This Titan’s speech inspired the 2013 grad class. Today, he serves thousands of Oshkosh K-12 students.
Anthony Miller, Jr., who grew up in the inner city of Milwaukee, inspired his UWO 2013 graduating class as Commencement speaker. Last June he began impacting thousands of K12 students in the Oshkosh Area School District as the first director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Admitted Students Day draws hundreds of future Titans to UW Oshkosh
Admitted Students Day at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh provided a fun opportunity for future Titans to visit the campus many will call home this fall.
Around 400 people—prospective students, family members and guests—attended the event March 1.
“This event featured opportunities to explore residence halls, officially sign with UWO, tour impressive academic facilities and meet other new Titans at our student lounge area,” said Sean O’Melia, admissions event coordinator, who called it the “largest ever” admitted student day at UWO. “There was a distinct excitement and energy throughout the day, that many people are thrilled with their decision to become a UWO Titan next year.”
Check out the photo gallery from UWO Admitted Students Day!
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University, community gather for UW Oshkosh MLK Jr. celebration, awards
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh this week, hosted its 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration and awards program that includes the Oshkosh 94 scholarship program.
Held Feb. 28, the event took place at Reeve Memorial Union Theater and featured keynote speaker Corey A. King, the UW-Whitewater chancellor and member of Sigma Upsilon Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It was part of a month-long programming schedule recognizing Black History Month.
Check out some photos from the MLK Jr. event:
African American Studies at UWO
UWO students snag free finds at Clash Collective Pop-Up Thrift Shop
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students snapped up free clothes, shoes, housewares, pictures and more at the popular, award winning Clash Collective Pop-Up Thrift Shop.
With table after table of donated items, students had fun checking out and selecting up to five items each of the two days of the event. The items might otherwise have been tossed and ended up in a landfill.
New Student and Family Programs Manager Stacy Dreweck said they gave away 2,079 items that were selected Feb. 6 and 7 by 635 students inside Reeve Memorial Union.
“Many students told us they were so happey we held this program,” she said.
There was plenty of donated items leftover and the Clash Collective initiative goes on the road this week to UWO Fox Cities campus in Menasha.
Check out photos of the Oshkosh event:
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Titans Day of Giving: Celebrate the black and gold while giving back
Sept. 12 is more than just the anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s first day of classes in 1871—it’s also the third annual Titans Day of Giving.
Titans Day of Giving is a 24-hour robust virtual fundraising campaign to encourage alumni, patrons and friends to donate to an area of the University they are passionate about.
The goal is not only to raise funds to support a variety of academic programs and campus initiatives, but also to remind alumni and friends the impact that UW Oshkosh has had on their lives. By being a part of Titans Day of Giving, you have the chance to share your memories and stories of yesterday, as well as support the leaders, researchers and champions of tomorrow.
▶︎ Support Titans Day of Giving now
Learn more:
Environmental studies: Digging into soil at the AGM Nature Preserve
‘Go Mighty Titans’: UW Oshkosh Titans fight song
The Go Mighty Titans fight song that debuted in 2022 is by alumnus David Gillingham ’69 and MST ’77, an accomplished composer and retired music professor.
Building cultural awareness and communication with Mariachi music
WisMAP is a culturally enriching opportunity for academics, artists and the community to connect through appreciation and performance of Mariachi music.
Organized by the Chicana/o and Latinx Studies program at UW Oshkosh, a series of events is planned this month and in April—including several on the UW Oshkosh campus.
- The University of Texas Mariachi Ensemble and its director, Jose Torres, will perform at 5 p.m. March 14 in the UWO Concert Hall, where an interpretive discussion will follow on building community through music.
- An April 1 event will showcase the cultural influences of Mariachi culture beyond the music. Francisco Hernandez, a classically trained musician, has more than 10 years of experience playing in Mariachi ensembles in Milwaukee and is music director for Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee. He will speak with students and the public from 1:50-2:50 p.m. (campus location TBA), about his experience growing up in an emerging Mariachi culture in Wisconsin.
