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With WIAC trophy in hand, Blue Devils hockey team readies for postseason run

giffeyt — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:30:20 +0000

With WIAC trophy in hand, Blue Devils hockey team readies for postseason rungiffeyt February 25, 2026

After first-ever outright regular season title, ‘calm and composed’ squad aims for conference tourney, potential NCAA trip

Tom Giffey

Level-headed play, strong goaltending, and offensive consistency have all contributed to a season of success for the �� Blue Devil ��. hockey team, including a first-ever outright Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference regular season championship.

Now, the Blue Devils are headed into the WIAC Tournament — and potentially the NCAA Division III tourney — as the No. 10 team in the nation.

“We’ve been a very calm and composed team, both with and without a lead, and that has been very helpful for us. We’ve been able to dig out of some games that we probably would have lost last year,” Head Coach Mike MacDonald explained.

“I would say we have a less emotional team than we’ve had in the past when it comes to the highs and lows of the season,” MacDonald continued. “Becoming a little bit more level-headed has benefited us greatly.”

That ��. not to say the Blue Devils (19-5-1 overall, 12-2-1 in WIAC play) and their fans didn’t celebrate on Feb. 14 when the team beat the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds 3-2 to clinch the regular season title. But even as they hoisted the conference trophy, they were looking ahead to tournament play.

The Blue Devils hoist the regular season conference trophy after beating the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds on Feb. 14. / Owen Segna

“Going into the season, that ��. not necessarily your goal, but it ��. a nice achievement along the way,” junior defenseman Sam Kroon, one of three team captains, said of winning the regular season title. “We know we still have a lot to do and a lot of hard work to come, but it ��. definitely a sign of the work we’ve put in throughout the season.”

By beating the Blugolds in two consecutive games to close the regular season, the Blue Devils clinched their first-ever outright WIAC regular season title. (In 2011, they shared the crown with UW-Superior.) Next comes the WIAC Tournament, which for the Blue Devils begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, against UW-Stevens Point at the Fanetti Ice Center in Menomonie. A win that night will send them to the WIAC title game on March 7, where victory will mean a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 17 years.

Goalie Sebastian Monaco, a freshman, has been a standout for the Blue Devils this season. / Jeremy Cwan

Youth, experience combine for Blue Devils

MacDonald said the team has benefited from both experienced veterans and young talent this season. For example, freshman forward Arhip Sidarovich, from Minski, Belarus, earned WIAC Kwik Trip Men ��. Ice Hockey Player of the Week honors in November and ranked as the team ��. No. 2 scorer. Goalie Sebastian Monaco, a fellow freshman from Caledon, Ontario, was WIAC Player of the Week three times this season, most recently after making 58 saves in a two-game sweep of UW-Superior.

After several seasons of junior hockey in his native Ontario, Monaco knew he had to prove himself to earn a spot in the starting lineup. Likewise, the entire team had something to prove, having finished last season 12-13-2 and being picked fifth in the WIAC in a preseason poll. With help from Monaco ��. high save percentage, the team has beat expectations while building confidence.

“Honestly I think when we play with that attitude, that swagger, it ��. pretty hard to beat us — offensively and defensively,” Monaco said.

“We beat everyone in our league multiple times, going into the playoffs,” MacDonald added. “There isn’t a team out there who has our number this season, and that ��. a very good feeling.”

Defenseman Gunner Moore is one of three captains of the 2025-26 Blue Devil hockey team. / Reese Kupsky

The consistent success has rested on the steady shoulders of the team ��. seniors, including defenseman Gunner Moore and forward Kullan Daikawa, both co-captains, who have had to balance the intensity of both academics and athletics in their final semester.

Moore, a B.S. cybersecurity major from Las Vegas, Nevada, explained that as a senior, most of his coursework comes in the form of group projects that require leadership and teamwork, something he ��. accustomed to from years on the ice. His academic field focuses on problem solving and understanding systems — not to mention playing defense — all skills honed in hockey.

Consider the team ��. strength in penalty kill situations, which leave them temporarily shorthanded. “It might look like chaos to people, but there is a system to it,” Moore said of playing defense in the penalty kill. “It ��. built into my head: ‘This is what ��. going to happen.’”

Daikawa, a B.S. health, wellness & fitness major from Lino Lakes, Minnesota, said his academic field has helped him learn how to strengthen and condition his body and to recover faster after competition. “Everything I learn I try to relate it back to hockey,” he said.

Forward Jake McAlpine advances the puck against the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds on Feb. 14. / Ben Killinger

Prepped for the postseason

The Blue Devils regular-season title gave them a bye in the conference tournament, allowing them a couple of weeks to recover and prepare for the postseason, which begins Feb. 28 against UW-Stevens Point. As six-time NCAA champs, the Pointers can’t be taken lightly — but neither can the surging Blue Devils.

“We just take it one game at a time,” Daikawa said. “We’ve stayed calm through the storm, through the whole season.”

Looking forward to representing �� on a larger stage in the postseason, Moore said he ��. reminded of his experience winning a state hockey championship as a high school sophomore. “It was electric: You’d walk into school and people were so excited for you,” Moore said. “Now I’m at the end of my hockey career, and I’m doing that again. It ��. so fun.”

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After first-ever outright regular season title, ‘calm and composed’ squad aims for conference tourney, potential NCAA trip Blue Devils hoist trophy at WIAC regular season victory

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Hero Caption: Members of the �� Blue Devils hockey team celebrate after clinching the regular-season WIAC title on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. / Owen Segna

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�� announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs

giffeyt — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:33:20 +0000

�� announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs giffeyt February 18, 2026

Dr. Ramakrishnan will advance strategic priorities, foster academic initiatives at Wisconsin ��. ��

Tom Giffey

�� has announced that a new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin on Aug. 1.

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, currently special assistant to the provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, will advance strategic priorities and foster academic initiatives that reflect �� . status as Wisconsin ��. ��.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramakrishnan to ��. She brings the background, ideas, and experience that will help advance �� . distinct polytechnic identity and support student success,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank, who announced the appointment on Feb. 16.

With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Dr. Ramakrishnan will work closely with faculty, staff and stakeholders to address regional and state needs and support student success. 

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan

“I am excited to join �� and contribute to its vibrant polytechnic identity,” Ramakrishnan said. “I am inspired by the ‘Do More on Day One’ spirit, and I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to lead Academic Affairs. Together, we will advance academic excellence in alignment with our core polytechnic tenets to better serve our students.”

Glendalí Rodríguez, who has served as �� . provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs since 2019, will return to the faculty within the Operations and Management Department.

