If you could develop an undergraduate class, what topic would you focus on?

Matthew Kubis

“A class teaching conditioning that blends kinesiology and coaching would be interesting.”
— Matthew Kubis, Freshman, Athletic Training

Kapricia Davis

“I think I would want a cooking class because a lot of us don’t know how to cook. We just go and eat at Blackhawk too much.”

— Kapricia Davis, Freshman, Nursing

Kyle Kohl

“I would want a health class that teaches the science of attraction. It’s something that can be a whole class and no one teaches or knows anything about. I think it would be riveting.”
— Kyle Kohl, Senior, Radio-TV-Film

Marlena Ryan

“I think a class that teaches pop culture would be best. I really enjoy movies and would like to know more about them. I also like to look at magazines, and I enjoy memorizing quotes from movies.”
— Marlena Ryan, Freshman, Pre-Professional – Physical Therapy

Adam Schapekahm

“Something involving sports history would be something I would like. A lot of people like sports but don’t know how they started.”
— Adam Schapekahm, Sophomore, Business

Susan Cramer

“I would create a course on change and the future. In this class, we would discuss change, the future and our life/career plans. We all need to learn how to thrive in times of change.”
— Susan Cramer, Graduate Studies Dean

Learn how Engage staff members answered this question.

An unprecedented opportunity for alumni

The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others. — Ghandi

In recent years, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus has been undergoing a physical transformation, with the construction of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Sage Hall and Horizon Village and many other much-needed improvements to our infrastructure. Alumni returning to their alma mater have enjoyed watching the campus’ metamorphosis.

We are now experiencing another type of transformation … this time in the form of a major overhaul to our general education curriculum for first- and second-year students. Our new University Studies Program (USP) offers alumni a tremendous opportunity to make a significant impact on our success and the success of our students.

I invite you to read our cover story about how the USP is going to significantly enhance our undergraduate curriculum. I also strongly encourage you to consider volunteering to serve as an alumni mentor with the USP and to work side-by-side with our sophomore students in the community beginning in fall 2014. Alumni have never before had such an opportunity to make a direct impact on student success. You are needed, and your service will make a difference.

Also in this issue, we have dedicated a special section to our record-breaking 2012 Titans football season that captured the attention of alumni throughout the nation. In addition, we feature senior Jake White who is building a business related to providing sober parties for UWO students, and alumni Dani (Woerpel) Stolley and Sandi Van Sistine who are making an impact in their communities through their passion and creativity. I know you will be inspired by their stories.

Take care,
Christine Gantner, Alumni Director

Letters

Civility
Chris (Gantner), this Engage approach to civility in political and governmental interactions is both timely and well-conceived. Why am I not surprised? It is YOU and UWO. Best!
— Edward M. Penson, former UW Oshkosh chancellor

Comments from Engage Online

All-Greek Reunion
What wonderful memories. We have to get the word out there to all the Greeks about joining us the next time we do this. They missed a great time with “old” friends. Thank you to all the committee members, Chris Gantner and all her alumni crew and all our new young friends from the University who were there helping out every step of the way. You rocked!!! Especially, thank you to all those who attended this wonderful event.
— Sarah (Berens) Mathewson ’68, Oshkosh

The Greek Reunion was a terrific idea and lots of fun! Thanks to all who worked so hard to put it together. Loved seeing old friends!
— Mary Jo (Hanrahan) Urban ’71, Reedsville

Student Profile: Kevin Kropp
Kevin was a student of mine, so it comes as no surprise to me that he would be selected as the 2012 Volunteer of the Year or has done as much as he has in his time at UW Oshkosh. Congratulations, Kevin!
— Susan (Hoppe) Kirkham ’94, Appleton

Tweets
@UWOshkoshEngage UWO Model UN is the alumni feature! One of the most engaging experiences I had, great personal and skill development. #UWO
— @the_awesomeness

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The weekend full of events culminated with a big celebration in Reeve Memorial Union with plenty of reminiscing, dancing and good cheer. This year, the Greek community on campus is experiencing a period of growth with record recruitment numbers and approximately 350 students taking part in five sororities and six fraternities.

Searching for civility

“Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.” — Henry James

As political advertising and discourse heats up across the state and nation this fall, it seems a most appropriate time for Engage to take an in-depth look into efforts to maintain civility on campus and in the greater community.

In this issue’s cover story, we hear from leaders of our campus civility initiative known as CivilityWorks and Oshkosh’s Civility Project as well as one of the nation’s foremost civility scientists. And, you’ll find that even the experts sometimes agree to disagree about what civility is and how to achieve it.

