Learn About UW-Marinette
NEWS RELEASES MARCH '07
Film "Earthlings" at UW-Marinette April 12
March 30, 2007
The documentary film "Earthlings" by director Shaun Monson will be shown at UW-Marinette April 12 at noon and at 7 pm. The noon showing will be held in
T-133 of the TOB/Fine Arts Building. The 7 pm showing will be held in M-117 of the Main Building.
"Earthlings" is a feature length documentary about the relationship between humans, animals and nature. The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee
Joaquin Phoenix ("Gladiator") and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.
"Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, "Earthlings" is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests. There are many worthy animal rights films available, but this one transcends the setting," according to the website http://www.isawearthlings.com/about.html.
Earthlings" is sponsored by the UW-Marinette Anthropology/Sociology Club and is free and open to the public.
###
UW-Marinette Community Forum on "Highways of Water" April 2
March 28, 2007
A UW-Marinette Community Forum will be presented Monday April 2 at 7:30 pm in M-117 of the Main Building by Dr. Keith West, Assistant Professor of Geography/Geology. West's presentation will cover "Highways of Water: Canals and Interstate Commerce" and how those waterways influenced population settlements across the northern United States to the Great Lakes.
West has taught geography and geology courses at the campus since 2002. He completed his bachelor’s degree in history at Western New Mexico University and his master’s degree in geography at the University of Idaho. He recently completed his doctorate in geography at UW-Milwaukee.
Prior to accepting his current position at UW-Marinette, West held teaching positions at UW-Sheboygan, UW-Milwaukee, Lakeland College and UW-Green Bay. He also taught at the middle and high school levels including the Ramah Navajo school, the Aspen Lodge private school in New Mexico and the International School in Aruba.
In addition, West was an Industrial Recycling Specialist with UW-Extension’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center where he provided technical assistance and on-site waste reduction and pollution prevention assessments to Wisconsin businesses.
The Community Forum is sponsored by the UW-Marinette Foundation. Attendance is free and open to the public.
###
Auditions for TOB's Pippin April 2 and 3
March 27, 2007
Auditions for the first play of Theatre on the Bay’s 41st summer season, “Pippin,” will be held Monday and Tuesday, April 2 and 3 at 7 pm in the Herbert L. Williams Theatre.
“Pippin” is a musical by Stephen Schwartz based on the book by Roger O. Hirson and directed by Dr. Doug Larche. Production dates are June 22- 25 and June 29 – July 2. “Pippin” is the tongue-in-cheek story of Pippin, the son of Charlemagne, on his quest in life through war, love and politics.
The show calls for three leading men, three leading women and a strong chorus with room for singers, dancers, gymnasts and magicians.
Those who cannot attend one of these auditions should call Larche at 906-864-1953 to make arrangements for another audition time.
Interested college students who are out of town but who will be returning to the area for the summer, should call or e-mail Larche at douglas.larche@uwc.edu to arrange for an audition time."
Area residents who are interested in working on the technical crews or production staff of the TOB summer season are invited to contact the director at the above phone number or e-mail address.
Auditioners will be asked to 1) sing one verse and one chorus of a Broadway musical song that demonstrates their range (a capella - like on American Idol!); 2) read or perform a one-minute monologue from any play; 3) be prepared to learn and perform a dance sequence; 4) be ready to do on-site readings, characterization and movement; 5) those who can should perform magic tricks or special gymnastic skills.
###
UW-Marinette College Fair April 2
March 26, 2007
“It’s never too late to begin or continue to work toward one’s college degree,” says Mary LaCasse, coordinator of Services for Adult Students at UW-Marinette. “As a returning adult at UW-Marinette, students will find advisors dedicated to meeting their specific needs, small class sizes and personal attention, professors who care about their success, free tutoring, financial aid and scholarships, a start on over 250 majors, online courses and an associate of arts and science degree as well as specific certificates in business, environmental studies, international students and women’s studies,” says LaCasse.
Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Communications and Information Resources are available from UW-Milwaukee; in General Studies from UW-Stevens Point; in Interdisciplinary Studies from UW-Green Bay; in Elementary Education from UW-Superior, in Business Administration from UW-Platteville; and in Nursing from UW-Oshkosh or in collaboration with UW-Green Bay & NWTC.
To find out more about earning a bachelor’s degree, prospective students may attend the College Fair to be held Monday, April 2 from 3 - 6 pm at UW-Marinette.
