Tag: University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation

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Girls STEM Day Conference to return to UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus

The fourth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference is set to take place Saturday, Nov. 6, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (October 4, 2021) – After a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has once again teamed up with the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation to hold the fourth annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 6, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

The popular event, which is co-chaired annually by Sheboygan Branch AAUW members Dolcye Johnson and Allyson Olivier, is designed to introduce and engage sixth through ninth-grade girls to the wonders of STEM by showcasing the vital and continuously evolving core fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The conference, which runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., features 11 different STEM-inspiring sessions, along with a presentation from keynote speaker UW-Green Bay Resch School of Engineering Professor Dr. Patricia A. Terry from 8:30-9 a.m.

In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, all Girls STEM Day Conference attendees will be required to wear a mask during the event.

The Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has once again teamed up with the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation for the fourth annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 6, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

“Our goal with the Girls STEM Day Conference is to encourage young girls to discover, explore and learn from STEM field experts in a wide range of specialty areas related to careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” Johnson said. “Since 2006, AAUW has taken on an initiative to empower girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. This initiative has taken several forms on a national level. Here in Sheboygan County, we are doing it through this conference.

“We started the Girls STEM Day Conference four years ago in 2017 and 94 girls attended our last event in 2019,” Olivier said. “Our goal is 100 girls this year. This year we will again offer a keynote speech and the girls can choose three out of 11 hands-on STEM-based sessions.”

The conference features an impressive list of STEM field experts, including Terry, who is the leader of UW-Green Bay’s Resch College of Engineering, which includes course work in engineering, computer science and mathematics. Terry joined the UW-Green Bay Department of Applied and Natural Sciences faculty for the fall 1995 semester and earned tenure at the university in 2001 before attaining full professor distinction in 2011. In August 2018, Terry earned the UW-Green Bay Founders Award for Institutional Development for her work in creating engineering programs, campus leadership and dedication to shared governance.

UW-Green Bay Resch School of Engineering Professor Dr. Patricia A. Terry will serve as the keynote speaker during the fourth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 6.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose three of 11 available 45-minute STEM sessions running between 9:15 a.m. and noon.

The STEM sessions over a diverse range of topics including architectural design (Architecture – Design Slam presented by Kurt Davis of Abacus Architects, Emma Gill and Tonya Dittman of Performa Inc.), computer software design (Hello World presented by Laura Lienau, software engineer manager), drone photography (Drone Photography and product development presented by Michael Olivier, professional drone photographer), robotics (Robotics Challenge presented by John Papenheim, owner of roboticsisfun.com), veterinary science (A Look Inside the Biovine Hide presented by Dr. Ellen Hooker, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture veterinarian), forensic science (Forensic Science presented by Sheboygan Police Officer Kehoe), DNA science (What is DNA? presented by Gina Macek of MilliporeSigma), applied chemistry (Chem Demons presented by UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan County Professor James Kabrhal), food science (Favor the Flavor presented by R&D Associate Scientist Becca Stayner and Jane Kettler, Johnsonville environmental leader), the science of color and appearance (The Science of Color presented by Kohler Co. staff members Jennifer Tarplee, Stephanie Soendker, Rachel Feldmann and Katerina Revelis) and hydroponic gardens (Hydroponics presented by Plymouth High School agriscience teacher Tracy Heinbuch).

“We have a wonderful group of expert presenters, who are working in these STEM fields with many years of experience,” Johnson said. “We have middle school and high school teachers, professors, police officers, veterinarians, engineers, product managers and developers and business owners that will be leading the STEM sessions.

“The presenters are genuinely happy to teach these sessions and the girls are so eager to learn,” she said. “It is fun to witness all the excitement that these sessions generate. The best thing is that they are all hands-on too. The girls actually get to experience what it is like to do these types of careers. Four of the sessions covering Architecture – Design Slam, Hydroponics, The Science of Color and Favor the Flavor – are new for this year.”