- Siduri Christiansen of the University of Texas San Antonio, will discuss the role of Mariachi music in language instruction, from 1:50-2:50 p.m. April 22, on a campus location TBA.
UW Oshkosh Obituaries: March 2024
‘50s
Marilee (Reinert) Murphy (EHS) ’56, Marion, Indiana, Jan. 25, 2024
Sharon (Halverson) Sanborn (EHS) ’53 and (EHS) ’79, Eagle River, Feb. 7, 2024
‘60s
Michael Dodge (LS) ’62, White Lake, Jan. 6, 2024
Rev. Ned Dorau (LS) ’69, Random Lake, Jan. 23, 2024
Karen Scharf (LS) ’65, Brillion, Jan. 20, 2024
‘70s
Mary Mathe (EHS) ’76 and (MS) ’89, Oshkosh, Jan. 26, 2024
Kathryn “Kathy” (Becker) McDermott (B) ’71, Fountain Hills, Arizona, Jan. 17, 2024
Marie (Buchholz) Pappas (LS) ’71, Tucson, Arizona, Feb. 2, 2024
John Vukos (LS) ’72, Neenah, Jan. 24, 2024
‘80s
Revana “Vannie” Mader (N) ’88, Appleton, Jan. 25, 2024
Lisa (Glandt) Prellwitz (EHS) ’85, Kaukauna, Jan. 29, 2024
Ruth Schrank (N) ’82, Waupun, Feb. 10, 2024
‘90s
Sajid “Saj” Baldwin (LS) ’98, Neenah, Jan. 18, 2024
‘10s
Sara Vanderlin (MBA) ’14, Fond du Lac, Jan. 19, 2024
Faculty and Friends
Harvey Jacobson, Journalism Professor Emeritus 1984-1993, Oshkosh, Dec. 8, 2023
Roberta Stuemke, Polk Library 1976-2011, Oshkosh, Feb. 3, 2024
UW Oshkosh alumni Class Notes: March 2024
’77 Denise (Desens) Gosar (LS), of Eugene, Oregon, and her husband Frank Gosar are displaying their exhibit called “Desk and Table” at the Viterbo University Gallery. They also own a studio together called Off-Center Ceramics.
’75 Sue Haldemann (LS), of Menasha, retired from the Medical College of Wisconsin after 23 years as the coordinator for student support services. She has moved back to the Fox Valley and in 2022, participated in her church’s Good Neighbor Team and welcomed a family of 10 from the Congo.
’89 John Ceelen (B) and (LS), of Mequon, has become Bellin Health and Gunderson Health System’s new chief financial officer. Ceelen most recently served as CFO of Banner Health’s Western Division and has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare finance leadership.
’93 Shannon Burns (B), of Whitefish Bay, has been appointed as interim principal financial officer at Enerpac Tool Group. Burns joined Enerpac in Nov. 2022 and prior to that, held a position in financial leadership at Harley-Davidson, Inc. Burns is married to ’94 Jennifer (Harlfinger) Burns (LS).
’93 Donna Van Dyke (B), of Neenah, was promoted to vice president and treasurer for The Boldt Co. Van Dyke started at Boldt in 2020 and brings 30 years of experience in accounting and treasury background.
’95 Jennifer (Herbert) Walters (LS), of Fond du Lac, is celebrating 25 years at Aurora Health Care as the vice president of business development. She’s also started a personal training business called JW Fitness.
’96 Tammy Brunette (EHS) and ’06 (MSE), of Green Bay, was named the coordinator of the Learning and Innovation Center in Sister Bay by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
’97 Kim Svoboda (LS), of Cape Coral, Florida, is joining the national office of the YMCA of the USA as the senior director of philanthropy and partnerships.
’98 Laurie Butz (MBA), of Suamico, has joined the New North Inc. board of directors. She also serves as the president and CEO of Capital Credit Union and has been in that position since Nov. 2021.
