PARKSIDE THE MAGAZINE - UW-Parkside
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PARKSIDE THE MAGAZINE
FOR ALUMNI OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-PARKSIDE | SPRING/SUMMER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
INNOVATION
INNOVATION ON CAMPUS AND BEYOND
FUTURE FOCUS FUND
PARKSIDE DAY RECAP
CAMPUS NEWS, ALUMNI NEWS, AND MORE
PARKSIDE: The Magazine is a semi-
annual publication of the University
of Wisconsin-Parkside. For more
information, please contact the
Alumni team in UW-Parkside’s
Office of University Advancement at
alumni@uwp.edu.
Chancellor
Debbie Ford SPRING/SUMMER
Vice Chancellor for
2021 CONTAINS
University Advancement
Message from the
Willie Jude II
3 Chancellor
Editor
Campus News
Hannah Wallisch
4
Writers
Sean Daniels
Innovation
Derek Fye ‘18
John Mielke 6
Andrew Savagian
Parkside Day
Design and Illustrations
Kim Sekas 16
Photography
Future Focus
Robyn Elliott ‘20
AK Hall 18
Alyssa Nepper
UW-Parkside Archives
Athletics
Web 20
Kim Sekas
Hannah Wallisch
Remembrances
Contributors 22
Linnéa Booher
Laura Gleason
Oliver Johnson Faculty and Staff Notes
Catherine Mantuano 25
Jonathan Remmers
Jake Sutter
Alumni News
26
For full articles, more images,
and audio clips, visit
uwp.edu/magazine
2 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021
A MESSAGE FROM
CHANCELLOR FORD
As our UW-Parkside community closes another semester,
we do so with an eye on the future and furthering a
campus-wide commitment to supporting the evolution
of innovation in our region and beyond. Innovation is all
around us. Yet innovation is nothing new.
UW-Parkside has played a key role throughout the
decades in supporting innovation technologies in business
and industry. Moving forward, our bold goals to increase
the graduate rate by 50 percent by 2025 while improving
accessibility and diversity in our university community
haven’t changed that role as a higher education leader in
innovation. In fact we see innovation and engagement
with multiple sectors as crucial to meeting university
goals. In this issue of PARKSIDE: The Magazine, you’ll hear
from innovation leaders about their work to keep UW-
Parkside at the forefront of this effort.
That includes highlighting people like Dr. George
Vukotich, founding director for the UW-Parkside Center
for Research in Innovation and Smart Cities. Dr. Vukotich
and the CRISC are key additions to an already impressive
legacy of UW-Parkside faculty research and innovation. The energy on campus for innovation and our alumni’s
We’re also showcasing the research of Dr. Francis successes give me confidence that UW-Parkside will continue
“Frannie” Mann, an associate professor of chemistry as a valued resource providing talent development, new
who was honored by WiSys with the Carl E. Gulbrandsen ideas, and important perspectives for our communities. If
Innovator of the Year for 2020, and by the University of you or someone you know has an idea or project where UW-
Wisconsin System Board of Regents with a 2021 Regent Parkside might help, please contact my office at chancellor@
Scholar Award. Finally, you’ll hear from recent alumni and uwp.edu or call 262-595-2211.
from an alum, Dr. Daryl Sauer ’84, who has built a career
on innovative work and mentorship. Debbie Ford
Chancellor
The stories of UW-Parkside alumni distinguishing
themselves as innovators, trendsetters, and
entrepreneurs abound. Let us know about the strides
you’re making! We invite you to share your stories of Read More in Chancellor Ford’s Op-Ed:
innovation with us at alumni@uwp.edu. We also welcome Parkside’s Innovation Evolution
your information or referrals for our Alumni Business uwp.edu/innovationoped
Directory, currently in development to showcase and
help connect others to alumni-owned businesses in
southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 3
CAMPUS NEWS
UW-PARKSIDE WELCOMES
WILLIE JUDE II
Willie Jude II joins UW-Parkside as the new Vice Chancellor for
Advancement, and will serve as a member of the chancellor’s
cabinet while also leading the Development & Alumni
Relations and University Communications teams.
Jude brings a dynamic background in university leadership to
UW-Parkside. Most recently, he served as vice president for
student affairs and associate vice president for institutional
advancement at Fisk University. In previous roles as executive
director of philanthropy at Lincoln University and as associate
athletics director for advancement at North Carolina Central
University, Jude led staff, volunteer foundations, and the
campus community in raising funds and creating partnerships
to advance student success. He is a member of Phi Beta
Sigma Fraternity, and he holds a bachelor of science from the
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a master of education
from Washington State University.
“My family and I look forward to joining the UW-Parkside
family and becoming active in the community,” said Jude.
“As a native of Milwaukee and a graduate of a UW System
institution, it is a dream to return home to fulfill my passion
for changing lives through education. Nelson Mandela stated,
‘Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to
change the world.’ Together, we will amplify our university’s
unique story while continuing to transform the lives of
deserving scholars, our future graduates. UW-Parkside is
opportunity-rich, and I am confident that our momentum will
promote a culture of philanthropy. Let’s go, Rangers!”
4 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021
PARKSIDE HOSTS COVID TESTING
Through a partnership between the University of Wisconsin System and the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, UW-Parkside has served as a free COVID-19 “rapid-results”
testing site for community residents, through much of the fall and spring. This community
service is in addition to a regular testing schedule for Parkside’s residential students and
faculty/staff working on campus. As of March, UW System had conducted more than 1
million COVID tests, with Parkside conducting 9,000 student, faculty, and staff tests.
PIKE RIVER RESTORATION
Through the hard work of UW-Parkside faculty and students along with the leadership of
Kenosha County Executive and UW-Parkside alum Jim Kreuser (’83, ’86), a portion of the
Pike River winding through Petrifying Springs Park is on the mend. UW-Parkside students
are collaborating with Kenosha County to conduct water sampling that has aided water
quality monitoring by the county and the Department of Natural Resources. This partnership
between the university and local, state, and federal partners has resulted in the removal of
more than 525 tons of sediment and 368 pounds of phosphorous and stabilization of the
stream. The university has monitored positive changes in the Pike River, with short-term data
showing 55 percent reduction in phosphorus and 44 percent reduction in nitrogen.