Two parent sessions will also be featured. Representatives from the Sheboygan Area School District social worker team will present a parent session titled “Impacts of COVID on the Mental Wellness of Middle School Students” from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the other parent session titled “College Prep 101,” which will be led by UW-Green Bay staff, runs from 10:30-12 p.m.

The fourth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference is slated to take place at the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 6.

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes instruction and supplies. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 29.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Benninghaus Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Feingold Family Foundation, H.C. Denison, Nemschoff Chairs Inc., Masters Gallery Foods and Polyfab Corp.

In-kind donors are JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Johnston’s Bakery, Masters Gallery Foods, Old Wisconsin Sausage Co. and Z Spot Expresso & Coffee.

Founded in 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity by empowering women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

The Sheboygan Branch of AAUW grants scholarships each year to non-traditional women students. In 2021, Sheboygan Branch of AAUW distributed four $2,500 scholarships to local non-traditional women working toward a college degree.

Now in its 43rd year, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation supports the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus by providing resources to ensure its success and excellence. The foundation works to enhance the university’s image within the community, broaden its base of financial support and communicate to the public its responsiveness to local needs.

To register or for more information on the Girls STEM Day Conference, visit http://urezsignup.com/event/register.php?event_id=491121 or call Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Dolcye Johnson at 920-458-5819.

October 4, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus to host Girls STEM Day Conference

Girls in sixth through ninth grade will have the opportunity to take part in four different hands-on STEM-inspired sessions, including A Look Inside the Biovine Hide, during the third annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (October 3, 2019) – In an increasingly high-tech world, the search for the next generation of innovative minds in the vital STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math is vast, continuous and ever-changing.

In an effort to introduce and engage sixth through ninth-grade girls to the wonders of STEM, Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has joined with the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation to hold the third annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 2, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

The conference, which runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., features 12 different STEM-inspiring sessions, along with a presentation from keynote speaker Lauren Sammel of Johnsonville LLC., from 8:30-9 a.m.

“Our goal with the Girls STEM Day Conference is to encourage young girls to discover, explore and learn from STEM field experts in a wide range of specialty areas related to careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” AAUW, Sheboygan Branch Member and Girls STEM Day Conference Chair Dolcye Johnson said. “Since 2006, AAUW has taken on an initiative to empower girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. This initiative has taken several forms on a national level. Here in Sheboygan County, we are doing it through this conference.

Girls in sixth through ninth grade will have the opportunity to take part in four different hands-on STEM-inspired sessions, including engineering teamwork, during the third annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

“We started the Girls STEM Day Conference three years ago and 84 girls attended last year,” she said. “Our goal is 100 girls this year. This year we will offer a keynote speech and the girls can choose four out of 12 hands-on STEM-based sessions.”

The conference features an impressive list of STEM field experts, including Sammel, who is the director of Sustainable Swine Resources, a division of Johnsonville LLC focused on porcine material and co-products businesses. With over 15 years of experience in the meat industry, Sammel has led and advanced innovative technical solutions for growth, quality and cost management opportunities.

Lauren Sammel, the director of Sustainable Swine Resources, a division of Johnsonville LLC, will be the featured keynote speaker at the third annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose four of 12 available 45-minute STEM sessions, which cover a diverse range of topics including robotic surgery (Robodoc), paleontology (Digging for Clues), computer software design (Hello World), simple electronic circuits (Squishy Circuits), applied chemistry (Chem Demons), DNA science (What is DNA?), forensic science (Forensic Science), solar energy (Here Comes the Sun), veterinary science (A Look Inside the Biovine Hide), robotics (Robotics Challenge), drone photography (Drone Photography and product development and sensory science (Sensory of Slices).

“We have a wonderful group of expert presenters, who are working in these STEM fields with many years of experience,” Johnson said. “We have middle school and high school teachers, professors, police officers, veterinarians, engineers, product managers and developers and business owners that will be leading the STEM sessions.

