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PHOTO ESSAY: All the World ��. a Stage

goersab — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:30:00 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: All the World ��. a Stagegoersab February 5, 2026

Discover the world of Shakespeare as students experience the majesty of English Theater

Photos by Sam Kichler, Megan Schatz and Mya Strand

Quick! How many Shakespeare plays can you name off the top of your head? Can you name all 38 of them? Probably not. And hey, that ��. OK. (As long as you didn’t miss “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and that Scottish play. Shhh… Don’t say its name.)

For two weeks in January, 13 �� students step into the world of the Bard, experiencing city life by day and the majesty of theater by night in the study abroad experience, English Theater in London and Stratford-upon-Avon, led by �� Theatre Director Audric Buhr and Professor of English Kevin Drzakowski.

Buhr spent time in London and Stratford during his undergraduate studies 30 years ago, when he saw 20 shows in 20 days. “It was a lot to process and unpack, but it was an amazing experience that motivated me to continue to grow as an artist. It had an influence on the work I do in the theater now, inspiring some of the design choices I make,” he said.

“To walk the same path as Shakespeare gives our students a better understanding of the influences surrounding the massive body of work created by the Bard,” said Buhr, who completed his graduate studies in Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Students on the English Theater experience are given behind-the-scenes tours of premiere theaters, including the Globe Theatre, and attend three shows together: “The BFG” at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, “Twelfth Night” at the Barbican Theatre, and “Ballet Shoes” at the National Theatre in London.

“All of these shows were unique, with ‘The BFG’ being my favorite because of the use of puppets to portray characters at certain times in the production,” said Megan Schatz, a construction management major from Brookfield, who went to an additional three shows on her own: “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and Disney ��. “Hercules,” which played on London ��. West End.

After “Ballet Shoes,” they view the National Theatre overlooking the River Thames and Waterloo Bridge illuminated at night. Vivid colors dance, reflected in the dark waters below. “It was very peaceful, and it gave off a very calming vibe, which was a nice touch after an emotional show,” said Sam Kichler, a business administration major from Clear Lake.

For several years, Drzakowski taught an honors seminar, Reimagining Shakespeare, where the class read Shakespeare ��. plays and then compared them with modern-day plays, movies and books. “There was never a shortage of material, because Shakespeare continues to inspire great writing and thinking in the 21st century,” he said.

“One of the things I love most about teaching Shakespeare is being part of a centuries-long tradition. Ever since the 1600s, audiences have been fitting Shakespeare ��. themes and ideas into their times,” he added. “What matters most about Shakespeare ��. plays is not their settings, or even their plots, but their characters. The emotions and introspection of those characters, captured so memorably in the Bard ��. peerless language, speak to the human condition in any age, any place.”

In Stratford-Upon-Avon, the class gathers at Anne Hathaway ��. cottage and garden. During a tour of the home of Shakespeare ��. wife, they learn about Anne ��. life and the time period, including the produce that was grown in the 1500s. Even during the off-season, the gardens are beautiful.

Aside from their guided tours, students also have time to walk and sightsee in the cities. On a quiet London side street on their way to a café, Kichler captures an image to recreate later in a drawing.

Mya Strand, a video production major from Becker, Minnesota, originally wanted to join the class to learn more about theater. “It quickly became so much more than that,” she said. “A completely new country awaited me. I think travel is so important to experience. You have the opportunity to meet new people, experience new cultures and explore the unknown. On this trip, I learned so much about myself, theater and a different culture. You are exposed to new things, which allow you to evolve and grow.”

Strand ��. words, like poetry, highlight small but memorable moments during the trip: A lone swan stands atop the frozen River Avon, outside of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It finds comfort in the cold. Blues and whites are painted across the sky. It ��. so cold, you can smell the ice.

The well-known English double-decker bus looms behind the iconic pigeon. The snow from the day before melts beneath the bird ��. feet. People walk along, unfazed by the pigeon ��. existence. He waits for food that may never come.

When a small group exits Westminster Underground Station and steps onto the sidewalk on Bridge Street, they are greeted by Big Ben and the River Thames. “It was a huge shock to us. We were not expecting to see Big Ben,” said Kichler, who is “both a huge nerd of theater but also its history. Being able to travel to where theater has a lot of history was a very fun experience. I’ve always loved traveling to be able to see how things are done differently but also just to see new beauty that I don't get to see back home.”

For Schatz, two must-see stops are Big Ben and a red telephone booth. “On this road, there are a lot of booths with picturesque backgrounds of Big Ben, so this area is very busy. Lots of tourists are stopping to take pictures and see all the historic sites on the block,” she said.

Walking near Westminster Bridge at night, Strand feels the cold air hit as cars and buses fly by. “The noise of the busy city is drowned out by the view of Big Ben. Words can’t describe how cool it is to see the landmark viewed in so many movies before,” she said.

Just two blocks from Big Ben stands the breathtaking Westminster Abbey, the royal church where every coronation has taken place since 1066. Four of the students attended the Sung Eucharist. “The experience was unforgettable,” Schatz said. “As we walked through the Abbey, the echoes of the organ filled the air, and it felt as though the centuries of history woven into its walls were quietly rising up around us.”

An hour ��. walk down the river from the landmark clock tower and Abbey is the Tower of London. Two of the six ravens – the tower ��. permanent avian residents – mimic the noises around them. A myth states that if the ravens leave, the tower will fall. “With the birds being able to get really close to people, it made the experience feel that much more majestic, but it also did lead to the temptation to try to pet them,” Kichler said.

The White Tower stands with the iconic Tower Bridge in the background. The 900-year-old tower has served several purposes, including a fortress, royal residence, prison, and armory, and is now a museum where the crown jewels are displayed.

“When seeing the crown jewels, I felt very out of place because they hold so much history. It was very interesting to learn about the uses of the tower, the history of England and the crown,” said Schatz, who had never traveled outside of the U.S. but wanted to experience a different culture. “I’m glad the first time I left the country was with a faculty-led program because even though I didn’t know anyone else that was going, I was with a group of students who shared something in common – we are all students at Stout,” she said.

Schatz is a huge Harry Potter fan. “I knew I had to go to King ��. Cross Station and go through Platform 9 ¾. Throughout our time in London, I was also able to go to other sights that were filming locations for the franchise. It was amazing to see the places where one of my favorite stories came to life,” she said.

At Notting Hill Gate Station, the cold stones contrast against the warm sun. Two friends are waiting together. Echoes of the wheels screeching to a stop resound in the Tube.

The constantly moving city is contrasted by the still buildings of the Royal Exchange and Cornhill Street. The air is cold and sharp. The ground is painted with fresh rain. The sounds of tires against the ground mingle with the footsteps of the people walking along the street.

On their last day in London, a small group watches the ceremonial changing of the King ��. Guard at Buckingham Palace. After talking to a local, they decide to watch at Wellington Barracks, where the new guard forms and has inspections, while the Regimental Band plays songs. Then, precisely at 10:57 a.m., the guard walks to the palace, where the official change takes place.

The class walks the streets of Oxford, where Buhr and Drzakowski find themselves locked in the pillory (just for fun) at Oxford Castle and Prison.

In the city of Bath, the class learns what has made the city so famous throughout its history, including its Roman-style baths, built around 70 AD.

Near the University of Oxford, a couple stands together, viewing the world amongst the tall buildings. The soft snow beneath their feet shares the color of the bright sky. The sounds of the city are quieter in this corner.

On another day in Oxford, the smell of fresh rain and freshly baked pastries fills the air. Bicycles and cars on George Street drive by while couples walk along.

Across the city, a sliver of the world on Magpie Lane is viewed through a small lens. A new street awaits, pointing the way forward, the stones still wet from the morning rainfall.

Just a few hours outside of London stands the iconic Stonehenge. The class can’t help diving into all the theories, both the conspiracies about how these massive stones ended up in their precise formations and the discoveries scientists have made over the years.

“And of course, even in the rain, I had to take the classic cheesy photo holding the stones. It ��. impossible to resist,” Schatz joked.

Study abroad opportunities are a part of Stout Core, foundational education classes at Wisconsin ��. ��. Through Stout Core ��. areas of expertise, students gain global perspectives, communication and critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and more, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

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PHOTO ESSAY: All the World ��. a Stage

Discover the world of Shakespeare as students experience the majesty of English Theater

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Discover the world of Shakespeare as students experience the majesty of English Theater English Theatre course, Big Ben at night, by Mya Strand

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Audric Buhr

Audric Buhr received his Master of Theatre Studies in Production and Design from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. He received his Theatre Teaching certification from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has both a B.A. in Theatre/Dance as well as a B.A. in Vocal Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin-Stout Department of Art and Art History, he worked as the Director of Theatre Studies and the Director of Vocal Music at Menomonie High School in Menomonie, Wisconsin. At MHS Audric has directed and designed Little Shop of Horrors, Almost, Maine, School House Rock Live, All in the Timing, the Little Mermaid, Elephant ��. Graveyard, Catch Me If You Can, The Adams Family, Tartuffe, Grease, Macbeth. He received the Outstanding Directing award for Almost, Maine and All in the Timing from the Wisconsin High School One-Act Theatre Festival. Audric serves on the Board of Directors for the Mabel Tainter Theater as well as Lighting Chair for the Menomonie Theatre Guild.

