Successful recreation is much more than simply enjoying the sunset ...

Successful recreation
is much more than
simply enjoying the
sunset. Recreation
professionals know
that well-planned
recreation brings
serenity to those
they serve.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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Learning the art of teamwork.
Learning life skills through play.
Helping those with disabilities
overcome challenges.
Minnesota’s Boundary Waters is a
great place to hone your leadership skills.

ALUMNUS
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Winter 2003-04
Vol. 30, No. 1
The Alumnus is published in June and December for
alumni and friends of the University of Wisconsin-
La Crosse. Readers may submit news items to the
editor in the
University Advancement Office,
UW-La Crosse, 1725 State St.,
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608)785-8572
quarberg.brad@uwlax.edu
Editor
Brad Quarberg, ’85
Associate Director of University Relations,
University Advancement Office
Art Director
Sue (Sullivan) Lee, ’82 & ’87
Publications Editor/Agency Print Manager
University Advancement Office
Writers
Dave Johnson, ’92
Sue (Sullivan) Lee, ’82 & ’87
Brad Quarberg, ’85
Bob Seaquist, ’71 & ’78
Janie Spencer, ’85 & ’86
Lindsay Sorge, ’07
Photography
Sue (Sullivan) Lee, ’82 & ’87
Bob Seaquist, ’71 & ’78
Editorial Assistance
Kenna Christians
Assistant Chancellor
Cary Heyer
Director of University Relations
Florence Aliesch
Director of Publications
Janie Spencer, ’85 & ’86
Director of Alumni Programs
Bob Seaquist, ’71 & ’78
University Relations
Dave Johnson, ’92
Director of Sports Information
Ginger Jentz
Program Assistant
University Advancement Office
Shelley (Steinmann) Fahey, ’75
Jeff Kerkman, ’86
Alumni representatives
www.uwlax.edu
2
8
14
18
Contents
2 Cover Story
• Recreation management and therapeutic
recreation department’s reputation continues
to grow
• Graduate program popular, too
• Alum: rec program is “The nation’s best”
6 Alumni Profile
• University’s plant manager keeps teaching
alive, too
• Joe Chilsen brings love to teaching
8 Alumni News
• Multicultural Alumni Award honors three
• Record number of multicultural students
• Nominations sought for distinguished alumni
awards
• New UW-L Alumni Association Web site
• Calendar of events
13 Foundation News
• Golfing for a cause
• Phonathon finding success
• New funds created
• Ensemble to jazz up France, Germany
14 On Campus
• U.S. News & World Report ranks UW-L No. 3
• Accountancy students No. 1 in nation
• Out-of-state legacies get break
• Students earn Homeland Security scholarships
18 Sports News
• Four added to Wall of Fame
• Coaches receive awards
• New basketball coach
20 Homecoming & La Crosse Ties
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is in
compliance with Title IX and Section 504.
Send us your updated addresses
The university’s Advancement Office asks alumni with
e-mail to send their e-mail address. Forward your e-mail
address — as well as new addresses, telephone numbers and
other updates — by:
• e-mailing us at: alumni@uwlax.edu.
• calling toll free at: 1(877)UWL-ALUM
• completing the form at:
http://foundation.uwlax.edu/whatsnew.html
• faxing us at: (608)785-6868
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 1

Cover Story
Perfecting play
Recreation management and therapeutic recreation
department’s reputation continues to grow
George Arimond grew up in a family
that appreciated recreation. As a family,
they canoed and hiked. They went on
picnics. They relaxed together.
As Arimond grew, his interest in
recreation grew, too. At his parents’ urging,
Arimond worked in Minnesota’s Boundary
Waters Canoe Area. Following four years
in the Marines, he earned a business major,
but eventually went back to his earlier
calling of recreation. He earned a second
bachelor’s degree in the discipline.
Today, Arimond is helping others
“As faculty, we’re very involved
in the profession.”
— UW-L Professor Nancy Navar
appreciate recreational time — and, he’s
helping future generations discover their
importance.
Arimond, chair of the recreation
management and therapeutic recreation
department, leads a staff of nine. Five
faculty specialize in recreation
management — preparing students to
work in parks or administer other
recreational businesses — while four lead
therapeutic recreation — training students
to help people with some type of disability
improve their quality of life through
recreation. Both areas operate under the
theory that all people have a right to a
quality life and a key to that quality is
recreation.
“We’re preparing students to provide
leisure as an important part of a person’s
life,” explains Professor Nancy Navar,
director of the therapeutic recreation
program.
Best review in its history
The word is out about the two UW-L
programs. The department recently
received its best review in 15 years during
its national reaccreditation. (See article
page 4.) Of the recent therapeutic
recreation graduates who took the national
test to become Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialists, 100 percent passed.
On the recreation management side, the
Certified Park and Recreation Professional
2 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
exam doesn’t allow reporting
of those passing by
institution. “But, we know
anecdotally that more than 95
percent of our students pass
in a given year,” says
Arimond.
That success doesn’t
surprise the faculty. In fact,
it’s one of the main reasons
they are there. Arimond had
two offers when he accepted
his UW-L position in 1989. He
turned down a higher-paying
position because he liked
what he saw — both in his
future colleagues and the
students.
Navar, who arrived on
campus in 1986, saw it, too.
“Our faculty really care about
our students,” explains
Navar. “As faculty, we’re
very involved in the
profession.”
Keith Wadell, director of
the recreation management
undergraduate program, also
came to campus in 1983
because of the department’s
history. “What attracted me
was the excellent reputation
of the department, its
outstanding students and the
emphasis the recreation
administration/leadership
program, now the recreation management
major, placed on the professional
preparation,” says Wadell.
Service learning is key
Navar says a key to the department’s
success lies in the types of experiences
students receive along with the
comprehensive curriculum offered. With
the specialized nature of many therapeutic
recreation courses, Navar says students
take part in extensive volunteer
opportunities that allow hands-on contact
with clients. “Service learning has been a
part of this program long before service
learning was popular,” she notes.
The unique service learning emphasis
has become something that not only
George Arimond, chair of the recreation management
and therapeutic recreation department, credits his trips
as a child to Minnesota’s Boundary Water Canoe Area
to sparking a career in the recreation field. Today,
Arimond takes students there to hone their leadership
and teamwork skills.
faculty expect, students in the program do,
too. “My colleagues are envious because
our students are willing and ready to do
volunteer work in the community,” says
Navar.
But the learning doesn’t stop there.
Many students join the Recreation Majors
Club or Therapeutic Recreation Club.
Others are inducted into Rho Phi Lambda,
the national fraternity of leisure scholars.
Some take part in American Sign Language
Club, which has helped the area’s deaf
community change its view of campus
from being non-deaf-friendly, to one of the
region’s leaders in assisting those who are
hearing impaired.
A sign-language class established by
Arimond is open to any major on campus.

The course is team-taught by a deaf
woman who is a native signer and
departmental faculty member. “That says
a lot about our department’s faculty,” says
Arimond. “It shows their willingness to
step up and lead programs out of their
discipline.”
Students in the department also have
an opportunity to study and conduct
research throughout the region, along
with overseas. One class recently
conducted a recreational needs
assessment for the city of Tomah. Another
completed research in Italy during spring
break. Two undergraduates are
conducting bibliotherapy at Gundersen
Lutheran with hospitalized children.
Arimond says students graduating
from accredited programs have
advantages over those
with degrees from one
of the country’s other
approximately 3,000
non-accredited
programs. For example,
UW-L’s recreation
management majors can
take the national
certification exam after
graduation, while
students from nonaccredited
universities
must acquire two years
of professional work
experience before being
eligible. In addition,
national and state
awards have been
awarded to the
therapeutic recreation
program for its
outstanding
curriculum.
Cover Story
Graduate program popular, too
UW-L’s undergraduate recreation management and
therapeutic recreation programs aren’t the only ones catching
attention. The university’s graduate program in the
disciplines enrolls students from around the country and from
around world. In recent years, it has attracted students from
Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Tanzania and
Bulgaria.
Some return to their home countries to assume leadership
roles in recreation and recreation education, says Professor
Steven Simpson, director of the department’s graduate
programs. Others head to U.S. universities to pursue
doctorates.
This international appeal only adds to the appeal of
In 2002-03, 100 percent of recreation management graduates
and 97 percent of therapeutic recreation grads found a job in
their field of study within six months of commencement.
Graduate placement is high
The department’s curriculum, out-ofclass
experiences and its reputation have
added up for recent graduates. In 2002-03,
100 percent of recreation management
graduates and 97 percent of therapeutic
recreation grads found a job in their field
of study within six months of
commencement.
Employers are looking for those who
have some on-the-job experience — and
all graduates get experience through
required internships.
Therapeutic recreation students take part in extensive volunteer
opportunities that allow direct contact with clients in the La Crosse area.
“My colleagues are envious because our students are willing and ready to
do volunteer work in the community,” says Professor Nancy Navar.
Ron Grall, ’83 & ’85, says the UW-L
programs offer what employers seek.
“The department’s areas of study were
well rounded and a great introduction to
the ‘tools’ necessary to prepare you for
the job market,” notes Grall, director of
parks, recreation and forestry for the city
of Waukesha. “The required fieldwork
and internship experiences were
extremely beneficial and fostered practical
on-the-job work opportunities and
exposure to a network of professionals in
the field.”
With the country’s aging population
and more people looking for
recreational alternatives, future
job security looks good. In
Wisconsin alone, Arimond says
about 40 percent of those who
belong to the Wisconsin Park
and Recreation Association plan
to retire within the next six
years. “The graduates from our
department alone will not be
able to meet that demand,” he
notes.
The continued accreditation
and success of alumni from the
programs makes UW-L’s
recreation programs very
attractive to students
throughout the upper Midwest,
especially Minnesota, Illinois,
and Wisconsin, says Arimond.
Currently, there are 277
recreation management and
therapeutic recreation
undergraduate students and 25
graduate students.
Wisconsin residents. This fall, the first group of working
professionals will complete a four-year distance education
program that has allowed them to pursue a master’s degree
in recreation management while working full time in the
field.
Many of the students did significant graduate projects as
part of their studies, addressing recreational needs of their
communities. For example, their research included: a visitor
survey of tourists to La Crosse, a recreation needs assessment
of Korean students in the UW System, adventure programs
for youth-at-risk in La Crosse, and a comprehensive
management plan for Hixon Forest, La Crosse’s large urban
woodland.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 3

Cover Story
Reaccreditation routine
Department earns best review in its 15 years of national citation
UW-L’s recreation management and
therapeutic recreation department
received its best review in its 15 years as a
nationally-accredited, undergraduate
program. The department received a fiveyear
accreditation from the National
Recreation and Park Association in
conjunction with the American
Association for Leisure and Recreation.
“This is an exceptional achievement
The accreditation team noted the recreation management
and therapeutic recreation department’s reputation for
students’ involvement with activities and professional
organizations in its national evaluations.
Steve Thompson says it’s simple: UW-L
has the best recreation management/
therapeutic recreation program in the nation.
And he should know. The 1974 recreation
program leadership major heads the
Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association.
“No other university can compare its
curriculum, background and integrity of the
faculty and student support services,” claims
Thompson.
He came to campus more than three
decades ago because it was the only state
university offering a four-year degree in
recreation leadership. And, the department
was in the infancy stages of implementing a
therapeutic recreation major.
“I owe everything to UW-La Crosse,”
says Thompson. “First and foremost was the
support and leadership of the faculty, the
creative and ‘hands-on’ course work, and the
community resources that made the tie from
4 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
“This is an exceptional achievement since fewer than 100
institutions across the United States and Canada are
accredited.” — George Arimond, chair of UW-L recreation
management/therapeutic recreation department
since fewer than 100 institutions across
the United States and Canada are
accredited,” says George Arimond, chair
of the department. The department,
formed in 1967, was first
accredited in 1988. It’s the only
nationally-accredited program
in Wisconsin.
The national council
commended the program,
noting “The quality,
dedication, and hard work of
your institution and faculty
are very evident.” The council
gave special commendation
for students’ involvement
with professional
organizations and activities.
“The department not only met
the 131 national standards,
but ‘substantially exceeded’
five of the standards, which is
quite noteworthy,”
says Arimond.
Alum: Rec program is ‘The nation’s best’
the educational experience to the real-life
professional experience.”
While much has changed since the early
’70s, that reputation hasn’t. Thompson is so
sold on the department — and its continuous
national accreditation — that he recommends
only UW-L to high school and other college
students looking for careers in recreation
management and therapeutic recreation. “In
my position I actively market UW-La Crosse
as the only nationally-accredited university
in Wisconsin for recreation management and
therapeutic recreation,” he explains.
Thompson cites professor emeritus Bob
Steuck as a mentor in the department. “I was
fortunate to work for him in his office over
two years,” he explains. “Dr. Steuck took a
personal interest in providing contacts,
resource and support during my course
work, internship and with my first position.”
The UW-L program has many
students who have gained regional and
national acclaim within the recreation
profession, notes Arimond. “The
department has had a long tradition of
graduating students who have gone on to
become highly respected professionals
within the field,” he says. “Alumni can be
found in almost every state, but especially
in Wisconsin where they represent nearly
70 percent of the Wisconsin Park and
Recreation Association’s professional
membership.”
That reputation has been noticed. “The
recreation management and therapeutic
recreation programs at UW-L have a longstanding
reputation for excellence that
draws students from across the nation,”
says Elizabeth Hitch, UW-L Provost and
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
“This positive review confirms that this
reputation for excellence is well deserved.
We have a top-quality program that meets
and exceeds high national standards.”
Steve Thompson
Steve Thompson, ’74, who heads
the Wisconsin Park and Recreation
Association, calls UW-L’s
recreation management and
therapeutic recreation department
the best in the nation.