Other topics of interest to be covered include admission procedures, bachelor’s degree requirements, credit transfer from other colleges, flexible schedules, and online classes.
At the College Fair, advisors will be present from UW-Marinette, UW-Green Bay, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Superior, UW-Stevens Point, St. Norbert College, Lakeland College, University of Phoenix, Marian College, Silver Lake College, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Bellin College of Nursing, Northland College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and the U.S. Army.
For more information, contact LaCasse at 715-735-4301 or email mary.lacasse@uwc.edu.
###
Two Science Forums Scheduled at UW-Marinette
March 26, 2007
The Department of Biological Sciences at UW-Marinette has scheduled community forums for April and May.
Dr. David Wargowski, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, will speak on "Harnessing an Explosion: Responsible Use of Genetics Technologies" Monday, April 9.
Pamela Roy of Michigan State University will give an "Overview of the Ecology of Lyme Disease" Tuesday, May 8.
Both forums will begin at 7 pm in the C.W. Richards Lecture Hall (M-117) of the Main Building.
Roy is a Master of Science candidate working in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. Her thesis is focused on the ecology of Lyme disease. She completed her fieldwork in Menominee County in the summer of 2006, and is now finishing up her work in the laboratory. Roy came to Michigan in 2005 from Philadelphia, where she taught elementary school and received her Teaching Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania. She received her BA from Bard College in upstate New York where she studied Biology and Art.
Wargowski received his M.D. From UW-Madison in 1985 and his residency in pediatrics at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, followed by a fellowship in medical genetics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
He returned to Madison in 1990 to join the UW faculty, and is currently the Clinic Director and an attending physician in the Genetics Clinic at the Waisman Center, and serves as the Director of the Clinical Genetics Outreach Service, which now provides clinical services in Green Bay and the Fox River Valley. He is heavily involved in the education of medical students, pediatric residents, and practicing physicians. His primary clinical activity is the evaluation of children with birth defects and genetic disorders, but his interests also include predictive genetic testing for adult onset disorders including Huntington disease and hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes, and the genetic bases of common diseases.
For more information about the forums, contact Dr. Wendel Johnson, professor of biological sciences at 735-4300.
###
Digital Film Class planned at UW-Marinette
March 20, 2007
UW-Marinette Continuing Education will offer a Digital Film Class Saturdays, May 26 - June 23 from 11 am - 1 pm. This class is a lecture/lab class in which students learn about conceiving, creating, editing and displaying a computer-edited video project. Students will also help shoot and edit two different pre-scripted sample projects: an interview with a live subject or a documentary with scanned photos.
The class will be taught by Larry LaMalfa, photographer and audio/visual technician at the Neville Public Museum of Brown County. LaMalfa is a 1986 graduate from UW-Madison with a Communication Arts degree and a specialization in Television and Film. He supports the screening of International Films as a board member of the Green Bay Film Society and is a contributing member of DePere’s Independent Filmmakers’ Guild, an organization that supports the creation of not-for-profit short video projects by a mix of professional and amateur videographers with an interest in Independent Media production.
“Many people have a camcorder and a computer at home,” says LaMalfa. It is often possible, using these tools together, to make a variety of video material. Whether or not you already own equipment that can be used to make home videos, this class will teach you about the basics of home video production.”
The cost of the class is $69. To register for this and other Continuing Education classes, contact Jane Jones at 715-735-4343, email jane.jones@uwc.edu or register on the web at www.marinette.uwc.edu. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
###
Essays on Arthur Miller Published
March 19, 2007
UW-Marinette Dean Paula T. Langteau has recently had her book "Miller and Middle America: Essays on Arthur Miller and the American Experience" published by University Press of America.
"Miller and Middle America" features eleven essays by some of the world's leading Arthur Miller Scholars on the playwright's contribution to the literary life of the United States.
The essays explore Miller's role as a playwright in relation to American society, celebrating the land and its heritage while cautioning the country and its people. The collection provides an examination of Miller's depiction of various roles and professions, such as doctors and carpenters, as well as institutions, such as marriage. Other topics addressed include the language of Middle America, the changing landscape of the country, and Middle-American political correctness. The volume also offers an examination of Miller's use of memory and reality in his plays to explore and assign meaning to self and society.