Ramakrishnan will come to �� with considerable academic and administrative experience, having served as a professor, chairperson, program director, dean and associate provost (interim). During her tenure at St. Cloud State University and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, she secured or contributed significantly to securing more than $9 million in external grants, including several National Science Foundation grants, which provided scholarships in STEM, improved student success, and enhanced research infrastructure. At Commonwealth University, she established the college ��. first external advisory board and empowered faculty to lead the development of the first college strategic plan.

During her interview process at ��, Ramakrishnan demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and excitement to lead the Academic Affairs unit in advancing �� . polytechnic mission. Ramakrishnan holds a Ph.D. in physical polymer chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science; a M.S. in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; and a B.S. in chemistry from the Sri Sarada College for Women. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow and a Research Associate at Cornell University from 2000 to 2006, including a year as Epilepsy Foundation and Milken Family Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow.

The Provost ��. Office oversees the Division of Academic Affairs, which includes:

Career Services
Center for Applied Ethics
College of Arts & Human Sciences
College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management
Educational Pathways & Outreach
Graduate Studies
Honors College
Menards Center for the Study of Institutions & Innovation
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Office of International Education
Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center

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Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan will advance strategic priorities, foster academic initiatives at Wisconsin ��. �� Latha Ramakrishnan 2025

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�� women ��. golf outpaces field to win conference crown, sets eyes on national tourney

giffeyt — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0000

�� women ��. golf outpaces field to win conference crown, sets eyes on national tourneygiffeyt October 15, 2025

Blue Devils win first WIAC title since 2016, earn NCAA bid

Tom Giffey

The �� women ��. golf team ��. victory this month at the conference championship, where they triumphed by a near-record margin, isn’t the culmination of a season: It ��. a sign of things to come for a young, focused and talented Blue Devils team.

Sophomore Julia Imai and junior Brin Neumann placed first and second individually at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Championship Oct. 3-5 at the Reedsburg Country Club in Reedsburg, topping the leaderboard and driving the Blue Devils to a 48-stroke victory over runner-up UW-Whitewater, the eight-time defending champions. It was the fourth conference title for the Blue Devils, who last won the WIAC crown in 2016, as well as Imai ��. second individual championship.

It was also the second consecutive season that Head Coach Sophia Connett was named WIAC Coach of the Year. At this year ��. WIAC tournament the Blue Devils managed their emotions — and their play — better than they had the previous year, when they came within nine strokes of the title, Connett said.

Golf Coach Sophia Connett with her second consecutive Coach of the Year award. / Steve Frommell

“This year we made it our main focus to address our fears and nerves and just go in with the killer mindset, which I’d say was exemplified by our margin,” Connett said, noting the team took a 19-stroke lead on the first day of this year ��. championship and didn’t look back.

“After day one we had a chat with the girls about staying focused and keeping the same mindset even though we were winning by that much,” Connett continued. “We just wanted to go and do the exact same thing again, and we did.”

Because of the split nature of the college golf season, the Conference Championship wasn’t the end of the road for this year ��. Blue Devil golfers: Barely a week later they finished fifth in a field of 24 teams from across the country at the Golfweek October Classic in Sandestin, Florida, where Imai tied for second place among 120 players. The team will now take a break until spring, when they will begin the second half of the 2025-26 season, culminating in a trip to the NCAA Championship May 19-22 in Palm Desert, California.

“Having nationals in May makes the spring season a little bit more focused and a little bit more competitive, which I would say is exciting for all of us,” Connett said.

Blue Devil sophomore Julia Imai placed first at the 2025 WIAC Championship. / Steve Frommell

‘Championship mentality’ lauded

“We are incredibly proud of our women ��. golf team for winning the WIAC Championship,” said Erin Sullivan, �� director of Athletics and Recreation. “Their unwavering focus and championship mentality were evident throughout the tournament. This marks our first championship of the academic year, and it sets a strong tone for the months ahead. We look forward to supporting the team as they prepare for the national championship in May. They continue to represent �� and Stout Athletics with excellence and pride.”

The championship is the latest in a string of athletic successes for �� women, including the basketball team ��. trip to the NCAA Division III Final Four last spring and the flag football team ��. victory in the first-ever Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship.

Fit to a tee: New Pat Kell Golf Center perfect match for Blue Devil teams, golf management majors

Women ��. and men ��. golf team members and students majoring in golf enterprise management have a new, high-tech playing and learning hub at ��.

Andrew Delong, �� director of golf, said the women ��. golf program has been building toward a WIAC championship over the past few seasons. “To fight for a goal and finally see it accomplished is tremendously rewarding,” Delong said. “Achievements like this take a whole community. While our student athletes played exceptionally and deserve the spotlight, the contributions of so many others in and around Menomonie cannot be overlooked.”

In particular, Delong credited Tanglewood Greens, a Menomonie golf course, for providing access to help players develop their skills, as well as the flexibility that �� instructors give to student athletes during the season. Donors are also critical to the program ��. success, Delong said.

“The Pat Kell Golf Center, our indoor facility made possible by Mike Kell and his family, has given our players an incredible space to train over the winter months,” he added. “Finally, the support and pride demonstrated by Chancellor Katherine Frank and our upper administration is contagious and our golfers carry it out on the course.”

Coaches and team members celebrated the conference championship in Reedsburg. / Steve Frommell

Competing at a high level

Imai and Neumann — who finished with three-round scores of 230 and 233 respectively — were part of a strong �� squad at the WIAC Championship, where all five players ended in the top nine, including junior Ashleigh Johnson and senior Hallie Tulip, who tied for fifth at 239, and freshman Sarah Chaffee, who placed ninth with a score of 242.

In just her third season as head coach, Connett said she has been able to form a team with strong bonds on and off the course. “Pretty quickly we got a bunch of girls that I would say all share the same mindset,” she explained. “They all want to work hard. They all want to get better. They all want to compete at a high level.”

And they certainly have competed at a high level. Consider Imai, who was chosen as WIAC Golfer of the Year and WIAC Newcomer of the Year last season as a freshman.

“I’ve always felt that if I do good for myself it ��. good for the team,” said Imai, a food science major from Brookline, Massachusetts. “What ��. best for me is best for the team.”

Reflecting on last year ��. second-place WIAC finish, Imai added: “Knowing where we were last year, being so close as a team, and then just to be able to actually compete all three days and take home the win, that was very fulfilling for us.”

Neumann added that competing at the WIAC Championship was different from taking part in other tournaments. “When you go to conference and you’re representing Stout, you’re playing for the entire school,” said Neumann, a professional and technical communication major from Warrens. “It ��. such a big privilege that out of the whole university population, we get to go out and do that.”

