle today praised the University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension for the pivotal role they are playing in preparing Wisconsin residents of all ages to participate in and benefit from the global economy. UW-Marinette is a campus of the UW Colleges.
The governor joined UW System President Kevin Reilly and UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson at UW-Fox Valley in Menasha to recognize UW Colleges’ and UW-Extension’s efforts to increase the number of college graduates in the state and to announce the next steps in the Adult Student Initiative (ASI). The goal of ASI, which will receive $2.5 million in state funding on July 1, is to build on the current work of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension to further connect adult learners to UW associate and baccalaureate degrees.
At UW-Marinette, there are numerous opportunities for adults to start, continue or complete a degree including:
- evening classes
- accelerated courses that can be completed in less than 16 weeks, enabling busy adults to complete coursework and degrees more quickly
- bachelor’s degree completion programs include
- Organizational Administration (UW-Milwaukee & UW-Oshkosh degrees)
- Business Administration (UW-Platteville degree)
- Communications (UW-Milwaukee degree)
- Information Resources (UW-Milwaukee degree)
- Elementary Education (UW-Superior degree)
- Engineering (UW-Platteville degree)
- Human Services (UW-Whitewater degree)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (UW-Green Bay degree)
- Nursing (UW-Green Bay & UW-Oshkosh degree)
- General Studies (UW-Stevens Point degree)
"The goal is to provide educational opportunities for working adults when and where they need them," said UW-Marinette Dean, Paula Langteau. "These opportunities, in turn, lead to a more educated local workforce, which stimulates our local economy."
“We thank the governor and the legislature for their trust in UW Colleges and UW-Extension as we strive to provide maximum access to educational opportunities,” Chancellor Wilson said. “Looking towards the future, we intend to reach into every nook and cranny of the state to ensure all Wisconsin residents have the chance to go to college and get a degree no matter what their life circumstances are.”
The new funds for the Adult Student Initiative will enable UW Colleges and UW-Extension to make even more bachelor’s degrees available online, support giving credit for prior learning activities, create more accelerated courses online, and provide even more services to help students succeed.
UW Colleges and UW-Extension have a history of providing access and support to students of all ages and from all backgrounds. Through UW Colleges’ UW-Marinette campus, the foundation of the bachelor’s degree is provided through the associate degree in arts and science. The associate degree is also offered online.
UW-Extension is increasing access to degrees by providing incentives and instructional technology assistance for the UW four-year campuses to put upper-division courses online. This enables adults to continue or complete work on their bachelor’s degrees where they live and work. Bachelor’s degrees that UW-Extension is helping to develop online now include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Administration (UW-Oshkosh degree)
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice (UW-Platteville degree)
- Bachelor's in Information Systems and Project Management (UW-Parkside degree)
- Bachelor's in Human Services (UW-Oshkosh degree)
- Bachelor's in Fire Science & Emergency Response Management (UW-Oshkosh degree)
- Bachelor's in Community Education with an emphasis in Childcare (UW-Milwaukee degree)
Extension has also developed a one-stop UWin website (www.uwin.wisconsin.edu) where anyone can contact an advisor to find out the most convenient way to start, continue or complete a degree.
At UW-Marinette Mary LaCasse is the advisor dedicated to working with potential and current students to find the most efficient and effective ways to attain their University of Wisconsin degree credentials.
Through the Wisconsin Covenant, new opportunities are available for more young people to get a college education. With the groundbreaking work of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension, more opportunities are being created for people of all ages, no matter where they live and work, to get the University of Wisconsin education that can improve lives, communities and Wisconsin’s competitive advantage in the global economy.
To learn more about opportunities for starting, continuing, or completing an associate or bachelor’s degree, contact Mary LaCasse, 715-735-4301, email: mary.lacasse@uwc.edu, or call toll-free, (866) 505-UWIN or visit the UWin Web site, https://uwin.wisconsin.edu/.
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Community Forum on Islamic Culture March 3 at UW-Marinette
February 25, 2008
A Community Forum on Islamic Culture will be presented by Dr. Mahmoud Almanassra at UW-Marinette Monday, March 3 at 7:30 pm in M-117 of the Main Building.