Included in the collection is Langteau's own essay, "Arthur Miller's 'Clara': An Interrogation of Middle American Political Correctness” as well as essays by nine other Arthur Miller scholars, “almost all of whom write from long and deep acquaintance with the plays and the playwright,” says Brenda Murphy, from the University of Connecticut, who provides a brief review on the book’s jacket. The book is also endorsed by Christopher Bigsby of the University of East Anglia in England, considered to be the world’s leading Miller scholar, and Matthew Roudané, the editor of the national journal, South Atlantic Review.
Roudané writes, "'Miller and Middle America'...is a welcome and valuable addition to students and scholars interested in Miller, American drama, and, indeed, American culture itself."
In addition to being Campus Dean at UW-Marinette, Langteau was the founding Vice President of The Arthur Miller Society and its second president; currently, she serves on the executive board.
"Miller and Middle America" is available for purchase for $26.25 at the UW-Marinette bookstore, open from 11 am - 2 pm Monday - Thursday. For assistance at other times, inquire at the reception desk.
###
Pleger Recommended as CEO/Dean at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County
March 13, 2007
University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County’s Tom Pleger will soon drop the word “interim” from his title.
UW Colleges Chancellor David Wilson announced today that Pleger would be recommended for the appointment as the new campus executive officer and dean, effective upon UW Board of Regents’ approval.
“Tom has done an outstanding job connecting the campus with the city and county, while engendering the support of students, faculty, and staff,” Wilson said in his announcement. “He originally comes from northeast Wisconsin and knows the UW System well – from its smallest liberal arts UW Colleges campus at Marinette, to the flagship land-grant campus in Madison. To summarize briefly, Tom’s experience ranges from field research and publications to teaching, advising, and administration.”
Pleger, who is currently serving as Interim Campus Executive Officer and Dean, will have his appointment acted on by the regents at their next meeting, April 12 and 13. He is the fourth person to serve as dean since UW-Baraboo/Sauk County was founded in 1968.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the next dean and campus executive officer of UW-Baraboo/Sauk County,” Pleger said. “I have found the campus and the community to be a beautiful and exciting place to work. The faculty and staff are first-rate and the community is very supportive and proud of the campus.”
Pleger adds that he and wife Teresa are looking forward to calling the Baraboo area home.
The UW-Baraboo/Sauk County Dean Search Committee identified and interviewed six semifinal candidates from a pool of more than 50 applicants before forwarding names of four finalists to UW Colleges Chancellor David Wilson. Pleger was among three finalists who visited Baraboo and Madison in late February for two days of in-depth interviews.
“We are pleased with how Tom has handled the campus as the Interim Dean, especially in the areas of shared governance, the Living and Learning Center project, and working with the campus commission and other constituencies,” said professor Christa James-Byrnes, chair of the campus steering committee. “Tom has built relationships in the community and will be able to hit the ground running.”
Former Dean Michael Brophy left Baraboo in July 2006 to become President of Marymount College, in Palos Verdes, California. Brophy served as UW-Baraboo/Sauk County’s Campus Executive Officer and Dean from 2002 to July 2006. Pleger was named interim dean for one year, beginning in August 2006.
Prior to his interim appointment at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County, Pleger served as Associate Campus Dean and Associate Professor of Anthropology/Archaeology at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley in Menasha.
A native of Marinette, Pleger earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, with honors, from UW-La Crosse. He went on to earn his master’s degree in anthropology and his Ph.D. in anthropology/archaeology, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also attended the University of Wisconsin in Dalkeith, Scotland Program.
Pleger has taught anthropology and archaeology courses at UW-Marinette, UW-Madison, UW-La Crosse, Lawrence University, and UW-Fox Valley and has conducted numerous research projects in Wisconsin and adjacent states. He is a recipient of the Wisconsin Archaeological Society’s Lapham Research Medal and has published extensively on his research on the archaeology of the western Great Lakes and Wisconsin.
In addition to his duties as dean, Pleger plans to teach the course “Archaeology of Wisconsin” during the next academic year.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know students on campus and helping them obtain their goals in higher education,” Pleger adds. “I’m excited about the opportunity to continue working with the campus and the community to move UW-Baraboo/Sauk County forward. I would like to thank the campus and community for the strong support they’ve offered these last eight months.”
Pleger is the son of Ernest and Barbara Pleger of Marinette.
###
Art Exhibit on Race at UW-Marinette in March
March 13, 2007
A special photography exhibit on race entitled "All of Us are Related: Each of Us is Unique," is now on display at the UW-Marinette art gallery in the Fine Arts Building through the month of March.