A brief history
of the department
UW-L has offered recreation-related
degrees for more than 50 years.
Therapeutic recreation programming began
in 1973.
1945 — A double major in recreation and physical
education was first offered within the physical education
department.
1950 — Alice De Bower, one of the first recreation
faculty members, established the Recreation Majors Club.
1960 — Degree program in recreation developed; it
included concentrations in recreation program
leadership, and recreation and park administration.
1967 — The recreation and parks department formed
with nearly 100 full-time students.
1972 — Therapeutic recreation program initiated with a
proposal submitted to the university by William Otto,
chair of the department.
1973 — Shirley Bushell hired as the first therapeutic
recreation instructor.
1974 — Therapeutic recreation becomes the third
concentration of the recreation and parks major.
1988 — Department of Recreation and Parks receives
its first accreditation by the National Council on
Accreditation (NCA) of the NRPA/AALR with three
concentration areas: therapeutic recreation, recreation
and park administration, and recreation program
leadership.
1989 — Therapeutic recreation major approved by the
UW System.
1991 — Department’s new name is the department of
recreation management and therapeutic recreation.
1993 — Department of recreation management and
therapeutic recreation receives a second five-year
national accreditation by the National Council on
Accreditation of the NRPA/AALR in two majors:
recreation management and therapeutic recreation.
1998 — Re-accreditation of programs approved for
five years by the NCA of the NRPA/AALR.
2003 — Department reaccredited by the NCA of the
NRPA/AALR. Enrollment is 277 undergraduates and 25
graduate students.
The department’s philosophy
“The department of recreation management and
therapeutic recreation strives to provide quality learning
experiences which will enhance students’ ability to
contribute to the leisure development of individuals
within the community and the agency in which they will
assume professional responsibilities.”
Cover Story
Bill Carlson, ’69, left, established a fund-raising challenge that
has helped department chair George Arimond, right, and other
faculty encourage others to follow suit. Funds raised have helped
the department purchase state-of-the-art technology and
equipment, as well as providing needed scholarships and grants
to students.
Challenge offers reward
for department
Bill Carlson offered a challenge to recreation management
and therapeutic recreation majors in 1996: donate to the
department and he would, too.
The 1969 recreation management major challenged alumni
to donate at least $5,000 as a group during an annual appeal,
and he would match it. Carlson’s initial five-year pledge of
$25,000 in matches was eventually extended an additional year
for another $5,000. Alumni responded and met, or surpassed,
the challenge each of those years.
“Challenges are the way to go in fund raising,” notes Pat
Stephens, director of collegiate gifts for the UW-L Foundation.
“It’s a way for people to see their gifts doubling, so they are
more apt to give more than they originally planned.”
Carlson’s initial challenge sparked a succeeding fund-raiser,
too. A dozen alumni affiliated with the Wisconsin Parks and
Recreation Association recently pledged $6,000 as a group over
three years, and challenged others who graduated from the
department to do the same. That challenge, too, is finding
success.
Money donated goes to an unrestricted fund for the
department. It is used for scholarships, registration fees for
students to attend conferences, recreation technology
equipment, and research and faculty development.
Stephens says the recreation management and therapeutic
recreation department’s fund-raising challenge is unique on
campus. “It remains a remarkable success,” he says.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 5

Alumni Profile
Deon Nontelle has reason to be proud.
For more than 30 years, she has
maintained a high level of enthusiasm and
expectations while teaching biology to
UW-L students.
Since 1970, Nontelle has never missed
a lab or lecture — even though during
that time she received treatment for a
brain tumor. Over those three decades,
she has ranked first or second in student
evaluations of biology department faculty
and staff. And, her list of
accomplishments of improving biology
general education instruction is second to
none. Nontelle, ’67 & ’75, was recognized
by her colleagues for her enthusiasm and
accomplishments with the 2003 Academic
Staff Excellence Award.
“Teaching is the interactive process of
simultaneously inspiring curiosity and
providing guidance,” says Nontelle. While
students need the initiative to learn,
teachers must bring thorough knowledge
and create a challenging, comfortable
learning environment, she notes.
Her greatest challenge is motivating
students. “Enthusiasm is contagious and
even if the students do not share this
enthusiasm, they usually admire people
6 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
Deon Nontelle, ’67 & ’75, was recognized by her colleagues for her enthusiasm and
accomplishments with the 2003 Academic Staff Excellence Award. Since 1970, Nontelle has ranked
first or second in student evaluations of biology department faculty and staff. She has never missed a
lab or lecture — even though during that time she received treatment for a brain tumor.
A green thumb — and more
University’s plant manager keeps teaching alive, too
“Teaching is the interactive process of simultaneously
inspiring curiosity and providing guidance.” — Deon Nontelle
who are excited about what they study,”
Nontelle explains.
If a student has trouble, Nontelle
encourages them to work with her oneon-one.
“Classroom instruction is not the
place where teaching responsibility ends,”
she notes. “I realize that not everyone is
comfortable with science and I try to find
what type of study habits will work for
each of them.”
Her style has been noticed. “Deon is
patient, helpful and concerned with the
well-being for her students, spending
large amounts of time assisting students
outside of lecture,” wrote colleagues Mark
Sandheinrich and Tom Volk in nominating
her for the award. “It is rare to pass her
office and not find her patiently helping a
student with biology.”
Nontelle continuously seeks to
improve and help students. Each semester,
she asks students to complete
questionnaires about course content and
instruction. She also asks about their
study habits and recommendations to
others taking the course. Nontelle
compiles the comments and has created a
“Study Hints” sheet for students.
Along with her lab and classroom
teaching, Nontelle is director of the
university’s greenhouse. When she took
over in 1993, she immediately began
putting plants on a maintenance program
and eventually rid the greenhouse of pests
using environmentally-friendly
insecticides. Now, she’s responsible for
keeping around 1,100 plants of more than
100 species green not only in the
greenhouse, but also in the third and
fourth hallways of Cowley Hall.
“Science is an exciting world and I
love opening that world to my students,”
says Nontelle. “My students really
respond to my enthusiastic style of
teaching. They keep me feeling young.”

Joe Chilsen, ’87, called the most popular instructor in the College of Business
Administration, received a 2003 Academic Staff Excellence Award.
Alumni Profile
More than your average Joe
Joe Chilsen brings unique love for teaching to marketing classes
There’s not a student who has ever
taken one of Joe Chilsen’s classes who
would argue that the College of Business
Administration lecturer hasn’t made an
impact. And, it would be hard to find a
colleague in the college who doesn’t feel
the same way.
“Joe Chilsen is by far the most popular
instructor in the College of Business
Administration,” says Associate Professor
of Management Andrew Stapleton, who
nominated Chilsen for the 2003 Academic
Staff Excellence Award. “He is
exceptionally talented and students love
him. He is the best instructor I have ever
met.”
This year’s excellence award recipient
for teaching loves his students, and his
job, too. “I believe I have the greatest job
in the world,” says Chilsen. “I love
coming to work every day and really try
to pass that on to all people on campus.”
That desire shows. Chilsen has scored
the highest student evaluations in the
marketing department for 17 consecutive
semesters, scoring about 4.85 on a scale of
5 each semester. Students have nominated
him as the “most accessible” instructor
three times. And, he has been named by
many students as someone who has made
a difference in their lives.
Chilsen’s contributions to the College
of Business Administration are extensive.
He serves as adviser to fraternities, gives
presentations to colleagues’ classes, works
with the college’s professional
development seminar and advises nearly
90 students. In 1996, he developed the
college’s alumni group, Silver Eagles. The
group, open to those who graduated at
least 25 years earlier, mentors current
students, among other things.
Chilsen takes his job as a mentor and
motivator seriously. “If I may in some way
be a catalyst for positive attitude, and that
makes everything go a little easier, then I
have made UW-L a better place,” he
explains.
The never-ending challenge of change
is just one of the topics in Chilsen’s lesson
plan. He works hard to prepare students
“I believe I have the
greatest job in the world.
I love coming to work
every day and really try
to pass that on to all
people on campus.”
— Joe Chilsen
“Joe Chilsen is by far the most popular instructor in the
College of Business Administration.”
— Associate Professor of Management Andrew Stapleton
to deal with change. He leads by example,
uses leadership and a positive attitude. “I
regularly utilize student projects in the
community to give the students a view of
‘real life’ situations and give the
community a view of the caliber of
students we have at UW-L,” says Chilsen.
“This has landed jobs for several students
and that makes the extra work worth
every minute.”
Chilsen takes his desire to help
students out of his classroom, extending it
to students throughout campus. He serves
as a link for students on campus from
Merrill, Wis., his hometown. “It’s nice for
parents to know someone local and it’s
nice for the students to know they have a
friend — and advocate — on campus,” he
notes. “It’s fun. I’ve gotten more out of it
than I have put in it.”
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 7

Alumni News
Multicultural Alumni Award honors three
Three alumni received the university’s Multicultural Alumni Award in September. The honor recognizes
multicultural graduates who have achieved distinction in their field. Initiated in 1997 by History Professor
James Parker, the award honors those with high human and ethical qualities, along with those who have yet
to receive public acclaim for their professional contributions.
Hitting a home run as an administrator
Time spent with friends at college may
be Amy Huchthausen’s fondest memory
of UW-L. But, she also established the
foundation for her career, which in four
short years has made her highly
recognizable in the NCAA.
Huchthausen, ’99, decided to attend
UW-L because of its strong sport
management program, its location, and a
chance to play softball. She not only found
those; she set the groundwork for a
successful career as an athletics
administrator.
Huchthausen attributes that success to
the overall education she received at
UW-L. “The opportunity to learn from
instructors who are well-respected in their
field, excited about teaching and caring
individuals encouraged me to pursue my
interests,” she says. “Additionally, my
experience working within the athletics
department cultivated my interest in
athletics administration and has most
certainly served as the foundation for my
career.”
Antoiwana Williams came to UW-L to,
like most students, get an education that
would prepare her for the “real world.”
She not only received her degree, but also
discovered an even more important
lesson: help others and never give up.
“My education also helped me
understand the importance of giving back,
not because someone made you, but
because you want to,” Williams notes.
“When I give back there is a personal
satisfaction that I feel knowing I helped
someone along the way. Going the extra
mile is what I strive for every day.”
Williams, ’00, says she quickly
discovered that building relationships and
community with all people is important to
one’s success or failure. “I also recognize
the importance of being a team player and
understanding that socioeconomic status
does not make the individual, but caring
does,” she explains.
Williams says her fondest memories on
campus are the relationships she
8 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
Huchthausen says three she worked
with closely at UW-L — Bridget
Belgiovine, former director of athletics;
Jane Meyer, former assistant director of
athletics; and Vicki Schull, head softball
coach — remain mentors and friends with
whom she talks with regularly. “I value
their insight and friendship and I hope
these relationships never end,” she says.
Huchthausen is proud of having a
career in sports and a job she loves.
The Amy Huchthausen file:
• Majored in exercise and sport science-sport
management; minored in business administration,
1999.
• Currently is assistant director for Compliance and
Governance for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• Received the 2001 Nell Jackson Award, which honors
up-and-coming ethnic minority administrators with
less than five years of experience.
• Currently resides in Greensboro, N.C.
Her motto: ‘Help others and never give up’
developed, the non-violence spring break
trips, and the infatuation with noon
basketball at Mitchell Hall. Williams holds
an extensive list of those who mentored
her including her mother and husband.
Many faculty and staff on campus
found a way to teach or coach her into
becoming a better person, she says. “Do
not wonder what you did, but know that
you touch my heart,” she tells them.
The Antoiwana Williams file:
• Earned a bachelor’s in sociology, 2000. Currently in
the UW-L College Student Development
Administration master’s program.
• Currently director of the Academic Success Institute,
UW-L Multicultural Student Services Office.
• Honors: UW System Woman of Color Award 2002;
Outstanding Adviser Award, 2001, 2003.
“There are many people who do not have
a passion for what they do,” she notes. “I
am grateful to have found something that
is so fulfilling.”
Huchthausen says she has been
blessed with tremendous opportunities to
develop professionally and from guidance
and support from faculty and others.
“Without them, I would certainly not be
where I am today,” she says.
Amy Huchthausen
And Williams is doing that herself.
“Antoiwana is a woman who cares about
the well-being of her students inside and
outside the classroom,” says one of her
students who nominated Williams for the
award. “She is there to advise students,
counsel whatever academic matters are
necessary and yet, at the same time, tries
and is very successful at impacting the
young lives of these students.”
Antoiwana Williams

A desire to help youth
Gregory Ware didn’t get admitted to
college because of his grades. Enrolling
with academic probation, Ware, ’88, found
the support and desire on campus that led
him to excel academically. Today, he’s
helping other youth on their academic
path, too.
Ware, director of the Multicultural
Center for Educational Excellence at UW
System, was thrust into a leadership role
to campaign against racism and
discrimination on campus during his
sophomore year. With the support of
faculty, staff and classmates, Ware
discovered he could do well in college,
academically as well as socially. The
overall educational experience helped him
become more open-minded, while
solidifying his leadership.
“The experience clearly fueled my
passion to work with youth who
traditionally may not consider college
because of their doubts,” explains Ware. “I
work to motivate them to discover the ‘I
can’ in them, so they become better
equipped to reach their most
unimaginable goal, to believe in their
dreams.”
Ware lists his greatest accomplishment
as being able to help youth, their parents
and teachers. “Bringing a new sense of
UW-L has its highest-ever number of
students of color, 492, up 52 from 2002-03.
“It’s our greatest increase in 15 years,”
says Chancellor Doug Hastad. “We can be
pleased with this most recent
accomplishment. However, we must
recognize that there is much work left to
be done.”
The university should be pleased with
its success in recruiting and retaining
students of color, but it must keep up its
efforts, says Barbara Stewart, director of
Multicultural Student Services. “We
celebrate our success, but we have to
continue keeping an eye on the prize. We
have to remain vigilant because those
numbers can shift like sand.”
hope to a generation of children who are
often forgotten and lost in the midst of
societal uncertainties has brought me
great satisfaction,” he notes.
Ware takes his desire to help home
from the office. He has been involved in
numerous civic organizations that help
Alumni News
“Bringing a new sense of hope to a generation of children
who are often forgotten and lost in the midst of societal
uncertainties has brought me great satisfaction.”
— Gregory Ware, ’88
youth build character. “Greg engages
people openly and charismatically,” says
Dennis Block, a director with the Girl
Scouts of Milwaukee. “He enables people
to believe and belong together, celebrating
differences and accentuating common
bonds.”
The Gregory T. Ware file:
• Majored in psychology, 1988.
• Currently, director of Multicultural Center for
Educational Excellence, UW System; president/CEO
of MIND 2 MIND Consulting Services in Milwaukee.
• Author of “A World of Imagination and Exploration,”
a children’s coloring and story book.
• Named one of 40 under 40 by the Milwaukee Business
Journal, which honors professionals making a
difference in their industry, organization and
community. Featured in Black Issues in Higher
Gregory T. Ware
Education, a national publication.
• Resides in Milwaukee with his wife, Jacqueline; son, Nairobi; and daughter,
Imani.
“... no matter what they [our students] do or where they live, they will have to be
comfortable functioning in a global economy, That means their experience at UW-L
needs to involve living and working with students, faculty and staff who represent
the diversity of our world.” — Liz Hitch, UW-L Provost and
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Record number of multicultural students
Stewart attributes the increase to longrange
planning and improvements in
campus environment. She says it can be
difficult to recruit students of color when
they come to a Campus Close-up and go
all day without seeing another person of
color.
It is not just the multicultural students
who expect to see other persons of color.
Stewart says other students ask about
campus diversity. “Parents talk with me
asking that the university expand their
child’s diversity horizons,” she says.
Diversity on campus is an essential
part of a university education, according
to Provost and Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs Liz Hitch. “We know
that our students may choose to continue
living and working in Wisconsin, but, no
matter what they do or where they live,
they will have to be comfortable
functioning in a global economy,” she
notes. “That means their experience at
UW-L needs to involve living and
working with students, faculty and staff
who represent the diversity in our world.”
The university has worked hard to try
to get as many students of color as
possible on campus, says Stewart. “It is
gratifying that our numbers are up but we
still have a long way to go and different
groups to target,” she says.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 9