I am especially excited for our readers to learn about how our UWO Model United Nations alumni are “The Model of civic engagement, civility and success.” This long-standing, award-winning program led by professor Kenneth Grieb has inspired many graduates to become true leaders and active global citizens. Find out how our alumni have made an impact in Africa, in El Salvador and right here in Wisconsin.

In our own community of more than 80,000 UW Oshkosh alumni, plus our friends and supporters, we make a point of maintaining engaging and civilized interactions and relationships as we share our Titan pride in person and in all communications. We welcome you to add your “voice” to this diverse exchange of ideas on Twitter, our alumni Facebook page and Engage online.

We also heartily welcome you back to campus this fall for Homecoming 2012 and our first-ever All-Greek Reunion planned for Oct. 12-14. Learn more on page 7 and at uwosh.edu/homecoming

Take care,

Christine Gantner, Alumni Director

Letters

Remembering
Leafed through Engage, read name in “Passings.”
Stopped.
Felt heartache. Read name again to be sure. Already knew. Read again.
A while.
40 years mist and clouds lifted.
All walking to class again. Braved January cold.
Smiled at pretty girl.
More quickly, clouds returned. Paper became page. Paper and ink.
—    Jim Prindle ’74, Phoenix, Ariz.

Comments from Engage Online

UWO’s new front door
I am so proud to see how UW Oshkosh continues to grow with so many improvements over the past few years. The new footprints for the campus are exciting for long-term growth, which has to be a business model today.
—    Jim Miazga, Proud Titan ’74, Rhinelander

Saran’s story
A very inspiring story and Saran is certainly someone to be admired. Blessings to her and her family.
—    Tom Oleson ’63, Dunedin, Fla.

Tweets

Just read thru new Engage. Looks great! Thx @MWgirl and @UWOshkoshEngage for a great resource!
—    @PattiBryant

@UWOshkoshEngage Saran’s story—such a beautiful read about courage, strength and determination! Got me a little teary eyed.
—    @leepanhia

Thank you @UWOshkoshEngage for sharing the essence and power of courage and relationships!
—    @myTEAMTRIUMPHwi

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Even though you may disagree with them, who is a person you respect? And why?

“My best friend is someone who is super Christian, and I don’t always agree with (her), but I respect her because that is her opinion and she is not forcing me to believe the same thing.”
—    Torri Johnson, sophomore, English and theatre

“My cello professor. Even though he is an amazing mentor, it’s hard to hear his criticism, but I still respect him because I know he is going to make me a better player.”
—    Hannah Cole, freshman, cello performance

“My parents are from another culture than I was brought up in, and they tend to have a lot of different views on things than I do. But I respect them because they taught me the right way to grow up.”
—    Chau Lee, sophomore, accounting

“I disagree with the policy makers and politicians cutting teaching jobs and funding. But I respect them because they had to work hard to get into the positions they are in.”
—    Cody Martin, junior, kinesiology

“My best friend. We’ve been friends for 30 years, but our political views are totally opposite. I respect her for her compassion, the respect she shows for elders and because she’s honest with me even though I may not like what she has to say.”
—    Flora Stapel, ‘02, admissions counselor

Comments from Engage online

Jean Nelson remembered
I was a student at UWO in 1972, when I did work-study at Pollock Alumni House. Prior to working, I was encouraged to meet Jean Nelson, the alumni house director. Jean was very welcoming and gave me a tour … Jean was a joy to work for and her sense of humor, her glamour and sophistication and her vast knowledge of UWO history made it great fun to be a work-study student at Pollock. She was a great mentor.
—Victoria (Winarski) Bolz ’74, Appleton

Award winners’ video
It is such a great feeling to return to UW Oshkosh. The many changes have enhanced our image around the country, and Oshkosh truly is a quality University and one which I am proud to be a part of.
—Tom Oleson ’63, Dunedin, Fla.

Nutcracker project
Love the idea, and cannot wait to see the fruits of your labor of pride. Go Stacey, and Go Titans!
—Mickey (Janik) Hammett ’81, Oshkosh

Old school
The new issue of Engage is great! I especially enjoyed the material about the College of Education and Human Services’ history. Being an old campus school graduate (1945), as well as old alumnus of UWO and professor (1964–1992), I have always enjoyed reminding folks that I spent more time there than anyone else.
—Claud Thompson ’54, Oshkosh