“The presenters are genuinely happy to teach these sessions and the girls are so eager to learn,” she said. “It is fun to witness all the excitement that these sessions generate. The best thing is that they are all hands-on too. The girls actually get to experience what it is like to do these types of careers. Seven of our presenters from last year asked to come back this year. In addition, several brand-new sessions are scheduled to debut this year.”

Two parent sessions will also be featured. Former Sheboygan Police Department Detective Tamera Remington will present a parent session on Human Trafficking from 9:15-10:30 a.m. and the other parent session titled College Prep 101, which will be led by UW-Green Bay staff, runs from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

“Detective Remington has been giving presentations on human trafficking to large audiences and we are very happy to have her join us,” UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Director Allyson Meredith Olivier said. “The college prep session will cover college courses, tuition costs and many other topics related to enrolling in college.”

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes lunch. Scholarships are available for those unable to cover the fee. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 25.

Sponsors for this year’s event include American Orthodontics, Garton Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Betty Humke, Feingold Family Charitable Foundation, Johnsonville LLC, Masters Gallery Foods Inc, Robin Callan, Rockline Industries.

In-kind donors are Aurora Health Care, Cousin’s Subs, Festival Foods, JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Old Wisconsin Sausage Inc., Pick n’Save, Tietz’s Piggly Wiggly, Z Spot Espresso & Coffee and Zimmermann Printing.

Founded in 1881, the American Association of University of Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

Now in its 41st year, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation supports the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus by providing resources to ensure its success and excellence. The foundation works to enhance the university’s image within the community, broaden its base of financial support and communicate to the public its responsiveness to local needs.

To register or for more information on the Girls STEM Day Conference, https://www.uwgb.edu/foundation/sheboygan-campus/ or call UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Director Allyson Meredith Olivier at 920-459-6612 or Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Chair Dolcye Johnson at 920-458-5819.

October 3, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

UW-Sheboygan Foundation celebrates 40 years

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (July 2, 2018) – Since its inception in the late 1970s, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation has earned a spot at the head of the class in blazing the trail for students throughout Sheboygan County to pursue their higher-education dreams.

Officially incorporated on Dec. 30, 1977 with its first board meeting held several months later in 1978, this year the UW-Sheboygan Foundation is celebrating 40 years of paving the way for campus building expansion projects, student scholarships and faculty development initiatives.

“Back in the late 1970s, our dean at the time, Dr. Ken Bailey, had a dream to form the UW-Sheboygan Foundation,” UW-Sheboygan Foundation Charter Board Member and Treasurer Gerald Van De Kreeke said. “It was his idea and he saw it through to fruition and here we are 40 years later. Back then, it was one of the first foundations of its kind formed for a two-year campus in the UW-System.”

Since forming four decades ago, the UW-Sheboygan Foundation has raised $6.8 million dollars through community-based fundraising events, contributions and investment income.

“We started small with fundraisers like Chicken and All That Jazz and the Wombat Classic Run,” Van De Kreeke said. “Today, we have our golf outing, which now serves as a big fundraiser for us.”

Over the past 40 years, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation has provided over $3.4 million in updates for campus facilities, equipment, marking/outreach and campus activities.

Through its fundraising efforts, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation has partially funded the Brotz Science Building, the Acuity Technology Center and the Plastics Engineering Company Center for Engineering Studies.

“The buildings that the foundation has had a hand in bringing to the campus were among the most high-profile projects the foundation has been involved with over the years,” Van De Kreeke said. “The Plastics Engineering Company Center for Engineering Studies has played a key role in bringing a four-year engineering degree option to the UW-Sheboygan campus through a partnership with UW-Platteville.”

To date, the foundation has also helped to generate more than $1.8 million dollars to support student scholarships and internships and cover extended degree costs and support expenses for students, as well as faculty and staff development programs.

“We have distributed a tremendous number of scholarships over the years,” Van De Kreeke said. “Over the past few years, we have been giving out an average of 100 scholarships and a total of $100,000 in scholarship funds each year.”