’01 Jennifer (Covey) Gennerman (EHS), of Sussex, will become the deputy superintendent of teaching and learning for the school district of Waukesha this summer.
’05 Joshua Kohlman (LS), of Evansville, was sworn in as an officer in the Beloit Police Department. He brings 16 years of law enforcement experience and served in the US Army Reserves.
’11 Sean Lynch (LS), of Oshkosh, graduated with a degree in vocal performance and has since performed at the 2022 TEDxOshkosh. He will be singing at the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra’s April 20 concert. Lynch also owns and operates Winnebago Bicycle in downtown Oshkosh.
’12 Airen Pfeiffer (EHS), of Madison, spent 10 years teaching social studies in Bangkok Thailand. Recently, he and his wife moved back to Wisconsin, and he is now teaching high school history at Wisconsin Heights High School.
’13 Phillip Rotar (LS), of Kansas City, Missouri, was commissioned from active duty in 2013 after serving in various leadership roles around the world. He is now a student at the Command and General Staff College working towards his master’s degree.
’20 Jake Fleischman (LS), of Gleason, has been sworn into the UW-La Crosse Police Department after attending the Police Academy at WTC where he was sponsored by UPD.
’20 Niklas Romskog (LS), of Espanola, New Mexico, became an engine boss for the
Silver City Ranger District on the Gila National Forest in New Mexico after graduation. As the next step in his career, he took the position of all-hazard emergency planning for the New Mexico Department of Health.
’21 Miranda Rehm (LS), of Waukesha, attended graduate school at UW-Madison and received a master’s in social work in 2023. She is now working as an advance practice social worker at Mendota Mental Health Institute.
UWO Music department to host WI Alliance for Composers New Music Festival
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Music department will host the annual Wisconsin Alliance for Composers (WAC) New Music Festival this weekend on campus.
The event takes place Feb. 25 in the Music Hall, with concerts at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The 3 p.m. concert features winning compositions and honorable mentions from the statewide WAC Student Composition Contest. Student works in four categories—elementary, middle school, high school and undergraduate—will be performed by UWO music department students and faculty. The concert will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/_9k03L_8AU0?feature=share.
The event provides an excellent opportunity for student composers to hear their original music performed by accomplished musicians and to share their creativity with the public. For many students, this will be the first time they hear their music performed live in concert.
The 4:30 p.m. concert will feature new music from WAC members from throughout the state, including works by UWO music faculty and festival co-hosts John Mayrose and Ed Martin. The eclectic program will include an exciting variety of works for synthesizer, guitar, piano, saxophone, voice, flute and video. Performers include faculty members Kirstin Ihde, Nathan Krueger, Drew Whiting and others.UW Oshkosh Alumni Obituaries: Feb. 2024
‘30s
Margaret (Kelroy) Schmitz (EHS) ’37, Fond du Lac, Dec. 29, 2023