Alumni News
Nominations sought for distinguished alumni awards
The UW-L Alumni Association seeks
nominations of alumni who have
distinguished themselves and the
university. The Alumni Association
Awards Program honors alumni for their
outstanding accomplishments.
Established in 1977 with one award,
the Maurice O. Graff Distinguished
Alumni Award, the program has grown to
three award categories to better recognize
the accomplishments of alumni at
different stages of their careers:
graduating senior awards, the Rada
Distinguished Alumni Award and the
Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumni
Award.
The UW-L Alumni Association has added another
membership benefit: group auto and home insurance through
Liberty Mutual. Members can save up to $283.12* or more a year
on auto insurance with Group Savings Plus®.
The plan offers:
• An exclusive group discount of up to 10% off **
• Rates guaranteed for 12 months, not six
• Convenient payment plans, including automatic checking
account deduction or direct billing at home
• Additional savings based on your age, driving experience and
auto equipment (such as anti-lock brakes and airbags)**
• Round-the-clock claims service
• 24-hour emergency roadside assistance+
The UW-L Alumni
Association has a new Web site
and a new Web address —
www.uwlalumni.org.
The updated Web site has
familiar favorites — a calendar
of events, how to join or renew,
the board of directors and more
— along with new features,
10 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
The Rada Distinguished Alumni
Award recognizes alumni who have
achieved success in their field and who
have graduated within the last 20 years.
Up to two awards are presented annually.
A gift of $1,000 is given in honor of
recipients to a campus department for a
student scholarship.
The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished
Alumni Award is the highest honor the
university bestows upon alumni. The
award salutes the achievements of
outstanding alumni whose personal lives,
professional achievements, and
community service exemplify the
objectives of their alma mater. A bronze
Auto, home insurance joins growing list of
membership benefits
including an online directory,
frequently-asked questions and
alumni awards. The new site
aims to keep alumni up to date
on events and campus news.
The UW-L Alumni Association.
For you. For La Crosse.
For a lifetime.
plaque etched with their photo and
description of accomplishments is
displayed in the Cleary Alumni & Friends
Center. Recipients receive an engraved
clock.
For more information about the award
criteria, or to nominate an alum for either
award, contact Janie Spencer, UW-L
Alumni Association at (608)785-8495 or
spencer.jane@uwlax.edu. Nominees are
asked to submit their resume, three letters
of reference and additional documentation
they wish to provide. Nominations are
accepted throughout the year.
The next reception and ceremony is
Friday, May 14, 2004.
Adding value to membership is one of the goals of the UW-L
Alumni Association’s membership committee, says Janie Spencer,
executive director. “We appreciate the thousands of alumni who
join or renew each year, and we want to continue to add value to
their membership,” she says.
For a free coverage evaluation and no-obligation rate quote,
call toll free (800)225-8281.
* Average savings based on data compiled as of April 2003.
** Discounts and credits are available where state laws and regulations
allow, and may vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific
coverages only. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are
individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.
+Service applies to auto policyholders and is provided by Cross Country
Motor Club of Boston Inc., Boston, M a., or through Cross Country Motor
Club of California Inc., Boston, Ma.
New Web site is your electronic link to campus
Get alumni updates at — www.uwlalumni.org

Residence Life staff
alumni start new club
Alumni from the ’90s have formed a new alumni club
— one for those who have been residence hall staff.
Following a reunion of a group of Residence Life staff
alumni last year, Karrie Jackelen, '92, spearheaded the
club effort. “There was a lot of enthusiasm to get this
group together and to create an opportunity for the
group to stay connected over the years,” notes Jackelen.
The new club was formed when Jackelen and four
others petitioned the Association to start the club. Those
signing the petition along with Jackelen were: Justin
Cafourek, ’93; Corey Sjoquist, ’96 & ’03; Larsi Sondreal,
’93; and Kari Treadway, ’93.
The group’s first official meeting takes place at 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Courtyard by Marriott-Madison
East, 2502 Crossroads Drive, Madison. For more
information about the club, contact Sondreal at
sondreal.lars@uwlax.edu or the Alumni Association at
alumni@uwlax.edu.
Application for Club Charter
Alumni News
Current UW-L Alumni
Association Clubs:
Alpha Phi-Delta Kappa
Beta Sigma Chi
Southern California
Delta Sigma Phi Epsilon Iota
Madison
Marching Band
Milwaukee
Prairie du Chien
Residence Life Staff
Rochester
Silver Eagles
Twin Cities
Theatre
Interested in starting an Alumni Club? Contact the Alumni
Association at alumni@uwlax.edu or complete the charter
application below.
1. The ________________________ Club does hereby apply for an Official Charter from the
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Alumni Association.
2. We have a total of _______ alumni in the constituency served by our Club.
3. We now have ______ active members (must have at least five petitioning members).
4. We agree to:
a. Be bound by the constitution and bylaws of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Alumni Association as such Bylaws
relate to the organization and functions of this duly chartered club.
b. Adopt a constitution and bylaws subject to the approval of the board of directors of the University of Wisconsin-
La Crosse Alumni Association.
c. Elect or appoint one member of the group to the Board of the parent Association.
d. Hold at least one meeting each year.
e. Sponsor at least one project each year to promote the best interests of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
5. We further agree that failure on our part to properly discharge the requirements of being a chartered University of
Wisconsin-La Crosse Alumni Association Club may result in our charter being withdrawn at the request of the Association
Board. We retain the right to withdraw as a chartered club of the Association upon written request and by a majority vote of
our members at a regular meeting.
6. Five petitioning members of the Club listing their class years and current addresses must sign this application to be
considered for Official Club charter.
Today’s Date: ____________________________________________
Names, Class, and Current Address of Petitioning Club Members:
1.____________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________
4._____________________________________________________
5._____________________________________________________
Submit completed form to: UW-La Crosse Alumni Association, Cleary Alumni & Friends Center, 615 East Ave. N.,
La Crosse, WI 54601
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 11

December
Alumni News
2 Student Alumni Ambassadors
meeting/holiday party, campus
3 Rada Committee meeting,
campus
4 Graff Committee meeting,
campus
5 Membership Committee
meeting, campus
5 Swinging Yuletide, campus
9 Communication Committee
meeting, campus
10 Executive Committee meeting,
campus
14 Psychology graduation
reception, campus. Contact Lois
Stuhr, (608)785-8440.
20 Residence Life staff alumni club
meeting, Courtyard by Marriott -
Madison East, 2502 Crossroads
Drive, Madison. Contact Larsi
Sondreal, sondreal.lars@uwlax.edu
January
2 Membership Committee
meeting, campus
13 Communication Committee
meeting, campus
February
3 Student Alumni Ambassadors
meeting, campus
6 UW-L Foundation Board of
Directors meeting, campus
6 Membership Committee
meeting, campus
7 La Crosse Day in Arizona, Tempe
10 Communication Committee
meeting, campus
17 Student Alumni Ambassadors
meeting, campus
18 Executive Committee meeting,
campus
20 La Crosse area Teacher
Convention, La Crosse Center
25 Spring Career Fair, campus.
Contact Gloria Wiener, (608)785-
8362.
C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
If you or a group of alums would like to plan an event in your area, call the Alumni Association toll free at (877)UWL-ALUM
or e-mail at alumni@uwlax.edu. For more details about any event listed or for the latest additions to the calendar or visit
http://foundation.uwlax.edu/calendar.html
12 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
25 Etiquette Dinner, campus
28 Alumni Association board
meeting, campus
TBD Women's Basketball alumni
game, campus. Contact Lois
Heeren, (608)785-8618.
TBD Meeting of the Minds; contact
Robert Freeman, (608)785-5250.
March
2 Student Alumni Ambassadors
meeting, campus
2 La Crosse Day in Bonita Springs,
Fla.
5 Membership Committee
meeting, campus
9 Communication Committee
meeting, campus
12-19 Spring Break
23 Student Alumni Ambassadors
meeting, campus
26 Teacher Employment Seminar,
campus. Contact Gloria Wiener,
(608)785-8362.
TBD CBA alumni event, Chicago.
Contact Pat Stephens, (608)785-
8153.
TBD CBA alumni event, Fox Valley.
Contact Pat Stephens,(608)785-
8153.
TBD Multicultural Alumni Award
selection committee meeting
TBD Scholarship Committee meeting
April
2 Membership Committee
meeting, campus
5 Final Four Party, Cedar Creek,
Onalaska
6 Student Alumni Ambassadors
meeting, campus
13 Communication Committee
meeting, campus
20 Student Alumni Ambassadors
meeting, campus
21 Executive Committee, campus
TBD Catalyst Reading. Contact Robert
Freeman, (608)785-5250.
May
1 Foundation Board retreat
4 Student Alumni Ambassadors
picnic, campus
5 Multicultural Graduation
celebration. Contact Barbara
Stewart, (608)785-8225.
7 Membership Committee
meeting, campus
7 School Psychology roundtable.
Contact Rob Dixon, (608)785-
6893.
11 Communication Committee
meeting, campus
14 Alumni Awards program,
campus
15 Commencement, campus
15 Psychology graduation
reception. Contact Lois Stuhr,
(608)785-8440.
15 Commencement Flower Sale,
campus
22 Alumni Association board
meeting, campus
25 Microbiology alumni reception,
New Orleans. Contact Mike
Winfrey, (608)785-6964.
TBD Senior Honors Project
Presentation and Graduation
Ceremony. Contact Robert
Freeman, (608)785-5250.
TBD Communications Studies awards
banquet. Contact Ronda Knox,
(608)785-6716.
June
4 Membership Committee
meeting, campus
8 Communication Committee
meeting, campus
16 Executive committee meeting,
campus
TBD Athletic Trainers’ alumni
meeting, Baltimore. Contact
Mark Gibson, (608)785-8190.

Jared Featherston is one of UW-L’s 35 student callers.
Jazz with a UW-L flare
will be heard in France and
Germany May 14-29, 2004,
when the UW-L Jazz
Ensemble will perform a
series of concerts at UW-L’s
sister-universities in Caen,
France, and Frankfurt and
Oldenburg, Germany, and
La Crosse’s sister-city of
Epinal, France.
Chancellor Doug
Hastad and Provost Liz Hitch will host a
companion tour for UW-L alumni and
friends. The combined trip gives a chance
to explore culture and history of France
Golfing for a cause
More than 150 golfers helped to raise
around $15,000 when they participated in the
annual Chancellor’s Golf Classic at Cedar
Creek Country Club in Onalaska in August.
Funds raised from the golfers and sponsors go
to the UW-L Fund to support student
scholarships and programs on campus. Next
Three new funds have been
established through the UW-L
Foundation. To donate to the funds, or for
information on creating one, contact the
Foundation at 1(877)UWL-FUND or
www.foundation.uwlax.edu
• Beverly Scheel McLoone Memorial
Scholarship Fund in Physical Education.
Named for Beverly (Scheel) McLoone,
’53, the fund was established for juniors
or seniors majoring in exercise and
The staff of UW-L’s annual
phonathon want to thank all alumni
who participated in the fall
phonathon. Alumni were asked to
provide e-mail addresses so they
could receive pledge and “maybe”
letters via e-mail. The process worked
well, says Chris Oganowski, director
of UW-L Fund. Callers will continue to
ask alumni if they would like the
e-mail option.
and Germany, strengthen relations with
partners, and share the universal language
of music. Stops include:
• Caen, France, where the ensemble will
perform at the University of Caen,
which has partnered with UW-L for
more than 15 years.
• Frankfurt, Germany, in association with
the University of Applied Sciences and
Goethe University.
• Oldenburg, Germany, and the Carl von
Ossietzky University of Oldenburg.
• Koln (Cologne), Germany, made famous
for its scented water, eau de cologne.
year’s outing is set for Wednesday, Aug. 18,
2004. Mark your calendars if you would like
to golf or help sponsor the event. Refer
questions to Chris Oganowski, director of the
UW-L Fund, at (608)785-8765 or
oganowsk.chri@uwlax.edu.
Foundation News
Phonathon finding success
sports science. Preference is given to an
applicant who has a parent,
grandparent or sibling who is an
alumnus, or an applicant who has a
demonstrated interest and love for golf.
• Kruger Endowment for Faculty in
Health, Recreation & Physical
Education. The fund was established by
Norman Kruger, ’46, to support the
work of faculty in health, physical
education and recreation.
Students love to contact alumni,
says Oganowski. In February, they
will be calling to seek support of the
annual “Twice is Nice” campaign.
Funds raised in spring will support
designated colleges, programs and
departments. “The last few years we
have seen a lot of success with the
campaign so we hope more alumni
will continue to believe ‘Twice is
Nice,’” says Oganowski.
Ensemble to jazz up France, Germany; partner tour planned
New funds created
• Epinal, France —
La Crosse's twin city
since 1986.
• Paris, France, for
visits to the city’s
historical hot spots.
For detailed
itinerary and fees for
the partner tour,
contact Ruthann
Benson, associate dean/director of the
School of Arts & Communication, at
(608)785-8113 or benson.ruth@uwlax.edu.
• David Lee Miller Scholarship for
Creativity in Philosophy. Established to
tribute Miller, a longtime faculty
member in the philosophy department.
The award supports philosophy majors
based on creativity, achievement and
need. It is intended to continue Miller’s
commitments — a recognition of
student energy, possibility and
achievement and development of
creative learning opportunities.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 13

On Campus
Accountancy Department Chair Ken Winter attributes the high pass rate on the CPA exam to the department’s well-rounded, solid
curriculum that covers much more than what is on the test.
Tops in numbers
Accountancy students are No. 1 in the nation
The best students in the nation who
took the Certified Public Accounting
(CPA) exam last November were from the
UW-L College of Business Administration.
Accountancy students from UW-L
ranked No. 1 in the competitive exam
with 52.2 percent passing all four parts of
the 15.5-hour exam — placing well ahead
of students from second place University
of Minnesota-Twin Cities at 45.2 percent.
“This is another proud
accomplishment that is indicative of the
high quality of our students, faculty and
programs,” says Bill Colclough, dean of
the UW-L College of Business
Administration. “It shows that UW-L and
the College of Business Administration
students can successfully compete with
the best institutions in the nation.”
UW-L has placed in the top 10
UW-L and two other UW campuses
plan to pilot programs to address the
state’s brain drain problem by attracting
the sons and daughters of their alumni
back to Wisconsin.
The UW System Board of Regents has
approved a plan to offer a discount in outof-state
tuition to children and
grandchildren of alumni who live outside
of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Because of
14 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
nationally eight of the past nine years —
missing only in 1998 by 0.2 points. The
university’s other No. 1 ranking was in
1996.
Ken Winter, chair of the accountancy
department, attributes the high pass rate
to a well-rounded, solid curriculum that
The nation’s top 5
reciprocity agreements, Minnesota
residents pay in-state tuition at Minnesota
rates to attend UW System campuses.
The plan hopes to entice students with
Wisconsin ties to come back for college
and stay to pursue their careers in
Wisconsin, along with propping up falling
nonresident enrollments.
Eligible students would have to meet
all academic standards for admission to
covers much more than what is on the
exam. “Passing the CPA exam is a
byproduct of a dynamic and wellbalanced
curriculum,” he says.
There are approximately 200
accountancy majors. The program
graduates around 40 students annually.
Rankings of colleges and universities of at least 20 candidates without advanced degrees
taking the CPA exam during the November 2002 sitting.
Rank College % passing all 4 parts
1 University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 52.2
2 University of Minnesota – Twin Cities 45.2
3 Grand Valley State University 40.0
4 University of Notre Dame 39.3
5 Illinois State University 38.7
University of Wisconsin–Madison 38.7
‘Return to Wisconsin’
Out-of-state children of alumni to get break
the university and could not displace
resident students. They would pay $10,160
in nonresident tuition versus the normal
rate of $13,546.
The Board was scheduled to move
forward with the program during its
November meeting. If approved, the three
pilot campuses — UW-Eau Claire and
UW-Oshkosh, along with UW-L — would
implement the program in fall 2004.