And representing �� in an overwhelming victory was particularly satisfying, Neumann added. “People asked me, ‘Oh, wouldn’t you want a closer finish?’ And I said, ‘Heck no,’” she laughed.

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PHOTO ESSAY: Backyard Bash 2025

goersab — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:35:37 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: Backyard Bash 2025goersab September 15, 2025

‘Being in a club is a chance for growth.’

Backyard Bash, �� . annual student organization fair, invites students to meet with representatives from more than 150 student organizations, explore campus resources, and enjoy free food and entertainment.

Four student representatives share what their clubs – the Service Club at Stout and the Industrial Designers Society of America – are all about and their advice to new students at Stout.

Colten Berkner is a senior in computer and electrical engineering from Amboy, Minnesota. He is the Service Club treasurer.
Allie Mahon is an early childhood education junior from St. Paul. She is the digital media lead for the club.
Tyler Tran is an industrial and product design junior from Verona. He is the IDSA club secretary.
Owen Bailey is a sophomore in industrial and product design from Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He is the club ��. public relations officer.

What are the main goals of your student organizations?

Colten: With Service Club, our goal is to give back. We do a lot of volunteer work around the Menomonie community and around campus. We have social get-togethers, like free food events, to strengthen and build our community, making friends along the way and to bring the whole campus together.

Tyler: IDSA is about connecting industrial design majors with industry professionals. A big push is giving them some experience – that can come in the form of tours of industry, like we’ll be touring Polaris soon, or with workshops we host. It ��. also just a great way to connect with different classes of industrial design students, and that ��. really important because you can learn from anybody and you can meet people outside of your cohort.

What ��. your advice to first-year students looking to get involved on campus?

Allie: Try new things. I was never in a club in high school. Getting involved in the Service Club was a huge step for me. Take that leap of faith, and don’t be scared to try something that ��. out of your comfort zone.

Owen: Showing up to meetings is as easy as it gets. Everyone is extremely friendly. My first year was just last year, and now as a sophomore, I’m an officer in the club. It ��. really just about showing up.

Colten: Push yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Find a club that aligns with your goals and what you like in life. This is the time to do it, because college is the time to find yourself. People told me as a freshman to find a club I liked, and I kind of ignored them. I do regret that now as a senior.

What ��. something you’ve learned in your organization?

Tyler: I think it ��. kind of rare to be tasked with showing up outside of academics and personal friendships. Being in a club, it ��. kind of this third amorphous form of relationship – it ��. kind of a good test in that way, where you need to work that muscle of showing up for people and seeing how that can impact the community and the people around you. Of course, we all become friends through being together and interacting. Being in a club is a chance for growth.

Colten: Talking with people and building relationships. As an engineer, something that I struggle with is the social aspect of things. But here I am at a recruitment event, talking to people – random strangers I’ve never met. Being in a club has helped me deal with my social anxiety and connect with people and be my true self.

Allie: That social aspect is huge. Being able to connect with people you’ve never met before, and who may not share the same interests as you, is awesome. And there ��. a lot of planning involved in a club and working as a team with our executive board and members.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming year, in general?

Allie: In terms of Service Club, I’m really excited for all of these new freshmen. I’m always excited to grow our club and see where we can go with it. I hope to build our outreach with more students who love to volunteer and get out into the community.

Tyler: I’m taking a sewing class, and I haven’t sewn anything since seventh grade in a family and consumer science class. It will be a really interesting challenge, and I’m sure I’ll be very frustrated, but I also like working on things like that..

Owen: As a sophomore, I’m excited to start in my industrial design courses. Also, the Design Wisconsin event was great last spring, and I’m looking forward to next year ��. event.

To learn more about ways to get involved throughout the year, your student can download the CONNECT app, read the daily Campus Life Today email and explore upcoming events.

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PHOTO ESSAY: Celebrating the Blue Devil Community

goersab — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:13:22 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: Celebrating the Blue Devil Communitygoersab September 11, 2025

First-year students join our Stout family at Blue Rah and Week One Orientation events

Week One Orientation hosts some of Stout ��. most loved annual events, kicking off with Blue Rah, just for first-year students. For the first time, they truly feel like Blue Devils as they gather in Johnson Fieldhouse for music, lights, dancing and minute-to-win-it games.

Blue Devil Productions presents free student events throughout the year. This year opens with a night of laughter featuring comedian Ahmed Al-Kadri, whose humorous stories build good vibes and community.

BDP also hosts live music. Student musician Brennan Delaney is the opener for an independent rock headliner band, Recess, during WOO.

WOO gives students time to adjust to campus life, connect with their dormmates and peers, play games and just hang out.

They check out campus happenings, like Nacho Average Bingo, Bob Ross painting sessions, crafting activities and movie nights on the big screen outside at the Memorial Student Center amphitheater. They get to know their new town at Meet Menomonie, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

The fun doesn’t stop after classes start. There is always something to do at Stout. A rainy day couldn’t stop the 40th anniversary of the Great Stout Cookout. Students, faculty and staff gather to enjoy food, music and community, marking the start of a successful school year.

To learn more about ways to get involved throughout the year, your student can download the CONNECT app, read the daily Campus Life Today email and explore upcoming events.

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February 3, 2026

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�� stands out among peers as enrollment grows in all categories for 2025-26 academic year

giffeyt — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:41:26 +0000

�� stands out among peers as enrollment grows in all categories for 2025-26 academic yeargiffeyt September 9, 2025

Growth in freshman class, transfer admissions among best in Wisconsin

Tom Giffey

University of Wisconsin-Stout already stands out among its peers as Wisconsin ��. only ��. This fall, it also stands apart as the only one of the Universities of Wisconsin to demonstrate growth in all major enrollment categories, including new freshmen, new transfer students, other undergraduates, graduate students, total headcount and full-time equivalent students.

�� . enrollment growth for the 2025-26 academic year is among the strongest of the state ��. 13 public universities, with overall enrollment rising and the freshmen headcount growing by more than 6%.

Enrollment for the fall semester, which began Sept. 3, is estimated at 7,047 students, a 2% increase over fall 2024. The figure put �� in the top five for overall growth among its 12 peers in the Universities of Wisconsin, according to preliminary numbers based on Day One enrollment.

The enrollment figures reflect �� . Polytechnic Advantage – with its ongoing emphasis on applied learning, business and industry partnerships, and career-focused experiences – as well as the university ��. efforts to strategically expand enrollment, Chancellor Katherine Frank said.