KENNEDY CENTER SUCCESS
For the fifth consecutive year, UW-Parkside Theatre Arts won the Lighting Design Excellence
Award at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), Region 3. Theatre
student Jessica Baker snagged the award for the second time in three years for her lighting
design of Romeo and Juliet. She goes on to compete in the national award selection. The
Kennedy Center Festival is a celebration of the future of the American theatre with student
artists and faculty from across a five-state region. This year the festival was held virtually due
to the pandemic.
NEWMAN CIVIC FELLOWSHIP
UW-Parkside junior Alisson Anguiano Salas has been named a 2021-2022 Newman Civic
Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program for student leaders, offering
variety of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional,
and civic growth. Salas, a double major in English and Political Science, has been active
throughout her time at Parkside, including serving as the current president of Latinos
Unidos, vice-president of the Mock Trial Association, and a member of Racine’s League of
United Latin American Citizens and the Student Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
NATIONAL SHORE SALES CHAMPION
Senior Business Management major Chandler Spiewak is the champion of the 2021 National
Shore Sales Competition. Spiewak bested 87 other students from around the world, many
from well-known institutions like Kansas, Penn State, Temple, and Florida State. He was voted
by industry judges as the best student at the competition and received a prize of $1,500. This
national achievement adds to the UW-Parkside Sales program’s growing record of success in
sales competitions for undergraduate and graduate students.
Read more: uwp.edu/magazine
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 5
PARKS
INN
6 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021
SIDE’S
NOVATION EVOLUTION
The idea of innovation is as old as change itself. Innovation by very
definition is about making changes, more often than not changing
something that’s very well established through the introduction of new
methods, ideas, or products.
The good news is that our UW-Parkside community Today, we’ve merged those strategies with our goals
has embraced innovation and the changes driving to significantly increase the number of graduates in
innovation in society since our very foundation. Two the next five years and expand our efforts regarding
major goals for UW-Parkside when it was created in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our region is diverse
1968 were to assist area business and industry with and growing, and that means the need is also
innovation and technology, and to provide the region growing for innovative, relevant, and entrepreneurial
with ready and relevant talent by making higher talent that is truly representative of southeast
education more accessible to all. Wisconsin and beyond.
Over the years, thousands of UW-Parkside students, Read on to learn about the people, ideas, and
faculty and staff – working in the Ralph Jaeschke spaces that are part of UW-Parkside’s innovation
Solutions for Economic Growth Center, the App environment today.
Factory and GIS Factory, and the Cyber Security
Lab, to name a few – have assisted businesses and
organizations throughout the community developing
news ideas and providing new perspectives.
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 7
CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN
INNOVATION &
SMART CITIES
MEET DR. GEORGE VUKOTICH
A magazine issue with the theme of innovation at UW-
Parkside must mention the university’s new Center for
Research in Innovation and Smart Cities. And you can’t
mention the Center without first talking about George
Vukotich.
Vukotich is the Center’s founding director and comes to
UW-Parkside with an array of experience from corporate,
consulting, military, startup, and educational environments
to develop and implement process improvement and major
organizational change.
Vukotich brings knowledge from many sectors to campus,
and with his team has already begun to build a strategic plan
that includes the cities of Kenosha and Racine in their initial
efforts.
“We need to bring individuals together to leverage the power
of people working with technology to make our communities
better,” says Vukotich. “That process starts with bringing
individuals together to create awareness, leveraging our
What will the Center for Research in Innovation and Smart
educational resources, and driving innovation through
Cities do?
collaboration.”
• Convene leaders from faculty, higher education,
As more people move to cities, there is greater pressure
business, healthcare, government, and civic groups to
on those cities to work more effectively. “That’s where the
develop a research and training agenda for the center.
concept of ‘Smart Cities’ comes in,” says Vukotich. “The goal is
• Create research opportunities for faculty and
to look at how to help cities work more effectively in a number
students, develop teaching and training initiatives,
of areas, including providing better career opportunities for
establish visiting scholar and speaker programs, and
their populations, effective movement of traffic, better usage
link to smart cities professional networks.
of energy, better protection of our natural resources like clean
• Encourage innovation through basic and applied
air and water, and providing internet access, to name a few.”
research.
• Expand academic programs in areas needed in the
UW-Parkside’s Smart Cities graduate certificate and master’s
Wisconsin workforce.
degree concentration help students develop knowledge
• Expand connections with employers to better respond
on Smart Cities concepts. The Center will expand on these
to workforce needs.
educational offerings by leveraging the many innovation
• Provide professional development opportunities
initiatives on campus, and bringing together more resources
to promote creativity and innovation within the
to support startups and Smart Cities development.
university and in the broader community.
If you would like to be directly involved in Stay connected and follow the Center’s progress at:
creating the future, reach out to George https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13707408/
Vukotich, at vukotich@uwp.edu
8 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021
FACTORY MADE
PARKSIDE HOSTS TWO CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATION INCUBATORS
In UW-Parkside’s App Factory, graduate and undergraduate
students, and faculty from computer science, business, art,
The GIS Factory provides similar opportunities for students
and other disciplines collaborate to create mobile apps for
to work with real-world clients on innovative projects that
clients in southeastern Wisconsin in a startup company
require mapping and spatial analysis.
environment.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are critical in our digital
The App Factory started in 2015 as a way to support projects
world in a wide variety of applications such as transportation
that had been developed in courses in business, computer
planning, business logistics, environmental analysis, and
science, and other fields, that had longer-term objectives or
natural disaster research. The lab houses 30 dual monitor
needs than what could be completed in a single semester.