UW-L added jewels to its crown of
national publications last fall when it
was ranked No. 3 by U.S. News & World
Report and No. 19 by Kiplingers.
The rank from U.S. News and World
Report’s 2004 guide to “America’s Best
Colleges” was among top public
universities offering bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in the Midwest. The
November 2003 edition of the financial
management monthly Kiplinger’s
ranking was on the list of 100 best
colleges in the country.
“These national rankings confirm
what many Wisconsin citizens have
known for a long time: UW-La Crosse is
what is referred to as a ‘university of
choice’” says Liz Hitch, Provost and Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
“Students who come to UW-L stay,
succeed, graduate, and become
contributing citizens.”
In U.S. News, UW-L tied as the
highest ranked UW institution in the
category that includes four-year cluster
campuses throughout the state. In
Kiplinger’s, the only other Wisconsin
college to make the list was UW-
Madison, which ranked 13th.
On Campus
Nationally ranked
U.S. News & World Report ranks UW-L No. 3;
Kiplinger’s places UW-L No. 19
Retired faculty, alumnus honored
Two long-time faculty members and a graduate have been
recognized for bringing distinction to campus. The three
received the College of Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Teacher Education Excellence Award during
Homecoming. The award recognizes alumni who have
distinguished themselves in their profession, and faculty
who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and
contributions for a period of at least 20 years. Recipient’s
pictures and credentials are displayed in Mitchell Hall.
Those being recognized this fall included:
Anita Barta,
John Curtis,
Jerome
who taught in
who taught in
Fishbain,
recreation
health
’55. Fishbain
management
education and
taught at
and
health
Racine
therapeutic
promotion
Horlick and
recreation
from 1975-
Colby high
from 1976-
2002. Curtis
schools before
2000. Barta
taught at
coaching and
was actively
Huron (S.D.)
working as an
involved in the
College and
administrator
National
Therapeutic
Anita Barta
the University
of Minnesota-
John Curtis
at both UW-
Milwaukee Jerome Fishbain
Recreation Society; the National Park Duluth from 1971-75 before teaching and UW-River Falls. He was a
and Recreation Association; the
here from 1975-2002. He has led more recruiting coordinator and assistant
American Therapeutic Association; the than 800 consultations on stress
football coach at UW-Madison from
Wisconsin Park and Recreation
management, motivation and
1980-2002, and was inducted into the
Association; the Wisconsin
performance enhancement, and has Wisconsin High School Football
Therapeutic Recreation Society; and authored 11 books, along with writing Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame
the American Alliance for Health, more than two dozen articles for in 1995.
Physical Education, Recreation and
Dance.
professional journals.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 15

On Campus
Securing scholars
Two students receive Homeland Security scholarships
Two UW-L juniors are among the
101 recipients nationally of highly
competitive awards offered through
the new Homeland Security Scholars
and Fellows Program. They are
Brooke Chuzles, Appleton, and
Brigitte Fischer, Manitowoc. Only
three other undergraduate students in
Wisconsin universities received the
awards.
According to the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS), the
program supports developing and
mentoring the next generation of
scientists as they study ways to
prevent terrorist attacks within the
United States, reduce America’s
vulnerability to terrorism, and
minimize the damage and recovery
efforts from attacks.
Chuzles is majoring in physics and
mathematics; Fischer is majoring in
microbiology with a bio-medical
concentration and minoring in
chemistry. Both have 4.0 GPA’s.
Fischer says she easily could have
been an English or political science
major, but somehow “clicked” with
microbiology. The choice was
influenced by taking microbiology in
high school — a rare option in
Wisconsin. She had Marc Rott,
microbiology, in her first semester at
UW-L and asked him if she could
participate in research.
“She is a remarkable student,”
notes Rott. He assigned Fischer to
research shared with Aaron Monte,
chemistry, extracting and purifying
anti-microbial agents. ”She is
extraordinarily detail oriented. Her
record-keeping is first-rate and her
interpersonal skills are extraordinary,”
he adds. Fischer says she relates to
research. “You never know how far or
where it will go,” she says.
Chuzles came to campus for its 3-2
program in physics, intending to
study at UW-L three years before
transferring to an engineering school.
16 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
Faculty, however, noticed her ability
and invited her to participate in
department research projects. “She
was in Mike Jackson’s freshmen
physics and he knew she was a good
student so he asked her to join his
optics research,” recalls Gubbi
Sudhakaran, chair of the physics
department.
“I have always liked science and
math,” says Chuzles. Being a female
in a male-dominated field does not
bother her. “My family always told
me I can do what I want; being a girl
[in UW-L’s physics department]
doesn’t matter. I get the same
opportunities,” she says.
Chuzles assists in department labs
with set-up and knock down, as well
as participating in optical research.
Her skills were honed last summer
when she accompanied Jackson to
Oxford, England, to work on lasers
there. That experience will help her
when she helps assemble a new laser
in Cowley Hall.
The award includes a $1,000
monthly stipend for nine months, full
tuition and fees, a research internship
at a DHS-designated facility that
includes a $500 per week stipend,
plus travel allowance. The award may
be extended an additional year. Also,
scholars are offered competitive
employment offers from DHS, state
and local security offices, DHSaffiliated
Federal laboratories, or
DHS-related university faculty or
research staff positions after
graduation.
“This is a real sweetheart deal,”
says College of Science and Allied
Health Dean Mike Nelson. “The
awards reflect the intellectual
accomplishments of the students, the
quality of their faculty research
mentors, and a university that
provides the tools to help students
achieve their dreams.”
”She [Brigitte Fischer] is extraordinarily detail
oriented. Her record-keeping is first-rate and her
interpersonal skills are extraordinary.”
— Marc Rott, UW-L microbiology
“My family always told me I can do
what I want; being a girl [in UW-L’s
physics department] doesn’t
matter. I get the same
opportunities.” — Brooke Chuzles
Brooke Chuzles
Brigitte Fischer

Cover material
UW-L physics program serves as a national model
Once in danger of disappearing,
UW-L’s physics program is now at
capacity and is looking for how to
handle all the students seeking a
physics major or wanting to
participate in the 3-2 engineering
program.
The program is so successful it was
featured on the cover of the September
issue of Physics Today magazine, the
discipline’s top publication. The
department is one of 21 university
physics departments featured in
articles on what it takes for a
university physics program to prosper
in a time when most are withering.
UW-L is one of seven comprehensives
and the only UW System physics
program honored.
The cover was a photograph of Bob
Allen, a now-retired physics faculty
member, interacting with students in
the planetarium. “It is very unusual to
have a person on the cover of the
magazine,” says UW-L physics
department Chair Gubbi Sudhakaran.
“Usually it is an object or scientific
image.”
Having a flourishing academic
program requires a complex brew that
includes a well-developed curriculum,
advising and mentoring; undergraduate
research; many opportunities for
information student-faculty interactions; a
strong sense of community; the
This photo of now-retired faculty member Bob Allen
working with students in the planetarium graces the
cover of a national physics publication. The UW-L
physics department is being used as a model for
successful physics departments at national colleges.
department being a critical unit for change
in undergraduate education; and strong
and sustained leadership. That’s the
conclusion of a national task force looking
at what it takes to have a successful
On Campus
physics program. The task force
carefully reviewed UW-L’s physics
program and visited campus. It is
used as an example of what to do.
Sudhakaran and other faculty keep
in close contact with their students,
shepherding them along through the
program. They insist new students
participate in a one-credit seminar,
and students are matched with an
upperclassman mentor. “It helps with
our retention, giving students a sense
of belonging,” he notes.
The department stays in close
contact with graduate schools, too.
“We are always looking at what we
are doing and we ask [the graduate
schools] what we can do to improve
our program,” says Sudhakaran. “We
constantly monitor our curriculum.”
The 3-2 engineering program has
students majoring in physics for three
years at UW-L, then transferring to an
engineering program for two more.
“The 3-2 program attracts students to
UW-L then they change to a physics
major and stay,” says Sudhakaran.
The department’s success has led to
an interesting dilemma, a bottleneck.
There is not enough lab space or room for
more majors. The department is looking at
alternatives. “The last thing we want is to
go to selective admissions,” notes
Sudhakaran.
Worth the price
Students vote to increase tuition to fund four initiatives
Last year UW-L students said “yes”
when they were asked if they would be
willing to raise their tuition. It was a
major victory for the university’s Student
Senate which had discussed raising tuition
for three years. The UW System Board of
Regents approved it last June.
This semester students paid an
additional $21 in tuition this fall. Starting
in spring, they will pay $26 extra in what
is called “differential tuition” to support
four initiatives important to them:
academic advising, undergraduate
research, diversity initiatives, and
international education. The university
will match the student funds.
“Students are demanding some things
the university could not do,” explains
Student Senate President Luke Naegele.
He says the four initiatives were
developed from concerns heard from
students.
Student advising is a high priority for
students. Putting additional efforts into
advising could help students plan classes
better and avoid having to attend extra
semesters.
Money for diversity will go into
recruiting and retaining multicultural
students. Funds for undergraduate
research is expected to give more paid
undergraduate research opportunities.
Students endorsed international
education by adding support for study
abroad programs, supporting
international students, creating
international undergraduate research
opportunities and supporting faculty
research abroad.
“Students understand state and
university budget issues; no one is happy
about it but they are willing to pay extra
because they want these services
continued,” explains Naegele.
“I am excited, not just for this year, but
for later,” says Naegele. “This will help
make campus better in the long run and
our diplomas will mean more.”
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 17

Sports News
18 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
This year’s inductees to the university’s Wall of Fame include, from left: Sheri (Winter)
Miller, ’87; Dan Laak,’82; Theodore Pretasky, ’88; and James A. Batchelor, ’88.
Four added to Wall of Fame
Four athletes from the ’70s and ’80s were honored by being inducted into the
university’s Wall of Fame during Homecoming. The Wall of Fame pays tribute to former
athletes and coaches for their exceptional ability and enhancement of school
tradition. Brief biographies of this year’s inductees:
James A. Batchelor
Batchelor ran his way to
success on cross country and
track teams from 1984-88.
Batchelor lettered in both
sports every year, helping
both earn conference
championships. The 1988
history and English major
completed a minor in the
general honors program.
Batchelor was named Athlete
of the Year in 1987, earned
conference scholar
recognition and received the
Jay Norris Memorial
Scholarship. Also, he served
as a tutor for the history and
English departments.
Batchelor is a 1984 graduate
of Milwaukee Pius Xi High
School, where he was on the
cross country and track
teams. He holds a law degree
from the University of
Minnesota and is president
and owner of Batchelor Law
Firm in Edina, Minn.
Dan Laak
Diving was Laak’s passion
while in college — and it still
is. Laak earned letters and
All-American honors from
1978-82 under coach Barry
Schockmel. As a sophomore,
Laak dived to three records
— 6-dive 1-meter, 6-dive 3meter,
and 11-dive 1-meter.
The records held years before
being broken. He was captain
of the team his junior and
senior years. The 1982
recreation administration
major continues his love for
diving at the University of
Georgia, serving as head
diving coach for men and
women. For the past 16 years,
he has coached numerous All-
Americans and conference
champions, and was on staff
with three women’s
swimming and diving
national championship teams.
He lives with his wife, Kim,
and their two children in
Watkinsville, Ga.
Sheri (Winter) Miller
Miller ran to national top
finishes in cross country,
along with All-American
titles in both cross country
and track from 1983-86. The
1987 community health
education major earned All-
American honors by finishing
fourth among harriers as a
senior, an improvement from
her sixth-place finish at
nationals a year earlier. She
also earned All-American
honors in track her senior
year, taking second in the
10,000-meter and sixth in the
5,000-meter outdoor runs, as
well as fifth in indoor
competition as a junior.
Captain of the cross country
team her senior year, she
earned letters in both sports
the last three years of
competition. She and her
husband, Jim, ’87, have two
daughters. She lives in
Andover, Minn., where she
works for the Anoka
Hennepin School District.
Theodore Allen Pretasky
Pretasky’s
accomplishments on the
gridiron from 1985-88 are still
noteworthy —12 of his
records still stand. Pretasky
holds records for the most
points scored in a season and
career; most yards rushing in
a game, season and career;
most rushing attempts in a
game, season and career;
most touchdowns in a season
and career; most games over
100 yards rushing; and the
longest run from scrimmage
— 98 yards. Captain of the
1988 national championship
team, Pretasky earned firstteam
conference and district
running back honors for three
years, along with All-
American honors. The 1989
sociology major was a free
agent with the NFL’s Phoenix
Cardinals in 1989. He is a
painting and decorating
contractor in Colfax where he
lives with his wife, JoAnne,
and three children.