Full Name: Audric Buhr

Job Title: Theatre Director / Lecturer

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College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Visual & Performing Arts Department

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Performing Arts Minor

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Kevin Drzakowski

Kevin Drzakowski is a professor of English and associate dean of the College of Arts and Human Sciences. He is a lifelong advocate for the liberal arts, and he values his role in the college as a promoter of applied learning in the arts, human service fields, social sciences, and humanities. Kevin chose writing and teaching as a career because these passions have always allowed him to explore a myriad of interests, and serving as associate dean brings him the excitement of working daily with a diversity of disciplines. He has always felt at home among the creative thinkers and innovators who make up the faculty, staff, and student body at ��.

Kevin holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University and remains active as a dramatic writer. His plays have been performed around the Midwest and in New York City, by producers ranging from local community theatre groups and high schools to professional theatre companies. His poetry and prose have also been published in a variety of literary journals. His approach to creative writing mirrors his approach to life: getting through the tough times and the challenges by learning from them, growing through them, and, most importantly, laughing at them.

As a literary scholar, Kevin has published on a range of topics, but, after many years of loving time travel stories and movies and subsequently teaching a class on this topic, has spent the last few years developing this love for a small corner of popular culture into a research interest. Some of his most recent scholarly publications focus on the time travel narratives in Lost and Loki.

When he is not teaching, writing, or working with his colleagues as associate dean, Kevin enjoys running (very slowly), acting onstage (very badly), and adding to the (rather embarrassing) Lego collection in his basement.

Full Name: Kevin Drzakowski

Job Title: Associate Dean

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Area of Expertise: Creative Writing Contemporary Drama Science Fiction

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: English, Philosophy & Communication Studies Department

Curriculum Vitae: Kevin Drzakowski CV (194.27 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. English (Creative Writing)

University: Western Michigan University

Degree: M.A. English (Creative Writing)

University: Missouri State University

Degree: B.A. English Composition

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Global vision, local design: �� students transform public spaces with murals

goersab — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Global vision, local design: �� students transform public spaces with muralsgoersab July 7, 2025

Art installations in Italy, Minnesota bring communities together

Abbey Goers

Two �� students – Allison Seanor and Megan McDowell – recently completed two murals, half a world apart. Their public installations celebrate how art brings communities together, creating vibrant and welcoming spaces.

Seanor, an art education major from Wausau, studied abroad at Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy, last spring. She participated in a city-wide mural festival with her artwork entitled “To Travel is to Understand.”

McDowell, an animation and digital media major from Albertville, Minnesota, was commissioned by Koala Dental Care in St. Cloud, to create a multi-wall-to-wall mural for the office ��. reception area.

Megan McDowell's mural for Koala Dental Care combines popular visuals of Minnesota with dental care objects. / Megan McDowell

‘To Travel is to Understand’

Seanor ��. mural “To Travel is to Understand” is part of Florence ��. annual Palazzuolo Strada Aperta festival, which invites national and international street artists to work with residents to revitalize the city center through art.

Allison Seanor (right) and her teacher Maria Antonietta / Allison Seanor

Her approximately 8-by-8-foot mural is painted on a retractable metal shutter at Via Palazzuolo 76 red. When shops along Via Palazzuolo close their shutters for the evening, the street turns into an art gallery. The street, close to Santa Maria Novella Square, is seeking to revive its historical artisan character and support the local economy.

Seanor ��. mural reflects on the impact of mass tourism on Florence, as seen through the eyes of an American student.

“It is a message of unity and shared respect, a reminder to travelers that to truly experience a place you must appreciate it, learn from it, connect with it, reflect on it and understand it,” Seanor said.

It is also a message to Florentines, acknowledging the challenges that tourism can bring, while offering a heartfelt reassurance: “Many of us arrive with a deep admiration for this extraordinary city and a genuine desire to honor its culture, its people and its rhythms. In Florence, we can meet not as strangers, but as human beings moved by beauty, history and respect,” Seanor added.

At the heart of the painting is a portrait of Seanor ��. Italian teacher, Maria Antonietta, who motivated Seanor to do her best inside and outside of class. “Maria was my inspiration. She is a world traveler and beautiful soul, and she symbolizes the desire to learn no matter where you go,” she said.

She was also influenced by her own observations of the city. “Others might say it ��. bold to comment on tourism within art, when you yourself are an American. However, my goal was to hopefully close the gap between tourists and locals in Florence,” Seanor said.

“I’m very happy with the results of this mural, with how colorful it is and how it turned out physically, but also with how it changed me as a person,” she added. “I believe this mural and studying abroad have helped me really push myself to try to achieve more, and that is something I am really proud of. It ��. not so easy to leave your comfort zone to try to reach your goals, but when you do, it ��. extremely rewarding.”

“To Travel is to Understand” is visible and geolocated on the Street Art of Florence map on Google Maps.

An engaging, abstract collage for kids and families

McDowell ��. Koala Dental Care mural was commissioned by the owner through McDowell ��. aunt, who is a dentist in the office. “I am very grateful I had an inside connection and was able to jumpstart a new passion of mine,” she said.

Megan McDowell's mural is an abstract collage of hidden objects, meant to engage children in the office's reception area / Megan McDowell

Within the mural design, Koala asked McDowell to combine popular visuals of Minnesota with dental care objects. “These are two completely different topics, so to combine them into one cohesive design, I had to be creative. I combined the ideas in an almost abstract way to create a collage of hidden things. I added a lot of motion and fluidity into the design, making it engaging for kids at the office to look at,” she said.

McDowell had always wanted to learn about the process behind creating a mural, and two courses at �� provided her with that knowledge. Within the Digital Illustration course, McDowell worked with a group of her peers to create a mural design for �� . School of Art and Design. It portrayed humanoid characters interacting with elements of art and design – film, ceramics, video games, music, studio art and more – in purple, blue, orange, yellow and red hues.

Their design was chosen by university leadership to be completed by students in the Graffiti and Street Art summer class in 2024. McDowell enrolled in the class and helped bring her design to life, led by Professor Cynthia Bland and Lecturer Wade Lambrigtsen, owner and proprietor of Vintage Sign Shop in Menomonie. It was the third 400-square-foot, student-designed, student-painted mural on campus, located on the east loading dock of the Applied Arts Building.

Megan McDowell helped to design and paint the third mural on campus / ��

“I was inspired by the process. These courses allowed me to get experience outside of school, and I was able to use these skills to further my career and find a new passion,” she said.

“Megan ��. Koala mural is a clear connective thread between the mural production here at Stout and setting up students to become muralists out in the real world,” Bland added.

McDowell graduated this spring and is currently doing freelance work while seeking a full-time career. She wants to continue painting murals as well. “What I love most about animation and digital media is the storytelling. Storytelling through visuals is something I greatly enjoy. I want to bring other people ��. stories to life,” she said.

In summer 2026, Murals in Menomonie, featuring the Walldogs, will transform and uplift the community through public art, helping make Menomonie a more joyful and vibrant place to live.

The animation and digital media program is part of the School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. Art education is offered through the School of Education.

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Hero Caption: Allison Seanor's mural "To Travel is to Understand" was created as part of Florence, Italy ��. annual Palazzuolo Strada Aperta festival. Photo by Allison Seanor

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Singing in Scandinavia: �� . Chamber Choir tours Sweden

goersab — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:39:58 +0000

Singing in Scandinavia: �� . Chamber Choir tours Swedengoersab April 9, 2025

Students gain ‘confidence to go global’ to join international community

Abbey Goers

Photos by Denajah Smith, Helen Wilson and Jerry Hui

Thirteen members of �� . Chamber Choir braved the Scandinavian winter in performances with international university singers to warm audiences’ hearts.

They partnered with choirs from Stockholm ��. KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden ��. largest technical university, and Linköping University. They also held informal community performances.

Choral Director Jerry Hui hopes his students gain the confidence to go global and imagine themselves being part of the international community.

“Multiple performances of the same program for different audiences are an invaluable experience as singers. There are so many beautiful venues with wonderful acoustics that can easily be the highlight of our students’ time as choral singers,” he said.

Their first joint performance entitled “Come and Stay Awhile,” with the Royal Institute of Technology ��. Kongl. Teknologkören choir, was held at St. Johannes Kyrka, in Stockholm.

The spectacular church ��. steeple towers above neighboring buildings. Within, its Gothic Revival style displays ornamental arches and carving, high vaulted ceilings, lattice work and enormous stained-glass windows.

But where most expansive, stone structures create echoes during choral performance, St. Johannes produced a much clearer, dry sound. Among their songs, Chamber Choir sang two in traditional Swedish: “Limu, Limu, Lima,” arranged by Sofia Söderberg, and “Helan går,” arranged by Hui.

“I love the selection of music we sing and the people I sing with. We have built such a community within Chamber Choir that it makes coming together and singing so much more than a class to me,” said Denajah Smith, a human development and family studies senior from Minneapolis.

“Music is a form of expression. It helps us to navigate the world around us as well as share our history and culture with those who want to learn more about the world. Music has always provided me with a way to express myself that words alone never seemed to do justice.”