PC’s running ESRI GIS software, and has an interactive smart
The first project was creating a mobile mass transit app that
board and two ceiling mounted screen displays. The Factory
eventually was adopted by four communities, including Racine
has also opened up new lab space and expanded out to the
and Kenosha.
field with two Juniper Geode GPS units with smartphones
and portable WiFi for data collection and a Phantom 4 Pro v2
Today the App Factory has expanded far beyond its
Mapping drone.
early beginnings. Projects have involved a variety of
different organizations, from non-profit to private-sector
Students not only practice and improve their GIS knowledge;
manufacturing companies, and final products have included a
they also learn valuable professional skills such as meeting
Kenosha Farmers Market app, a Racine Zoo app, a Frank Lloyd
deadlines, accommodating client needs in efficient and cost
Wright Trail app sponsored by SC Johnson, and of course our
savings approaches, project time and cost estimation.
own UW-Parkside app.
GIS Factory Director and Associate Professor of Geography
App Factory Director and UW-Parkside Computer Science
and Anthropology John Ward said that recent GIS Factory
Professor Zaid Altahat said prior to the pandemic, the Factory
projects have involved the Root River Council, the UW-
hired 40 students as interns. He expects that post-pandemic,
Parkside Athletic Department, and community clients like
App Factory student engagement will return to this level as
the Uptown-Brass Neighborhood and the Brass Community
the student demand continues for hands-on experiences that
School (Kenosha).
give students skills to succeed beyond their academic careers.
“We can do pro bono projects for clients depending on the
“The App Factory is an excellent opportunity for students to
project goals, learning opportunities for students, and the
work on real-life projects with deadlines and budgets. Nothing
client’s financial situation,” said Ward.
substitutes for working on client issues and solving real-world
problems,” said Altahat. “It’s run and managed as a small
software company. Students have been hired based on their
experience, knowledge and tools they developed at the App
Factory.”
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 9
PARKSIDE’S INNOVATION HOTS
MORE INNOVATION SPACES AND OPPORTUNITIES ON THE UW-PARKSIDE CAMPUS
Ralph Jaeschke Solutions for
Economic Growth (SEG) Center Wisconsin Small Business
The SEG Center brings together local community Development Center (SBDC)
businesses with students and faculty to create
project-based learning opportunities that solve
at UW-Parkside
The SBDC provides education, training,
real-world business needs.
and complimentary one-on-one counseling
to entrepreneurs and business owners
throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
UW-Parkside Sales Center
The Sales Center provides a home to support
sales education, career development and Institute of Professional Educational
research. Qualified and experienced faculty
with the active participation of the Sales
Development
UW-Parkside’s teacher education program, completely
Center Advisory Board, comprised of industry
redesigned and relaunched in 2014, pairs future
professionals and National Sales Competition
educators with current educators through a unique
Champions, strive to provide a world class
co-teaching model. The program prepares effective
sales education for UW-Parkside students.
educators who understand the challenges of today’s
classrooms and are able to work toward making the
most of tomorrow’s opportunities.
10 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021SPOTS
Digital Design and Fabrication Lab
The Big Idea Innovation Challenge and Certificate
The Big Idea Innovation Competition provides Students learn how to design and make structures
competitive funding opportunities for UW-Parkside using computer-aided software, 3D printers, and
students to develop innovative ideas and start-up state-of-the-art CNC machinery, helping them
initiatives. This funding opportunity provides students become fluent in the use of these tools as a creative,
with funds and expertise needed to successfully take artist, technician, and entrepreneur. Intentionally
ideas from “spark” to “seed,” as they prepare to seek created to align art and industry, the certificate offers
support from competitive funding sources statewide. the opportunity to train for a digitally complex world.
One winner of the challenge is selected to enter the
Wisconsin Big Idea Tournament each year.
Cyber Security Lab and Certificate
The first computer science certificate offered by
Smart City Policy and Civic an accredited four-year Wisconsin university that
Partnerships Online Graduate meets the National Security Systems National
Training standards. Students gain practical, hands-
Certificate
on knowledge and attain the necessary background
The Smart City certificate program explores business
to secure computers, servers, and the networks that
models, technology and best practices for turning a
connect them.
smart city plan into reality. Students develop a practical
understanding for strategic and operational facets of
smart and sustainable cities.
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 11FACULTY LEADING
INNOVATION
Mann has submitted several inventions
to WiSys in the past few years, leading
to four patent applications, including
an international filing. Mann has also
received grant funding to support her
DR. FRANNIE MANN work.
WiSys 2020 Innovator of the Year & During the 2020-2021 funding cycle,
2021 Regent Scholar Winner Mann was awarded a competitive WiSys
Ignite Grant, which encourages UW
If you’re looking for innovation at the System faculty and staff to apply their
classroom and research level, you expertise and scholarship to support
don’t have to look any farther than economic development in Wisconsin.
UW-Parkside’s Dr. Francis “Frannie” Mann also received an Ignite Grant in
Mann. the 2018-2019 funding cycle.
Mann, an associate professor Mann uses these opportunities to
of chemistry and co-chair of the engage students in scientific process
chemistry department, was the so they can experience the work
WiSys 2020 Carl E. Gulbrandsen that leads to major discovery and
Innovator of the Year and one of innovations firsthand. “My major focus
UW System’s 2021 Regent Scholar is always first and foremost to provide
recipients. students with real, meaningful research
experiences in the lab. My students
WiSys is a nonprofit organization that are actively involved in development
works with faculty, staff, students, of the research plan, performing
and alumni of the UW System, and the experiments, assembling and
plays an important role in facilitating interpreting the data, and presenting
cutting-edge research programs, the outcomes,” Mann said.
developing and commercializing
discoveries, and fostering a spirit “When they are done with a
of innovative and entrepreneurial project in my lab, they stand out
thinking across the state. In 2020, to area employers and graduate
WiSys universities were second in schools because they have become
the Bush Institute-SMU Economic independent scientists who have both
Growth Initiative’s national laboratory skill and the ability to think
Innovation Impact Productivity on their feet. As long as I can continue
Rankings for smaller research to provide those types of experiences,
universities. I’m happy.”