According to UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Officer Allyson Olivier, the 15-member foundation board has derived much of its success from its high profile in the community.

“Our foundation board is a working board of Sheboygan County business leaders  that is very active and well connected in the community,” Olivier said. “They set a plan of action, talk to people and get things done. They are ambassadors and advocates for our campus and never miss an opportunity to talk about the great things going on at UW-Sheboygan when they are out in the community.

“It has been amazing to work with this board over the past two years,” she said. “The members of the board do an amazing job.

University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Board Member Dr. Tom Ries commended the level of commitment of the Sheboygan County business community in supporting the foundation.

“During my 15-year tenure on the foundation board, I have been struck by the generosity of the businesses and individuals in Sheboygan County,” Ries said. “We have a number of great, locally-owned manufacturers that are committed to keeping their money in the community and making it a great place to live, work and get an education.”

After opening in downtown Sheboygan in 1933, UW-Sheboygan moved to its current location at One University Drive on the west side of Sheboygan in 1964.

Over the years, 13-year UW-Sheboygan Foundation Board Member and Past President Elizabeth Braden says the foundation’s commitment to supporting its students and faculty has never wavered.

“UW-Sheboygan is a gem in our community,” Braden said. “It offers students high-quality education at an affordable price, while giving them the opportunity to stay at home and save on housing expenses.”

Above all, the UW-Sheboygan Foundation’s highest priority is providing a multitude of educational opportunities for students.

“Over 50 percent of our student population is comprised of first-generation college students,” Olivier said. “We are providing opportunities to students that may not have gone to college otherwise. Starting out with a strong comfort level with a great student-to-instructor ratio is very important and that is what we offer at UW-Sheboygan.

“Although UW-Sheboygan may be a small school, that does not diminish the size of our students’ dreams,” she said.

For more information on the UW-Sheboygan Foundation, contact UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Officer Allyson Olivier at Allyson.olivier@uwc.edu or 920-459-6612.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

John McGivern to perform at UW-Sheboygan Dec. 8

John McGivern to share holiday stories at UW-Sheboygan

‘Around the Corner’ host sets first ever appearance at UW-Sheboygan Fine Arts Theatre

(University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation) October 26, 2017 – A historic night of laughs featuring a festive home-state trip down memory lane is in store as the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan presents John McGivern for An Evening of Holiday Stories at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Fine Arts Theatre Friday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

McGivern, who has hosted the popular PBS program “Around the Corner with John McGivern” for six seasons, will take to the stage at the intimate UW-Sheboygan Fine Arts Theatre for the very first time to serve up holiday stories from his Wisconsin childhood growing up in an Irish Catholic family.

The show recalls an age of innocence bounded by snow days and Thanksgiving dinners, handcrafted Christmas toys, trees purchased at the Odd-Lot-Tree-Lot, the Milwaukee Journal Calendar Christmas gift, New Year’s Eve in the finished basement and life in the McGivern household during the most cherished time of the year.

A noted actor and writer, McGivern’s film credits include Disney’s “The Princess Diaries.” He has also appeared in numerous one-man and ensemble stage shows, as well as performing stand-up comedy at venues throughout the United States.

Presented by the UW-Sheboygan Foundation, proceeds from McGivern’s appearance will go to support UW-Sheboygan students and the school’s fine arts programs.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring John to UW-Sheboygan for the first time for this very special performance,” University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director Allyson Olivier said. “As a Wisconsin native and through hosting ‘Around the Corner’ on PBS, John as a huge following in the area. He has been doing this show around the state for years to big audiences. I encourage people to get their tickets early to make sure they don’t miss out on what promises to be a very memorable night.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the theater opens at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show.

Tickets are now on sale for $50 for general seating and $75 for limited reserved seating, which includes an exclusive meet and greet with John McGivern following the performance.

Tickets can be purchased at sheboygan.uwc.edu/community/foundation/events or by calling Allyson Olivier at 920-459-6612.

October 26, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson