UW Oshkosh Today » alumni

UWO alumni to speak at Women’s Studies/LGBTQ conference

News Bureau — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:09:17 +0000

Two University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni will serve as keynote speakers during the 36th annual Wisconsin Women’s Studies Conference and the seventh annual UW System LGBTQ Conference Oct. 5-6 on the UWO campus.

The combined event provides an opportunity for individuals from the UW System as well as other colleges and universities and communities throughout Wisconsin whose lives have been enriched by women’s studies, gender issues and LGBTQ research to participate in a variety of presentations, workshops and panels discussions.

UW Oshkosh graduates Monique Caradine ’93, of Olympia Fields, Ill., and Gwendolyn (Gwen) Kelly ’74, of Bentonville, Ariz., both radio-TV-film majors, will speak at the UW System Outstanding Women of Color in Education Awards luncheon, held in conjunction with the conference.

The conference theme, “Power, Politics and Performance in Women’s Studies and LGBTQ Studies,” explores how women have power—political or otherwise—as voters, citizens and workers.

Caradine, an award-winning entrepreneur and TV/radio personality, has been seen and heard on CNN, FOX News Network, National Public Radio and Chicago’s WVON 1690 AM. When she is not on the air, she works with women leaders, helping them reach more people, have more impact and make more money.

Kelly, a 2010 UWO Distinguished Alumni Award winner, is responsible for driving marketing initiatives for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. With more than 20 years of experience, she is a veteran marketing professional who injects strategic insight the marketing process.

A lifelong learner, Kelly attended graduate school in mass communications at Illinois State University and currently is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at Webster University.

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Alumni Pride: Big Apple investor gives back to UWO

Natalie Johnson — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:43:33 +0000

In a rags-to-riches tale, University of Wisconsin alumnus Robert Kleinschmidt ’71, of New York, N.Y., shares his success in the Big Apple with his alma mater.

Following the death of his father when he was just 6 years old, Kleinschmidt’s childhood was marked by hardship. By the time he graduated from high school, the family had moved 16 times.

“A turning point in his life came during his formative years. This is when Robert met John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey at the Campus School,” said Norbert S. Hill Jr. ’69 and MSE ’71, education and training director with the Oneida Nation. “That meeting inspired him to think big things and to do, not just for himself, but for his country and its citizenry as well.”

Today, Kleinschmidt is president, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of Tocqueville Asset Management in New York City. This top financial investor who manages $12 billion in assets believes in “paying it forward” in both his public and private life.

At UWO’s Homecoming 2012 in October, Kleinschmidt will be one of five UWO graduates to receive the Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award.

While at UW Oshkosh, Kleinschmidt played basketball on the 1968 and 1969 championship teams and was active in the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.

“Given no silver spoon at birth, Robert worked to pay for his education” Hill relayed. “He dipped ice cream at a dairy bar on Oshkosh’s Main Street, was a door-to-door Fuller Brush sales representative during summer vacations, recording the highest Fuller Brush sales in Wisconsin. He also worked for Buckstaff Woodworking Enterprises.”

Kleinschmidt followed up his bachelor’s degree in accounting from UWO with a master’s in economics at the University of Massachusetts and post-graduate studies at Columbia University.

“In my career, I have worked with and hired people from the finest universities in the world. Never have I felt under educated in comparison,” he said.

While working his way through school, he served on the faculties of Adelphi University, Fordham University and Marymount College. An innovator, he taught graduate courses in economics on the New York commuter train, an uncommon but efficient delivery of graduate education for commuters.

Each year, Kleinschmidt reserves one position in a Wall Street internship program sponsored by Tocqueville Asset Management for a UW Oshkosh College of Business student.

“I am proud to say that our experience with UW Oshkosh interns has confirmed my expectations,” he said. “Not only have they stacked up well against our other interns from around the country and around the globe, but in most cases, they have excelled.”

Kleinschmidt also gives back through The Kleinschmidt Family Foundation, which started the Charles Kleinschmidt Memorial Summer Camp for Children, helping North Carolina families affected by Fabry’s Syndrome. The foundation also contributes to American Indian educational programs in Wisconsin.