The choir was given a tour of RIT and passed the chemistry building – the spelling of chemistry in Swedish is with a “k,” meaning “kemi.”

Deep underground, Stockholm ��. metro system is called the world ��. longest art gallery. It ��. vibrant and alive with vast mosaics and murals, sculptures and art gardens. Commuters are given a bit of unexpected beauty in what could otherwise be a mundane venue.

The choir also visited the Vasa Museum, exhibiting the 17th-century Swedish warship. Built to defend the Baltic coast during the Thirty Years’ War, the Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, due to a major engineering failure, just two miles out of harbor. More than 300 years later, it was recovered in the 1950s and sits preserved in the museum.

In Linköping, the choir performed at St. Lars Kyrka. They also held a short concert for the municipal councilor and former mayor, Lars Vikinge, at City Hall.

The Chamber Choir attended a rehearsal of the Linköping University Male Voice Choir, a large tenor-bass ensemble, who performed the traditional drinking song “Down Among the Dead Men.”

“It was powerful to hear the combination of their voices. Most of the songs were not in English, so it was fun to finally understand one of the pieces they sang. Music is found everywhere and in everything. It has a way of bringing us all together, regardless of language barriers,” said Helen Wilson, a food science and technology sophomore from Hartford.

“Music holds power. Not only does music act as a way for us to express our emotions more deeply, but it also delivers that emotion to others. You have to feel the music in order to make the audience feel it too. There are no other feelings quite like the ones that can be felt from music,” she added.

A nearby coffee shop doubled as a greenhouse. Students sipped their warm drinks among the sprawling foliage. Large windows made it a great spot to people-watch those in the park.

The choir stopped at Babette ��. Kafferi for award-winning cinnamon rolls topped with crunchy sugar, and pain au chocolat – chocolate croissants.

Despite the winter wind, green ivy clings to a city building and above a bustling market. Many of the city fountains were empty because of the freezing temperatures, but on a warmer, sunny day, one small fountain flowed in a quiet park.

The choir held a joint performance at Campus Valla, the university center. After their performance, the choirs dined together at Ölstugan Tullen restaurant. They exchanged stories over a classic meal of Swedish meatballs with a creamy lingonberry sauce and buttery potatoes.

“When in Sweden, you have to try the Swedish meatballs at least once. I have never had lingonberries before. The tart and sweet lingonberries added a nice contrast to cut through the savory meatballs. The entire thing was very delicious,” Wilson said.

Wilson finds a deep connection between her major and participating in choir. “There is cultural diversity in both,” she said. “Every single culture around the world has their own food and their own music. I find that fascinating.”

The choir took nearly every kind of public transportation: a train, a tram, a bus, the metro, a taxi, and, most notably, a ferry in Stockholm, Wilson said.

“Since Stockholm comprises a few islands and is surrounded by water, part of their public transportation system includes a ferry. Despite the chilly day before, the wind and weather was not too bad on the boat, and it was super cool to get to see the edges of Stockholm from the water. It is astonishing how photogenic much of Sweden can be,” she added.

Smith encourages everyone to join a study abroad trip. “This is a life experience like no other that I have ever had, and I am grateful for the opportunity to go on such an amazing journey,” she said.

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Students gain ‘confidence to go global’ to join international community Choirs at Linköping University. By Jerry Hui

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Take the stage at �� with our choir, band, and theatre programs.

Chiwei Hui

Brief Biography

Jerry (Chiwei) Hui has written a wide variety of music that ranges from serious concert art music to humorous choral arrangements. His music has been performed in the United States, Germany, France, Scotland, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong by community choirs, campus ensembles, and professional groups. Described by critics as “seriously fun”, and with “accomplished contrapuntal texture.”, his composition has won prizes including the Robert Helps Prize 2008, and received commission that was featured at the World Saxophone Congress.

As a conductor, Dr. Hui has founded and directed various community choirs, church choirs, chamber ensembles and orchestras. At home in both early and contemporary music, he has performed often as baritone and countertenor, actively premiering works by fellow composers. Performances by his ensembles have been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Choral Directors Association conference, and the Fringe Series of Madison Early Music Festival. He is currently the director of choral activities at University of Wisconsin-Stout, assistant conductor at the Madison Early Music Festival, director of the Chippewa Valley Festival Choir, and artistic director of the Schola Cantorum of Eau Claire.

A native of Hong Kong, Jerry Hui received his DMA degree in music composition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Hui's principal composition teachers include David Crumb, Stephen Dembski, Robert Kyr, Joel Naumann and Laura Schwendinger. His conducting teachers are Beverly Taylor, Sharon Paul, and Bruce Gladstone.

Full Name: Chiwei Hui

Job Title: Associate Professor / Director, Choral Activities

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Area of Expertise: Audience engagement Current practices of arts presentation Early music Historically informed performance practices Contemporary Choral Music Arts Entrepreneurship Interdisciplinary creativity

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

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Curriculum Vitae: Dr. Chiwei Hui CV (448.18 KB)

Website: Personal Website

Education:

Degree: D.M.A. Music Composition

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Degree: M.M. Music Composition and Choral Conducting

University: University of Oregon

Degree: B.A. Music Composition and Computer Science

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

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PHOTO ESSAY: A City Built of Art

goersab — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:15:00 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: A City Built of Artgoersab March 7, 2025

Discover the far side of Chicago ��. history with students in a comics course

Abbey Goers

Photos by Erika Saindon and Mary Climes

Calvin and Hobbes. Batman. Snoopy. What comical, heroic or nostalgic characters spring into your mind with a * POW! * when you hear the word “comics?”

Does Chicago come to mind? If not, it should. Characters like Dick Tracy, Little Orphan Annie, Jimmy Corrigan and so many more were born in Chicago.

Between 1880 and 1960, the publishing industry in the Windy City played a large role in the development and transformation of comics as a legitimate art form.

To discover the rich historical and contemporary comics scene, 13 �� students ventured around the city as part of an inaugural faculty-led study away Comics in Chicago course, led by School of Art and Design Assistant Professor Mary Climes.

“My goal is for students to be immersed in the culture and history of one of the best comic cities in the world,” Climes said. “Each space we visit allows students to broaden their knowledge of comics, visual storytelling and illustration.”

Erika Saindon, of Albert Lea, Minn., has a concentration in comics and working in a Chicago gallery is her ultimate dream.

She joined her studio art peers, as well as graphic design, animation and illustration students on an eight-hour Amtrak ride from St. Paul to Chicago, spending a week in January visiting museums, cultural spaces, libraries, galleries and artist studios.

“When I first saw the city, I knew that this was the place for me,” Saindon said. “As a girl from a small town, you grow up realizing how undervalued art is.

“But in Chicago, there is art everywhere. Whether at different museums we visited, our daily outings or murals on buildings, like the nine-story mural of blues legend Muddy Waters. Chicago is entirely built of art and the artists in their communities.”

The class stayed in downtown Chicago, within walking distance of all their destinations, allowing them to take in the whole city, a new experience for Saindon.

They wandered through the Art Institute of Chicago, taking in centuries of artwork, including “Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica,” exhibiting more than 350 works by artists from Africa, the Americas and Europe, spanning nearly a century of art.

In the museum ��. Prints and Drawing Study Collection, they viewed original comic pages and were lucky enough to look at some drawings unprotected by glass, as well as unfinished works before going to print.

A walk to Wicker Park led the class to a cache of bookstores, including a huge Barnes & Noble and Quimby ��., a local indie comics store – a favorite to many. They read comics set in and by Chicago cartoonists, including Chris Ware, Emil Ferris and Ivan Brunetti.

They saw lithography, relief, etching and screen print examples at Hoofprint press shop, and attended a risograph workshop at Spudnik Press, a community print studio, creating their own risograph printed comic books inspired by the city.

As a studio course, each student kept a daily diary of comic sketches and scientific illustrations. They spent time studying the wildlife exhibits and the vast collection of scientific illustrations at the Field Museum.

Saindon painted birds, bison and more with watercolors as visitors watched and walked around the museum.

The subway in the Latinx District was the most colorful subway she had ever seen. “Going to this part of Chicago was my all-time favorite part of the trip. Mostly because this is my culture, and I love it being celebrated and recognized, especially throughout art,” Saindon said.

She stayed warm basking among the tropical plants at the Garfield Park Conservatory, taking time to smell the roses and paint the bright colored flowers.

At the National Museum of Mexican Art, they visited Cecilia Beaven ��. exhibition “Semilla” (Seed). “Semilla” incorporated elements of Aztec mythology and Mexican folk art, with magical beings created through many mediums, even comics.

The class was graced in winter sunlight under the Preston Bradley Hall Tiffany Dome in the Chicago Cultural Center, formally the first Chicago Public Library. The massive translucent dome, spanning more than 1,000 square feet, is the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world. Its glass panels are cut in the shape of fish scales, adorned by the signs of the zodiac at the dome ��. peak.

They also visited the Harold Washington Library, the Newberry Library, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Smart Museum of Art and the Renaissance Society.

Walking through Chinatown, they stopped for a bite to eat – steamed trays of dim sum piled high on the table was Saindon ��. favorite meal of the week.