Almanassra’s talk will focus on Islam as a way of life that covers both faith and law. “The Six Pillars of Faith include belief in Allah, in angels, in the holy books, in the prophets, and in life after death. Islamic law covers aspects of worship, society, economics and politics,” said Almanassra.
Almanassra is originally from Palestine where he completed his undergraduate work at Hebron University. He previously taught at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa where he took leadership for directing the statistics program. He completed his doctorate at Southern Illinois University, where he received the John M. H. Olmsted outstanding Ph.D. Teaching Assistant Award in 2002-03 and joined the UW-Marinette faculty as assistant professor of mathematics in 2006.
His wife Sherin, also a native of Palestine, will join him for the question and answer period following his presentation which is free and open to the public.
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TOB Offers Reader's Theatre March 7 - 9
February 25, 2008
Theatre on the Bay will present its winter play, a Readers Theatre production of A Weekend Near Madison by Kathleen Tolan March 7-9 at 7:30 pm at the Herbert L. Williams Theatre in the Fine Arts Building at UW-Marinette. Tickets are $11 and available by calling 715-735-4313 weekdays and 1 hour before curtain on performance days.
A special matinee, underwritten by a $1,000 grant from the Derusha AODE Foundation, will be offered for area university and college students only, at 12 Noon on Friday, March 7. TOB last presented a formal Readers Theatre two seasons ago, with the popular The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail.
A Weekend Near Madison was written in 1979, and is set in a family cabin on a river in a dense and beautiful Wisconsin forest. It won an international competition and was first presented at the prestigious Humana Festival of New American Plays of the Actors Theatre of Louisville in 1983. Now, twenty-five years later, the serious issues Kathleen Tolan addressed remain at the cutting edge of American and Wisconsin society. Thus the play is for mature audience members who are comfortable with occasional rough language and with challenging themes like the role of men and women in society, the search for family in both traditional and non-traditional ways, same sex marriage and parenting, abortion and its aftermath, the impact of suicide, issues of personal responsibility, and drug and alcohol use and abuse.
Two brothers meet at the family cabin to mourn the loss of their father to cancer and their mother to an ashram in India, and to find ways to begin life again. David (Tristan Schuh) is a psychotherapist dealing with a very difficult patient; and Jim (Sam Larsh) is a painter who can't get over losing his much-loved fiancée, Vanessa (Brittany Folcik). Vanessa, who is now a singer on a Lilith-like music circuit, brings Samantha (Amberly Sikora/Sara Bertagnoli) her new same-sex partner, back to the cabin with a compelling request. David's wife, Doe (Jenna Cornell), is a now-barren author whose career and marriage have been blocked by her grief. Together, they seek peace and healing.
Dr. Doug Larche is the show's Director and Designer, Barbara Bertagnoli is Assistant Director, and Jake Budish is the Master Carpenter. Local artist Nancy Neumann has been a guest scenographer and has taught and led the work of many students from several countries in the creation of a 26' x 8' backdrop of Wisconsin birches and pines using papier-mâché and acrylics. The huge, three-part backdrop was inspired by her smaller works currently exhibited in the UW-Marinette Gallery and at Same Soul Studio in Menominee. "We are delighted to have Nancy join us and help us create this unique and powerful piece of public art," said Larche. "Jan Ross Deetjen has created three large scale works for us to use on-stage in the last calendar year, and we feel honored and excited to have other area artists share their gifts with us as well."
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UW System Info Night for Parents at UW-Marinette February 26
February 20, 2008
Parents are invited to learn how they can help their children obtain a college education by attending UW System Info Night at UW-Marinette Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 pm in M-117 of the Main Building. This information session is free and open to the public. Parents will be able to talk to current students and professors as well as Student Services staff to learn about UW System admissions and how a UW System school such as UW-Marinette, can benefit their son or daughter.
Students can begin over 250 majors and transfer to a UW four-year campus is guaranteed. Bachelor's degree opportunities from UW-Milwaukee, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Green Bay and UW-Platteville are available without leaving Marinette. At UW-Marinette classes are small and students receive the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition is $4486 per year, about $5200 less than average tuition and room and board costs at UW four-year schools. Financial aid is available and more than half of all financial aid is in the form of grants and scholarships which don’t have to be repaid. Learn how UW-Marinette can benefit your son or daughter for a lifetime. Is a college degree worth it? A Census Bureau survey shows a college graduate can expect to earn $2.1 million working full-time between ages 25 and 64 which is nearly $1 million more over his or her lifetime than a high school graduate.