Koelbl to
head men’s
basketball
Ken Koelbl will head the
men’s basketball team for ’03-04.
An assistant coach at UW-
Stevens Point since 1995, Koelbl
helped lead the Pointers to four
straight conference
championships, including a 24-4
mark in ’02-03. The Onalaska
native, who played basketball at
Viterbo University in the late
’80s and early ’90s, was
Ken Koelbl
inducted into the Viterbo
University Athletic Hall of Fame
in 1996. “I’m very excited to be
named the next head coach at UW-La Crosse,” said
Koelbl. “I believe there is a lot of potential here. My goal
is to bring the same success to the basketball program as
the other teams.”
Loe named
state’s ‘Woman
of the Year’
Jocelyn Loe, who graduated in
May 2003, was named the 2003
Wisconsin National Collegiate
Athletics Association (NCAA) Woman
of the Year. The Oshkosh West High
School graduate was one of 12
Division III student-athletes chosen as
state winners. The award honors
outstanding female student-athletes
who have excelled in academics,
athletics and community leadership
and have completed their collegiate
athletics eligibility. Loe, a chemistry Jocelyn Loe
major and mathematics minor, was
named to the 2003 Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America
Women’s Cross Country/Track First Team for the second
straight year. She finished her career with 10 NCAA Division
III All-American honors, including two at the 2003 outdoor
championships. Loe earned the Goldwater Chemistry
Scholarship last year and was a member of the UW-L Honors
Program and Golden Key National Honour Society. She is
currently pursuing a doctorate in pharmaceutical development
and research at UW-Madison.
Sports News
Schockmel earns
national award
Barry Schockmel, ’67, UW-L’s
defensive coordinator and
defensive backs coach, was
named a winner of the AFLAC
National Assistant Coach of the
Year Award. He was one of 500
assistant coaches at the high
school and collegiate levels
names nationwide, representing
a variety of team sports.
Recipients came from all 50
states and the District of
Columbia. Schockmel was the
WIAC Assistant Coach of the
Year in 2002.
Barry Schockmel, ’67
This time, a familiar
face in the crowd
Mark Guthrie
Eagle sports fans saw a
familiar face in the Aug. 11
Sports Illustrated column, “Faces
in the Crowd.”
Eagles Head Track and
Field Coach Mark Guthrie
made the column for winning
his 17th NCAA Division III
championship when the Eagles
took the 2003 outdoor title. The
national publication also noted
that the Eagles won the indoor
title, giving Guthrie eight
sweeps in 16 seasons.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 19

La Crosse Ties
Class Notes
’35Woody Bowersock, Laguna Woods, Calif.,
won six gold medals at the Senior Olympics held in
Virginia in June. The retired elementary school
principal, who turned 90 just before the competition,
holds a half-dozen world records in swimming in
two age groups.
’38Pearl (Gearhart) Coster has moved to
Waukesha to be closer to her daughter. She had lived
most of her life in La Crosse.
’50Rodger Nelson, Milwaukee, won two gold
medals at the National Senior Games, taking the 25mile
and 12 1/2-mile biking races. There were 72
competitors in the 70-80 year-old division. Nelson
winters in Seminole, Fla.
20 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
Homecoming & Family
Weekend a success
Friends reconnecting after 50 years. The “L” shining on
Granddad Bluff. The lantern in the old college tower. Students
cheering at the Pep Fest.
The Screaming Eagles marching band playing. The football
team scoring (eight!) touchdowns, followed by fireworks. Reunion
groups telling stories. The HPERTE Excellence Awards and Athletic
Wall of Fame.
These are just a few of the sights and sounds from a wonderful
weekend on campus during Homecoming and Family Weekend
2003.
If you or a group of alumni are interested in planning a
reunion, contact the Alumni Association for a copy of the Reunion
handbook and planning guide. And, make plans to attend
Homecoming & Family Weekend 2004 — Oct. 22-24. For more
images of the ’03 celebration, visit the We Be Jammin’ Photo
Gallery at: www.uwlalumni.org.
’52Fran Ebert, Scotts, Mich., has written a book,
“Lady Broncos: Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics at
Western Michigan University.” The book chronicles
80 years of athletes and coaches in 15 sports from
1923-2002, along with the university’s administrative
support for them. Order the book from her at 7988
Greenfield Shores Drive, Scotts, MI 49088.
Bill Knapton, Lady Lake, Fla., has been inducted
into the Beloit College Athletic Hall of Honor.
Knapton retired after coaching men’s basketball at
Beloit for 40 years where he had 31 winning seasons,
10 Midwest Conference championships and an
overall 557-343 record.
Jerry Grunska, Evergreen, Colo., has been inducted
into American Football Association’s Hall of Fame.
He has authored a sports officiating book and coauthored
a football officiating text. This is his third
year of being included in Who’s Who in America.
Richard A. Hinchcliffe, Sr., Elm Grove, is enjoying
retirement.
’53Jerome Elliott, Beloit, has been inducted into
the Rock County Hall of Fame. An attorney with
Forbeck, Elliott, & Monahan S.C., Elliott was
recognized for his impressive list of volunteer
activities, which includes the Beloit Historical Society
and Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce
Ambassadors.
’56Roger L. Nichols, Tucson, Ariz., has written
a book, “American Indians in U.S. History,” He has
received a Fulbright award as a Senior Scholar at the
University of Cologne in Germany for 2003-04. He
has served as president of the Pacific Coast Branch of
the American Historical Association for 2003-04.
’60Bob Thompson, ’60 & ’67, retired as high
school principal in 1995 to Thousand Palms, Calif.,
with his wife, Rachel. Throughout his career, he was
employed in public education/administration at
Soldiers Grove, Bangor, UW-Stout and Watertown.

’43 group gathers
Six graduates from the class of ’43 have gotten together for the past
decade to reminisce their days at La Crosse State. The group
includes, from left, Marge (Craig) Reinhard, Watertown; Roselee
(Wheeler) Belden, Racine; Jane Gray, Marshfield; Maxine
(Gunderson) Nobiensky, Janesville; Marge (Brandt) Kerr, Portage;
and Georgia (Storzer) Gipp, Naples, Fla.
’62Louise Regelin, Genesse, Idaho, has been
elected 2002-03 governor-elect of the Pacific
Northwest District Kiwanis.
George Schubert, Waupaca, had a chapter
published in the book, “Cooperstown 2002, Baseball
& the American Culture.”
Joan (Barwind) Hinchcliffe, Elm Grove, is semiretired
from Marquette University where she is a
supervisor for student teachers.
’64Fred Peterson, Wausau, retired in June of
2002 after 38 years of teaching fifth and sixth grade
at John Marshall Elementary School in Wausau.
Parsram Thakur, Berbice, Guyana, recently retired
as a professor of psychology at the New England
Community College of Rhode Island. He was asked
to be the director of the University of Guyana
Berbice campus, his native area. He is accompanied
by his wife, Jean Marie (Lemke) Thakur, who is from
La Crosse.
’66Kaye Knutson, Sturgeon Bay, celebrated her
second year with Target Co. after retiring from
Wisconsin Rapids School District after 35 years.
’69Ruth (Brozek) Rush, Valparaiso, Ind., has
retired from teaching physical education at the
School Town of Highland (Ind.) after 34 years.
Karen Cowles, San Rafael, Calif., has started her
own human resource consulting practice, Interim
Solution, after a 23-year career with a global firm in
San Francisco.
Michael, ’69, and Sandra (Dahl), ’71, Manegold,
have moved from Texas to Clinton, Conn. Michael is
a global product manager for Henkel Loctite
Electronics.
Jim Finn, ’60 & ’70, La Crosse, was promoted to
director of financial aid at UW-La Crosse in 2002
after serving as interim director for 18 months and
associate director since 1976.
’70Jacqueline Glassman, San Francisco, Calif.,
is still living and working in San Francisco and
watches the Green Bay Packer games at the “Bus
Stop.”
’71Michelle (Mushy) Kegel has retired from
teaching 7th grade science and is on her way
recovering from a life-changing, closed-head injury.
She winters in Arizona and would love to hear from
La Crosse friends.
’72Tony Tanke, Davis, Calif., has been elected to
the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers, an
organization of about 100 active attorneys who
specialize in arguing cases in the higher courts.
Debra (Huebner) Martin, has moved back from
Florida and built a new house among family and
friends in Wisconsin.
’75Mike Miller, Oconomowoc, is a full-time
anchor/reporter for WISN TV, channel 12, in
Milwaukee. He co-anchors the weekend early
evening and late newscasts, and provides special
reports for the weeknight newscasts and local
programming projects. Miller joined WISN as a
La Crosse Ties
Renewing state college ties
These alumni received two-year rural teaching certificates from La Crosse State Teachers
College in 1948. In July, they returned to La Crosse to reminisce and catch up on the 55
years since they left. Those able to attend included, from left, Floyd Larson, Taylor; Ruth
(Salzwedel) Everson, Sparta; Mary Lou (Zeman) Brown, Black River Falls; Grace
Zastoupil, Tomah; Betty (Smith) Blystad, La Crosse; Adolph Lindahl, La Crosse; Elaine
Schmitt, Steuben; Loris (Waldenberger) Griffin, West Salem; Delores (Hesselberg) Olson,
Bangor; and Grace (Oedsma) Richardson, Holmen.
summer fill-in anchor in June, following a 13-year
stint as morning and midday co-anchor at WTMJ-TV,
channel 4.
Marcia Stribling, ’75 & ’85, Las Vegas, Nev., has
been employed by the State Bar of Nevada since
Sept. 2003 as a law-related education coordinator.
Kathy Mount McKinley, Grand Junction, Colo., is
starting a new career with Polk City Directories and
will be the field representative for Mesa County.
’76Deanna (Lutz) Loewenhagen, Waunakee,
has been named “Professional of the Year” for 2002
by the International Right of Way Association,
Badger Chapter 17. A relocation specialist for the
state of Wisconsin Commerce Department since 2000,
Loewenhagen helps agencies comply with
Commerce Code 202. Loewenhagen was an
advanced real estate specialist in the Bureau of Real
Estate at the Department of Transportation from 1985
to 2000.
‘Queens’ for the day
Alumnae from the class of ’62 where the “queens” for the day when they boarded the Mississippi
paddlewheeler, the La Crosse Queen. The group returned in July for a mini-reunion. They included:
Bonnie (Shockey) Michaelis, Baraboo; Sherry Smith, Milwaukee; Corine Hill, Lodi; Anita (Vita)
Myette, Kirkland, Wash.; Bette (Reinicke) Kroeber, Green Bay; Judy (Smith) Ristow, Eau Claire; and
Karen (Bach) McDowell, Dallas, Texas.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 21

La Crosse Ties
Sorority holds reunion
The Zeta Omicron chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority of
UW-L celebrated its first reunion Aug. 1-3, 2003, with
representatives from nearly every pledge class in its
history on campus.
Around 80 alums and family members traveled to
La Crosse to reminisce with sorority sisters who joined
Delta Zeta as far back as 1961.
Organized to commemorate the 100th anniversary of
Delta Zeta National Sorority, the reunion was
considered to be a remarkable feat because the Zeta
Omicron chapter has been closed at the UW-L campus
since 1986, says Debra (Gruszecki) Brown, ’76. With no sorority
house and scattered records, it took nearly three years to
assemble the group.
The gathering included a banquet, ceremony, golf scramble,
boat cruise on the Mississippi River, campus tour, night on Third
Street, a hike and a farewell brunch. Because the Zeta Omicron
Chapter Association of the Delta Zeta National Sorority is
ongoing at UW-L, sorority members decided to hold a reunion
Karen Malmquist, Mc Donough, Ga., is associate
director of career services at Georgia State University.
She loves her move to the south and reports “no
more stiff joints from the cold!”
Debbie Hinchcliffe, Beecher, Ill., continues to teach
at Homewood-Flossmore High School in Illinois.
’77Margaret Ewert, New Port Richey, Fla., has
retired from teaching in Wisconsin after 36 years of
art education. She has moved to Flordia to relax and
start free-lance writing and drawing.
Linda L. Miller, Onalaska, has been inducted into
the Wisconsin High School Golf Coaches Association
Hall of Fame after coaching boys golf for six years
and girls golf for 24 years at Onalaska High School.
Linda and her son, Brad, won the state of Wisconsin
Mother and Son Golf Tournament in 2002 and 2003.
Gregg Yowell, Overland Park, Kan., has entered
private law practice in Lawrence, Kan. after 11 years
with Apple Computer. Brock, his son, is a first year
cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
’78 Bart, ’78 &
’83, and Pamela
(Johnson), ’83 &
’89, Gray, have
moved to Kansas
City. Bart is athletic
director and head
track and cross
country coach at
McPherson College.
He had been
athletic director at
Peru (Neb.) State
College. In June
2003, he was
named the
Midlands
Collegiate Athletic
Conference Athletic
Director of the Year.
Pam has been a
physical education
professor at Peru
State for two years
and was named
22 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
Duncan license plate holder
Duncan Cameron, ’69, sports UW-La Crosse on his
2004 Porsche Cayenne. Although the Iowa resident can’t
have UW-L vanity plates like his Wisconsin classmates,
he can have a university license plate holder. Cameron,
CEO and chairman of Vanguard Distributing Corp. in
Davenport, serves on the UW-L Foundation Board of
Directors.
head cross country coach there in 2002. As assistant
track and cross country coach at Lindenwood
University in 2001, she coached a national champion
in the NAIA Men’s Marathon. Still a competitive
runner, Pam is one of the top female runners in the
Midwest. In October of 2001 she won the Gobbler
Grind Marathon in Kansas City, Mo.
’79Scott Gilbertson, Galveston, Texas, has
become the Robert A. Welch Distinguished
University Chair in Chemistry and director of the
program in chemical biology at the University of
Texas Medical Branch.
’80Greg Biese, Appleton, is currently employed
by Jabas Group Inc. and has been promoted to senior
benefits consultant.
Richard Hinchcliffe, Jr., Greeley, Colo., is Battalion
Chief for the Greely County fire department.
Sharon Krueger, Earlysville, Va., has been hired as
assistant men/women’s swim coach at the
on the first week of August every three years.
Heidi (Mierendorf) Ludkey, ’73, and Beckey (Robinson)
Romanesko, ’69, spearheaded committees to make the reunion
possible. “Smaller groups of our sisters have reunited over the
years, but this weekend was Zeta Omicron’s first big affirmation
that Delta Zeta is forever,” says Ludkey. “Personally, I just
missed seeing my sisters, and knew that any efforts to reunite us
would be time well spent. I underestimated the rewards.”
University of Virginia. Both programs are top in the
nation and are currently training three postgraduates
for the 2004 Olympic games.
Sam Robinson, Waunakee, left the position of band
director at Waunakee High School, and was associate
principal at Lodi High School for a year. But, he
missed music and the classroom and has returned to
his previous position of band director at Waunakee.
’81Dan Saftig (see
photo) became president
and CEO of the Iowa State
University Foundation July 1.
He had been vice president
of marketing and
communications for the
Minnesota Medical
Foundation at the
University of Minnesota in
Minneapolis.
Dan Saftig
Milwaukee alums remain loyal to La Crosse
A group of alumni living in Milwaukee has been getting together monthly for
the past 26 years. The “La Crosse GNO (Girl’s Night Out) Group includes:
Front, from left, Cindy (Chimiel) Kinzel, Jane (Habicht) Mandli and Pat
(Greenwaldt) Grulke, all ’76; Back, from left, Cathy (Butrym) Kwapick, ’77;
Linda (Rice) Lasser, ’76; Karli (Willi) Markel, ’77; Diane Knake, ’76; and
Darlene (Smith) Markle, ’76. Three — Lasser, Markle and Grulke — have
daughters currently attending UW-L.