They toured the neighborhoods of Hyde Park, West Town and Pilsen, visiting the Pilsen Arts and Community House.

Walking back to the hotel on the last night of their trip, the class stepped off the subway near the Chicago Theatre and strolled under the famous “CHICAGO” sign, illuminated in red and gold.

At Federal Plaza, they passed Alexander Calder ��. 53-foot-tall Flamingo sculpture – its red, elegant arcing neck sweeping downward to graze invisible shrimp off the pavement.

“Honestly, I don’t see how it would be a flamingo, but I guess it ��. up for interpretation. It was quite beautiful to see, especially at night,” said Saindon, who will graduate in spring 2027.

�� . School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest, offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, as well as an M.F.A. in design.

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Discover the far side of Chicago ��. history with students in a comics course Comics in Chicago course. Photo by Erika Saindon.

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Psychology student awarded prestigious U.S. Department of State language scholarship to study Chinese

goersab — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:43:43 +0000

Psychology student awarded prestigious U.S. Department of State language scholarship to study Chinesegoersab September 9, 2024

Haring believes ‘learning another language allows people to gain a greater understanding of other cultures’

Abbey Goers

�� student Fox Haring was awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of State scholarship to study Mandarin Chinese this summer in the Critical Language Scholarship Program.

He was one of approximately 500 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students selected from more than 5,000 applicants.

Haring, a third-year psychology student, participated in the CLS Spark initiative, an eight-week immersive online program for undergraduates to learn one of five critical languages essential to America ��. engagement with the world – Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian – facilitated by native speakers at CLS partner institutions abroad.

Haring ��. group included four other students from across the U.S. Their lessons in Chinese improved their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and their cultural enrichment lessons included calligraphy, kung-fu, cooking and tea making.

Fox Haring, lower left, with his CLS Spark peers and instructor / Fox Haring

“The small class size allowed us to engage in conversation that allowed both the students and the teacher to learn more about the other ��. culture. The format allowed us to ask questions and learn more about their traditions,” he said.

Haring, of Milwaukee, has taken four years of Spanish and has studied several other languages on his own. He ��. taking German this fall at ��.

“CLS Spark was the perfect opportunity to study a language that wasn’t offered at Stout and would be too difficult to study on my own. Learning a second language is one of the most important things a person can do. I find great joy and entertainment in learning new languages. I think it ��. something everyone should have to do in school,” he said.

Psychologically, learning languages is good for the brain, increases neuron plasticity, and flexes cognitive muscles to prevent memory disorders like dementia, Haring explained.

“Learning another language allows people to gain a greater understanding of other cultures and use that knowledge to reflect on their own experiences. It enables a person to travel more freely, interact with more people and communicate in new ways,” he said.

Haring enjoyed the CLS program ��. small class size – similarly why he chose �� – and being able to share information, ask questions and connect with his classmates.

The program ��. Oral Proficiency Exam was a challenge, he thought. “It ��. meant to test your understanding of the language, so the interviewer intentionally pushes you to your limit on understanding. If there weren’t any challenges, we’d never learn anything.”

Haring ��. original interest in psychology was in clinical therapy, but he realized he was more interested in the social side of psychology.

“Currently, my goal is to work in either social work or administrative work, especially related to medical fields. I would also like to work outside of the United States in the future.”

Haring thinks a second language helps a person career-wise, “whether it ��. relevant to the job or not. It allows you to work in places where English is not the primary language. Social work is a space where it ��. especially helpful to be able to communicate in other languages, as a lot of the people accessing those services have limited English proficiency.”

As a CLS Spark participant, he will automatically be a semifinalist for the program ��. 2025 overseas summer institutes in Taiwan, China or Singapore. He encourages anyone interested to apply for the program.

“Learning a language is an incredibly enriching experience that teaches you a lot of skills outside of the language itself, and college is the perfect time to do it,” he said. “There are a lot of opportunities if you look for them. I had no expectation that I would be accepted to the CLS Spark program and applied mostly on a whim, but I had an incredible experience that has led to many more opportunities and connections I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Haring hopes to study abroad in Germany next spring and will graduate in summer 2026. He plans to either work in Minnesota or apply for graduate schools in Germany or Belgium.

�� students looking to study abroad may choose from more than 200 programs in more than 40 countries. Study abroad opportunities are a part of Stout Core, foundational general education classes at Wisconsin ��. ��, giving students a global perspective, communication and critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning and more so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

A program of the U.S. Department of State ��. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Critical Language Scholarship Program and CLS Spark are part of an initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity.

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Haring believes ‘learning another language allows people to gain a greater understanding of other cultures’ Fox Haring with his CLS Spark group

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Study abroad opportunity to Ghana

goersab — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:40:50 +0000

Study abroad opportunity to Ghanagoersab August 2, 2024

Heritage-based faculty-led opportunity over WinTerm 2025

�� . Office of International Education is hosting a faculty-led study abroad opportunity to Ghana, in West Africa, for 14 days this winter to learn about the country ��. peoples, cultures and societies.

History and Culture of Ghana is a general education course and will run during WinTerm 2025 from Jan. 6-25, with travel dates of Jan. 8-22. It is open to all majors.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Sept. 23.

Ghana has a rich history that spans back to the year 300 AD. The Ghanaian people have produced empires and civilizations that were often at the epicenter of many historical events. Ghana ��. location and natural resources made it a significant site for the Atlantic slave trade and European colonization. The nation of Ghana would later become a pillar and leader in the Pan-Africanism and decolonization movements in continental Africa. It is an important place to visit for people in the African diaspora worldwide seeking to better understand their roots.

Cape Coast Castle, one of the sites students will visit on the History and Culture of Ghana study abroad trip. / Tina Lee

Cultural and historical tours will be given by a knowledgeable local guide. The class will visit the cities of Accra, Kumasi, the Cape Coast, Akosombo and Liati Wote.

Students will learn about the arts, traditional religion, music, storytelling and dance. They will visit museums related to chieftaincy, castles and fortresses important in the Atlantic slave trade, colonial-era neighborhoods in Accra, climb Mount Afadjato and swim at Tagbo Falls. They will also learn about organizations that support women, grow local economies and address environmental issues.

Encourage your student to explore this study abroad opportunity.

Program leaders are social science Professor Tina Lee and Fred Brown, staff adviser to the Black Student Union on campus. Lee and Brown will host a pre-departure orientation for students in the class.

Lee hopes that students gain a greater understanding of West Africa, its people and its rich history. “We hope this trip can help undo any stereotypes,” she said. “For our students of color, we hope the journey provides an opportunity for them to learn more about their roots and powerfully connect with their history. It should be an amazing 14 days for everyone.”

This is the final course in the heritage-based, faculty-led program series. Other courses included Exploring International Business in Latin America in winter 2023 and Hmong and Other Minorities in Thailand. The initial program series was supported through a World Learning and U.S. Department of State IDEAS Grant.

Watch a 5-minute video to learn more. Study abroad opportunities are a part of Stout Core, foundational education classes at Wisconsin ��. ��.

Email �� Study Abroad with any questions.

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Heritage-based faculty-led opportunity over WinTerm 2025 Ghana study abroad, Cape Coast Castle

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Office of International Education

The Office of International Education facilitates internationalization efforts on and off campus to prepare students for the global workforce and society.

Welcome to the Office of International Education (OIE). The University of Wisconsin-Stout is "Stout Proud" to have more than 300 degree-seeking and exchange international students representing 40+ nationalities per annum as part of our diverse campus community. We are also proud to send approximately 200 �� students on enriching high-impact study away experiences, both domestically and internationally, each year.

The Office of International Education (OIE) is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Appointments with OIE staff can be made here. Staff may also be contacted by phone at 715-232-2132, or email at globaled@uwstout.edu for international student services and studyabroad@uwstout.edu for study abroad services.

The Office of International Education seeks to accomplish the following:

Advance education abroad opportunities that encompass experiential, innovative, and career-focused learning for the �� community.
Cultivate institutional partnerships to foster global experiences for all �� stakeholders.
Diversify our campus population through mindful recruitment of international students.
Provide quality support services to international students, visiting scholars, and guests.
Advance initiatives that foster intercultural and global competencies for students, faculty, staff and the local community.
Provide quality English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and support to facilitate international student success.

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PHOTO ESSAY: Two Classes Work with Children a World Apart

goersab — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:18:16 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: Two Classes Work with Children a World Apartgoersab March 6, 2024

Discover what Sociology and Education students learn on location in Thailand and Cozumel

Abbey Goers

Two classes, two weeks. Two groups of �� students dive into the cultures of Thailand and Cozumel, Mexico, working with children and learning the histories and social structures of people a world apart.

Fifteen students venture to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces in northern Thailand, visiting communities in the Hmong and Other Minorities in Thailand course with program leader, �� sociology Professor Georgios Loizides.

Hmong and Other Minorities in Thailand course students at the Mai Sai Skywalk in Thailand / Amelia Monroe

While experiencing Thai culture, they see how the work of nongovernmental organizations addresses social challenges, like poverty, the limited citizenship status of minorities, and the trafficking of women and children.

The program was developed as part of a faculty-led series of heritage-based programming, resulting from a World Learning and U.S. Department of State IDEAS Grant (Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students) awarded to ��.