“Robert is a forward-looking financial professional who has not forgotten his humble roots,” Hill said. “His investment savvy and leadership skills and his many accomplishments have made all UW Oshkosh alumni proud.”

For more information about the alumni awards or Homecoming 2012, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at (920) 424-3449 or send an email to alumni@uwosh.edu for information.

Greek alumni heading back to UWO for Homecoming

Natalie Johnson — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:45:21 +0000

More than 200 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni have made the pledge to “Go Greek, Again!” at the first-ever All-Greek Reunion Oct. 12-14, during Homecoming 2012.

While many reside right here in the Fox Valley, some will travel from across the nation this fall to check out how the campus has changed and to meet up with their Greek “brothers” and “sisters” from UWO.

Alumna Mary Flood ’67, of Honolulu, Hawaii, hasn’t been back to campus since 1987. She looks forward to saying “aloha” to her Alpha Phi sisters.

“I can’t wait to talk to old friends who I have not seen in more than 40 years. Recognizing each other will be something else!” she said.

Besides the many sorority activities, her favorite memories of campus life include Homecoming, ice sculptures, debating and cheerleading.

Alumna Marie (Abrahamson) Giese hasn’t set foot on campus since she graduated in summer 1968.

“My favorite memories are about returning to school each fall,” she said. “It was always so much fun to see old friends and meet new ones. The campus would be humming with excitement as students returned.”

Alumna Joan (Gehrke) Tonn ’65, recalls how as president, she was responsible for submitting the paperwork for Alpha Phi to become a national sorority.

“I’m looking forward to hearing about the changes to the campus and hearing about what friends have done and are doing in their lives,” she said. “I’d like to walk the path I took to campus for so many years (Titan Court to campus) to see if any memories return.”

Tonn was last on campus for her 40th class Homecoming reunion in 2005. “It was wonderful seeing all the new additions to the campus and heartwarming to view the older buildings.”

It’s not too late to make plans to attend Homecoming 2012: A Titan Throw Back or to join in the All-Greek Reunion activities. Reservations for the reunion are due Sept. 24.

The weekend’s activities kick off with the annual awards dinner Friday night, followed by a full slate of events on Saturday, including a campus tour, Tour de Titan Bike Ride, Tent City celebration, football games against UW-Platteville, the All-Greek Reunion Celebration and more.

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Alumni Pride: Baumgartner exercises athletics leadership

Tim Holdsworth — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:51:13 +0000

For University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus Corey Baumgartner ’02, MS ’05, hard work and diplomacy have fueled his success as a teacher, coach and educational administrator.

Baumgartner serves as associate principal, co-curricular activities at Kaukauna High School. Last year, he was recognized as District IV Athletic Director of the Year by the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association (WADA).

He will be one of four recent graduates to receive the UW Oshkosh Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award—given for professional and civic accomplishments and future promise—at a reception and dinner on Oct. 12, as part of Homecoming 2012 events.

Baumgartner began his career in his hometown, teaching special education and coaching multiple sports teams at Kewaunee High School. One year into his term, he added athletic director to his responsibilities.

Since 2008 he has been at Kaukauna, where he oversees the school’s athletic teams, clubs and all other activities in addition to his associate principal duties. During his tenure, the school has achieved more conference, regional, section and state championships than any time in the school’s history.

“Corey is a student-centered leader who expects nothing out of the people he leads that he would not expect of himself,” said Jeff Matczak, physical education teacher and head wrestling coach at Kaukauna High School.

“His care, sincerity, honesty and concern allow him to bring the best out of the people he is leading. People trust him because he is a very good communicator and even though people may not like a decision he has to make, they will feel they were heard, understood and not forgotten.”

These traits have also translated well into Baumgartner’s leadership roles with local regional, state and national groups, including board of control member for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s, leadership training instructor for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, mentor for the WADA and liaison for the Fox Valley Association Conference.

Baumgartner credits his UW Oshkosh education for helping him in his career.

“The education I received from UW Oshkosh has opened numerous doors professionally,” he said. “I sincerely believe my experiences with UWO helped provide a solid foundation to build my career from.”

For more information about the alumni awards dinner or Homecoming 2012, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at (920) 424-3449 or send an email to alumni@uwosh.edu for information.