The awards confirm what many Mann on Microbial Metabolism
already know – Dr. Mann has been
an active member in building a Mann’s current research focuses on
culture of innovation at UW-Parkside harnessing the power of microbial
and throughout the UW System. secondary metabolism. “My lab is
In announcing her WiSys award, interested in the potential for microbes
Chancellor Ford noted that Dr. Mann – like bacteria and fungi – to synthesize
“serves as an outstanding educator, industrially and medicinally important
scholar and innovator while engaging compounds,” said Dr. Mann. “We
students in her work. “We are recently discovered that one specific
fortunate to have Dr. Mann and bacteria synthesizes a compound that
her innovative spirit in our learning appears to kill other bacteria. This
community.” project aims to understand how this
12 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021compound achieves this bactericidal graduating class moved on to do
activity and to evaluate it for future use very innovative things. “Those
as an antibiotic.” people that are 30-40 years
into their career are still striving
Given the current pandemic and to innovate at their respective
the ability of organisms to develop organizations,” said Sauer.
resistance to antibiotics, Dr. Mann’s
research could have far-reaching After graduation Sauer got his
implications. “Microbes are responsible PhD in chemistry and worked
for many human diseases, and we for a short time at Ohio State
have successfully treated them with University before joining
antibiotics since the end of World Abbott Laboratories/AbbVie,
War II,” said Dr. Mann. “Unfortunately, where he worked for 25 years
microbes are smart and have evolved in several roles, including as
to evade these antibiotics. Discovery of a senior manager in Scientific
new antibiotics is extremely important, Assessment–Discovery Licensing
but we also need to discover new ways and Acquisition. “My job was
for antibiotics to target the microbes. to acquire innovation and new
This project has the potential to provide technology,” said Sauer.
both.”
Following his retirement from
DR. DARYL SAUER industry, Sauer returned to
UW-Parkside to engage in
For Dr. Daryl Sauer, his career as a UW- teaching and research with
Parkside innovation champion started undergraduate students. He has
as an undergraduate. been instrumental in helping
develop the Big Idea Innovation
Sauer currently is an assistant Challenge, and several of
professor of Chemistry at Parkside. His his chemistry students have
most recent research has focused on won the competition. Like his
natural product isolation, microwave undergraduate time at Parkside,
accelerated organic synthesis, and Sauer thinks innovation outlets
flow chemistry and electrochemistry. like the Big Idea fuel students’
He is the named inventor on 30 U.S. desires to become innovators.
and international patents as well
as the author on 30 peer-reviewed “I think UW-Parkside, for lots of
publications. reasons, including the student-
faculty ratio and the fact that we
But the time before his 1984 graduation don’t have PhD students, gives
from UW-Parkside really helped set him undergraduates the opportunity
on his career journey as an innovator. to be involved in innovation
they might not have in other
“Innovation and undergraduate institutions,” said Sauer.
research helped me in my career,”
said Sauer. From my experience, the
innovation aspects at Parkside even
30 years ago was beneficial for helping
make people’s careers. That continues
today, including for many of my
students.”
Sauer said in addition to his success a
number of people in and around his
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 13RECENT ALUMNI
INNOVATORS
FOR THESE FORMER STUDENTS, INNOVATIVE
THINKING IS A LIFETIME PURSUIT
MARIANA NELSON ’20 industry. She credits her designer
Innovator on the Move experience at UW-Parkside as a big
reason for her success.
There are plenty of achievements you
can pick out for Mariana Nelson during “I think all of those opportunities
her stellar career at UW-Parkside – the helped me research and grow, as well
2020 Chancellor’s Award recipient as interacting with the clients and
and newly minted UW-Parkside alum customers, and obviously knowing what
also worked for the Small Business goes into an IOS application was very
Development Center, served as a helpful,” said Nelson.
resident advisor in Ranger Hall, tutored
students, volunteered at the St. Vincent For those future student/alumni
de Paul retail and donation centers and innovators out there, Nelson said one
was an active member of her church of the biggest reasons she was able
community. to be so successful was not only her
passion for her career choice, but
Yet it may be her role as an innovator also because she spent a lot of time
that might set her apart from her other outside of school researching her area
alumni colleagues. Last year Mariana of expertise. “A lot of people who
won the Big Idea Innovation Challenge have that innovation nature are doing
for creating a mobile app designed to things outside of the normal classroom
review companies based on the level environment,” said Nelson.
of accessibility they provide to people
with disabilities. The app is intended CASSIE VAN HOOF ’19
to create a community where people Innovation Driving the
with disabilities can review companies, Dream
events, and locations based on
accessibility and other factors. For Cassie Van Hoof, there was no
question what she wanted to be when
“It’s designed to be a ‘Yelp’ for people she grew up.
with physical disabilities,” said Nelson.
“People don’t know what accessibility “Ever since I was little, I’ve always
means. For example, sometimes you wanted to practice medicine,” said Van
might not think a high table is an Hoof. “I wanted to do pediatric surgery.
accessibility problem. So it’s a way for I wanted to do tonsillectomies. When I
people who have disabilities to look at was 10 I had a tonsillectomy. I knew all
a location and truly tell if it’s accessible the procedures and everything. Mom
for them.” told me not to look it up. But I did and
I learned all about it. So, yes, it’s always
Nelson also worked for the App Factory been medicine.”
where she was the lead designer for
three years. She now works for ATP, a By the time she had reached high
Florida-based company that develops school, the dream was still there, albeit
software solutions for the aviation in a slightly edited form – she wanted to
14 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021be a veterinarian. “I definitely like being dream of becoming a veterinarian. It’s more entrepreneurial, maybe
the voice for animals,” said Van Hoof. clear her innovation skills and talents somewhat frustrated with things, or
“It takes a lot to understand what they helped make that happen, and the maybe there’s a problem you see that
need from you and relaying to owners opportunities at UW-Parkside provided you just want to solve,” said Zawacki.
what they need.” an added boost.