Half a world away, on the island of Cozumel, 20 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula, 10 education students complete a teaching practicum in multiculturalism in local schools for children with disabilities and at an international Montessori school.

The Education in Cozumel course, which began in 2017, involves a collaboration between �� and the University of Quintana Roo. �� students connect with UQRoo students, take dance lessons, learn to speak Spanish and converse on educational experiences in the U.S. and Mexico.

Education in Cozumel students and faculty at the beach / Terry Kohlmeier

Led by �� professors Terry Kohlmeier and Mary Hopkins-Best, students develop diverse and meaningful learning experiences for children with or without disabilities. The students write lessons and implement them in a variety of classroom settings.

After class each day, they explore the island and learn about the Mexican and Mayan cultures and history of the people of Cozumel.

Study abroad opportunities are a part of Stout Core, foundational education classes at Wisconsin ��. ��. Through Stout Core ��. areas of expertise, students gain global perspective, communication and critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning and more so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

The Cozumel and Thailand courses satisfy Stout Core Racial and Ethnic Studies requirements. They are open to students in all programs.

A trek through Thailand

Amelia Monroe, a supply chain management sophomore from Northfield, Minn., has wanted to travel to Thailand since she was a kid.

“Studying abroad was a leap of faith outside of my comfort zone and a leap I would take again. Strangers become close friends. The professors and staff truly made the experience one of a kind,” Monroe said.

Amelia Monroe with her �� backpack at the Mai Sai Skywalk / Amelia Monroe

“Studying abroad gave me a broader understanding of life in general – the differences in culture and a small peek into the reality of Thai people. I think it is so easy to take life for granted here in the states, and going to a different country was a real reality check,” she added.

Donning purple shoe booties to protect the glass, the class strolls across the Mae Sai Skywalk, which offers a unique view of the borders of Thailand and Myanmar. The curved structure, spanning 150 meters, is located at the northernmost point of Thailand and is considered to be the longest skywalk in the country.

“I never thought I would be able to study abroad, and I think it really started to hit me here. I’m a Minnesota girl representing her college in Thailand. To say I wore my �� backpack around loud and proud was an understatement,” Monroe said.

Amelia Monroe at the White Temple / Amelia Monroe

While in Mae Sai, they work at a development center with children ages 6 to 20, teaching them English. The children are at risk of parents with issues related to addiction, border trafficking, and sex and labor trafficking.

“The center works with them to bring them a better life. They believe that speaking English is the golden ticket for these kids,” Monroe said.

When they’re not studying, the class explores temples and Thai markets, takes a cooking class, samples street food and celebrates the Hmong New Year. They visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, a Buddhist temple and one of the most recognizable temples in Chiang Rai Province.

They stand under the archway at the northernmost point of Thailand, in Mae Sai, and can see the military guard at the Myanmar border. At the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, they stand at the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.

Pha Hi Village / Amelia Monroe

Riding into the lush, forested hills, and then over rutted mountain roads, the class visits several villages, including Pha Hi village, near Myanmar.

Between two mountains, nestled in the slope of a steep valley, they can see the area where the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system twists deep below the earth – where the Thailand boys’ soccer team was trapped and rescued in 2018.

During their village visits, the class learns from nongovernmental organizations about Thai culture, cultural differences, the difficulties women face and the opium war.

“It is not uncommon for an arranged marriage with girls as young as 13. Bride napping is also very common. Women are seen as bearers of children, not equals. It really put into perspective the different reality that women have in America,” Monroe explained.

Doi Tung Garden / Amelia Monroe

With mountains towering in the background, 100,000 flowers bloom and palm trees sway at the Doi Tung Garden. The class visits the garden during the annual flower festival.

“My mom loves flowers. I couldn’t stop thinking of how I wished she could be seeing the garden with me,” Monroe said. “I hope to visit with her someday and show her just how beautiful it is in person. Pictures never do anything justice.”

Amelia Monroe greets an elephant at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary / Amelia Monroe

Students are greeted by the strong, elegant trunks of Asian elephants at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, and bathed the creatures in a gentle river, splashing each other with buckets of water.

“I never thought I would love a creature this much,” Monroe said. “Elephants are massive teddy bears. They just want food and loving. They are truly beautiful, gentle creatures with a calming energy.”

Education in Cozumel

Education students Evan Verboomen and Sara Christians and their classmates spend 40 hours over the two weeks, providing learning lessons in classrooms for children with or without disabilities and in the Montessori school.

They also have a walking tour of Cozumel, buy fresh ingredients at a market for a cooking class, ride a ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland, visit Chankanaab, a botanical garden and reef marine park, and stroll on the sands of Punta Del Sur beach.

During a visit to the Mayan ruins, they learn that Cozumel was originally settled approximately 2,000 years. Mayan women would, at least once in their lifetimes, make the treacherous journey from the mainland to the island in wooden canoes to worship Ix Chel, goddess of fertility, medicine, midwifery and weaving.

Sara Christians, upper right, with prekindergartners and teachers / Sara Christians

Knowing a little bit of Spanish, Christians, an early childhood education student from Minneapolis, wanted to study abroad to learn more.

“I wanted to take the step of independence in knowing more about myself in comfortable or uncomfortable situations,” she said. “I met new people who are kind and wonderful to be around. I also became more open about the school system and how it runs.”

Montessori students painting / Terry Kohlmeier

Christians worked with prekindergarten students for three days at the Montessori school.

“It was my favorite part of our trip. Seeing how these teachers taught Montessori, letting the children decide what they wanted to do for their ‘chore’ is something I will be incorporating in my classroom,” she said.

One of their lessons included the children ��. book "The Magic Mission" by Pebe Sebert, founder of the nonprofit organization The Magic Mission, which is dedicated to stopping the overpopulation, abuse and homelessness of dogs and cats in Central America. The book is a teaching tool used to foster a positive attitude toward dogs and cats.

“We realized it could be mutually beneficial for the �� students to incorporate the book in their classroom lessons,” Hopkins-Best said. “Pebe generously arranged to have the book printed on the island, assuring that the children taught by our students each received their own book.”

As his first activity with the children, Verboomen, a technology education student from Kimberly, teaches a dozen fifth- and sixth-graders how to make simple dog leashes.

�� students Nolan Baker, left, and Evan Verboomen, right, and Montessori students made dog leashes as a class project / Evan Verboomen

Verboomen leads the children in the activity, first tying three pieces of black paracord in a knot on a clasp to secure it. The children then braid the paracord, knot it at the end and feed it back through the leash to make a loop for a handle.

“It was a blast. The kids were so excited to make the dog leashes, and it was one of the best days we had there,” he said. “I hope they learned why dogs need to be on leashes and just have more knowledge about the Magic Mission organization and the spay and neuter campaign.”

Evan Verboomen, right, plays soccer with Montessori students / Terry Kohlmeier

Verboomen chose to study abroad to have new multicultural education experiences in a different country.

“I gained the experience of teaching kids who don't have the same background or beliefs as me and trying to get them engaged in learning while I teach the lesson. I also broadened my knowledge of the world and different cultures,” he said.

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Discover what Sociology and Education students learn on location in Thailand and Cozumel Sara Christians with prekindergartners and teachers, by Sara Christians

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PHOTO ESSAY: An Un-Belize-able Venture into the Neotropics

goersab — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:54:09 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: An Un-Belize-able Venture into the Neotropicsgoersab January 29, 2024

Join three students on their Study Abroad experience

Abbey Goers

In January, while temperatures drop to the single digits in Wisconsin, 14 undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Wisconsin-Stout venture into the Belize rainforest and barrier reef to observe wildlife and discover the history of the Mayan people.

For 11 days, they are studying the Central American country ��. diverse species and ecosystems in a Natural History of the Neotropics course, led annually by �� biology Professor Michael Bessert.

Among the travelers are Paige Letter and Lindsey Ward, two master's in conservation biology students, for whom the trip's focus on biodiversity and conservation, as well as how the people of Belize live day-to-day, is especially critical to their studies.

But the course isn't just for graduate students. It is open to all majors and satisfies academic requirements that undergraduates must fulfill before graduation.

Study abroad opportunities are a part of Stout Core, foundational general education classes at Wisconsin ��. ��. Through Stout Core, students gain global perspective, communication and critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning and more so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

“I’ve always felt these study abroad programs are among the more highly impactful opportunities for our students,” said Bessert, conservation biology program director.

The class hikes to the Red Bank Scarlet Macaw Viewing Area. / Lindsey Ward

Hiking to the Red Bank Scarlet Macaw Viewing Area is no walk in the park. The class treks through the jungle, up steep dirt pathways, around trees thick with crowding branches. The view from the top is worth the climb.

They watch a huge flock of scarlet macaws fly directly overhead, wings spread wide and long tails trailing behind, like phoenixes blazing through the trees.

“I was happy to be around people who were just as fascinated by the macaws as I was,” said Ward, originally from Omaha, Neb. “We could hear them screeching as we hiked back down the trail. It was one of the most incredible events in my life.

“To witness firsthand the incredible biodiversity that Belize has to offer and the species that deserve to be protected, my appreciation for conservation has become even more ingrained in me,” she added.