“�� has been very intentional in our work connected with enrollment,” Frank explained. “We are delighted to see the increase in our student population and that our stakeholders are recognizing the value of the polytechnic education we offer here at ��.”

Chancellor Katherine Frank speaks at the Blue Rah celebration for incoming freshmen.

Among the strongest areas of growth is in the number of first-year students, which expanded 6.3% from last fall to an estimated 1,273 freshmen on the first day of classes.

“A �� education continues to grow in appeal,” Director of Admissions Brian Weber said. “We hear it from our proud alumni all the time, and future students and families are taking note that the student experience at �� will set them up for long-term success. With an increase of new freshman of more than 6%, including increases in Wisconsin residents, more students are saying yes to a polytechnic education. For many students choosing ��, opportunities to apply learning on campus and through industry collaborations are top of mind – they want to make sure they’re preparing well for life after college, and we plan to support them in that.”

Fully 99% of �� graduates were either employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, according to the most recent First Destination Report, which covers those who graduated between fall 2023 and summer 2024. Those who received undergraduate degrees during that time reported average starting salaries of $57,000, the highest among universities in the region, while recipients of graduate degrees reported an average salary of $74,000.

Students celebrate at the Blue Rah event.

Another area of notable enrollment growth is among transfer students: That number rose 8% compared with fall 2024 after having grown 16% the previous year, said Meridith Wentz, vice chancellor for enrollment and quality.

“Growth of transfer students is one of the key initiatives in our strategic enrollment plan,” Wentz explained. Steps taken to assist transfer students include significantly expanding articulation agreements with other institutions, streamlining the review process to speed up admissions decisions, and implementing systematic and proactive outreach to re-enroll students who left �� without graduating, she said.

“We very intentionally ramped up support for transfer students through additional staffing to include faster responses and more flexibility for students,” Weber added. “When transfer students work with our team, they know they will quickly get the answers and help that they need.”

Preliminary enrollment estimates for all 13 public universities in Wisconsin were released Tuesday, Sept. 9. Final figures, based upon the number of students enrolled as of the 10th day of classes, will be available later this fall.

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Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan will advance strategic priorities, foster academic initiatives at Wisconsin ��. ��

February 18, 2026

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January 23, 2026

Growth in freshman class, transfer admissions among best in Wisconsin �� students on campus

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Breaking gridiron ground: �� triumphs in first-ever women ��. flag football league sponsored by Minnesota Vikings

giffeyt — Tue, 06 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Breaking gridiron ground: �� triumphs in first-ever women ��. flag football league sponsored by Minnesota Vikingsgiffeyt May 6, 2025

Blue Devils finish with 8-3 record, becomes first four-year university in Wisconsin to field a sponsored team

Tom Giffey

Just a handful of months after being recruited for a brand-new team in a brand-new league, the members of the University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. flag football team hoisted a championship trophy April 26 on the field at the Minnesota Vikings’ TCO Performance Center.

The history-making nature of their victory in the Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship was not lost on �� players or coaches, who grabbed the opportunity to join the Vikings-sponsored league and ran it right into the end zone.

“I think it ��. something that we’re going to look back on and be in awe that we were part of the first flag football season,” said student assistant coach Rosella Wille. “We’re going to look back and tell our daughters and granddaughters, ‘That was us.’”

It was a joyous ending to the team ��. 8-3 season in the new league, which includes six universities from the Upper Midwest. �� was the sole competitor from Wisconsin, putting the school at the vanguard of a rapidly growing sport as the first four-year university in the state to field an officially sponsored team.

Quarterback Allison Letcher looks to pass.

Few of the 24 women on the Blue Devils squad had previous experience playing organized football, but they demonstrated plenty of athletic talent – not surprising, considering most have taken part in other varsity or club sports teams on campus.

The team was quarterbacked by senior Allison Letcher, also a member of the women ��. basketball team, which reached the NCAA Division III Final Four in March just weeks before the first flag football game. Other players came with experience in gymnastics, soccer, softball, golf, rugby and track, but they bonded quicky as they learned football fundamentals.

“It was all so much fun – the energy around it,” said junior running back Anna Odisho, also a member of the varsity soccer team. “It happened so fast, and everyone was all-in on it.”

“Every moment leading up to that was memorable,” fellow running back Adalyn Lehman said of the championship game against Augustana University. “There was so much joy that whole day.”

Blue Devil players watch from the sidelines during the inaugural Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship.

Blue Devils blaze a trail

About a year ago, �� Athletic Director Duey Naatz became part of a conversation about forming a women ��. flag football league that involved other universities in the region as well as both the Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Ultimately, the Vikings committed $140,000 to kick-start the collegiate league, and by the beginning of the academic year �� was finalizing plans for a team and starting to recruit players on campus.

“It worked because of the Vikings’ support and their communication,” said Naatz, Stout ��. onetime varsity football coach who returned to the sidelines to lead the flag football team. “We knew it was a reality, and that we wanted to be a part of it.”

While flag football isn’t yet an official NCAA sport, it ��. expected to be designated an “emerging sport” for women by the NCAA next year. As such, �� made the decision to treat flag football as a varsity team, Naatz said.

“We wanted to be a leader in providing opportunities in our state, so having it as part of our sports module was important to us,” he said.

The league – whose other founding members are Augustana, Concordia College Moorhead, Gustavus Adolphus College, Bethel University and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul – was officially announced in March, and practices began soon after.

Members of �� . squad said they joined the team for the chance to play a sport they loved but had rarely – if ever – had a chance to play.

Coach Duey Naatz, right, speaks with players on the sidelines, including Halle Maki-Waller, center.

“I joined rugby because I loved football and it was the closest thing I could get to it, so flag football was a no-brainer for me,” said senior receiver Halle Maki-Waller, a member of the school ��. rugby team, a club sport.

“Every game was a learning experience, and we were learning the rules alongside the other teams and the coaches and the refs,” Maki-Waller said.

Lehman, a graduate student who was part of the track and field team during her undergraduate career at University of Minnesota Duluth, hadn’t planned on joining an organized sport at ��. That changed when she saw a poster advertising the new team. She soon found a strong camaraderie with the other players as they drilled on the game ��. fundamentals.

While in many ways similar to standard football, flag football has certain significant differences – most notably, tackling is replaced by pulling off one of the flags worn around a player ��. waist. Games are 30 minutes long and are played with five players on a side, and the offense must make it to midfield within their first four downs, then reach the end zone within another four plays.

Lehman credits the experienced coaching staff and the team ��. focus on building skills with their early success. “I think it gave us an advantage because we worked on fundamentals first, so then in our first jamboree we did so much better than the other teams,” Lehman said.