‘50s
Robert Albright Sr. (LS) ’59, Winneconne, Nov. 20, 2023
Lillian Greenquist (EHS) ’50, Florence, Dec. 26, 2023
Junice “June” (Maurer) Budnik (EHS) ’59, Chaska, Minnesota, Jan. 11, 2024
Pauline (Kornely) Ott (EHS) ’59, Eagan, Minnesota, Nov. 25, 2023
Nancy (Swanson) Tebo (EHS) ’53, (MSE) ’73, Appleton, Dec. 21, 2023
Ardys (Lemke) Wellso (EHS) ’52, Lomira, Nov. 19, 2023
‘60s
Michael Dodson (EHS) ’68, Oshkosh, Jan. 16, 2024
John Green (LS) ’66, Appleton, Nov. 21, 2023
David Grey (LS) ’67, Oshkosh, Dec. 15, 2023
Dale Heinen (EHS) ’64, Waukesha, Nov. 18, 2023
Neil Johnson (LS) ’66, Appleton, Dec. 17, 2023
Gary Kott (LS) ’69, Manitowoc, Dec. 21, 2023
Jane (Slaby) Kronschnabel (EHS) ’62, Montello, Nov. 29, 2023
Mel Mickey (LS) ’63, Wauwatosa, Jan. 1, 2024
David Patton (MST) ’69, Fond du Lac, Dec. 15, 2023
James Paulick (LS) ’68, Oshkosh, Dec. 30, 2023
Richard Pelc (LS) ’64, Amery, Dec. 23, 2023
Thomas Schroepfer (LS) ’69, Marinette, Dec. 31, 2023
Paul Ten Pas (EHS) ’62, Sheboygan Falls, Dec. 24, 2023
Jean Van Dixhorn (EHS) ’65, Sheboygan, Dec. 26, 2023
David Wirth (LS) ’64, Berlin, Nov. 13, 2023
‘70s
Holly (Ralston) Albe (LS) ’71, Vero Beach, FL, Dec. 1, 2023
Lawrence “Larry/LD” Burt (B) ’73, Green Bay, Nov. 16, 2023
Walter Daehler (MBA) ’75, Mundelein, Illinois, Dec. 20, 2023
Douglas Fritsch (EHS) ’70, Lake Mills, Nov. 2, 2023
Robert “Bob” Garfinkel (EHS) ’70, Luxemburg, Dec. 22, 2023
James Happel (MS) ’75, Appleton, Dec. 19, 2023
LaVerne Hoffman (B) ’71, Oshkosh, Nov. 21, 2023
Cynthia Johnson (MS) ’78, Baileys Harbor, Nov. 13, 2023
Michael Lackas (LS) ’70, Fond du Lac, Dec. 2, 2023
Nona Prestine (EHS) ’70, Peshtigo, Dec. 6, 2023
Rosanne (Heppe) Sang (MST) ’77, Slinger, Nov. 19, 2023
Kerry Schmidt (LS) ’75, Oshkosh, Dec. 27, 2023
Tanya (Truax) Shawcroft (N) ’73, Hansville, Washington, Dec. 23, 2023
Robert Veleke (EHS) ’70, Clintonville, Jan. 15, 2024
Mary Wegener (LS) ’71, Waukesha, Dec. 29, 2023
‘80s
Bahram “Barry” Khodavandi (LS) ’86, Madison, Nov. 7, 2011
Wendy Rodman (MSE) ’80, Oshkosh, Nov. 27, 2023
Mary Walden (MSE) ’84, Green Bay, Nov. 27, 2023
‘90s
Ann Fowler (MSE) ’99, Burnsville, Minnesota, Nov. 28, 2023
Ginger Peterson (LS) ’98, Merrill, Jan. 10, 2024
William “Bill” Sauld (EHS) ’91, Princeton, Nov. 28, 2023
‘00s
Kristin Rogers (B) ’05, Winnie, Texas, Dec. 31, 2023
‘10s
Tyler Kraning (B) ’18, Appleton, Dec. 6, 2023
Faculty and Friends
Frederick Blank, lecturer, Economics Department 2002-2006, Neshkoro, Dec. 5, 2023
Jane Garton, lecturer, Journalism Department, 1986-1987, 1994-1995, 1999
Robert Greuel, faculty assistant and instructional academic staff, Geography Department 1966-2007, New Holstein, Dec. 22, 2023
Harold “Skip” Thorpe, professor of special education, 1972-1983, Butte des Morts, Jan. 6, 2024
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UWO Fond du Lac announces last theater production
KFIZ, March 28
UW-Oshkosh basketball player and Wrightstown native Froehlke earns academic honors
WTAQ, March 27
Ford: Some reflections on the ups and downs of public service (pg. 9)
Oshkosh Herald, pg. 9, March 27
UWO expert on Russian politics reacts to terrorist attacks in Moscow
WFDL’s Between the Lines, March 26
UW-Oshkosh women’s gymnastics cements dynasty with third straight national championship
NBC26, March 25