A view of the clearing overlooking the canopy. / Paige Letter

Letter, of Eau Claire, struggles on the hike, and a guide stays back with her, showing her a clearing overlooking the canopy where she watches more than 50 macaws feeding, flying and perching in the valley below.

Scarlet macaws in flight. / Paige Letter

“To be by myself, fear of what might lurk in the vegetation, but finding tranquility, I was overcome with emotions seeing these beautiful, endangered birds flourishing once more,” Letter said, recalling the book “The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw” by Bruce Barcott.

“On this trip, I found my inner strength to battle fears and any trepidations,” she added. “There was a discovery of an inner calmness that made me grateful to be able to be present in this wild, wonderful world.”

Kuester on a tour of the Sittee River and mangroves. Photo by Hunter Kuester / Hunter Kuester

On a tour of the lagoons on the Sittee River, Hunter Kuester, a hotel, restaurant and tourism management student, dons his Whistling Straits Golf Course baseball cap and stands at the front of a small speedboat, arms stretched out catching the wind.

Mangrove trees tangle their roots to either side, arcing above the water before diving deep into the murky riverbed.

“I wanted to study abroad to broaden my cultural focus outside of the United States, experience a completely new environment, explore traditions and cuisines outside of my own and dive deeper into what a lab class could really be,” said Kuester, of Watertown.

A beached coconut. / Paige Letter

Feeling the smooth grit of white sand between her toes on the beach near their villa on the Sittee River, Letter, whose focus is plant conservation, listens to the rush of waves on the shore. Coconuts are abundant. The smell of salt water lingers on the breeze.

Looking around though, she notices the microplastics, bottles and trash that wash ashore. Birds rifle through litter to find food, and she sees a crab has made its home out of a broken plastic bottle.

“It was heartbreaking. There is a plethora of plant specimens to study in the tropics,” she said. “The threat of global warming and pollution is imminent. Seeing the plants, animals and aquatic species that are already in danger of extinction made me feel blessed to see them before they may be gone.”

A gray angelfish swims in the Belize Barrier Reef. / Lindsey Ward

After a five-mile boat ride out into the Caribbean Sea, the class lands at Bread and Butter Caye and explores the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world.

Floating on the surface and diving among the local wildlife, they snorkel and observe the interactions between the corals and the many fish that dart about. A large gray angelfish glides past Ward, its wide, heart-shaped, speckled body cutting gracefully through the warm water.

“The reef ecosystem provides food and habitat for so many different species,” she said. “But I also thought about how damaging it would be to have such a complex ecosystem destroyed by human activity.”

The dock at Bread and Butter Caye. / Paige Letter

Having never swam in open waters before, Letter admits to being a little scared. But her fear melts away when she sees the beauty under the water.

“I was reminded of how small I felt in this giant world. There was a great sense of calmness away from the bustling city life,” she said.

Fresh produce at the farmer ��. market in San Ignacio. / Paige Letter

At the farmer ��. market in San Ignacio, Letter is overwhelmed by the variety of produce and foods. The sweet smell of fruits, grilled vegetables and beans from the cooking tents fill the air as people join in conversation.

“Getting to experience the cultures here firsthand really made me appreciate the farmers that put so much love and passion into their products,” she said.

Letter at the base of Temple I, in Tikal National Park. / Paige Letter

Crossing the border into Guatemala, the class walks among the Mayan temple ruins at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temple I, also known as Temple of the Great Jaguar, built nearly 1,300 years ago, rises above Letter, as her arms outstretch in awe.

Kuester at the top of Temple IV, in Tikal National Park / Hunter Kuester

“What giant beauties!” she said. “The engineering, time and hard work that it took to build these temples was dedication to the utmost degree. If only I could have been a fly on the wall during the peak time of the Mayan population here. To see the everyday life of the priests and elites would be eye-opening.”

The Mayan population of the classic period, A.D. 250-900, far exceeded the population of Belize today.

Crossing the central plaza, past Temples II and III, Kuester and Ward join their classmates in a climb of more than 200 uneven steps to the peak of Temple IV, rising above the lush greenery of the Guatemalan jungle.

A view of the Guatemalan jungle from the top of the temple. / Lindsey Ward

Being surrounded by classmates at the top of the temple is a special moment for Ward, who is relieved to finish the climb as she gazes out across the canopy and sees other Mayan structures towering above the trees in the distance.

“I was amazed by how many trees I could see and the thought of the Mayans building such a tall structure so long ago,” she said.

Edgar the one-eyed jaguar, at the Belize Zoo. / Paige Letter

Meeting another jaguar face-to-face - this one not of stone but of prowling muscle and spotted coat - is the highlight of Letter's trip. At the Belize Zoo, a wildlife education center and rescue and rehabilitation facility, Edgar the one-eyed jaguar approaches the fence. Letter's body goes numb and her heart melts.

“This beautiful creature came out, tail wagging and excited to see me. I felt a mix of fear from seeing a large predator, sadness to see the injuries he received, joy that he is in safe hands and something deep in my soul that connected to him in that moment,” she added. “I could have spent all day just being there with him.”

Winter science course takes students on eye-opening tour of Belize

For Brianna O’Brien, it wasn’t just when class members hiked four miles up a mountain, guided by a naturalist, to breathtaking views of a double waterfall.

For many of the students, this trip will be a core memory in their polytechnic experience, one that helps them build confidence in stepping out of their comfort zone, connecting with others and appreciating different cultures, skills that will last a lifetime.

For Bessert, their instructor and guide, it ��. a chance every year to teach about something central to his life. As an undergraduate, Bessert took part in three study abroad courses, one focusing on biodiversity in Belize. Thirty years later, he still works with some of the people he met back then.

“Consequently, we are among old friends and treated as family rather than tourists,” he said.

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Michael Bessert

Research Interests

I am interested in fish evolution, systematics, and conservation. Much of my current work is focused on molecular systematics, population genetics, and phylogeography in the North American freshwater fish genus Cycleptus (blue suckers), a group that inhabits large rivers in the Mississippi, Rio Grande, and Mobile basins of North America.

I am the first researcher to investigate genetic structure (on multiple levels) in the genus. Mitochondrial data clearly indicate the presence of a new, undescribed species from the Rio Grande basin. In addition, nuclear markers have revealed impacts of dams on genetic structure in the Missouri River as well as incomplete lineage sorting (in particular, an allophyletic condition) between the two described species. This work has important conservation implications as the genus occurs in 22 states, but none of the three species are considered stable in any of them (S3, vulnerable > SX, presumed extirpated).

I have also initiated or participated in other molecular genetic-based investigations in ecology, evolution, and behavior, such as research to characterize the molecular evolution of HIV-Clade C in Zambian mother/infant pairs. More recent efforts include a project to examine cloning frequency in a native plains thistle (Cirsium undulatum), studies of genetic mating systems in the nurseryfish (Kurtus gulliveri) of Australia and fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) of North America, phylogeographic studies in the plains topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus), and initiation of a long-term ichthyomonitoring project (incl. effects of drought) of fish assemblages in the Platte River forks of western Nebraska.

A new project that is taking shape here at Stout involves the assessment of genetic structure in native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations of the Driftless Area in western Wisconsin. This is a developing collaboration between Dr. Chuck Bomar, John Sours and others in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and Trout Unlimited (TU), a private organization.

�� lies on the northern rim of the Driftless Area, a region that was encircled - but untouched – by ice sheets during the last glacial maximum. The degree to which this ‘pocket’ within the ice acted as a refugium for aquatic organisms is largely unknown. It is possible that brook trout populations survived within. This species is popular among fly fishing enthusiasts and has been stocked in many regional drainages.

Still, there are a number of disjunct areas that contain populations which have never been stocked. These are of highest interest to the WDNR because stocked trout tend not to survive well in many (most?) streams. From an applied management standpoint, the WDNR would like to know how ‘genetically unique’ these endemic populations really are and, secondly, how much hybridization occurs in stocked streams.

Additional basic questions involve ascertainment of historical demographic patterns and an estimation of divergence time between unstocked endemics and other populations outside the Driftless Area. Using molecular techniques, we can directly test the refugium hypothesis. If the area did serve in this capacity, it is plausible that there are one or more cryptic, undescribed species in the region.

I actively seek the participation of undergraduates in all of my research endeavors – both in the field and in the laboratory. As a professional educator, I know the value of hands-on, inquiry-based experiences. If you are interested in working in my lab.

Full Name: Michael L. Bessert, Ph.D.

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Curriculum Vitae: Dr. Michael L. Bessert CV (447.23 KB)

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University: University of Nebraska

Degree: M.S. Biological Science

University: University of Nebraska

Degree: B.A. Biology

University: Concordia University

Degree: B.S. Biology, Physical Education

University: Concordia University

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Mental health master ��. students witness how Portugal ��. public health model benefits its people

goersab — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:31:31 +0000

Mental health master ��. students witness how Portugal ��. public health model benefits its peoplegoersab September 19, 2023

Harm reduction, lack of stigmas in treating substance use disorders help them learn to advocate for future clients

Abbey Goers

Fourteen master ��. students in the clinical mental health counseling program at �� traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, in August to learn firsthand about the nation ��. coordinated public health model in treating substance use disorders.