Jeff Kessler, ’81, and Sara (Schoenknecht), ’82,
Onalaska, return to the La Crosse area after 21 years in
the Twin Cities. Jeff is the practice executive with
Allergy Associates of La Crosse and also president of
Allergychoices. Sara brought her communications
business with her to La Crosse with Kessler
Consulting Inc.
’82Yvonne Hauge Datta, Shorewood, received a
grant from the National Blood Foundation to pursue a
one- or two-year research project in the fields of blood
banking and transfusion medicine.
Ken Deboer, Brookfield, has started Radiologic Tech
school at St. Lukes Hospital in Milwaukee after 14
years of coaching swimming at the Menomonee Falls
Swim Club and then working for Cooper Power
Systems of Waukesha for seven years.
Margaret Van Bree, has relocated to Charlottesville,
Va., and become chief operations officer of the
University of Virginia Medical School and professor of
medical education at the school. She has just adopted a
son, Evan, from Guatemaula.
Michael McGinley, Johnston, Iowa, has been married
to his wife, Kathi, for 19 years. Michael received his
doctorate in immunobiology from Iowa State
University in 1992 and is currently vice president of
operations and technical affairs for Diamond Animal
Health Inc. in Des Moines. Michael and Kathi have
three children, Morgan (14), Nathan (12), and Sean (8).
’83Lisa Lehmann, (see
photo) Madison, created
music for the Horicon
“Marsh Melodies” radio
campaign that ran statewide
in April. Lehmann worked
with Russell Advertising in
Madison and a committee
from the DNR and
neighboring chambers of
commerce to compose music
that captures the essence of
the marsh.
Lisa Lehmann
’84Lisa Bromley, Shorewood, received the
Milwaukee Women’s Sports Leader award. She teaches
and coaches at Shorewood High School.
Beth Schefelker, Milwaukee, received the 2002
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching. As the state representative for
teaching elementary mathematics, she received a fiveday
trip to Washington, D.C., in March and a monetary
gift. Schefelker is a 5th/6th grade teacher for
Milwaukee Public Schools and is a mathematics
consultant for the Investigations Curriculum.
Richard Tremain, Des Moines, Iowa, has been
promoted to public affairs specialist at the state office
for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in
Iowa.
John Kranstover, ’84 & ’90, has moved to the island
of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands after spending 14
years as an educator in Honduras. He is the upper and
middle school director at a small private K-12 school.
’85Mary-Patricia Laub, Jefferson, is recreation
coordinator at St. Coletta of Wisconsin and leading its
recreation therapy services and Special Olympics
programs.
’86Robert Towle, Libertyville, Ill., has been
selected Senior Navy Physical Therapist of the Year for
2002.
Sorority sisters return
La Crosse Ties
Four alumnae who received teacher education degrees
in the mid-60s took a campus tour in June. The
former sorority sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi included,
from left, Darryle (Damon) Clott, ’66 & ’71, La Crosse;
Shirley (Walsvik) Merrill, ’67, Madison; Gayl
(Gutknecht) Christensen, ’66, Browntown; and Sue
Hickey, ’67, Green Bay. They have been getting
together about every five years for a reunion. But, this
was the first time they met in La Crosse with a chance
to visit campus. The four and two others — Andi
(Elstad) Sonsalla, ’67, Medford; and Sonja (Pfaff)
Haske, ’66, New Lisbon — lived in “Best House” on
Market Street. (They came up with the name for their
house in response to the Phi Sig fraternity members who live in “Worst House.”) During their visit, the
four recalled how campus was smaller in the ’60s. All were active in campus activities ranging from Pom
Pons to student government.
Some of these alumni plan to return to western Wisconsin in April to canoe the Kickapoo. It will
be the 30th year for the “Kickapoo” event, that started as an outing for the fourth floor of White
Hall in April 1975. Those attending the inaugural trip included, from right, back row Bill
Globing, Tom Brunner, John Waldron, Dave Harrington, Jim Stevens, Bart Schoeder, Brian
Pickard. Front row, from right, John Da Nure, Bill Markee, Robert Lucas, and Don Strand.
They’ve canoed for nearly 30 years
A 1975 residence hall canoe outing to the Kickapoo has turned into an annual reunion
for a group of guys who lived in White Hall. This spring, the group will celebrate its 30th
trip down the river.
Dave Harrington, ’79, says it started with a group from the hall looking for something
to do on an April weekend. “So 11 guys signed up and we went to the student union and
signed out six canoes and a trailer,” recalls Harrington. “Then we headed to Whitney
Center to show the cooks our food ID’s and get all the food, pots and pans, etc., for
preparing weekend meals.”
An unwelcome, relentless rain started the adventure, which turned into a sliver of
sunshine by afternoon, but ended with an evening downpour. After crawling through
mud and with an early spring cool settling in, the 11 were invited to one of the canoeist’s
relatives in the middle of the night. “They made us feel at home,” explains Harrington.
“Their kids waited on us hand and foot.”
They awoke to a perfect day. “It was beautiful, sunny and warm,” he recalls. “But, we
were so worn out from the memory of the previous night’s portage we didn’t paddle
except to rudder. If you got stuck, someone would bump you free. Thus ‘Kickapoo was
born.’ The scenery was a picture postcard at every turn.”
Despite the turmoil of the first day, the event caught attention. The second year 22
participated. The third year, 48. “Over the last 20 years, the average is about 25 with most
from La Crosse and fourth floor White Hall,” Harrington says. “I would guess that the
average is 22 or 24 years of participation. I've been on 29 trips. I had to miss one for a
family wedding.”
Harrington, who lives in Indianapolis, plans to make it in spring 2004. He and Robert
Kolinek, ’77, are organizing the event. Those interested in the “30th Annual Kickapoo”
should contact “Harri” at harri16@peoplepc.com or (317)637-2679, or “Hollywood” at
rkoline@attglobal.net.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 23

La Crosse Ties
A. James Gersich, Madison, and seven other
principals have formed a new architecture,
engineering, and interior design firm, Dimension IV-
Madison, LLC.
Alan Bratberg, ’86, and Jill (Jacobson), ’90,
Trempealeau were married two years ago. Jill is a
national sales manager for WinCraft Inc. in Winona,
Minn.
’87Doug Geiger, Chicago, Ill., has been
promoted to dean of students at Illinois Institute of
Technology. He has started his doctorate part time at
Loyola University in Chicago.
Brad Chapiewsky, Madison, has been managing
Idealease of Madison Inc., a local truck lease and
rental company. Brad, his wife, Lisa, and Ozzie, their
golden retriever, are active in a program called
Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin.
’88Douglas and Lynn (Linzmeier) Stubbe, live
in Danbury with their two children, Synclare and
Kerik. Doug is on a military leave from his position
as 4-H/Youth Development Agent. He is a major in
the U.S. Army and is serving in Kuwait. Lynn is a
volunteer with the American Red Cross, teaching
lifeguard training, CPR, and First Aid.
Kari (King) Pascoe, Lancaster, is expecting her
third child. Her husband, Philip, is stationed in
Jacksonville, Fla.
’89Kathleen Sullivan, LaGrange, Ill., was
named vice president of human resources, counsel
and assistant secretary at Corey Steel Co. after being
a member of a delegation of 18 U.S. Labor and
Employment Law attorneys that traveled to South
Africa to participate in a series of professional
exchanges.
’90Patti Thompson, Madison, is manager for
UW-Extension’s J.F. Friedrick Inn and Conference
Center at UW-Madison.
Susan and Roger Knight moved to Brookfield in
January 2003. Susan has changed from nuclear
medicine technician to medical/product training at
Pharma Co. then to labeling supervisor.
’91Pamela Packer has moved from the San
Francisco Bay Area to Denver. She is currently the
executive director for the statewide Colorado
Outdoor Training Initiative.
’92Marcia (Sobota) Arneson, Eau Claire, has
been promoted to Wellness Coordinator for Sacred
Heart Hospital’s Partners in Heath Program in Eau
Claire.
’93Christine C. Duval, Madison, is a managing
attorney for the Dean Health Plan. She had taught
management classes part time at UW-L for the past
four years.
Michelle (Burnett) Juering, Davenport, Iowa, has
joined the Quad-City Times as manager of the sales
support in the marketing and research department.
’94Susan Mead, Whitehall, Pa., has been named
assistant dean for residence life at Lehigh University
in Bethlehem, Pa.
’95Jennifer (Jackson) Soto, Brown Deer, has
24 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
Rafting out west
Four alumni living in the western
United States joined for a whitewater
rafting expedition on the Snake and
Salmon rivers in Idaho in August. They
included, from left, Gary Klug, ’70,
professor and chair of the exercise and
movement science department at the
University of Oregon in Eugene; Roy A.
Clumpner, ’65, professor in the physical
education, health and recreation
department at Western Washington
University in Bellingham; Norm Klug,
’67, vice principal at Clarkston (Wash.)
High School; and his wife, Pam (Melby)
Klug, ’71, elementary teacher for
Clarkston (Wash.) School District. The
Klug brothers are professional
whitewater river guides.
completed an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University
in May.
Daryl Collins, West Point, N.Y., recently received a
master’s from the University of Northern Colorado
in sport and exercise science. He is currently
stationed at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
with duty as instructor for the physical education
department.
’96Luis Gomez, Madison is the director of
Centro Hispano, a Dane County agency that helps
Hispanics overcome problems of poverty and
discrimination.
Erik Huber, Ulsan, South Korea, teaches English at
a private institute for Korean children and
adolescents.
Brett Mitchell, Houston, received a doctorate in
physiology in May from the Medical College of
Georgia. He has accepted a position with NASA as a
senior scientist in the Cardiovascular Research
Division.
Dawn Nelson, Arlington, Va., recently began
working at the Department of Health and Human
Services as an Emerging Leaders Fellow in the Office
of the Secretary’s Budget Office.
’97Nicolas Ratelis, ’97, and Erin (Balliet), ’98,
live in Minneapolis. Nicolas is a buyer for Target Co.
in downtown Minneapolis; Erin is a Health Care
Consultant for JBA and Associates in Eden Prairie,
Minn.
Dawn Justin, Fife, Wash., has been working at
RAMCO Software Training since January 2000
selling software training.
’98Joel Klemm, Omaha, Neb., earned a
bachelor’s in nursing from Creighton University in
August. He works with Alegent Health Systems.
Matthew Lehmann has moved to Holmen from St.
Paul in August. He is an education loans client
representative for First Federal.
Tiffany Brockington, Green Bay, graduated in May
2003 with honors from Northeast Wisconsin
Technical College in architectural technology. She
works as a residential designer at Best Lumber in
Green Bay.
’99Aeron Polodna, Milwaukee, is currently
employed with Gorman & Co. Inc. and has been
promoted to property manager of the Knitting
Factory Loft Apartments.
’00Kayt Bank, Milwaukee, has returned to
Wisconsin to work with FTD as a business
consultant. “I love it,” she says.
Alissa Bentz, Chandler, Ariz., has published
illustrations in the archaeological journal Kiva.
Kelley (Miller) Birnie, Aberdeen, Scotland, works
for the Scottish government for an environmental
agency.
Paige Rohman, Portage, Mich., has been appointed
assistant director of residence life at Western
Michigan University.
Heath Torstveit, Salt Lake City, is working on a
master’s in history at the University of Utah.
Nathan A. Trussoni is serving in Afghanistan with
the U.S. Army.
Jacklyn Gautsch, Des Moines, Iowa, has received
the Merit Award for 2003 from the Soil and Water
Conservation Society for conservation efforts in
Iowa. Also, she has been awarded the Girl Scout of
Distinction in 2003 for her volunteer efforts with the
Girl Scouts of the La Crosse area. She is engaged to
Matthew Neely of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Jessica Snider, Lansing, Mich., is currently
attending law school and plans on working on a
master’s soon.
Jon Davis, ’00, and Krista (Rich), ’01, live in
Pewaukee. Jon is customer sales manager for
Hershey Foods in Milwaukee. Krista is a sixth grade
reading and language arts teacher at Thomas
Jefferson Middle School in Menomonee Falls.
Robert Multerer, New Berlin, is director of
marketing of the Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S.
Olympic training facility in Milwaukee. He oversees
all facility promotion and marketing operations.
’01Phillip Spearo, Seattle, Wash., is a third-year
law student at Seattle University School of Law.
Also, he is a law clerk for the Law Offices of William
N. Snell P.S. in Seattle.
Todd Melcher, Oak Creek, is a sales associate for
the Milwaukee Bucks.
Danielle Johnson, New York, completed a master’s
of health administration from Ohio University in
June 2003. She has accepted the position of senior