CONtact magazine features alumni nurses in evidence-based practice

Natalie Johnson — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:02:01 +0000

Traditional nursing practices—think bed rest, sponge baths and hospital corners—often were developed by trial and error and passed on through generations of nurses in religious and military service.

Today, modern healthcare requires nurses to collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams to deliver scientific or evidence-based practices to their patients. They ask a multitude of questions and take into account a whole host of factors, including their patient’s age, medical history and cultural background, before determining the best course of action.

“Historically, translating best evidence into clinical practice was challenging for most nurses,” said College of Nursing Dean Rosemary Smith. “However, today’s technology provides the latest information at their fingertips.”

In the latest issue of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s CONtact magazine available online today, three UWO College of Nursing alumni are profiled as top leaders of evidence-based practice (EBP).

“We chose to feature the professional work of alumni who are living examples of the vision and values of the college,” Smith said.

The current issue of CONtact also features the college’s progress and accomplishments as well as updates from the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Summer 2012 CONtact magazine.

Alumni Pride: Virbitsky helps manage international media at 2012 London Olympics

Natalie Johnson — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:51:38 +0000

With the flexibility and determination of a former gymnast, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumna Vanessa Virbitsky ’08, has turned her love of sports and writing into a winning career with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

As an associate communications manager with the USOC, Virbitisky is stationed in London for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games to work with international media covering America’s 600 participating athletes.

“There’s no greater honor than helping to tell the stories of incredible U.S. athletes–many of whom have inspired me to jump a little higher, push a little harder and dream a little bigger,” she said. “Working for an organization with a mission to ‘inspire all Americans’ and knowing that something I’ve done during my workday has made the life of someone else a little better, a little brighter–that makes me proud.”

Virbitsky, who double majored at UWO in journalism and political science, will be one of four top alumni to receive an Outstanding Young Alumni Award at a reception and dinner, during Homecoming weekend in October.

“In many ways, UW Oshkosh gave me the tools necessary to be a successful professional,” she said. “From learning the ins-and-outs of AP writing style to presenting in front of large groups of people both in the gym and the classroom, UWO gave me the skills and confidence necessary for pursuing my dream. Without this base knowledge and the development of critical-thinking skills, I don’t think I would be where I am now or certainly would not have gotten here so early in my career.”

At UWO, Virbitsky also excelled as a two-sport athlete, competing in all-around on the gymnastics team and running hurdles and relays on the track and field team.

Winning the 2007 National Collegiate Gymnastics Team championship is one of her fondest memories.

“Our team was incredibly close knit, and we worked so hard every day for that accomplishment,” she said. “I’ll never forget the dance party that took place on the award stand, and I still wear the championship ring every day. “

After graduating from UWO, Virbitsky accepted a graduate assistantship at Ball State University, where she worked as the assistant coach for the Cardinals gymnastics team and started working on a master’s degree in public relations with an emphasis in sport communication.

During her second year of graduate school, she was offered a six-month communications internship at the U.S. Olympic Committee. She took off a semester to help the USOC communications staff members prepare for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

In December 2010, she returned to Ball State and took a second graduate assistantship–this time working in sports information.

“A few months into the semester, I was offered the opportunity to work with the USOC communications team at the Vancouver Games–a definite a turning point in my career,” she said. “At the 2010 Games, I assisted with media services at USA House, including several media days with USOC sponsor Allstate, and helped to book athletes for various U.S. morning shows, particularly NBC’s Today Show.”

Two weeks after graduating from Ball State, Virbitisky drove across the country to start a full-time communications position at the USOC in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“Vanessa is a valuable contributor to the U.S. Olympic Movement who has the potential to be a strong future leader and ambassador for the USOC,” said Lindsay Hogan, USOC marketing and communications director. “She is a tireless worker and positive force working on behalf of our athletes and the sharing of their journeys.”

During the past year, Virbitsky has been part of the team tasked with working with the approximately 20,000 credentialed international media covering the London Olympics. “To add some perspective, there are only 4,000 media credentialed for the Super Bowl,” she explained.