Call 715-735-4301 to register early as seating may be limited. Or register on the web a at www.marinette.uwc.edu.
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UW-Marinette Drawing Class Begins April 7
February 19, 2008
Drawing for Beginners will be offered through UW-Marinette Continuing
Education on 4 Mondays, April 7 - 28 from 6 - 8 pm in T-149 of the Fine Arts
Building.
Artist Olga Orlovska-Soaltys, a graduate of The National Lviv Academy of Art
in Ukraine, will teach the course. Student will learn to draw a different
subject at each session of this four-week class. Orlovska-Soaltys says she
"takes an easy going approach to help students develop skills, starting with
demonstrations and moving on to immediate application exercises and generous
one-on-one attention." Students will also learn how to create the illusion
of depth, volume, and texture. The cost of the class is $49 plus supplies
which can be purchased locally or from the campus bookstore including
pencils, erasers, and an 11x14 drawing pad/sketch book.
Register by calling Jane Jones at 715-735-4343, by email at
jane.jones@uwc.edu or on-line at www.Marinette.uwc.edu. VISA and MasterCard
are accepted.
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UW-Marinette Blood Drive February 22
February 14, 2008
UW-Marinette’s spring blood drive, sponsored by the Student Ambassadors, will be held on Friday, February 22 from 9 am to 2 pm in the Student Union of the Main Building.
Ninety-five percent of Americans will need a blood product in their lifetime, yet only three percent of the people who are eligible to give blood actually do. To the millions of patients who need blood every year, these blood donors are uncommon heroes. They join the ranks of firemen, police, emergency medical workers and others who give of themselves every day to help save the lives of complete strangers. They are needed now more than ever.
Please call 735-4300 to make an appointment to give blood. Walk-ins are also welcome. Visit www.redcrossblood.com for more information about giving blood.
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Swan Lake Trip March 20
February 13, 2008
The world-famous Tchaikovsky Ballet Company will present Swan Lake, one of the most beloved and best-known ballets of all time, Thursday, March 20 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
Transportation to Appleton will be by motorcoach bus leaving Angelis parking lot in Marinette at 4 pm.
Tickets are available through UW-Marinette Continuing Education for an evening that includes the bus to the Fox Cities PAC, dinner at the Good Company Restaurant in Appleton and the ballet.
The story of a princess turned into a swan maiden by an evil sorcerer's curse is produced by Natalia Makarova, and will be performed by a distinguished company from Perm, Russia. The dancers are accompanied by a live orchestra for this full-length production of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet.
The cost of the trip is $99. To register for Swan Lake, call Jane Jones at 715-735-4343 or email jane.jones@uwc.edu.
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Wellness Weekend at UW-Marinette March 8 and 9
February 13, 2008
Touches of Natural Healing and UW-Marinette Continuing Education will present a Weekend of Wellness, March 9 and 9 from 9 am to 5 pm at the UW-Marinette campus.
Seven speakers will give presentations on a variety of topics.
Dan Nelson who holds a doctorate in quantum physics will speak on nanowater, an extremely hydrating from of water, and on his work deriving specific trigonometric shapes for energetic and physical healing.
Ralph Anderson, Ph.D., Is a biochemist, educator, physicist and mathematician who studies the processes by which cellular metabolic disruption and dietary deficiencies cause disease.
Terry Cavanaugh, D.D.S, is a holistic dentist who practices metal-free dentistry, including muscle kinesiology, mercury amalgam emoal, cancer patient therapies, and removal of cavitations deep in the jawbone.
Carl "Patch" Poley, M.D., practices traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, herbal therapy, moxibustion and Qi Gong exercises.
Debbie Chinana leads groups on multidimensional Shamanic journeys drawing from the Native American, Celtic, and Japanese healing traditions to connect with spirit guides, balance energies, and heal fragmented souls.
Ann Higgins is an internationally known psychic reader who provides spiritual, business, relationship, and life guidance to people from all walks of life.