The Blue Devils won the two games they played in their debut jamboree on April 5 in St. Paul, then went 2-2 during a jamboree they hosted on campus at Williams Stadium on April 12.

Two weeks later, they traveled to the Vikings’ state-of-the-art training facility in Eagan, Minnesota, for the league ��. double-elimination championship tournament.

Blue Devil Anna Mutch runs the ball during the April 26 championship.

Team bounced back in final game

Wille, the student coach, said the team tackled the challenges of a new sport while bonding quickly over the course of a relatively brief season. “They faced adversity really well. Anything that came their way, they just ran through a wall,” she said.

At the final tournament, the Blue Devils were seeded fourth in the six-team field, so they knew they had something to prove. As the day progressed, they beat Augustana, Augsburg, and Concordia College to reach the championship bracket. There they again faced the Augustana Vikings, who had fought their way through the consolation bracket. In the rematch, the Blue Devils fell short on a two-point conversion when going for the win in overtime, losing 41-42 and setting up a final, winner-take-all game.

With no time to wallow after their narrow loss, �� returned to the field and persevered in the championship final with a 46-31 win.

The �� Blue Devils face off against the Augustana Vikings.

“It took effort to get there, but that ��. what we wanted,” Odisho said. “No matter what happened throughout every game that day we were just thinking, ‘Championship, championship. We’re not losing, we’re not going home, no matter what.’”

At the end of the day, the team did go home – but not until they hoisted their trophy and reveled in the landmark moment.

“It ��. been a wonderful experience to be a part of,” reflected Naatz, who will retire in September after a 35-year career at ��. “I’m glad I was a part of history.”

Already, �� is beginning to field inquiries from would-be student athletes who want to come to Menomonie to play flag football, Naatz said. As the sport continues to grow, he hopes it ultimately becomes an official Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Conference sport, giving the Blue Devils a chance to compete against their Wisconsin peers.

Until then, he said, “We’ll continue to be leaders in this area. Once you see them practice and compete, why wouldn’t you provide that opportunity?”

�� Blue Devils greet the Augustana Vikings on the TCO Performance Center field.

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Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines

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Blue Devil women ��. basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

goersab — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:11:45 +0000

Blue Devil women ��. basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Fourgoersab March 24, 2025

Records set in tenacious battle against undefeated, defending champions NYU

Abbey Goers

The �� Blue Devil women ��. basketball team ��. Cinderella run to the Final Four on March 20, marked the team ��. best result in the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

No. 22 �� faced No. 1-ranked, undefeated defending national champions New York University in their first-ever matchup against the Violets, at the Cregger Center, Roanoke College, in Salem, Virginia.

The Blue Devils started strong, trading baskets early with the Violets, but NYU ��. relentless full-court pressure propelled them into a 41-20-point lead at halftime. And although the Blue Devils outscored NYU 16-14 in the third quarter and matched them point for point in the fourth, they couldn’t make up the gap. The final score of 55-74 – one of the smallest winning margins for the Violets this season – proved the Blue Devils’ drive as they put up a tenacious battle for each basket.

Blue Devil women's basketball celebrate their win over Scranton to earn a spot in the Final Four / Jeremy Cwan

The Blue Devils completed their historic season 23-8, 10-4 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference. The Violets extended their winning streak to an astounding 61 games – the longest in NCAA basketball.

Despite the loss, senior Raegen Sorensen delivered a stellar farewell performance, scoring 29 points, while grabbing eight rebounds. With her 14th point of the game in the third quarter, Sorensen surpassed Julia Hirssig ��. all-time �� scoring record of 1,738 points, set in 2010. She finishes her career as the Blue Devils’ all-time leading scorer with 1,754 career points.

“These guys just leave it all on the floor. I think it just makes people see their heart, their intensity and want to be a fan. It ��. a special thing that ��. not everywhere. And it ��. something we’re going to hold onto as long as we can,” Head Coach Hannah Iverson said in an interview with D3hoops.com.

Head Coach Hannah Iverson cuts down the net after the Blue Devils' win in the Elite Eight / Jeremy Cwan

A team that inspires emotion with a team-first emphasis

The Blue Devils historic run was led by a veteran group of five starting seniors – five offensive and defensive threats running the boards. The team has eight graduating seniors:

Allison Letcher: guard; psychology; Windom, Minnesota
Sam Schaeffer: guard; health, wellness and fitness; DeForest
Amanda Giesen: forward; business administration; New Prague, Minnesota
Elissa Lodermeier: guard; psychology; Goodhue, Minnesota
Raegan Sorensen: guard; environmental science; Centuria
Anna Mutch: guard; psychology; Apple Valley, Minnesota
Lexi Wagner: guard; master ��. in education; Galesville
Sophie Moran: student manager; health, wellness and fitness; Shakopee, Minnesota

Their trademark grit and toughness brought on an extremely physical brand of basketball, and with a team culture built on confidence and competitiveness, they were willing to do whatever it took to win.

Senior guard Raegan Sorensen / D3 photography

Balance is what wins �� games, Iverson said, adding that their team-first emphasis ensures that every night brings about the possibility of someone different stepping into the spotlight.

“Playing really hard for someone more than yourself – that ��. what this group does. All these kids, they don’t care who does it; it just matters that it gets done. It ��. not just one kid going and putting on a show. It ��. a collective effort of 16 individuals, surrounded by a big outer circle who are supporting us and yelling for us,” she said.

The decorated starters were led by Sorensen. A dominant force, she thrived on her athleticism, using her quick first step to slash to the basket and knock down mid-range jumpers. Alongside Sorensen was Mutch, the emotional leader of the team and a clutch performer who embraced physical play and sought contact on the offensive end. Giesen was the team ��. strong primary post presence, while Schaeffer orchestrated the offense and led the team in assists. She was often tasked with shutting down the opponent ��. top scorer. Wagner was the premier three-point shooter, with one of the top percentages in the country.

Senior guard Anna Mutch / Jeremy Cwan

To play again at 'Johnny'

The Blue Devils’ dance began with a homecourt advantage at �� . Johnson Fieldhouse – Johnny – in rounds one and two of the national tournament.

They defeated Ripon College in the opener, with a commanding victory of 87-57, led by Sorensen ��. 32 points, her third 30-point game over the last four contests. The Blue Devils shot an efficient 55%, with 18 forced turnovers and 18 assists.