In the world of software engineering,
Her dream of becoming a veterinarian “Parkside is often a school that gets he added, that comes in handy. “You
stayed with her throughout her written off,” said Van Hoof. “But I have to figure things out on the spot,
undergraduate studies at UW-Parkside, looked up the stats, and there was a he said. It was kind of good prep for
and that dream was fueled by her very high number Parkside undergrads that – I’m still doing that today. When I
innovative drive. placed into vet schools. It’s definitely graduated, I actually had a job lined up
a great school to get ‘hands on’ and ready day one,” said Zawacki.
Van Hoof excelled at Parkside in several experience.”
ways – in 2019 she was named WiSys For those incoming Parkside students,
Innovator of the Year, becoming only Zawacki’s advice is to stay involved
the second undergraduate to win the KYLE ZAWACKI ’17 – even if you don’t call yourself an
award and one of the only female Innovative Spirit Through innovator at first. “Even if your classes
awardees. Experience seem mundane, you have to give it your
all,” said Zawacki. “The act of being an
Van Hoof received the award for her As a definition, “innovator” isn’t active listener and engaging and trying
development of a product that helps something Kyle Zawacki always in all your classes will make you a better
reduce anxiety in pets. With the help attributed to his personality. person in general.”
of WiSys, she created Purrfect Pal and
Ruff Day, which are currently available But he definitely thinks it’s something
as sprays to help ease cats’ and dogs’ that he has become, thanks in large
tension. part to his time at UW-Parkside.
Van Hoof has also filed a U.S. Patent for Currently one of the engineering
two formulas and founded Efoxen, LLC, managers of mobile development
to market her product. She also was at Bradfields, an e-commerce
the recipient of a 2019 IDEADVANCE company in Chicago, Zawacki cut his
grant award. The program aims to innovator teeth while helping found
empower new and experienced the App Factory in 2015.
entrepreneurs and focuses on getting
them “out of the building” to learn “I think most people have an
about their customers and businesses. innovative spirit in them, and
it just develops over time,”
“It’s essentially an innovation and said Zawacki. “I was a much
business model,” said Van Hoof. “After different person before the App
developing the formula, I needed to Factory, but I think I became
figure out how to market it and provide an innovator during my time
the most effective way to sell the there.”
product, and the grant helps you do
that.” Like many students at Parkside,
Zawacki said the hands-on
After interviewing several individuals, experiences during his time on
including pet store owners and pet campus really helped bring out his
owners, Van Hoof presented to the talents and creativity. “The projects at
IDEADVANCE board and showed how the Factory were all mostly student-led;
her assumptions and business models we were doing all the designing, all the
changed based on her research. coding,” he said.
Van Hoof is now studying at the Not to mention problem solving,
Michigan State University College an important skill students need to
of Veterinary Medicine, fulfilling her develop. “An innovator is someone
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 15The third annual Parkside Day
was the best yet, with
608 donors
giving $218,867
to support student success
at UW-Parkside! Alumni and other
supporters made Parkside Day a
successful day of service, celebration,
and Ranger spirit.
Thanks for being part of the excitement,
and stay tuned for next year.
Learn more
uwp.edu/parkside-day
Parkside Day Alumni Participation
246 76
GIFTS FROM MOST GIFTS OF ANY
ALUMNI CLASS:
EVERY ALUMNI
ALUMNI ALUMNI AT THE
CLASS CLASS OF
DONORS VIRTUAL RANGER
REUNION 2020
Special thanks to our corporate partners and sponsors
for their Parkside Day support.
Future Indoor Turf
Focus Center
Fund Challenge
16 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021Ranger Clean-Up Ranger Run
118 volunteers contributed 165 hours of service at outdoor 197 participants competed in the inaugural Ranger Run, our
clean-ups in southeastern Wisconsin or in their communities virtual 5K-10K-fun run/scavenger hunt. Visit uwp.edu/ranger-
across the country. run to see the winners (pictured below) and full results.
Chancellor Debbie Ford (far right) and volunteers prepared garden beds at
Garden of Eatin’ Kenosha, a nonprofit organization founded by Andy Berg ’16.
Presented by
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 17The past two issues of PARKSIDE: The Magazine have described the Future Focus POST-COVID-19 – HELPING
Fund – UW-Parkside’s largest need-based student scholarship/aid fund – as both STUDENTS SUCCEED
a critical support for students during the pandemic, and an important tool for
As the university and the rest of the
reaching diversity and equity goals.
world are hopefully moving beyond the
As the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect students, UW- pandemic in 2021 and into 2022, the
Parkside’s corporate partners, alumni, and other individuals have rallied to support Future Focus Fund’s role will remain
them with gifts to the Future Focus Fund. What has this support accomplished so far the same as it was when UW-Parkside
– and what’s next for Future Focus? established it three years ago – to help
struggling seniors cross the finish line.
The UW-Parkside Foundation Kristina Klemens, UW-Parkside director
spearheaded the creation of the Future of student scholarships and financial “COVID has heightened the need, but
Focus Fund in 2018 as part of UW- aid, leads the university’s efforts the need has always been there,” said
Parkside’s 50th anniversary. The goal to connect students with financial Klemens. She noted that the pandemic
of Future Focus is to reduce student resources throughout the pandemic. has increased awareness of the
loan debt and help students graduate, UW-Parkside has received more than financial challenges of UW-Parkside
including many seniors in danger of $3.78 million in federal Coronavirus students – more than half of whom
“stopping out” or dropping out as Aid, Relief, and Economic Security are Pell grant eligible, a financial aid
additional financial barriers arise in (CARES) Act and Coronavirus Response indicator of low income status.
their final semesters. Soon after Future and Relief Supplemental Appropriations For Klemens, the program’s success
Focus awards began, the COVID crisis Act (CRRSAA) funding, which Klemens over the past year gives great
began – and the Future Focus Fund said they used to “focus on those momentum to fuel the next chapter in
expanded to provide additional funds students who could really use” more the Future Focus Fund’s success. “I’m
to help students in need of emergency help, through direct awards to students. happy to say that, of those who were
aid to help pay for not only tuition awarded Future Focus scholarships, 60
While this amount of federal funding
but other critical expenses like rent, percent have either graduated, or are
was significant, its strict award criteria
groceries, and car insurance. graduating in the spring and summer
meant that some areas of student
need were not eligible for funding. 2021 terms,” said Klemens.