Her duties include writing executive speaking points, press releases and newsletters, conducting media training with Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls and coordinating and executing media interviews.

“The most rewarding part of my job so far has been my increased involvement at a strategic level within our organization–thinking about why we’re doing things, instead of just what we’re doing, which is now a daily focus,” she said.

For more information about the alumni awards dinner or Homecoming 2012, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at (920) 424-3449 or send an email to alumni@uwosh.edu for information.

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Alumni Pride: Peppler cooks up tasty career

Natalie Johnson — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:16:05 +0000

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumna Rebekah Peppler’s recipe for success includes an excellent UWO education in journalism, a passion for food and a heaping spoonful of creativity.

Peppler works as the food editor of “Tasting Table,” a daily emailed publication that blends the tradition of high-quality food writing with the fast-paced style of online journalism. She manages and produces the publication’s Chef’s Recipes edition.

The 2008 graduate will be one of four top alumni to receive the University’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award—given for professional and civic accomplishments and future promise. She will receive the award during a dinner and awards program on Friday, Oct. 12, in conjunction with Homecoming 2012.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UWO, Peppler continued her education in New York City, where she completed the classic pastry arts program at the French Culinary Institute.

In 2009, she got her career start at “Saveur,” where she was the dessert contributor and web/editorial assistant. In 2010, she was hired by CBS News to serve as a culinary adviser and researcher for its Cooking Channel programs, “Drink Up” and “Food(ography).”

“Ms. Peppler’s work may lead to the way for specialized journalism to thrive in a post-print future,” said UWO professor of photography Timothy Gleason. “She is working her way up in a highly competitive field and has obtained a wide range of skills (pastry-making, writing, photography and styling) that have made her an in-demand, up-and-coming talent.”

Peppler is “equally proud and mystified by” the fact that her career affords her the opportunity to be creative in a different way every day.

“It’s a pretty incredible experience to have at 25,” she said.

She credits her introduction to journalism in high school and her quality UWO education as the “jumping off point” for her career.

“The opportunity allotted by the university to travel and live abroad also played a significant role in leading me to become the person I am today,” she said.

She advises today’s students to find their passion.

“Don’t be a slave to it, but find out what gets you out of bed in the morning and lets you lay your head down in satisfaction at night. Then figure out a way to live it,” she said.

For more information about the alumni awards dinner or Homecoming 2012, please contact the Alumni Relations office at (920) 424-3449 or email alumni@uwosh.edu for information.

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For alum, sustainable life means ‘tiny house’ is home

Doug Sundin — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:54:48 +0000

Peter Simon believes everything he needs in life will easily and harmoniously fit into roughly 300 square feet.

Not a storage container mind you.

A house.

A 300-square-foot, 32-foot-long home.

The Fond du Lac resident, 2008 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh radio-TV-film and theater graduate and current Moraine Park Technical College instructional technology specialist, is planning to move into his new “tiny house” later this summer with his wife Abby ’10, and the couple’s year-old son, Elliot.

In June, as it sat parked in the driveway of the Simons’ Fond du Lac neighborhood home, Simon said the 32-foot-long house will be completed this year – the ultimate demonstration of the family’s commitment to living simply and, obviously, smaller.

The house project was built in partnership with Moraine Park students in a building trades construction course. The class needed a project. Simon had a passion for the burgeoning “tiny house” movement. So, the two parties collaborated.

The Simons’ tiny house project has been featured in regional and state media reports over the past several months.

Peter Simon said his UW Oshkosh experience and alma mater’s commitment to sustainability helped strengthen his growing interest in lessening his impact on the Earth.

“College is so forming, and you get to explore different ideals and things like that, and that is definitely the point at which I decided that I’m of age when I can actually start making a difference,” he said, standing in the small living room space of his tiny home on a hot June afternoon.

Simon said his family isn’t exactly sure where they will permanently plant the tiny house. They look forward to, when settled in, using it as an educational tool to show others how easy and efficient it is to make a radical home-downsizing happen.

Hear more from Simon and take a tour of his tiny house in development in this UW Oshkosh Today video:

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Peter Simon’s website chronicling his family’s tiny house project: www.fatandcrunchy.com.

