Philanthropy

Scholarship named for Craig Fiedler

As an advocate, mentor and teacher, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh special education professor Craig Fiedler shared many lessons with his students, family and friends throughout his lifetime.

Although he passed away in January 2009, Fiedler's legacy continues today, through his books and a newly established scholarship in his name.

"Craig was a teacher who wanted to help not just students in his classes but all of us," Interim Provost E. Alan Hartman said. "His books were designed to teach all of us about dealing with difficult issues, such as death and dying or dealing with children with special needs. He always gave more of himself than he took in return, a way of life we all could emulate"

With his book, Cancer as Identity Theft: Robbery and Redemption, written as he battled lung cancer in the last months of his life, Fiedler hoped to inspire people to live life to the fullest.

"I wanted to leave something substantial for my friends and family explaining my thoughts and feelings as I went through this life-altering event," Fiedler said in November 2008.

Proceeds from the book will support the Dr. Craig Fiedler Special Education Scholarship, which was established in October 2008 by UW Oshkosh's special education department.

The scholarship will be awarded to special education undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated substantial commitment to advocacy in support of people with disabilities.

Fiedler's passion for teaching future special education teachers was fueled by his experiences as a parent of a daughter with severe disabilities.

His scholarly work focused on how parents and teachers can be better advocates for people with disabilities. He wrote five books, eight chapters in text books and dozens of articles in scholarly publications. At the commencement ceremony in December 2008, Fiedler received the prestigious Chancellor's Medallion from Chancellor Richard H. Wells.

For more information or to purchase the book, call (920) 424-3380 or e-mail starkj@uwosh.edu.

  Read an excerpt from Cancer as Identity Theft: Robbery and Redemption.

Tylke scholarship for women in fire science

As part of a generous contribution from Candice Tylke '94, the first female firefighter graduate of Madison Area Technical College, new opportunities are available for women interested in fire science careers at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Tylke, a West Allis native, was a veteran firefighter and paramedic for the city of Beloit and had experience as a flight paramedic. She passed away July 26, 2008, at the age of 42.

The donation from Tylke's estate will fund the annual Candice E. Tylke Scholarship for students in the Fire and Emergency Response Management (FERM) program. First priority is given to female applicants. UW Oshkosh is the only university in Wisconsin to offer this bachelor's degree program.

Tylke's estate and a donation from Pierce Manufacturing will reduce the cost by 85 percent for women ages 15–20 to participate in the GO! Fire Science Camp. The field experience for women-only explores careers in fire and emergency response services.

Learn more at www.uwosh.edu/cont_ed/fire/index.htm.

Foundation donors invest despite economy

by Arthur H. Rathjen, UW Oshkosh Foundation President

The effects of the global economic crisis are far-reaching, but for those of us at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, they've hit close to home. Students are facing financial challenges that jeopardize their ability to complete a college degree at a time when they need it most. The UW Oshkosh Foundation's key mission is to support the University and its students. How do we continue to provide a quality, affordable, accessible education in the midst of unprecedented economic turmoil?

The University and Foundation have formed a Student Financial Emergency Response Team (SFERT) to work with students facing serious unexpected financial difficulties. Staff from student affairs, academic affairs, financial aid, career services and advancement help students find alternative sources of funding as well as assist students in finding on- and off-campus jobs.

Seventy current and retired faculty and staff responded to the Foundation's appeal for contributions to the Student Emergency Loan Fund. This fund's sole purpose is to provide students with short-term financial assistance in order to continue their educations. The fund is held by the Foundation, and the loan process is administered by the Financial Aid Office. In light of increased demand, the maximum loan amount was increased, and the repayment period was extended.

Scholarship funding always is a priority for the Foundation, but a recently launched program, UW Oshkosh Community Collaborators, seeks to enhance existing scholarship opportunities by teaming up with area businesses, as well as alumni and friends. First-generation college students comprise more than 50 percent of the UW Oshkosh student body. Increased financial support helps these students change the profile of their families and their communities.

Many named awards are funded through scholarship endowments, which have been impacted significantly by depressed market performance. Endowed funds are esteemed for their enduring legacies and lasting impact, but even these funds weren't able to withstand the extreme challenges of the recent economic decline.

The lack of investment earnings threatened to suspend dozens of 2009-2010 scholarship awards. But Foundation staff and college advancement officers communicated the crisis to endowment donors, alumni and patrons, who responded with special gifts to fund more than 50 awards. We greatly appreciate that these kind friends stepped forward to make contributions during this difficult time.

Donors remain willing to invest in the University and are not deterred by gloomy financial forecasts, as shown by the nearly 30 new funds created at the Foundation since January 2008, providing crucial scholarship opportunities to students struggling to stay in school.

UW Oshkosh is a strong and healthy academic community with a reputation for sound leadership and a collaborative spirit. Our friends and partners have shown us once again that we can count on their support when we need it most. If you would like to help, please send your contribution to the UW Oshkosh Foundation, 842 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 or visit www.uwosh.edu/foundation to make an online gift.

Honor Roll

More than 7,000 donors contributed to UW Oshkosh's success in 2008. To view the UW Oshkosh Foundation Honor Roll of donors, visit www.uwosh.edu/home/honor-roll.