Future Focus funding was used to The success also feeds the university’s
Now completing its second year of
support student populations that bold goal of graduating 50 percent
awards, the Future Focus Fund has
couldn’t access the CARES Act funding, more students by 2025. “That’s the
provided more than $290,000 in
like international students, or types of whole reason for the Future Focus
scholarships and emergency aid to
expenses that were ineligible for federal Fund – to help us make the goal a
more than 250 students. This number
funding – including, in some cases, reality and help students complete
continues to grow throughout the
tuition. their college careers. If students
spring semester, with a new year of
awards planned for 2021-22. “Without that alumni and community are running into money issues, if
support through the Future Focus Fund, they have that financial gap their
there would have been a lot of students senior year, the Fund is there
we wouldn’t have been able to help,” to help.”
said Klemens.
18 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF FUTURE FOCUS?
MEET BRANDON MITCHELL the emergency room of under-served MEET ZAYDI TEJADA
Milwaukee communities for a large
Like many UW-Parkside students, Zaydi Tejada, a first-generation college
portion of my undergraduate career,”
Brandon Mitchell has worked hard to student from Kenosha, was preparing
said Brandon. “I struggled because my
make it through his college career. But for her year as an Applied Health
only option was to work full time and
unlike some of his colleagues, Brandon Sciences major at UW-Parkside last
I didn’t want to put school on the back
faced a challenge that he used as extra summer, when the shooting of Jacob
burner.”
motivation to pursue his life’s work. Blake led to civil unrest in the Uptown
Brandon’s undergraduate career took neighborhood. Tejada’s family’s
For his entire childhood and teen years
longer than most students due to his convenience store and restaurant
Brandon suffered from uncontrolled
work and family obligations. Thanks to were located in a building that was
epilepsy, which significantly impacted
the Future Focus Fund, he was able to destroyed by fire. “We lost our
his education and plans for his future.
get the aid he needed to take additional livelihood in just a blink of an eye and
Thankfully, a successful surgery left
classes and move closer to his degree. we were devastated,” Tejada said.
him seizure-free – and gave him the
When his wife’s job was impacted due
opportunity for a life-changing decision. With tuition due and no way to pay it,
to the pandemic, additional Future
her dream of becoming a pediatrician
“This result forever changed my life. Focus support ensured he didn’t have
and making life better for families in
It opened the doors for me to do to slow down again.
her community was now in jeopardy.
what was never possible before,” said
“When I had more time to focus on Support through the Future Focus
Brandon. “From that point, I knew
my academics, I thrived. My GPA Fund help Tejada cover her tuition,
I would spend the rest of my life
has improved dramatically,” said so she can continue on to realize her
preparing for and pursuing a career in
Brandon. “The Future Focus Fund dream, and graduate on time.
medicine.”
allowed me to show my true potential
“I can’t thank you (supporters)
Brandon started college at UW- and dedication academically in the
enough that you took that weight
Parkside, but getting through four classroom. Scholarships allow me to
off my parents’ shoulders,” Tejada
years still wasn’t easy financially. focus on becoming the best I can be for
said. “Thanks to this scholarship;
“Due to financial need, I have worked others while eliminating the stress and
I’m inspired to work harder. I’m so
two jobs 60-80 hours a week for a distraction of trying to pay for tuition on
grateful I didn’t have to sit this year
private ambulance company and in my own.”
out of school. Someday I hope I am in
a position to help others the way you
have helped me.”
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 19INDOOR
TURF CENTER
DEDICATED
AS RICK KILPS
CENTER
The new multipurpose indoor turf center in the Sports &
Activity Center at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside will be
dedicated as the Rick Kilps Center. The facility name honors
Rick Kilps, a 1975 graduate who served the University for
more than 25 years in various roles, most notably as the head
men’s soccer coach. RICK KILPS ’75
FORMER HEAD COACH
Kilps led the men’s soccer program from 1984-2010,
accumulating a staggering record of 363-135-40 and “It is completely humbling and absolutely
26 consecutive winning seasons. The Rangers achieved unexpected to be honored in this way by the
significant conference and national success, including an University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the athletics
amazing run to the 1984 NAIA National Championships in his department. The accomplishments we – the men’s
first season and four subsequent appearances in the NCAA soccer teams – achieved were due to all of the
Division II Championships. student-athletes who worked so hard and were
committed to being successful. It did not occur
One of the most transformational aspects of Parkside by chance. While the achievements on the field
Athletics’ RangerVision 2020 project, the Kilps Center were plenty, the greatest achievements are those
will repurpose the space previously used as a pool, now made by the alums off the field, in the workplace,
providing a first-class venue for Parkside Athletics, campus, in their communities and with their families. I am
and community use. The facility will be an immediate game proud to have been a part of their experience and
changer for Parkside Athletics, providing a state-of-the-art who they are today. I sincerely appreciate them and
practice facility for baseball, softball, men’s soccer, and all the memories we made.”
women’s soccer.
20 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021JASON ZITZKE ‘99
HEAD MEN’S SOCCER COACH
“I was extremely fortunate to not only play for Coach Kilps,
but also work as his assistant for 12 years. I got to see
firsthand his commitment and dedication to the men’s
soccer team the athletics department and the University.
I saw a common theme in the way he ran his program.
His players won on the field, they were successful in the
classroom, and upon graduation became leaders of their
professions and in their communities. For myself and the
thousands of individuals he reached through the game it
would be impossible to put into words the impact he has
had on our lives. Like Rick Kilps, the new turf center facility
will allow Ranger student-athletes to hone their skills while
chasing their dreams, and at the same time welcome visitors
from the local community and beyond to experience and
enjoy our campus.” Read more at uwp.edu/magazine
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 21DR. MORRIS FIREBAUGH
July 5, 1937-January 1, 2021
UW-Parkside Professor of Physics & Computer Science, 1969-2001
As a founding faculty member who served at UW-Parkside for more than 30 years,
Morris Firebaugh shaped the education and careers of generations of Physics
and Computer Science students. In addition to his teaching, he researched and
published on energy, nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics,
and held leadership roles with the American Journal of Physics and the National
Academy of Sciences. Firebaugh retired with emeritus status in 2001.