The exhibit was originally produced by the Department of Genetic Anthropology in Geneva, Switzerland and is on permanent display at the Musée de l'Homme in Paris.
The English-language version which is at UW-Marinette was translated by Marshall H. Segall and produced by Syracuse University. The exhibit comprises 18 colorful panels sized 27 x 39 inches each.
The exhibit explores diversity among human beings. The content is based on the premise that there is no scientific evidence of distinct races of human beings. Rather, humans are all part of a genetic continuum, and race is only an illusion.
The exhibit was obtained through a UW System Institute for Race and Ethnicity grant to Tina Oman, Student Services Associate Coordinator at UW-Marinette and Juchuan Wang, assistant professor of sociology at UW-Marathon County in Wausau, Wisconsin. The exhibit at UW-Marinette is sponsored by the campus committee for Diversity and Equity.
The UW-Marinette art gallery is open to the public Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
###
Theatre on the Bay’s 41st Summer Season
March 12, 2007
UW-Marinette’s Theatre on the Bay has announced the 41st summer season. For the past 41 years, TOB has provided not only top quality live theatre for the community, but education through the Children’s Theatre, which is a collaboration with the Office of Continuing Education at UW-Marinette.
To prepare for that season, fundraising is now taking place with the assistance of ABC Printers in Marinette.
Theatre on the Bay attracts business transplants and tourists who help the local economy grow. "Theatre on the Bay and the Children’s Theatre are wonderful assets to our community," says University Relations Director Maureen Frawley, "and for the past 41 years, area businesses and patrons have come forward to acknowledge their importance in our lives."
Theatre on the Bay will present two plays including “Pippin” directed by TOB Artistic Director Dr. Doug Larche on June 22 - 25 and June 29 - July 2, and “Don’t Dress for Dinner” July 20 – 23 and 27 – 30.
“Pippin” is a musical about the son of the 8th century King Charlemagne written by Roger O. Hirson. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz. In the play, the Leading Player tells the tongue-in-cheek story of Pippin, who is on a quest to find his true calling in life. He goes through war, love, politics and other pursuits in his journey. “Pippin” ran for 1944 performances on Broadway in 1972. It opened TOB’s 14th summer season in 1980.
“Don’t Dress for Dinner” by Marc Camoletti is an adult comedy set in a converted farmhouse in the French countryside. It is an evening of high speed farce with clandestine relationships, mistaken identities, double entendres, and a great deal of laughter.
Theatre on the Bay will also present the Bards on the Bay Northwoods Playwrights’ Festival April 28. The festival is a culmination of the Continuing Education Playwriters’ Workshop led by Dr. Doug Larche during the spring semester.
The Continuing Education Children’s Theatre program has scheduled three plays. “Free to Be You and Me” is in production now with a cast of 35 directed by Jason Larche. It will be presented May 3 – 6 and 10 - 13.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, originally announced to run the first two weekends in June, has been postponed to December. Final dates will be announced soon.
“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” directed by Chris Goltz with musical direction by Jay Jensen, will run August 9 – 12 and 16 - 19.
Theatre on the Bay and the Children's Theatre depend on the continued support of the community through ticket sales and donations. UW-Marinette, Marinette County and the State of Wisconsin provide a stage, basic equipment, maintenance, publicity services and business management, but no money for productions. The production budget for the summer includes royalties, scripts, orchestra, director and staff, set design and construction, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, and maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment and promotional materials.
In exchange for donations, businesses and individuals may advertise or have their name listed in the summer program booklet which is seen by nearly 3000 patrons during the summer. In addition to donations, special "Above-the-Title sponsorships are available which include one's business listed in the program booklet and in all promotional materials and press releases for the play one chooses to sponsor. Contributions to the TOB endowment are also being accepted.
To make a donation, arrange an advertisement, become a sponsor, or make an endowment contribution, contact Kathryn Foco c/o ABC Printers at 735-6410. The deadline for inclusion in the TOB summer program booklet is April 6.
###
Retiree and Marinette-born scholar collaborate on archaeology textbook
March 7, 2007
When publishers at Waveland Press asked Alice Beck Kehoe to write an introductory archaeology text, she initially declined.
Kehoe had published repeatedly in her decades-long career which pioneered a path for women in archaeology-but she hadn't been "in the field" for years.