Cookie and Dane Zynda are a mother-son team of alternative healthcare specialists who enjoy teaching clients and seminars about chakras, vibrational healing, word power, muscle testing, biochemistry and more.
The cost for each day is $75 or $150 for the weekend.
To register call Jane Jones at 715-735-4343 or email jane.jones@uwc.edu.
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Palestinian Conflict Topic at UW-Marinette February 11
February 6, 2008
Dr. Mahmoud Almanassra will speak on the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict at the next American Association of University Women (AAUW) meeting at UW-Marinette, Monday, February 11 at 6 pm in the cafeteria of the Main Building.
Almanassra joined the mathematics faculty at UW-Marinette in January, 2006. He is originally from Palestine where he earned his undergraduate degree from Hebron University. He completed his graduate studies at Southern Illinois University.
An international potluck featuring Middle Eastern food will precede the presentation.
The public is invited to attend. Those participating in the potluck are asked to bring a dish to pass and table service.
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To Learn English is Everything
February 6, 2008
He is a determined young man with a bright smile. His name is Passapong “Dia” Piromkam of Thailand and he arrived in Marinette this past January with one goal: to learn English.
But Marinette was not on his radar when he decided to leave Bangkok where he had earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. His destination was New York City.
“I wanted to study English, and friends of my family told me about New York,” said Piromkam.
In New York he took English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Lehman College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
But New York was not ideal for Piromkom. “It was difficult to learn English. I spent the year living alone in an apartment there,” he said.
“At first, when I was in New York, I had a difficult time because the people were not friendly at all. There were many crimes. I was attacked for money when I lived in the Bronx,” said Piromkam.
What brought Piromkam to Marinette? “English,” he answered without hesitation. “I talked with my mom and she told me about YFU [Youth for Understanding program] because my brother will come here [the U.S.] in August.”
“I never liked big cities,” said Piromkam. “I think YFU is going to give me a chance to get perfect English, so I wanted to come to Marinette. I believe in YFU. I am here because I really want to study.”
Piromkam is no stranger to small towns. “I grew up one hour from Bangkok in a small town like Marinette,” said Piromkom, “but we have a bus,” he added quickly, “which runs once each hour.”
Piromkam is enrolled in ESL at UW-Marinette and is happy with the campus and the classes. He is missing just one thing to make his goal of attaining perfect English a reality: a host family.
“It’s really important for me to have a host family and people to speak English with. I just need someone to talk with me. I can take care of myself in everything. I can even help around the house. I can cook traditional Thai food,” said Piromkam.
“I don’t have a problem with the weather even though it is totally different from Thailand. I don’t mind riding a bicycle to school,” he said.
Piromkam is also interested in sports training and certified as a massage therapist. As an intern at his high school sport’s club he learned how to train athletes on free weights.
“UW-Marinette is a destination for many international students,” said program director Jane Jones. “They love our campus and our beautiful area. Host families are a vital part of the educational and cultural program for them. As Piromkam says, living with an American family is the best way to learn English, just as living with a family in another country would be the best way for us to learn another language because it increases opportunities to practice that language.”
For information on how to become a host family, contact Jones at 715-735-4343 or email jane.jones@uwc.edu.
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UW-Milwaukee Advisor at UW-Marinette Feb. 28
February 6, 2008
Rich Church, advisor for the UW-Milwaukee Connections program for bachelor's degrees will be at the UW-Marinette campus Thursday, February 28 from noon to 5 pm to meet with current and prospective students. UW-Milwaukee offers an online bachelor's degree program for three majors: Organizational Administration; Information Resources; and Communications.
Students can obtain a bachelor's degree in Marinette by taking their foundation courses at UW-Marinette followed by online courses in their major from UW-Milwaukee for their junior and senior years to complete the bachelor's degree.
For more information about the program, contact the Coordinator for Adult Student Services, Mary LaCasse at 735-4353.
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Theatre on the Bay Auditions February 7- 9
February 5, 2008
Theatre on the Bay announces auditions for the winter play, A Weekend Near Madison. Auditions will be held February 7-9, 2008, on Thursday and Friday afternoon at 4:00 pm and Saturday morning at 10:00 am at the Herbert L. Williams Theatre of the University of Wisconsin Marinette. Auditioners must be at least eighteen years old, or seventeen years old with parental permission.