Senior forward Amanda Giesen / Jeremy Cwan

The following night, the Blue Devils rallied after an early deficit against No. 6 Whitman College, of Walla Walla, Washington. They took control in the second half. Then, with 1:23 left in the fourth quarter and the score knotted at a nail-biting 67 apiece, the Blue Devils’ composure under pressure ended Whitman ��. 19-game winning streak. They claimed a 75-69 victory and a return to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season – and the second time in team history.

Mutch delivered a career-high 31-point, 12-rebound double-double. The team hit 23-of-24 free-throws, for a shooting percentage of 95.8, including clutch makes in the final minutes.

More than 3,000 fans rocked The Johnny during the two matchups, with cheers led by an enthusiastic student section, including five in the front row wearing “STOUT” painted in bold blue letters across their chests, and roaring support from the bench.

STOUT students and fans rocked Johnson Fieldhouse / Jeremy Cwan

“It was a privilege to host an event like the NCAAs, and due to all the support and help from our campus community, it was an awesome event. The hard work of everyone involved and all the fans who attended showed people outside of our organization a true Stout Proud experience,” said Athletics Director Duey Naatz.

Dancing in the Sweet 16 to earn a hard-fought spot in the Elite Eight

The Blue Devils’ trip to the Elite Eight started off with a matchup against WIAC conference rival No. 5 UW-Whitewater at John Long Center, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This was the teams’ fourth matchup of the season – UW-Whitewater had bested �� 69-63 in the WIAC semifinals just two weeks prior.

Senior guard Sam Schaeffer / D3 photography

In a game driven by defense, the WIAC rivals held each other to a shooting average of just 33.3%. But with a 19-point final period and with 15 forced turnovers, �� sealed the win, 62-56. The crowd roared in the final minutes, “Let ��. Go Blue! Let ��. Go Blue!”

Sorensen hit a double-double, scoring 25 points, adding 13 rebounds and four steals. Mutch tallied 19 points, with a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Senior guard Lexi Wagner / Jeremy Cwan

For the first time in team history, the Blue Devils earned a place in the Elite Eight, where they faced No. 5 University of Scranton on the Royals’ homecourt.

After seven lead changes, the game was tied at 77-77 in the final minute. Giesen scored the go-ahead basket with 32 seconds remaining, knocking down a contested jumper as the shot clock expired. Then, following key defensive stops, Sorensen secured the game with a pair of free throws in the closing seconds, capping off a thrilling 81-77 victory.

Sorensen led with a dominant performance, matching a career-high 33-point total. Giesen finished with 22 points, five rebounds and three steals. The Blue Devils made 18 points off turnovers and shot 50% from the field, including 7-of-15 from beyond the arc.

Hitting another historic first, the Blue Devils punched their ticket to the Final Four.

Blue Devils hoist their Final Four trophy / Jeremy Cwan

Blue Devils named to All-WIAC, D3hoops.com teams

The Blue Devils were the only WIAC team this season averaging above 70 points per game at 72.3, they shot the league-best 46.8% from the field and averaged 14.5 assists per game. They rank fourth in DIII women ��. basketball in attendance.

All five starting seniors were named to the WIAC postseason awards, for their outstanding performances.

Sorensen, Mutch and Giesen were named to the All-WIAC Team:

Sorensen capped off a historic career by becoming �� . all-time leading scorer with 1,754 points, topping the previous record by 16 points. She holds the program record for highest career points per game, averaging 18.3 points this season, and led the WIAC in field goal percentage. Sorensen ranks fifth all-time in program history with 737 career rebounds, pulling down an average of 6.4 rebounds per contest this season. She averaged 25.4 points per game in the NCAA Tournament. She was a D3hoops.com Preseason All-American, earned a spot on the D3hoops.com All-Region 9 First Team, was honored as a D3hoops.com Second-Team All-American and was named a Women ��. Basketball Coaches Association NCAA Division III Honorable Mention All-American.
Mutch made her mark in the record books, finishing fourth all-time with 1,449 career points. She averaged 13.4 points per game this season and climbed to eighth in career rebounds with 660. She was named to the D3hoops.com All-Region 9 Third Team.
Giesen completed her strong career, ranking sixth in career scoring with 1,330 points. She averaged 12.1 points per game this season and tallied 543 career rebounds, placing her 13th in program history.

Senior guard Raegan Sorensen / D3 photography

Wagner earned a WIAC Honorable Mention as one of the premier three-point shooters in the nation with a 45.7% shooting mark from beyond the arc, leading the WIAC in the regular season. She averaged 12.2 points per game. Wagner topped a 25-year-old school record by knocking down nine three-pointers in a single game and was named WIAC Kwik Trip Women ��. Basketball Player of the Week twice this season.

Schaeffer ��. defensive prowess earned her a place on the WIAC All-Defensive Team, as well as the All-Sportsmanship Team for her leadership and character. She recorded 37 steals and boasted an impressive 3.4 assist-to-turnover ratio, one of the highest in the nation. She leads the program record with 121 games played, followed by Mutch with 120.

Schaeffer has been selected as one of 80 student athletes nationwide to participate in the “So You Want To Be a Coach” program, hosted by the Women ��. Basketball Coaches Association, and will participate in a two-day workshop in April during the WBCA Convention in Tampa, Florida.

Senior guard Anna Mutch / Jeremy Cwan

From Johnson Fieldhouse to Williams Stadium

Giesen, Letcher, Mutch and Schaeffer, and junior Rosella Wille, will trade in their sneakers for cleats this spring, stepping off the boards at Johnson Fieldhouse and onto the turf at Williams Stadium.

They’ve joined the newly formed Blue Devils women ��. flag football team – along with 15 other student athletes – and will be led by Naatz as head coach. Naatz is in his 35th year with the Blue Devils and 15th as director of athletics.

�� is partnering with the Minnesota Vikings and five NCAA institutions to launch the collegiate league. Teams will compete in two jamborees and a championship tournament this April:

Saturday, April 5: Jamboree at University of Northwestern, St. Paul
Saturday, April 12: Jamboree at ��
Saturday, April 26: Championship tournament at TCO Stadium, in Minneapolis

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Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines

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Records set in tenacious battle against undefeated, defending champions NYU Women's basketball team. Photo by Jeremy Cwan

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Lunchtime lab: Students learn restaurant management skills with new campus café initiative

polingj — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:32:56 +0000

Lunchtime lab: Students learn restaurant management skills with new campus café initiativepolingj October 22, 2024

Hospitality and dietetics majors gain firsthand knowledge by covering shifts at Fireside Café, including planning menu items

For a group of Fireside Café student employees at ��, lunchtime this fall also means lab time.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Memorial Student Center, they prep the made-to-order restaurant for its 11 a.m. opening, then greet customers and prepare orders such as stir fries, paninis and burritos throughout the middle of the day.