The ultimate cup
Most hope to get away from work for the weekend. But,
Tom Zienkiewicz, ’94, hockey director at the Pettit National Ice
Center in Milwaukee, had the good fortune of meeting up
with a hockey star and the top hockey prize while vacationing.
Zienkiewicz, right, met up with former Wisconsin Badgers
hockey great Brian Rafalski of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils
who had the team’s Stanely Cup at a local bar in Waupaca.
“I’m heavily involved in the hockey business, so this was not
your normal trophy picture for me,” explains Zienkiewicz,
proudly wearing a UW-La Crosse shirt at the unlikely
meeting. “This was the holy grail of all sports awards.”
management analyst, clinical operations with
Columbia University in New York City.
Angela Swenson, Stevens Point, has graduated
with a master’s of science in college student
personnel from Western Illinois University in May
2003. She is a residence hall director at UW-Stevens
Point.
Amanda Bergel, Green Bay, works as an
educational accounts road representative and
educational coordinator. She is engaged to Erich
Rusch.
’02Joel Behm, Cambridge, has been stationed in
Baghdad, Iraq, with the U.S. Army since July 2003.
Rebecca Pearson, Red Wing, Minn., has been
promoted to clerk of court at Prairie Island Tribal
Court. She is a paralegal for the Prairie Island Indian
Community.
’03Stacey Rapp, Henderson, Nev., is starting
graduate school at the University of Nevada-Las
Vegas to pursue a master’s of education in health
promotion.
Scott K. Wood, Evansville, Ind., has accepted the
position of program coordinator in Recreation,
Fitness, and Wellness at University of Southern
Indiana.
Just married
Maragaret (Peggy) Neer, ’90, and David Hoks,
May 10, 2003. They live in Neenah. Peggy is a
scientist at Georgia-Pacific Corp.
Amy Pampuch, ’91, and James Lichtenberg,
Aug. 15, 2003. They live in San Juan Capistrano,
Calif. Amy recently took over management of the
Loans Originations Customer Service department
with College Loan Corporation in San Diego.
Amy Evenson, ’92, and Christopher Carrier,
Oct. 19, 2002. They live in Barrington, Ill.
Elizabeth “E.J.” Faulkner, ’92, and Paul Bock,
Sept. 1, 2002. They live in Portland, Ore., where
Elizabeth works for KXL News and Jammin 95.5. She
also runs her own voice talent business, voicing local
and national commercials and internet projects.
Sarah Hoelke, ’94, and Joseph Hluchnik, April 26,
2003. They live in West Allis. Sarah owns and
operates Advantage Personal Training, an in-home
personal training business.
Megan Mulholland, ’95, and Matthew Wilcox,
May 17, 2003. They live in Black Creek with their
four dogs. She is a media and public relations
specialist for ThedaCare Health Care System.
Nora Kerhulas, ’95, and Michael Vanderploeg, ’96,
May 3, 2003. They live in Deerfield, Ill. Nora was
promoted to the Westin Chicago River North. Mike
continues his career with the Chicago Bears.
Dannielle Cahak, ’96, and Jon Eggers, Aug. 24,
2002. They live in Waupaca. Dannielle is a certified
social worker and works as a juvenile court worker
and case manager for Portage County Health and
Human Services in Stevens Point.
Lace (VanZeeland), ’97, and Ryan Luedke, Aug. 10,
2003. They live Maumelle, Ark. Lace finished the
Ironman Wisconsin triatholon in Sept. 2002. She is a
physical therapist.
Rebecca “Beckie” Robinson, ’97, and Tony
Korzyniewski, May 3, 2003. They live in Grayslake,
Ill., and both work for the Gurnee (Ill.) Park District.
Amy Garner, ’98, and Aaron Jerome, May 31, 2003.
They live in Nashville, Tenn.
Erica Pearson, ’99, and Brian Rauls, November
2002. Erica is a photo stylist with Saks Inc. They just
adopted their first “baby,” Marley, a boxer from dog
rescue.
Jason Butalla, ’99, and Heidi Jo Murphy, ’01,
Sept. 14, 2002. They live in Sparta. Jason works for
Southwestern Co.; Heidi works for Great American
Opportunities.
Jackie Jensen ’99, and Craig Gordon, Dec. 28, 2002.
They live in Blaine, Minn. Jackie is teaching in the
Columbia Heights School District.
Ingrid Johnson, ’99 and Chris Kowieski, Jan. 25,
2003. They live in Muskego. Ingrid works for We
Energies as an information consultant doing data
backup and recovery and computer job scheduling.
La Crosse Ties
5th family member gets degree
A spring graduate was the fifth member of his family to earn
a UW-L degree. David Roger Blaney Alderman, La Crosse, right,
received a bachelor of science in archaeology and cell molecular
biology in May. Others from his family to earn UW-L degrees
include: Maj. Gen. James G. Blaney, ’64; & ’69, Kendall; Janice
Denter Blaney, ’64, Milwaukee; Susan Sullivan Cary, ’91,
Lawrence, Kans.,; and Sandra Blaney Sullivan Alderman, ’64 &
’71, La Crosse.
Kristin Pedersen, ’99, and Toby Odegard, April 11,
2003. They live in Minneapolis. She works at
Electronic Data Systems Corp.
Scott Westpfahl, ’99, and Tara Barnett, ’00, May 3,
2003. They live in Bloomingdale, Ill. Scott is an
engineer for Navistar-International; Tara is an
employee services generalist with Atlantic Coast
Airlines.
Candice (Ruh), ’99, and Christopher Ertl, March 8,
2003. They live in West Allis with their daughter,
Sydney. Candice is an independent sales
representative for Global Vision. She is scheduled to
get a master’s in communication in December from
UW-Milwaukee.
Stephanie Novak, ’00, and Jeff Maves, June 14,
2003. They live in Wauwatosa. Stephanie is a teacher
in the Brown Deer School District.
Joel Crane and Katie Culp, both ’01, June 7, 2003.
They live in Indianapolis. Joel is currently attending
Indiana University School of Dentistry; Katie is a
high school Spanish teacher at Carmel High School.
Pamela Crowley, ’99, and Jason Williams, Sept. 27,
2003. Pam was hired as the varsity girls head coach
at Oregon High School for 2003-2004.
Erin Dorshorst, ’01, and Rich Semrad, Aug. 2, 2003.
Erin is a teacher of students with learning disabilities
in Silver Lake.
Abbie Woelfel, ’02, and James Kennedy, March 21,
2003. They live in Bellevue, Neb. Abbie works as a
commercial general liability underwriter at National
Indemnity in Omaha, Neb. They are building a
house in Beaver Lake, Neb.
Bridget McCoy, ’02, and David Blask, May 24,
2003. They live in Chaska, Minn.
Jeny Lindsley, ’02, and Greg Bauer, April 26, 2003.
They live in Lynd, Minn. Jeny is employed by
Weiner Memorial Medical Center.
Mardy E. Juhl, ’01, and Steven Goldsmith, Sept. 27,
2003. They live in West Allis.
Barbara Doubek, ‘94, and Fabien Thiébaut, June 28,
2003. They bought a 200-year-old house in Igney,
France. Barbara has been living in France since 1994
and has been working for Trane (air conditioning)
for the past three years.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 25

La Crosse Ties
Class of ???
Shawn (Nienast), ’85, and
Ralph Lyon, Spencer, a daughter,
Courtney Ann, Oct. 2, 2002. She
joins sisters Ellayna (5) and
Kaelyn (3).
John, ’87, and Tina Wallen,
Brookfield, a daughter, Kelsey
Marie Wallen, Feb. 11, 2003. She
joins siblings Daniel (8) and
Sarah (3). John is an account
executive at Integrated Risk
Solutions Inc., a risk
management and brokerage firm
in Delafield.
Kim (Noble), ’88, and Fred
Mitchell, Chicago, a son,
Cameron, Feb. 1, 2003.
Patti (Wanie), ’88, and Neil
Merrion, a daughter, Eliza Lynn,
Sept. 2003. She joins siblings,
Hannah, Molly and Ned.
Jim, ’89, and Krista Olen,
Milwaukee, a daughter, Lilly
Josephine, Jan. 10, 2003. She joins
a sister, Caroline. Jim was
recently elected president of
Master Brewers Association of
the Americas, Milwaukee
District.
Karin (Gardiner), ’89, and
Rodney Sandman, Chicago, a
son, Jacob Sierra, Jan. 28, 2003.
He joins a brother, John (3).
Teri (Stueck), ’89, and Kevin Sturm, Manitowoc, a
son, Aaron James, Nov. 22, 2002.
Nancy June (Schaack), ’89, and Alex Heiser,
Buffalo, Minn., a son, Joseph Richard, May 13, 2003.
He joins a brother, Max (2).
Michelle (Engh), ’89 & ’98 and Jim Schedin,
Minneapolis, a son, Benjamin Anders, Nov. 27, 2002.
Michelle is assistant director of Weekend College
admissions for the College of St. Catherine in St.
Paul, Minn.
Kristin (Welk), ’90, and Peter Schassler, St. Francis,
a daughter, Ava Johanna, March 20, 2003. She joins
sister, Greta (2).
Jason, ’91, and Jennifer Kratochwill, Waterloo, a
son, Evan Thomas, Aug. 3, 2003.
Greg, ’91, and Lori (Kangas), '92, Ahrenhoerster,
Whitefish Bay, a daughter, Miranda Charlotte, Jan. 6,
2003. She joins siblings Carissa (8) and Travis (5).
Greg is an assistant professor of English at UW-
Waukesha; Lori is a stay-at-home mom.
Victor, ’92, and Lynn (Maki), ’97, Murphy, Green
Bay, a daughter, Ava, Sept. 1, 2002. She joins siblings
Aidan (6) and Owen (3). Victor continues to teach
elementary physical education and coach track and
football at Bay Port High School.
Sara (Keuler), ’93, and Russ Corcoran, Oshkosh, a
daughter, Maya Isabella, March 30, 2003. She joins a
sister, Haley (3). Sara works as a recreation therapist
at the Wisconsin Resource Center.
Chris (Wingate), ’93, and Tony Zarinnia, Chelsea,
Minn., a son, David Anthony, Feb. 4, 2003. He joins a
brother, Douglas (2).
Kate (McNulty), ’93, and Chris Kolak, ’92 & ’97,
Janesville, a son, Jacob Richard, July 10, 2003.
26 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
An early start
Annika Jo Hubacek, daughter of Lori (Stauffacher), ’95 & ’00, and James Hubacek,
Sept. 3, 2002, didn’t wait long to start finding out about UW-L. The baby, who lives
in Watertown, was caught gazing upon the 2003 summer Alumnus.
Elizabeth (Schmit), ’93, and Peter Allen, Roswell,
Ga., a son, Samuel Matthew, March 1, 2003.
Jennifer (Slepekis), ’94, and Robert Bunke, ’96,
Colorado Springs, Colo., a son, Robert Skeet, July 6,
2003.
Vanessa (Glewen), ’94 and Chris Griffin, Chicago,
a daughter, Maeve Catherine, July 27, 2002. Vanessa
has started a part-time freelance writing and editing
business out of her home.
Ryan, ’94, and Amy Wilson, Fond du Lac, a boy,
Benjamin, Feb. 25, 2003. He joins brother Davis (3).
Ryan works at Marian College of Fond du Lac.
Michelle (Morrison), ’94 & ’97, and Dan Beal,
Reedsburg, a daughter, Madelyn Elizabeth, April 18,
2003. She joins a brother, Benjamin (2).
Rick, ’95, and Cathy Yanke, Reedsburg, a son,
Bryant Michael, Aug. 20, 2003. Rick is the athletic
director and a physical education professor at UW-
Baraboo/Sauk County.
Beth (Dusha), ’95 & ’98, and Scott Bouffleur, ’94 &
’97, Wausau, a son, Nolan Scott, May 23, 2003.
Lori (Stauffacher), ’95 & ’00, and James Hubacek,
Watertown, a daughter, Annika Jo, Sept. 3, 2002. The
newcomer to the UW-L family already reads the
Alumnus (see photo.)
Matt, ’95, and Kristy Hug, Waukesha, a son, Tyler
Matthew, May 7, 2003. Matt is the Midwest regional
manager for Florida’s Natural Growers.
Tammy (Berzinsky), ’95, and Guy, ’96,
Ruthmansdorfer, Green Bay, twin daughers, Meg Jo
and Kate May, Feb. 22, 2003.
Chad, ’95, and Sarah Stauffacher, Cave Creek,
Ariz., a daughter, Kasey Jane, June 24, 2003. She joins
a sister, Avery (3). Chad is
financial adviser and manager
with H&R Block in Sun City.
Ann (Lichterman), ’95, and
Kristopher Walker, Milwaukee, a
daughter, Sarah Ann, April 15,
2003. She joins a brother, Grant
(2). Ann is a social work case
manager for the elderly at Family
Service in Milwaukee.
Bradd, ’96, and Sarah Piontek,
Madison, a daughter, Olivia
Josephine, Jan. 30, 2003. She joins
brothers, Ian and Colin. Bradd
works at Alliant Energy.
Karyn (Nicka), ’96, and Michael
Wood, Madison, a son, John
Michael Edmond, April 21, 2003.
He joins twin sisters, Michela
and Alexa (6) and sister, Kelly
(2). Karyn is a bilingual resource
teacher for the Madison
Metropolitan School District.
Traci (Larson), ’96, and Ryan
Weigel, Belleville, a daughter,
Kaelyn Clara, Aug. 2, 2003.
Krista (Wiemiller), ’97, and Al
Heebsh, ’97, Minneapolis, a
daughter, Elizabeth Mary, Jan. 25,
2003. She joins sister Anna. Al is
an analytical chemist at 3M, and
Krista teaches Spanish at a
private high school outside of
Minneapolis.
Steve Durham, ’97, and
Heather (Heuton), ’98, Helendale, Calif., a daughter,
Megan Amelia, April 25, 2003.
Lisa (Eret), ’97, and Preston Ames, Milton, a
daughter, Ella Rose, Jan. 20, 2003.
Cory and Tonya (Kubicek) Berget, both ’97,
Holmen, a son, Brett Lee, March 29, 2003.
Matthew, ’98, and Heather (Johnson), ’99, Morel
'98, Minneapolis, a son, Dane Matthew, April 15,
2003. He joins a brother, Christian (2). Matt is
working at Shriner’s Hospital as a prosthetist in St.
Paul. He completed an orthotic degree program in
May. Heather is a business analyst at Xcel Energy.
LaToya (Flowers), ’99, and Robert Harvey, III,
Redford, Mich., a son, Kyle Brandon, May 29, 2003.
LaToya is a social worker for the state of Michigan.
Rochelle (Rydberg), ’99, and Jamie Olson,
Boyceville, a daughter, Ava Elizabeth, Oct. 2, 2002.
Rochelle is a sixth grade math/language arts teacher
and junior varsity volleyball coach in Boyceville.
Kim (Wildenburg), ’99, and Zachary Fergurson,
Greenfield, a son, Noah Zachary, Feb. 1, 2003.
Chantel (Hill), ’99, and Greg Temp, La Crosse, a
daughter, Olivia Marie, May 25, 2003.
Bruce, ’00, and Tricia Dahlman, Minneapolis, a son,
Parker Bruce, Aug. 6, 2003.
Tony Goble, ’00, and Jennie (Meyer), ’01,
Rochester, Minn., a son, Quinn Alan, May 24, 2003.
Kirsten (Buschke), ‘91, and Nathan Davidson,
Crystal, Minn., a daughter, Annika. She joins brother,
Zachary (3), and sister, Mackenzie (7).