Author Kathleen Tolan’s play, written and set in Madison in 1979, was first presented at the prestigious Humana Festival of New American Plays of the Actors Theatre of Louisville in 1983. Now, twenty-four years later, the issues she addressed remain at the cutting edge of American and Wisconsin society – including same sex marriage and parenting, abortion and its aftermath, the role of men and women in society, the impact of suicide, issues of responsibility, and drug and alcohol use and abuse. Because the play is interwoven with issues of substance use in a realistic way, it was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Derusha AODE Foundation to provide free tickets to UW-Marinette and other area college and university students to attend performances.
TOB Artistic Director Dr. Doug Larche says, “We seek five mature actors, three women and two men, to play demanding roles. Doe is a barren author whose career has been blocked by her grief. She is married to David, who is a psychotherapist dealing with a patient who is a cutter and suicidal. David’s brother, Jim, is a painter who can’t get over losing his fiancée, Vanessa, who is now a singer on the Lilith-like music circuit. Samantha is the lesbian lover and duet partner of Vanessa. All come together to a Wisconsin cabin in the woods to mourn the loss of David and Jim’s father to cancer and their mother to an ashram in India, and to find ways to begin life again.”
The actors are written to be from their early twenties to their early forties, but could range from eighteen to their early sixties. Actors should come prepared to read excerpts from the play and to engage in role-playing and interviews. A guitar will be available for women who wish to play and/or sign as part of their auditions. Actors must be willing to use rough language and to portray characters realistically.
A Weekend Near Madison runs February 29 – March 2 and March 7 – 9.###
Great Books Dinner/Discussion March 5
February 5, 2008
Journey to a small town in Maine with Richard Russo’s novel Empire Falls, a UW-Marinette Continuing Education sponsored Great Books Dinner and Discussion. Sharon Kostelecky will facilitate the discussion on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at The Landing restaurant in Menominee, Michigan, beginning at 5:30 P.M.
Winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize and a popular television miniseries, Empire Falls is the story of a once thriving mill town long controlled by the Whiting family. Though the town is no longer prosperous, Francine Whiting, widow of the last Whiting son, wields near absolute power over its inhabitants, including Miles Roby, who manages The Empire Grill. Mrs. Whiting, who owns the grill, leads Miles to believe he will inherit the grill toying with him for reasons only she understands. Fascinating subplots arise out of other captivating characters that call the town home. This novel about family relationships, power, control and revenge is sure to spark an interesting discussion.
The cost of registration is $40.00. This includes a themed dinner and pertinent discussion materials. Call 715-735-4343 or email jane.jones@uwc.edu to make your reservation. VISA and Mastercard are accepted.
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Neumann Art Exhibit at UW-Marinette
February 5, 2008
Works by artist Nancy Neumann are on display at the UW-Marinette art gallery through February.
The exhibit features her dramatic, and sometimes humorous, work with images from nature using papier-mâché and acrylics.
“I grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with its vast forests, streams and meadows as my playground,” says Neumann. “By having such a rich ‘backyard,’ I developed a deep appreciation for nature, which plays a prominent role in much of my sculpture work.”
Neumann says papier-mâché has been her medium for over twelve years. Within the past three years, she has begun doing dimensional art on canvas, which has taken on a momentum of its own and she now interplays between the two equally. “My hope is to exude in the viewer a sense of wonder, delight, appreciation, or maybe just a smile,” says Neumann.
“Experimenting with different painting techniques keeps me always exhilarated and passionate about my art. Often I incorporate natural materials such as twisted roots, gourds, pinecones, etc. into my pieces. I would describe my style as dimensional realism with a touch of abstract,” says Neumann.
Neumann says that the underlying message in her work is that we are one with nature, should respect it in its entirety, and feel thankful and privileged to be surrounded by such great beauty.”
Her work can also be seen at Same Soul Studio at 1219 13th Street in Menominee which she shares with her daughter, artist Jill Badker.
“This is one of the more interesting and original exhibits we have had the pleasure of curating this year at the UW-Marinette art gallery,” said professor James LaMalfa, gallery director. “I encourage the public to visit our gallery which is open every day during the week and for special events on week ends.” ###