Following his retirement, Firebaugh continued to support and encourage UW-
Parkside students through the creation of the Firebaugh Physics Scholarship. We
invite your support to carry on his legacy.
uwp.edu/giving/firebaugh.cfm
22 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021REMEMBRANCES
ROLLIN JANSKY
October 6, 1932-March 2, 2021
UW-Parkside Professor of Art, 1965-1997
Rollin Jansky served as an assistant professor of art at the UW-Kenosha Center beginning
in 1965, and began teaching at UW-Parkside when the campus opened. As an artist,
Jansky was known for his large scale polyester and fiberglass sculptures, and he also
created welded steel sculptures later in his career. He exhibited nationally and garnered
awards in regional and national art competitions. Jansky was granted emeritus status
upon his retirement in 1997.
Jansky’s impact on UW-Parkside students continues through the Rollin G. Jansky
Endowed Scholarship in Visual Arts, established through his generous support. We invite
gifts in his memory.
uwp.edu/giving/donate.cfm
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 23Come Back to UW-Parkside
for a Transformative MBA
Providing an affordable and accessible path to career advancement
in two convenient formats: 100% online or face-to-face, the
Master of Business Administration program from the University
of Wisconsin-Parkside empowers you with the knowledge and
practical skills vital to achieving personal and professional success
in changing local and global communities.
Deepen broad-based competencies in our general MBA program,
or tailor your degree to more specific career goals with one of our
other five in-demand concentrations. Choose from the following
AACSB-accredited programs:
• MBA with a Concentration in General Management
• MBA with a Concentration in Data Analytics
• MBA with a Concentration in Finance
• MBA with a Concentration in Global Management
• MBA with a Concentration in Human Resources
• MBA with a Concentration in Marketing
• MBA with a Concentration in Supply Chain Management
UW-Parkside MBA Program Advantages:
• 100% online course option available
• Affordable online tuition only $18,000 (including fees)
• Degree completion in as few as 12 months
• No GMAT required
• Accelerated format, 7-week courses
• Multiple start dates per year
• AACSB-accredited
Jackie Schlosser graduated with a BBA from UW-Parkside and is now on track to
complete her Online MBA in May 2021. “The master’s program further solidified
the knowledge I got from the bachelor’s program and expanded it more,” she
said. “I use almost everything I have learned in different areas.”
Note: Face-to-face, on campus MBA
course option also available
For more information about the MBA, visit: uwp.edu/mba
Questions? Call 844-492-2160 or email mba@uwp.edu.Faculty/Staff Notes
ACCOLADES & HONORS
JAMES KINCHEN (director of choral activities and professor, Music) DANA OSWALD (associate professor, English) is the
received the prestigious Morris D. Hayes Award from the Wisconsin 2021 Bonnie Wheeler Fellowship recipient. A nationally-
Choral Directors Association (WCDA) for his exceptional contribution focused, privately-funded fellowship, the Wheeler
to choral art. Kinchen received the award during the WCDA annual Fellowship is awarded to women at the associate
meeting, where he was also invited to be the conductor/clinician for professor level in Medieval Studies to ensure career
the WCDA All-State Bass Clef Choir. The Morris D. Hayes Award is advancement by affording them time to complete
reserved for choral musicians of outstanding merit. Awardees must be scholarly work. In addition to summer funding, each
a current or former resident of Wisconsin who have demonstrated a recipient is paired with a distinguished mentor in the
commitment to choral music – whether through teaching, conducting, field. Oswald has published on monstrosity, gender,
or service to the art, and who have made outstanding contributions to and sexuality in Old and Middle English literature, and
choral music in Wisconsin. on best teaching practices in university literature and
writing classrooms.
UW-Parkside Theatre Arts faculty and staff
earned three national-level awards from the
Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
(KCACTF) for their production of Stupid F##king
Bird. JODY SEKAS (associate professor) won for set
design; KEVIN GRAY (sound manager) for sound
design; and JAKE BRAY (production manager, Rita
operations manager) for lighting design.
Scene from Stupid F##king Bird
UW-Parkside, November 2020
NEW FACES
NICK BECKER, a 2018 UW-Parkside alum, is UW-Parkside Athletics’ SHAUN KEATING has joined UW-Parkside as executive
new head wrestling coach. As a student athlete, he was a 3-time NCAA director of enrollment services. Keating brings
Division II National Champion (2016, 2017, 2018), finished his career extensive experience in admissions and student
with a perfect 89-0 record, and is a 2-time NCAA D2 Wrestler of the affairs, and most recently worked at Cardinal Stritch
Year. Most recently, Becker served as the head coach of Wisconsin’s University as director of undergraduate admissions. As
Junior National Team, preparing wrestlers statewide for USA executive director of enrollment services, he will direct
Wrestling’s regional and national events. Admissions & New Student Services, Scholarships &
Financial Aid, and University Marketing.
In Memory
Joseph Balsano (February 4, 2021) Rollin Jansky (March 2, 2021)
Morris Firebaugh (January 1, 2021) John Perez (May 2, 2021)
James Galbraith (February 13, 2021) Kenneth Weston (March 23, 2021)
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 25Alumni
Erika McDade ‘18, “Lady
E Mama,” is the host
and creative mind of the
“Single Mommies Stand
News
Up” featured on Apple
podcasts. Erika’s podcast
was created to help the
single parent balance life,
career, and personal goals
with grace and stability and
become the best versions
of themselves. She is also
2020s the program director for
Nia Imani Family, Inc.,
Sher Umar ’19 and Subhan Umar ’20 are celebrating the Milwaukee’s only long-term
expansion and new location of their family’s business, Kabab transitional housing facility
& Grill in Racine. The restaurant was established in 2004 and for mothers and their
with the expansion, now offers space for banquets. children.