During the new, nine-day study abroad course, A Public Health Approach to Addiction in Portugal, led by Professor Julie Bates-Maves, students witnessed how Portugal ��. policy on drug decriminalization has helped its people, and how it differs from policy and stigmas in the United States.

Portugal ��. health-oriented approach, the National Plan on Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies, is based on five pillars – harm reduction, reintegration, treatment, prevention, and dissuasion, with goals to empower, care for and protect its citizens.

CMHC students visiting a mobile methadone unit in Lisbon, Portugal / Julie Bates-Maves

Bates-Maves is an ardent supporter of harm reduction. “The ease of access to support and deep sense of humanity that people with substance use disorders experience in Portugal is remarkable,” she said. “It makes me so happy to know it exists and a little sad that it isn’t likely to be achieved at this level in the U.S. I am thrilled our students were able to see there ��. more than one way to do things clinically and that reducing barriers to care can be done — politically and socially.

“In the U.S., there is still debate around adopting this model with open arms,” she added. “Researchers have attributed this slow adoption to low public support for harm reduction, outdated attitudes that approach drug use as a moral failing, and stigmatizing attitudes toward populations who use drugs.”

Bates-Maves was excited to develop the course with �� . Office of International Education in partnership with Academic Programs International.

“I’m proud that our program extends the learning outside the classroom. Seeing what ��. possible elsewhere makes it feel more possible here at home. This experience inspired hope as clinicians as much as it inspired academic learning,” she said.

She is working with OIE to plan a course in Lisbon for CMHC alumni next summer, giving working mental health professionals new perspectives on how to care for their clients. The course for graduate students will run every other summer, with the next course held in August 2025.

Advocating for their future clients

One of �� . 24 Graduate Studies programs, CMHC prepares competent and ethical counselors for service in the mental health counseling profession. Graduates are prepared to conduct individual, group and family counseling to restore mental health and to promote human development and growth.

CMHC students visit the National Institute for Preventive Behaviors in Lisbon, Portugal / Julie Bates-Maves

Three of the master ��. students, Ashley Barry, Alyssa Belling and Tiffany Johnson, have concentrations in alcohol and other drug abuse counseling; as well as crisis and trauma. Johnson also has a concentration in child and adolescent counseling. Before the trip, they studied U.S. and Portugal drug policies and were aware of the differences in stigmas regarding addiction and recovery.

“Learning Portugal ��. approach to harm reduction and having awareness of their care will help me advocate for my future clients,” said Barry, of Morgantown, W.Va. “In Portugal, they have nothing but compassion for their people. It ��. a night and day difference from the policies and stigmas in the U.S. Here, we’re not given that grace. We’re made to feel shamed and are judged as we’re trying to get sober.

“There ��. none of that in Portugal. It ��. so beautiful. I want to be a part of the solution. There are so many people who struggle with addiction, with the stigma and misinformation. I want to give people the help and support they need,” she added.

Ashley Barry and Alyssa Belling at a Portuguese cooking class / Alyssa Belling

Belling, of Dodgeville, studied addiction during her undergrad in psychology, where she first learned about Portugal ��. policy. “When the opportunity presented itself to study abroad, I knew I had to go because it would be a ‘full circle’ moment for me,” she said.

“It was really cool to be in a society that had significantly less stigma and misinformation around mental illness and alcohol and other drug abuse as compared to the United States. I love that my understanding of these brain diseases allows me to educate others, encouraging acceptance and empathy toward folks who struggle.

“After visiting a country where everything related to mental health care is so different, it was hard at times to imagine how I could possibly make any difference in America,” Belling said.

“My classmates and I shared our sadness in this but will use our hope to propel us to be better clinicians. Although we might not be able to change the world, we have the privilege of playing a large role in the worlds of our clients. We have the power to provide a positive experience with mental health care," she added.

Tiffany Johnson at the Praca do Comercio in Lisbon / Tiffany Johnson

Johnson, of Suring, enrolled in the class because she wanted to see something new and “because it can be frustrating when you’re working within a system that sets people up to fail. I wanted to see in person a place where there are programs that work for the people.

“This experience gave me a new stance from which to advocate from professionally. I have a new approach for my future clients. Harm reduction makes sense in the classroom, but to see in person how it works and how accessible it can be was really cool to see,” Johnson said.

“Unfortunately, in the U.S., we’re not at the point where we can offer that. There are people who don’t believe in decriminalization; people who believe in the stigmas surrounding drug use,” she added.

A social service system devoted to harm reduction

In Lisbon, the class visited SICAD, the National Institute for Preventive Behaviors, which helps craft policies, maintenance and change. Students spoke with Elsa Maia, director of Intervention on Addictive, Behaviors and Dependencies, in the Ministry of Health.

Maia presented on Portuguese policy, its approach to harm reduction and the history behind the policy, which decriminalized drug use in terms of practice with less than a 10-day supply. “But that doesn’t mean it ��. legal,” Bates-Maves added.

“Above all, a person with a substance use disorder is considered as a person in need of health and social care,” she said.

When someone is found with less than a 10-day supply, they are given an administrative citation to meet with a dissuasion committee of social workers, physicians and counselors, who determine if the person ��. possession is for medical or recreational use. They then determine what care the person may need and if they opt in for counseling support, their care is paid for by government health care. Those found with more than a 10-day supply are arrested as a dealer/distributor and criminal proceedings take place, Bates-Maves noted.

CMHC students visit a temporary housing facility / Julie Bates-Maves

When Portugal ��.’ policy was enacted in 1998, illicit drugs, from heroin to cocaine to meth, impacted people from every walk of life. Its jails were overflowing, and 1% of its population had a substance use disorder, a high percentage for a nation of only 10 million people, Bates-Maves explained.

Since then, substance use disorders have dropped to 0.33% of the population. Of that percentage, heroin use went from 98% to 16% of users, and overdoses went from 350 deaths to 63 deaths this past year. Problematic users went from 100,000 to 33,200, and new cases of HIV dropped from 56% to 3%.

Compared to the opioid crisis in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid. And 13% of people used an illicit drug in 2019.

The class visited the Centro de Acolhimento de Santa Bárbara, temporary housing for homeless individuals and those struggling with addiction. The facility is in a renovated police barracks and offers a safe place for anyone in need.

“It ��. a beautiful facility. It could be a postcard,” Bates-Maves said. “And pets are allowed, which is so important for so many homeless people. They may not accept help if their pets aren’t allowed to be with them. The facility even provides veterinary care and food for animals.”

CMHC students on a boat tour in Lisbon, Portugal / Alyssa Belling

The class also visited a supervised drug consumption room, which offers clients clean needles, swabs and needle exchange kits to use drugs safely and reduce disease transmission. While clients bring their own drugs, they are monitored by medical care providers in case of an overdose. Case managers are also available for clients.

“There is a whole social service system every time you go in,” Bates-Maves explained. “This is another aspect to their harm reduction policies – to reduce disease, reduce overdoses and offer greater access to care.”

The students met with guest lecturers Catherine Moury and Rui Coimbra Morais, who spoke on European Union drug policies and harm reduction in addictions. Moury is associate professor of political science at NOVA FCSH University of Lisbon; and Morais is a psychologist specializing in deviant behaviors and a member of the Order of Portuguese Psychologists.

A powerful experience, professionally and personally

The most powerful experience for the class was a visit to a mobile methadone unit, where Bates-Maves and students talked with the nurse and staff, who drive the unit – a visibly marketed van – to scheduled stops at stations in the city. Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatments to help people reduce or quit heroin or other opiates.

At the mobile unit, clients drive or walk up, check in, receive their medicated dose, and meet with a counselor if they choose.

Bates-Maves has worked in a methadone clinic and called the visit in Lisbon “one of her best days as a professional counselor.”

“Methadone is very effective in treating opiate addictions, but it ��. very stigmatized in the U.S.,” said Bates-Maves. “Because of the stigma, it ��. often very secretive – a hidden service regulated by the DEA, and there are so many barriers for treatment. But in Portugal, it ��. accessible and is widely accepted as a valuable treatment.”

During their visit, a work truck pulled up and a man stepped out. He checked in to the unit, received his dose by a professional health care provider and continued on his way. The process took three minutes. Fees are covered by government health care.

Ashley Barry in Lisbon, Portugal / Ashley Barry

In the U.S., a similar visit might take a half hour to an hour waiting in line to see a nurse and perhaps a therapist. Limited hours of operation, few facilities in a region and cost of coverage hinder accessibility and add barriers for people on their way to recovery, Bates-Maves said.

Johnson was amazed to learn that the worker ��. employer was involved and supported his recovery. “In the U.S., people feel that they could be putting themselves at risk and looked at differently by their employer for their past drug use or recovery,” she said.

For Barry, the course was an academic, professional and personal opportunity. She has been in recovery from alcohol for seven years. She celebrated her anniversary of sobriety with her cohort on their trip.

“Seeing the mobile methadone unit in person was very emotional for me, in a good way. With my lived experience, it was very profound to witness a country that can go so far to help its people,” Barry said.