“Everyone knows I'm retired,” Kehoe said. “What kind of credibility do I have?”
Kehoe reconsidered, she said, after finding a co-author. The collaboration resulted in “Archaeology: A Concise Introduction” written by Kehoe and Marinette native Tom Pleger, University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County Interim Dean and associate professor of anthropology/archaeology.
Kehoe says she balanced her experiences as the “older woman” by teaming with Pleger, a “younger man” known to her as an “excellent scholar and field researcher.”
“I was honored when Alice Kehoe asked me to work on this project with her,” Pleger said. “She is very well-known in the profession and has written a number of popular textbooks in anthropology and archaeology. Additionally, Alice has had a productive and rich career as both an archaeologist and ethnographer.”
By writing with a younger archaeologist—someone more directly involved with the latest technology and Cultural Resource Management (CRM) regulations—Kehoe found the balance she was looking for.
“I don't want to decipher magnetic resonance. I never used these new things in the field,” she said. “Immediately I thought of Tom Pleger. I had read his dissertation and was very impressed. I would see him year after year at meetings and I knew his dedication to teaching.”
The book explores topics from basic methods and tools of the trade to current issues in archaeology. In two chapters, Kehoe and Pleger draw from their own lives and careers to illustrate the reality, scope and excitement of the discipline. They stress that archaeology is rich in career opportunities and is a science that touches all citizens as stewards of the past.
“We thought we’d try something new but in line with a trend,” Kehoe said, regarding these chapters. “It lets the reader understand where you are coming from. It’s not the traditional way of doing it but I think it makes it more interesting to the undergraduate.”
Kehoe, adjunct faculty at UW-Milwaukee, is retired from Marquette University. Her biographical chapter relates the challenges she faced throughout her journey as a female archaeologist. She also tells of her experiences as a female Ph.D. candidate at Harvard, in addition to her roles as a young wife and mother.
In Pleger’s biographical chapter, he recounts his early interest in archaeology growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan in Marinette and traces his educational and career path from bachelor's degree to Ph.D. This chapter highlights some of Pleger’s research on the archaeology the Marinette area. Pleger has conducted a number of excavations in Marinette and his doctoral research focused on Old Copper and Red Ocher culture sites in Menominee, Michigan and Oconto, Wisconsin.
“Archaeology has been a very exciting and rewarding profession for me,” said Pleger. “Many people think that archaeologists work only in remote or exotic places in the world. My career has focused on the archaeology of Wisconsin. We have world-class archaeological sites and cultures in our backyards and I have enjoyed introducing students and the public to our prehistory as well as conducting research that contributes to the profession.”
Pleger has taught anthropology and archaeology courses at UW-Marinette, UW-Madison, UW-La Crosse, Lawrence University, and UW-Fox Valley. He has directed five archaeological field school research projects for the University of Wisconsin Colleges and conducted numerous research projects in Wisconsin and adjacent states. Prior to coming to UW-Baraboo/Sauk County Pleger served as associate professor of anthropology/archaeology at UW-Fox Valley in Menasha.
Pleger anticipates the book will appeal to introductory archaeology students as well as the general public. He has already heard from several universities and colleges that plan to adopt the text for next year.
To purchase a copy of “Archaeology: A Concise Introduction” visit http://www.waveland.com/Titles/Kehoe-Pleger.htm or contact Pleger at (608) 355-5201.
###
Community Forum on Rail Travel at UW-Marinette March 5
March 1, 2007
Dr. Wendel Johnson will speak on "Travel by Rail: What Getting out of the Car Can Mean to You" at the next UW-Marinette Community Forum to be held Monday, March 5 in M-117 of the Main Building at 7:30 pm.
Johnson's talk will focus on the many benefits of the national rail passenger system (Amtrak) in the United States. "Amtrak is a vital part of our national transportation system and thus a part of our national Security," says Johnson.
A PowerPoint presentation will highlight connections between Wisconsin, Chicago and the nation. Environmental, safety and convenience reasons for switching to Amtrak travel will be discussed. “The expansion of Amtrak to Green Bay is part of the Midwest Rail Initiative and holds great promise for northeastern Wisconsin citizens. Citizen involvement will help to increase Amtrak's funding and cooperative programs with Wisconsin,” says Johnson.
Community Forums are sponsored by the UW-Marinette Foundation and open to the public at no charge.
###