In Memory
1924 — Flossie (Sebo) Stibbe, Hedgesville
1924 — Daisy Mogren Hetherington, Chanhassen, Minn.
1926 — Gertrude Ziebarth Bloom, Burlington, Vt.
1927 — Evelyn (Thompson) Sherwood, Whitewater
1928 — Ella Virginia Drecktrah, West Salem
1928 — Shirley (Bauman) Hoehn, Galena, Ill.
1931 — Merlinda Fries Olberg, Hokah, Minn.
1932 — Leonard Macrorie, Mendota Heights, Minn.
1932 — Bernetta Mary Bill, Pigeon Falls
1932 — Leona (Parmenter) Knudson, Bangor
1933 — Ruth Pfaff Rice, Hugo, Minn.
1935 — Zereta (Wilcox) Fritsch, Cobb
1936 — Margaret (Von Ruden) Krueger, La Crosse
1936 — Marion Storandt Thompson, Onalaska
1936 — Bernice (Bakke) Burriesci, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
1937 — Henry Woodrow Paulson, Madison
1938 — Dorothy Remp Elmer, Whitewater
1939 — Alice Brown, Miami, Fla.
1939 — Hillgeer Richard ‘Smitty’ Smith, La Crosse
1940 — G. Stanley ‘Stan’ Sprehn, Slinger
1940 — Iris (Weisbecker) Landsverk, La Crosse
1941 — Elinore L. (Homstad) Brown, Sparta
1941 — Clark E. Dobbins, Billings, Mont.
1941 — Mary Jane (Jayne) Rumsey, Oregon
1942 — Dinniemaud (Jensen) Ellingson, Orange Park, Fla.
1943 — Jack Brown, Sparta
1944 — Doris A. Engel, Oak Creek
1944 — Leila Ruby Aarund, New Hope
1945 — Amanda (Johnson) Schatzke, Chaseburg
1946 — Loraine Germer, Rhinelander
1946 — Judy (Graham) Lane, Delafield
1946 — Alma (Moran) Smith, Eastman
1947 — Fredrick Adams, Anacortes, Wash.
1949 — James ‘Jim’ DeMerit, Wisconsin Dells
1949 — Orlien Mary (Hafenstein) Crinion, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
1949 — Irene D. (Rein) Chritton, Stoughton
1950 — Charles E. Hinterberg, Delray Beach, Fla., and Twin Lakes
1951 — Eugene A. Haefner, Two Rivers
1951 — Earl G. Pingel, West Allis
1952 — Muriel L. Good, Valton
1952 — Ruth Petersen, Dallas, Texas
1953 — Beverly Scheel McLoone, La Crosse
1954 — Roy Grade, Onalaska
Faculty
E. William Vickroy
E. William “Bill“ Vickroy,
81, La Crosse, died May 11,
2003. Vickroy taught, coached
and worked as an
administrator on campus from
1948 until retiring in 1987.
From 1948-1969, he taught
health and physical education
and coached swimming,
baseball and football. Then, he
became men’s athletic director
and in 1979 took charge of
both men’s and women’s
athletic programs. He is
survived by his wife, Marge,
two daughters and one son.
Memorials may be directed to
the E. William Vickroy
Scholarship at the UW-L
Foundation, 615 East Ave. N.,
La Crosse WI 54601.
Stuart Morton
McIlraith
Stuart Morton McIlraith,
72, La Crosse, died July 5,
2003. McIlraith, and his
brother, Terry Evan McIlraith
of Lafayette, Calif., were killed
when their amphibious aircraft
crashed near Tomah. Stuart
had taught in the biology
department from 1962 until
retiring in 1995. He was a
member of the university’s
first faculty senate and served
on other university
organizations, as well as
professional, scientific and
aviation groups. He is
survived by his wife, Lorraine,
and two sons. Memorials may
be directed to the McIlraith
Scholarships at the UW-L
Foundation, 615 East Ave. N.,
La Crosse WI 54601.
La Crosse Ties
1954 — Richard J.K. Alby, Apache Junction, Ariz.
1954 — Roy Grade, Pewaukee
1955 & 1960 — Muriel Dahl, Blair
1955 — Muriel (Hanson) Dahl, Blair
1955 — Eileen (Woodworth) Tichenor, St. Paul, Minn.
1956 — Glenroy Koeppen, St. Nazianz
1956 — Cecile B. Jones, La Crescent, Minn.
1957 — George Fangmeier, Reedsburg
1957 — Marvin D. Melichar, Milwaukee
1959 — Bonita D. Klug, Oregon
1959 — Robert P. Olson, La Crosse
1959 — Ronald C. ‘Snidely’ Snyder, Racine
1960 — Roger Pfister, Lac du Flambeau
1960 — Mary Drecktrah, Oshkosh
1960 & 1981 — George Snapp, Jr., La Crosse
1964 — Philip M Mullei, Nairobi, Kenya
1965 — Linda Quisel Rose, Naperville, Ill.
1966 — Shirley (Isenee) Spink, Bend, Ore.
1966 — Marie (Urban) Uttech, Madison
1967 — Dennis M. Mengelt, Sun Prairie
1971 — Nola (Noel) Michschl, La Crescent, Minn.
1972 — William D. Klaus Sr., Eau Claire
1972 — Robert L. Loging, Onalaska
1972 — Christine Kay (Meier) Kulby, Monticello
1972 — Stanley John Matthew Yarnot, Pensacola, Fla.
1973 — Jerry L. Kuehl, Columbus
1974 — Craig M. Lindsley, Perryville, Mo.
1974 — Thomas R. Thesing, La Crescent, Minn.
1976 — Kathy Marshek Grampovnik, Waukegan, Ill.
1976 — John Judson McGrody, Evanston, Ill.
1977 — Biljana Zeisler, La Crosse
1981 — Vicki Marie Miazga, Rhinelander
1982 — Tammy (Muesbeck) Batten, Wisconsin Rapids
1982 — Wayde E. Mulhern, Blaine, Minn.
1985 — Katharine Kay Nikolay, Abbotsford
1985 — Leslie M. Oelke, Menomonee Falls
1985 — Martha ‘Marcy’ (Pohle) Thronson, Rochester, Minn.
1990 — Mary Jo Prunty, La Crescent, Minn.
1995 — Marilyn (Montgomery) Pitzner, Woodbury
1998 — Johanna (Moschelli) Rukavina, Caledonia, Minn.
1999 — Lynn (Groenemann) Michel, La Crosse
Setting it straight
The correct spelling of a 1931 alumnus listed in the “In
Memory” section of the last issue is George Schneeberger.
Margaret S. Chew
Margaret Sarah Chew, 93,
La Crosse, died July 13, 2003.
Chew taught in the
geography/earth science
department from 1945-1979,
serving as chair of the
department from 1952-1965.
Chew was known for leading
tours around the world for
teachers, most of them during
summer. On her own, she
traveled to all seven
continents. Memorials may be
directed to the Margaret Chew
Scholarship at the UW-L
Foundation, 615 East Ave. N.,
La Crosse WI 54601.
V. Dale Kendrick
V. Dale Kendrick, 75, died
Oct. 31, 2003, in his La Crosse
home. Kendrick taught on
campus from 1960-1990,
serving as department chair
from 1960-1974. He taught art
teacher education courses,
erotic art, and studio painting,
emphasizing painting on
unusual surfaces. Kendrick
organized and led many tour
groups to New York City,
Egypt, Greece, Turkey and
Italy. He is survived by his
wife, Betty, and their two
children.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 27

Wisconsin Coda
Happy Birthday, Harley
UW-L alumni: working for Harley ‘more than a job ...
a way of life’
“Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th birthday this year. Winged flight turned 100
years. These great events were second page news at best. Only Harley-Davidson, its
dealers, loyal customers and Milwaukee could throw a birthday party like the one we all
just experienced,” says Joseph Nutt, ’72, who works for Harley-Davidson Inc.
In case you missed it, Harley-Davidson
Inc. (H-D) celebrated its 100-year
anniversary this past year. The celebration
began in July 2002 in Atlanta and
culminated in Milwaukee Labor Day
weekend. The celebration included rallies
and exhibits across the country, a parade of
10,000 Harleys in Milwaukee, music and
entertainment.
Harley motorcycle
foundation of company’s
100-year success
Nutt, assistant team leader in H-D’s
custom vehicle operations division in
Milwaukee, attributes Harley’s success
partly to the motorcycle itself and partly to
Harley being a great company to work for.
What most impresses Nutt about the bike
is the sound and rhythm when it’s on the
road. “There is a balance and feel that I
have not found on other two-wheeled
products,” he explains.
Nutt, who worked in the automotive
industry prior to his 10 years working
with Harley, had tried getting a job with
H-D for two years before he was hired.
The division he works with takes stock
motorcycles and makes hot rods — highly
customized and accessorized, high-end,
motorcycles selling for $25,000 and up.
Nutt has not been disappointed
working for Harley. “In my employee
orientation 10 years ago, the first speaker
was the CEO at that time — Richard
Teerlink. He said, as he was shaking my
hand, ‘Welcome to the family.’ Every new
employee of the company is still
introduced to the company by the CEO the
same way. I feel that the strong companyemployee
relationships will keep Harley
vital in the future.”
Streamlined organization
vital to success
H-D Financial Analyst Sally (Belau)
De Villers, ’83, who provides budgeting
28 UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04
“Even a rainy day on the bike
is better than a good day in
the office.”
— Valerie Ledterman, ’84
forecasting for Buell Motorcycle Company,
at Harley’s corporate headquarters in
Milwaukee, is also impressed with the
company’s corporate culture and how
employees are treated. “People work hard,
but working for Harley doesn’t feel like a
top-down culture,” she notes.
Harley’s streamlined organizational
structure — overlapping circles of teams —
keeps people at all levels interacting and
keeps them from being isolated. It also
helps maintain the checks and balances
necessary to be successful in a global
business and economy, says Nutt.
Alumna Valerie Ledterman, ‘84, agrees
that Harley’s team approach works.
Ledterman is regional manager of Harley
Owner’s Group (HOG) for the southern
Gulf Coast (Texas to Florida). Ledterman
meets monthly in Milwaukee as part of the
team of H-D’s seven HOG regional
managers. “The team is one of the greatest
things about how Harley operates,” she
says. Her self-motivated team works
within Harley guidelines and is effective
by keeping each other in check.
H-D established HOG in 1983 and now
boasts a membership of over 700,000
strong — the largest factory-sponsored
motorcycle organization in the world,
Ledterman says.
Ledterman’s job entails meeting with
H-D dealers and HOG chapters, and
helping to coordinate and oversee the
volunteer-run HOG rallies and events at
the state level.
Ledterman typically spends most of her
time on the road. Although Ledterman
keeps an apartment in Texas, she spends
more time in her “traveling office” with
her briefcase, laptop computer, cell phone
and her 2003 100th Anniversary Road
Glide.
Although her job wouldn’t suit
everyone — “No children. No pets. No
plants,” she says — it suits her just fine.
“Even a rainy day on the bike is better
than a good day in the office,” she says.
“Being on the bike is always the best
place.”
Customer relations is key
Along with the company’s commitment
to its employees, the company is
committed to quality and its relationships
with stakeholders and customers, Nutt
says. In fact, all departments within H-D
have to allow the time and the budget for
their employees to attend events and
rallies — a place to keep in touch with
their customers to find out what their
customers want.
“Harley’s a great company.
And, at the risk of sounding
trite, I’d say it’s been a
great ride.”
— Joseph Nutt, ’72
“The best experiences are with our
customers; working at rallies and events
and watching people’s eyes light up when
they complete their first solo ride on a
Harley, or seeing the bike of their dreams
and realizing that they can purchase it,”
says Nutt. “It is the strangers who come
up to you to talk and share, or help you
out if needed, and are gone before you can
turn around to thank them.”
Although Nutt says that H-D is the best
place he’s worked in his lifetime, he
admits it’s difficult some mornings to turn
the corner with his Harley and actually
head into work instead of just heading
“somewhere.”
“Harley’s a great company,” Nutt says.
“And, at the risk of sounding trite, I’d say
it’s been a great ride.”

The view from this Coulee
Assistant Professor Patricia
Ardovino, front row second from
left, led a J-Term therapeutic
recreation class to Italy in 2001.
The class learned a whole different
way of viewing public parks and
facilities, including the impact of
Christianity on recreation and
leisure in Italy, and
accommodations for disabled
tourists at ancient sites. On-site
research and service learning
projects are a mainstay of recreation
management and therapeutic
recreation curriculum.
Students get their hands dirty with class projects
These service learning
experiences add up to
a unique, outstanding
education for the students
in our department.
For several semesters, students
majoring in therapeutic recreation
have been involved in
planning, implementing and evaluating
gardening projects in two correctional
facilities. It’s an excellent example
of how our students get hands-on
experience in their field.
Students worked with recreation
and greenhouse staff from the
Minnesota Correctional Facility in Red
Wing and the Federal Medical Prison
in Rochester to provide programs for
incarcerated juveniles and adults.
At the Red Wing facility, gardening
programs incorporated the principles
for daily living that were emphasized
in all phases of the facility’s programming:
respect, integrity, courage, care,
inquiry, excellence, citizenship and
responsibility. Goals of the project
were to introduce our therapeutic
recreation students to a non-traditional
therapeutic recreation experience in
a facility for incarcerated youth, to
give therapeutic recreation students
hands-on experience with the facilitation
technique of gardening, and to
introduce basic techniques of gardening
to incarcerated youth.
UW-L students and juveniles
participating in the project presented
plants they had grown in the greenhouse
over the winter to residents
from a local nursing home. The students
and juveniles prepared for the
spring garden by planting flower,
herb, and vegetable seeds in the
greenhouse, which were later transplanted
into a plot on campus.
Juveniles continued to harvest
produce over the summer months.
The Federal Medical Prison has a
thriving greenhouse and garden, and
a horticulture certificate program for
the population receiving mental
health care. UW-L students provided
assistance to the inmates by repotting
plants, watering, weeding and setting
seeds. They also led classes that created
arts and crafts projects related to
gardening.
Some students were able to apply
their experience during their therapeutic
recreation internships. Others
used their experience as a stepping
stone to working with at risk youth.
These service learning experiences
add up to a unique, outstanding education
for the students in our
department.
Patricia Ardovino
Patricia Ardovino is an assistant professor in the recreation management
and therapeutic recreation department.
Dave Tatge, ’82, on his red Heritage Classic, at Big Horn Pass, Wyo., on his
4,000-mile trek to Milwaukee for Harley’s 100-year anniversary celebration.
Dave Tatge shipped his Harley from Arlington Heights, Ill., to Portland, Ore., to
ride one of Harley’s four “Ride Home” routes to its 100th anniversary celebration
finale Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee. His route took nine days of
riding eight hours a day. “We were sharing in a celebration of an American
success story,” Tatge says. “Harley’s success should be a source of pride for
the state of Wisconsin. Harley is recognized world wide. People from every
country came to Milwaukee to celebrate. It was a very emotional event.”
Harley owners UW-L Vice Chancellor, Administration and
Finance, Ron Lostetter, and his wife, Sharon (UW-L
Admissions), right, joined two of their friends in Milwaukee for
the Harley birthday bash.
On Harley’s success: “The bottom line is the employees bought
the company and with their commitment, pride and work ethic,
built the company into what it is.” — Ron Lostetter
The Parade of Heroes led the parade of 10,000 Harley-
Davidson motorcycles through the streets of Milwaukee
on Aug. 30. Barb, ’74 & ’80, and Dave Sarnowski, ’75 &
’89, above, representing the La Crosse Harley Owners
Group (HOG) chapter as one of the top 100 chapters
raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
“Through HOG and riding a Harley, we have met so many
wonderful people and had experiences we would never have
had before getting involved with the Harley lifestyle.”
— Barb, ’74 & ’80, and Dave Sarnowski, ’75 & ’89,
La Crosse Harley Owners Group secretary and director
Dave Kramer, ’91, on his Fat Boy FLSTF.
Dave Kramer, a salesman at the La Crosse Harley-Davidson Inc.
dealership says he and his wife, Kelly (Gadowski), ’97, like the laidback
cruising style Harley provides. That laid-back style works well on
the Harley sales floor, too, Kramer says. “When customers buy
motorcycles, it’s not like buying something they have to have like a
car. Buying a Harley is all about buying something they want.” Kramer
says today’s typical buyer is 46, middle class, white collar and is
looking for a payment plan. With Kramer’s average sale of $20,000,
Harley’s 84-month payment plan makes buying a Harley possible.