They are more than part-time University Dining Services employees: They also are students majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management and in dietetics, gaining a deeper understanding of how restaurants operate and how food is prepared and served so that they are ready to manage similar operations, if they choose, during their careers.

Liliana Mohror, a dietetics student, prepares an order at Fireside Café. / ��

Dressed in University Dining Services’ blue and black uniforms, the Food Service Production and Operations class leads customer-facing operations at the popular restaurant, which fills 200 to 300 orders a day.

It's a real-life lab — true hands-on learning — with hungry guests expecting a good experience. “You wouldn’t think of this place as a classroom,” said Ada Stenstrom, an HRTM major from Wausau, as she surveyed her classmates busy behind the glass counters filled with various entrees.

“Students are seeing every aspect of operations,” Professor Kristal Gerdes said. “They’re gaining more valuable experience than they could get in a traditional lab. It ��. a perfect marriage of academics and Dining Services.”

HRTM student Abby Bjorkstrand serves a customer at Fireside Café as part of the new lab experience in the Food Service Production and Operations class. / ��

HRTM is one of �� . executive hospitality management programs, which earlier this year were ranked in the top 10 in the world by CEOWorld magazine.

Managerial training

At Fireside, which is near a fireplace on the second floor of a dining and student lounge area, students are gaining management-level experience in several ways.

Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5, for about two weeks, each student will be responsible for creating an entrée that will be featured during lab time at the Comfort Zone station. They also will test the recipe, order the food through university suppliers and oversee preparation of it.

Students are learning about food costs, industry-standard software, how to work with a budget and how to collaborate with a chef, Executive Chef David Leach, who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America.

They also are gaining knowledge about and using state-of-the-art restaurant equipment.

Nicolle Demulling, a dietetics student, works at Fireside Café under the direction of Professor Kristal Gerdes. / ��

“We are not training students to be chefs, but we want them to know enough about the kitchen side so they can hire the right chef,” Gerdes said. “This experience is teaching them how to be good leaders in the hospitality industry. It ��. a level of experience they need.”

When the course began, Dining Services Associate Director Jason Horzewski, a certified ServSafe instructor, held a classroom training session on how to safely handle food. Students now can add the ServSafe Food Handler certification to their resumes.

Class members work at a serving station for two days, then rotate to the next one. Before they move on, they act as trainers — training the classmates who will replace them.

The six food stations have more than 50 menu items that students need to know how to prepare and serve. Also, they stock a grab-and-go area and oversee the pay station.

Fireside Cafe in the student center has six made-to-order food stations. / ��

Stenstrom had previous restaurant kitchen experience and in catering — a field she hopes to go into — but is pleased to be seeing all aspects of the Fireside operation. “This has helped me solidify my customer experience and interaction,” she said. “It ��. like an internship.”

Mobile ordering also is available at Fireside, meaning students need to check printouts and prepare those orders for pick-up.

“By the end of the semester they could run shifts by themselves. They will be like student managers,” said Justin Krahn, director of Dining Services. “They have rotations in every area and are learning different food preparation techniques.

Front: Nicolle Demulling, Abby Bjorkstrand, Megan Wengelski, Scarlett Spagna, Tony Kirk, Megan Johnston. Back: Ada Stenstrom, Liliana Mohror, Madeline Westerholm, Alex Lerch. / ��

“We’re about the total student experience, not just food,” Krahn said, noting that Dining Services employs about 250 students across 12 food service operations on campus.

Alternative needed with Heritage Hall renovation

The idea for the Fireside lab experience came together about a year ago. Typically, students get restaurant training at the Heritage Hall Corner III Café, which is open to the public only as needed to support classes. However, Heritage Hall will be renovated starting in spring 2025, and an alternative restaurant and kitchen site was needed for at least the next two years.

“The Heritage renovation is what brought this course to the forefront. There were some discussions about how we could collaborate,” Krahn said.

Gerdes, Krahn and Horzewski along with Dining Services Unit Manager Jenny Ecklor and Food Service Manager Lindsay Schade have a good feel for how the class can be a valuable experience — they are �� alumni and graduates of the HRTM program.

Faculty and staff working with the class, front row from left, Jenny Ecklor, Justin Krahn, Kristal Gerdes and Lindsay Schade. Back row from left, Jason Horzewski and David Leach. / ��

Gerdes, Krahn and Horzewski along with Dining Services Unit Manager Jenny Ecklor and Service Manager Lindsay Schade have a good feel for how the class can be a valuable experience — they are �� alumni and graduates of the HRTM program.

Gerdes said she is “so impressed” with the students. “They’re engaged with the customers and becoming very efficient in their jobs. I couldn’t ask for the class to be going better.”

The live lab also is filling a need: Fireside has struggled in the past few years with staffing shortages, forcing some station modifications and the restaurant to limit its hours. This semester the restaurant is fully staffed daily on its busiest days, Monday through Thursday.

In addition to getting an hourly wage during their lab times, students get a free lunch and can pick up more hours during other shifts if they choose.

In 2023, Dining Services received the state Regents University Staff Excellence Program Award. It ��. one of five self-operated dining services in the UW System, meaning revenue is retained on campus.

Dining is aligned with university initiatives, including student experience. Student success is the leading goal of �� . FOCUS2030 strategic plan.

###

For a group of Fireside Café student employees at ��, lunchtime this fall also means lab time. Fireside lab 3

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Hero Caption: Student Abby Bjorkstrand finishes an order at Fireside Café, where students are working for their two weekly lab sessions.

Kristal Gerdes

With a passion for the hospitality and tourism industry, I bring enthusiasm and real-world experience into the classroom. I create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares students for successful careers in hospitality, tourism, and event management. I emphasize honesty, integrity, and fairness, fostering a safe and inclusive space where students learn from both me and each other.

Through strong partnerships with industry leaders at local and national levels, I connect students with real-world experiences, including guest speakers, live case studies, internships, and cooperative education opportunities. My teaching approach integrates interactive activities, applied learning, and cutting-edge technology to cater to different learning styles, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Recognized for my dedication and innovative teaching methods, I strive to inspire the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals by making learning relevant, exciting, and career-focused.

Teaching Interests: Event Tourism, Convention & Meeting Planning, Development of Tourism, Assessable Tourism

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‘Disquiet Dream’ by industrial design student featured at Rassbach Museum ��. haunted house exhibit

goersab — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:37:20 +0000

‘Disquiet Dream’ by industrial design student featured at Rassbach Museum ��. haunted house exhibitgoersab October 21, 2024

Van der Hagen ��. massive dream-inspired deer sculpture brings joy, wonder in the face of dread

Abbey Goers

What if emotions could manifest themselves? What if we could give them a name and a face? Would depression, anxiety or loneliness be easier to battle?