Chance Vang ‘20 was Mohit Pantawne ‘18 was recently promoted to Senior
promoted to general Software Developer at Deloitte in Austin, Texas. Mohit has
manager of the Colorado worked for Deloitte in software development since his
Rush (USL Soccer), making graduation from the Master of Science in Computer and
him the first Hmong- Information Systems (MSCIS) program at UW-Parkside.
American GM in American
soccer. He was previously Eric Snodgrass ‘10 has been promoted to general manager
the assistant GM for the of the Lakeshore Chinooks, a member of the Northwoods
Rush. As a UW-Parkside League, a collegiate summer baseball league. Since joining the
student, Chance was on organization as an intern 10 years ago, he has held various
the Rangers soccer team, leadership roles from sales to Assistant GM.
winning a GLIAC Regular
Season and Tournament
Championship.
2010s 2000s
José Castillo ’12, a video producer for the Milwaukee Bucks TJ Leveque ‘07 is now the executive director of Hawthorn
was part of the Fox Sports Wisconsin and Milwaukee Bucks Hollow, a nonprofit nature sanctuary and arboretum in
team who won a 2019-20 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for Kenosha (just down the road from Parkside!). TJ began as a
their feature “Playing for Justice.” Hawthorn Hollow volunteer in college and has been employed
in all areas of the organization, from farm management to
Jeff Duchrow ’12 is vice president of finance and events, since 2011.
administration for Miller Formless, a provider of midsize
automated paving systems and other products based in Ramie Makhlouf ‘04 is a sports radio talk show host for 1250
McHenry, Ill. Jeff has more than 15 years of experience in AM The Fan in Milwaukee. He continues to perform stand up
corporate finance to oversee the company’s accounting, comedy.
finance, and administrative functions.
Carolyn Eastman ‘18 has joined the Office of Institutional
Research at Carthage College as the data reporting specialist.
Previously, she conducted data analysis and reporting in UW-
Parkside’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.
26 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021Kristen Singer ‘05 was Frances Chatman ’97 has
awarded the Claes Nobel been named the director
Educators of the Year of student teaching at
award by the National Carthage College. A former
Society of High School KUSD educator for 26
Scholars. Kristen teaches years, she is proud to
theatre and choir at continue serving students
Harborside Academy at the college level in the
(Kenosha) and received a Kenosha community.
$5,000 award for use at Frances collaborates
the school. with school districts in
Wisconsin and Illinois as
well as teaches the teacher
candidate seminar course.
Tasia White ‘08 has
opened TaejaVu’s on Main, Paul Connell ‘94 has
a soul food restaurant, in joined the Cozen O’Connor
Racine. Tasia is a former law firm as a member
educator in the Racine and of the State Attorneys
Chicagoland areas, and is General Group. Paul
a lifelong foodie and chef. served as deputy attorney
general and senior counsel
to Wisconsin Attorney
General Brad D. Schimel
from 2015 to 2019. He
will work out of Cozen
O’Connor’s Chicago and
Washington, D.C. offices.
Nicole Leipski ‘98
has been promoted to
Teacher Coordinator for
the UW-Madison Division
of Extension FoodWIse
1990s for Racine and Kenosha
Counties. She was also
Stan Anderson ‘92 leverages his community and social recently selected by the
media networks to raise funds for local Racine area bars statewide FoodWIse
and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals program to serve on the
interested in supporting or following along can visit “Venmo USDA/National Institute
Challenge Racine” on Facebook. for Agriculture (NIFA)
Core Competencies Review/Update Project for USDA-funded
Mark Behl ‘92 has served as Froedtert Health executive Nutrition Educators.
vice president and chief operating officer since July 2020.
In this role, Mark leads operations and care delivery for
the Community Hospital Division, including the community
hospitals initiatives, service lines and ambulatory clinic
operations.
Full stories and more to explore at uwp.edu/magazine | 27Craig Rebro ’95 reports: My wife Brenda Rebro
(Klofenstine), ‘94 and I are the executive directors of Sinani.
This is an NGO in Mpumalanga, South Africa. We made a
Congratulations to
switch from owning and managing HVAC companies in 2014
and moved to South Africa. We currently care for orphan
and vulnerable children in ten communities with our team
Randy Bryant ‘80 and
of twelve full time field workers. We not only feed over
1,200 children daily, we focus on their development through
music and arts, cycling and sport. We’ve worked with the
Kristin Fritz ‘87, ‘90
U.N. to identify refugees in remote locations as well as being
stakeholders with the Office For the Rights Of the Child in S.A.
We also host short term international teams and visitors who
are interested in serving the poor and vulnerable. For more
information you can check out our web site: www.sinani.org.
1980s
Randy and Kristen are recognized in the 2021 BizTimes
Luann Simpson ‘85, along with her business partner Lynelle Notable Alumni list! Notable Alumni celebrates accomplished
Saunders, owns Compassionate Peer Support and Training professionals in the southeastern Wisconsin region and the
LLC. The organization provides support to those living with higher education institutions that attract and develop that
mental health and/or substance use disorders from specialists talent.
who have common, lived experience. They offer peer support,
life coaching and personal development training. Randy is the president and chief executive officer of the Ten
Chimneys Foundation. Ten Chimneys is a National Historic
Sara Walker ‘81 has been Landmark and resource for theater, historic preservation,
appointed as Vice President arts and arts education in Genesee Depot, Wis.
of Investments for Catholic
Financial Life. In this role, Sara Kristin is the vice president, human resources business and
will oversee the organization’s technology at Rockwell Automation in Milwaukee.
$1.7 billion investment
portfolio. She previously
served as senior strategist Read More
and regional director of https://biztimes.com/category/notables/notable-alumni/
investments for BMO Private
Bank, and as chief economist
and investment officer for
Associated Bank.
Share your news online!
Share your latest news, photos, and updated contact
information at uwp.edu/alumni or alumni@uwp.edu
28 | Parkside: The Magazine | Spring/Summer 2021You can also read