Careers in counseling and compassion

Johnson will graduate with her master ��. this December. “You learn so many amazing things in the clinical mental health counseling program,” she said. “You’re learning knowledge of counseling, but it ��. also a journey of personal growth. I think of who I was coming into the program and now as I’ll be graduating. To counsel someone else, you have to have that moment of vulnerability yourself. It ��. about personal development.”

Johnson, who has a bachelor ��. in criminal justice rehabilitation from ��, is currently interning with Lutheran Social Services in family therapy and children with high needs and worked as a residential treatment worker with Arbor Place, in Menomonie. During her undergrad, she interned with Cedar Ridge, a dual-diagnosis residential treatment center in Stillwater, Minn.

Barry is completing her practicum with Park Avenue Center, a drug and alcohol use facility in Minneapolis, with a goal to continue working with this population. She plans to earn dual licensure in substance abuse counseling and mental health. She will graduate in May 2024 and has her B.S. in psychology.

“I would move to Portugal in a heartbeat if I was able to work for them,” Barry said.

Belling is in her practicum at Dunn County Behavioral Health Services and will graduate in August 2024. She is most interested in working in trauma counseling but is keeping an open mind.

The course also included cultural immersion and sightseeing opportunities such as a Portuguese language lesson, a cooking class and visits to castles and palaces in the Lisbon area.

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Harm reduction, lack of stigmas in treating substance use disorders help them learn to advocate for future clients CMHC students visiting a mobile methadone unit

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�� students experience new layers of fashion design in New York City during faculty-led tour

goersab — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000

�� students experience new layers of fashion design in New York City during faculty-led tourgoersab April 10, 2023

Tynan, Emerson receive internship offers at National Retail Federation career fair

Abbey Goers

Recently, seven �� students caught a glimpse inside America's fashion hub – New York City – while exploring internship opportunities with leaders in the retail industry.

As part of the National Retail Federation Student Program, they attended the NRF career fair, where they talked with designers and merchandisers from Carter ��., Amazon, Ross, Nordstrom, Sax Fifth Avenue, Steve Madden, Target, Kohl ��. and more.

Fashion and retail students Emma Lynn Tynan and Reem Emerson received internship offers with Kohl ��. Corporate during the NRF career fair.

�� students at the Big Show for the National Retail Federation. / Sarah Eileen Smith

“The whole trip was made right at the beginning, with the career fair,” said Tynan, of Rio, Wis. “We learned more about what ��. happening in the world of fashion, which is constantly changing. It ��. all about knowing what ��. out there.”

“We talked to a lot of people. It was cool to see who was there and what the fashion landscape looks like outside of Stout,” said Emerson, of St. Paul. “It was much different than Stout ��. annual Career Conference because NRF was so specialized to us.”

Other fashion and retail students on the tour were Travis Bennett, Hager City; Arianna Littlebull Williams, Milwaukee; Grace Schultz, Siren; and Graciela Sieben, Hastings, Minn.; as well as business administration student Jack Accola, Mondovi.

They witnessed designs being created at the Garment District, toured iconic and innovative fashion retailers on 5th Avenue and SoHo and viewed an historic costume exhibition. They learned from industry leaders about careers in design, marketing, technology and the immersive customer experience.

Reem Emerson in New York City / Reem Emerson

Emerson called New York City one of the fashion capitals of the world, along with Paris, London and Milan.

“Our guide in the Garment District explained how the fashion industry started in New York with the fur trading business in the very beginnings of America and how it rose from there, creating industry and starting its rich cultural history,” she said.

Tynan added that the culture and diversity of the city, its huge population, and the runway and street-style fashions add to its reputation.

They also had a day to explore on their own, visiting the Whole Market and Chelsea Market, a Louis Vuitton pop-up shop on the Highline, China Town and Little Italy. They saw the Statue of Liberty from across the bay, saw “Chicago” on Broadway and visited the 9-11 Memorial.

Securing their summer internships

Emma Lynn Tynan in New York City / Emma Lynn Tynan

Tynan received her internship offer with Kohl ��. the day of the fair after back-to-back interviews with their team that day. This summer, she will be an assistant merchant intern in Menomonee Falls, working with a department merchandiser to analyze sales, brands and styles and meet with vendors.

Tynan gained confidence in interviewing, public speaking skills and leadership as President of Delta Zeta, a national sorority that provides volunteer opportunities locally and raises money for philanthropy partners such as the Starkey Hearing Foundation and American Society for Deaf Children.

“If you can step up, the companies you interview with will see that too,” she said.

Emerson received her internship offer after three rounds of interviews, which included designing a collection of clothing for one of Kohl ��. brands. She gave a virtual presentation of her portfolio to two designers in the New York office. She is considering internship options and offers.

Lecturer Sarah Eileen Smith led the trip. “I love watching my students succeed in the classroom but watching them network and navigate the world outside of school was really amazing to see. When I found out multiple students had been asked to do interviews, I was ecstatic,” she said.

Careers in the analytical and artistic sides of fashion

Emerson and Tynan have always been interested in fashion, but in different aspects of the industry – Emerson in design and Tynan in analytics. The program at �� offers concentrations for both students to follow their passions and prepare for their internships and careers.

Reem Emerson at the NRF career fair / Reem Emerson

Emerson knew of three universities in the area with fashion-related programs. “�� . program is a good avenue. It has more of a reputation for sending graduates prepared into the job market,” she said. Her concentration is fashion design and development.

“I have always been artistic,” Emerson said. “The hands-on approach at Stout makes a huge difference. I’ve gained seamstress skills in technical sewing, design development and construction of clothing. That ��. something that other schools don’t teach to the same degree. I’ve gained skills in fashion flats and illustrating in CAD as well.

“Our professors train us in the details to create our sewing portfolios. Design directors want to see that we know how to construct garments correctly. We’re not a fine arts college. Our Bachelor of Science degree gives us the hard skills for corporations like REI, Prana or Target,” she added.

Tynan ��. retail analytics concentration lets her focus on the business side of fashion. “Merchandising is less about styles and more about research. I wanted to research clothing. There ��. no other school in the UW System that offers a fashion degree tied to business. My Excel skills and hands-on learning have trained me for ‘retail math’ in analytics and data,” Tynan said.

As part of �� . Showcase of student-centered events in April and May, fashion and retail students’ clothing collections will be featured at WEAR Fashion Show at 2 p.m. on April 29, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. Tickets will be available at the door. Seniors will be showcased after the show in the MSC ballrooms.

The WEAR Fashion Show returns to the runway on April 29 at 2 p.m.

Students encouraged to travel to broaden their horizons

Tynan encourages other students to study nationally or abroad to get out of their comfort zone and to have new experiences. “This opened my eyes to other things, and in fashion, it helped me to see what others are wearing,” she said.

Emerson added that fashion on the coasts is five years ahead of the Midwest. She ��. been to New York several times, but this was her favorite trip so far. “I really enjoyed the trip more than I thought. Travel broadens your horizons – to see so many new people, hear so many different languages. You don’t know what you don’t know until you experience a place.”

Emerson and Tynan will both graduate in spring 2024.

Andria Morse, assistant director of Study Abroad, is working with Smith on another NRF study tour for WinTerm 2024.

Also in January, 16 students traveled to the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto for a special Digital Imagery Studio course titled Concept Art and Japan. Led by design lecturers Kimberly Delain and Karl Koehle, students focused on creating art for the entertainment industry.

Students in the study abroad Concept Art and Japan course. / Kimberly Delain

“The study abroad was a research trip within the context of environment concept art. Students were studying and absorbing specifically the architecture and the spaces of both modern and traditional buildings, which they then used to create pieces of concept art,” Delain said.

Delain previously lived and taught in Japan. “This definitely played a large role in my being comfortable enough to offer this opportunity,” she said.

During the 2021-22 academic year, 184 �� students studied abroad through the Study Abroad office.

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Tynan, Emerson receive internship offers at National Retail Federation career fair Students at the National Retail Federation Big Show

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Full Name: Andria Morse

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Department: Office of International Education

Education:

Degree: MA Intercultural Relations

University: Lesley University

Location: Cambridge, MA, United States, 2001

Degree: BA Spanish

University: North Dakota State University

Location: Fargo, ND, United States, 1994

Degree: Academic Year Study Abroad Liberal Arts

University: Universidad de Sevilla

Location: Sevilla, Spain, 1993

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Mental health master ��������. students witness how Portugal ��������. public health model benefits its people

Advocating for their future clients

A social service system devoted to harm reduction

A powerful experience, professionally and personally

Careers in counseling and compassion

M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

�������� students experience new layers of fashion design in New York City during faculty-led tour

Securing their summer internships

Careers in the analytical and artistic sides of fashion

Students encouraged to travel to broaden their horizons

B.S. Fashion Design & Development

B.S. Business Administration

PHOTO ESSAY: All the World ��. a Stage

Global vision, local design: �� students transform public spaces with murals

Runway to imagination: �� . sold-out Fashion Without Fabric unfolds fears with theme of Philias and Phobias

Singing in Scandinavia: �� . Chamber Choir tours Sweden

Mental health master ��. students witness how Portugal ��. public health model benefits its people

�� students experience new layers of fashion design in New York City during faculty-led tour