Packers Picnic Lunch set July 26 with alumni author

Natalie Johnson — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:14:39 +0000

The public is invited to a casual Packers Picnic Lunch at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, with University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus William Povletich ’95, author of the new book “Green Bay Packers: Trials, Triumphs, and Tradition” from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.

The event, hosted by the UW Oshkosh Alumni Association in partnership with the Winnebago County Literacy Council, costs $30, which includes a picnic-style lunch and a signed copy of the book. Povletich will give a short talk and a reading.

A Wisconsin native, Povletich graduated from UWO in 1995 with a radio-TV-film major and received the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2003. He is the author of “Some Like It Cold: A Sheboygan Surfin’ Safari” (Clerisy Press, 2010), “Milwaukee Braves: Heroes and Heartbreak” (Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2009) and “Green Bay Packers: Legends in Green and Gold” (Arcadia Publishing, 2005).

An Emmy Award-nominated and Peabody Award-winning documentary filmmaker whose works have received both international acclaim and audience success, Povletich recently produced “Police Women of Broward County” for TLC, “Beach Patrol” for Court TV, and “A Braves New World” for Milwaukee Public Television.

Reservations are required, as seating for the picnic event at Pollock Alumni House, 765 Algoma Blvd., is limited.

Please RSVP by July 13 to alumni@uwosh.edu, (877) 896-2586 or (920) 424-3449. Send check for $30 payable to Winnebago County Literacy Council to University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Alumni Relations Office, Pollock Alumni House, 800 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI 54901.

To just purchase the book or for each additional signed copy of “Green Bay Packers: Trials, Triumphs and Tradition,” add $26.95.

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UWO alumni events

Alumni Pride: Veteran educator helps turn high-risk teens around

Tim Holdsworth — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:12:48 +0000

Once an at-risk student himself, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus Ron Schreier ’68, MSE ’70, has spent a large portion of his career helping at-risk teens gain their confidence, overcome life’s obstacles, complete their education and live up to their full potential.

The 43-year education veteran is one of five UW Oshkosh alumni who will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award at an open-to-the-public reception and dinner Oct. 12, at Reeve Memorial Union.

During his 32-year tenure at Appleton West High School, Schreier was instrumental in starting many successful programs, including the Student Council, Golden Tassel Awards and the Post-Graduation Party.

He also established “Chance II,” a program that gives failing second-semester freshmen and sophomores an opportunity to recover core graduation credits, maintain academic progress toward graduating with their class and develop communication, problem-solving and self-advocacy skills to be successful in school and later in life.

“I am deeply proud of the program and what so many of my at-risk students have accomplished,” Schreier said. And Chance II students are equally as proud—of themselves and him.

“Mr. Schreier has had an impact on my life, being the closest father figure I have had. He saw me through all my struggles as a rebellious teenager. He never quit on me. He has impacted a lot of students and is a great principal, teacher and person,” said one anonymous program graduate.

Although retired, Schreier is still working with students, serving as a mentor for at-risk youth enrolled at Fort McCoy’s Challenge Academy, which offers habitual high school truants an opportunity to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, and as a writing development coordinator at Appleton West, where he shares his love of writing with students two days a week. He also serves as a student teacher supervisor for Concordia University

Schreier has a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degrees in both counseling and school administration from UWO and has earned multiple awards throughout his career, including the National At-Risk Educators’ Network’s (NAREN) 2011 Award for outstanding contributions, benefiting the plight of at-risk youth and their teachers and Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year.

Schreier’s many professional and community service activities include more than 30 years as a member of the Phi Delta Kappa and 25 years as the UW Oshkosh Alumni Association president. He credits UWO with helping him succeed in his career.

“I have been able to become who I am today in large part through my campus involvement. I also benefited greatly from many very talented University teachers in my bachelor’s, as well as, my master’s degree programs,” Schreier said.

He encourages current and future education majors to get involved and to be all that they can in and outside of the classroom. “Be an educated ‘force’ that creates and implements positive change that benefits all people you encounter,” Schreier said.

For more information about the alumni awards dinner or Homecoming 2012, please contact the Alumni Relations office at (920) 424-3449 or email alumni@uwosh.edu for information.

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