Renae van der Hagen ��. sculpture “Disquiet Dream” begs to ask these questions. Her sculpture – a giant deer on stilted legs – looms a daunting 15 feet tall. His antlers, with tines like sprawling fingers, span 10 feet across. His mouth gapes wide with bone-white fangs and flicking tongue.

Van der Hagen, an industrial and product design senior at ��, has been drawing and writing down her dreams for years.

Renae van der Hagen, industrial design student / ��

She calls “Disquiet Dream” her anxiety monster, inspired by a vivid dream, and drew him when she was still half asleep, capturing her anxious feeling on paper.

Through the first week of November, the sculpture greets guests at the entrance to the Menomonie Rassbach Museum ��. Historic Haunted Houses exhibit, a gathering of miniature haunted houses made by community members.

Each haunted house tells a story, and visitors can vote on their favorites in the art and creative writing display.

The museum will have a family-friendly Halloween event called Treats on the Trail from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.

On Halloween, Thursday Oct. 31, it will host a Creepy Creature Double Feature movie night that is for ages 18+, with a showing of "Night of the Living Dead" and "Scream." More information on both events is on the museum's website calendar.

“Disquiet Dream” will be displayed through November.

“This sculpture is a perfect addition to the exhibit, as it is not only creepy and incredibly eye-catching, Renae also built it with common materials that can inspire visitors of all ages to see that art is accessible and can be made with almost anything,” said Melissa Kneeland, executive director of the Dunn County Historical Society, which operates the museum.

A loveable beast on display

Renae van der Hagen assembling 'Disquiet Dream' / Doug Stodola

The pandemic struck during van der Hagen ��. first year at college. She didn’t have a roommate, and being away from home, felt isolation and constant anxiety.

“In my dream, this creature is standing behind me, above me, and I’m like, ‘Doesn’t anyone see this thing?’” she said. “He ��. my anxiety monster because nobody else can see him, but I can feel him. Four years later, I’ve gotten used to some anxiety, but he ��. always there. He ��. still looming, but he ��. not as scary.”

Van der Hagen, of Sauk Rapids, Minn., brought her anxiety monster to life in Professor Kelly O’Brien ��. Contemporary Sculpture class in fall 2023.

“I wanted to create a scale model, but Kelly said, ‘Make him full size,’” she said, and so the massive, mythical beast manifested in the School of Art and Design ��. studio lab spaces.

Deano Samens, instrument shop coordinator; and Doug Stodola, machinist, helped van der Hagen build the sculpture ��. frame in the shop before moving it to the Process Lab, where she completed her creation in less than three weeks.

He ��. made of 2x4 boards, chicken wire, papier mâché and cardboard. Sheets spread under the sculpture represent the dream world.

“I came in after hours to complete him. Doug helped with the build. I did the head at home with cardboard. He ��. pretty delicate, even for his size,” she said. “The longest stint I worked on him was for 16 hours straight. My roommate brought me pizza. There aren’t any windows in the lab, so you lose track of time.”

Classes with clients: Steel cows, other designs by 60+ students support four businesses

Based on the reactions at a twine-cutting ceremony, the designs of three cow sculptures outside the new Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery are spot on.

This was van der Hagen ��. first large-scale project. Her second large-scale project – a set of three cow sculptures, completed with a team of students, faculty and staff, including Samens – was recently installed on the lawn outside the new Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery cheese factory in Menomonie.

“During our class critique, Kelly said she didn’t like how white his teeth are. But I explained that he doesn’t eat anything. He doesn’t have to. So, there wouldn’t be any wear or dirt on his teeth,” she said.

“Disquiet Dreams” first appeared outside of the lab when Samens and Stodola talked to coordinators at the university ��. Furlong Gallery and asked to have him as part of the fall 2023 SOAD Senior Show. He stood on the second floor of the gallery atrium and received such a grand response from viewers that he remained there through the spring 2024 show, when van der Hagen ��. family was able to visit and see her sculpture.

'Disquiet Dream' is part of the Historic Haunted Houses exhibit / ��

“I didn’t think he would live longer than the class critique. I was ready to dismantle him,” van der Hagen said. “But there were so many people talking about him and taking pictures of him. It was one of the most interactions we’ve had with a sculpture piece at Furlong.”

Van der Hagen worked with Samens and Stodola over the summer, when the museum reached out with interest in having “Disquiet Dream” installed for the haunted house exhibit.

“I’m very grateful that Doug and Deano helped me: one, in the building process; two, in moving the sculpture to Furlong; and three, in getting in contact with the museum and moving him there.”

Collaboration and community

Van der Hagen thinks collaboration is an absolutely important aspect of public art and industrial design.

“You have to know people, and those people have to know people,” she said. “It takes a community to help push out art so others can see it. Kelly, Deano and Doug – I have amazing people who push me to present pieces for the public instead of just for a class.”

The Rassbach Museum collaborates with �� students on several levels – from research, design and engineering projects to showcasing student art. For example, master ��. in design graduate Jackson Yang ��. thesis exhibit Intergenerational Threads and Klaire Johnson ��. and Emma Walstra ��. Fashion Without Fabric design “The Prime Divine” are currently on display.

'Disquiet Dream's' antlers measure 10 feet across / Doug Stodola

“It allows the museum to benefit from the fresh and creative ideas of students, along with providing a testing ground for student work,” Kneeland said. “Oftentimes, the remarkable accomplishments of students are not seen off of campus, while at the museum, their work can be enjoyed by and inspire members of the wider community.

“I also believe that collaboration with nonprofits shows students how important and valuable participating in community collaboration can be, no matter where they end up,” she added.

Van der Hagen has thought about making “Disquiet Dream” again in the future, in a smaller size. After the exhibit has closed, she plans to mount the sculpture ��. head. It may be placed next to the hippogriff sculpture, “Buckbeak,” at the museum as part of a future fantastical animal exhibit. “Buckbeak” was created by a studio art graduate Anna Strong in 2017 and stood in the Furlong atrium for some time before its installation at the museum.

Van der Hagen began her college career in the mechanical engineering program but was also looking into graphic design. She decided to switch majors during the pandemic. “With industrial design, I get the creative side and the making of things. It took me a bit to find it, but I love it.”

She will graduate in spring 2025 and would like to work in the ideation process and modeling, taking designs and making 3D physical models.

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