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Fashion design seniors bring collections to life at WEAR Fashion Show April 27

goersab — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:49:07 +0000

Fashion design seniors bring collections to life at WEAR Fashion Show April 27goersab April 15, 2024

From bridalwear to social awareness- and golf-inspired attire, designs will be displayed after runway show

Modeling their senior capstone clothing collections on the runway is the culminating experience for fashion design and development students’ polytechnic education at ��.

For Reem Emerson, Emma Cinealis and Sofia Morin, who will graduate on Saturday, May 4, the WEAR Fashion Show is their opportunity to finally see their bridalwear, social awareness- and golf-inspired collections come to life.

WEAR will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. Tickets are required and are available to purchase online.

Ten seniors and one first-year student will show 45 outfits, modeled by the designers themselves, family, friends and alumni.

Morin will show her golf-inspired collection at WEAR. / ��

For their capstone, seniors each developed a four-look collection, creating their own design house, complete with brand names, marketing materials and business plans. Their collections will be on display at a trade show-style exhibit after the runway event in the MSC ballrooms, where attendees can meet the designers and see the garments up close.

Hosted by the WEAR Fashion Association student organization, WEAR is part of �� . Spring Showcase of student-centered events in April and May.

View last year ��. WEAR.

Other �� fashion-focused events include Fashion Without Fabric. The sold-out show on April 6, featured 117 sculptured costume designs by 3D Design first-year students, representing this year ��. theme of Philias and Phobias. View Fashion Without Fabric.

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

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Transcendence Drag and Burlesque celebrated Trans Day of Visibility on March 26. Hosted by the Involvement Center, the Qube and �� . Gender and Sexuality Alliance, the cabaret is an alumnus-founded and produced, BIPOC-centered, trans/gender nonconforming troupe of performers.

Golden Age-inspired bridalwear

Emerson ��. capstone collection is a bridalwear line inspired by her trip to the Netherlands a few years ago, when she toured the historic home of the famous painter Rembrandt.

“I was awed by his realistic still-life work,” she said. “These paintings from the Dutch Golden Age are iconic for highlighting the subject with dramatic lighting and setting them against a completely black background. This contrast intentionally highlights the subject so the viewer can see every detail painted.

Emerson will show her bridalwear collection at WEAR. / ��

“In bridalwear, we take a lot of care to ensure the bride is the main focus of her wedding. So, I wanted to create wedding garments that stand out, demand attention and force everything surrounding the bride to fade to the background.”

Emerson, who also has a degree in industrial design from ��, learned much of her hand-sewing techniques while interning last summer at Beauty By Design, in Minneapolis. She put it all to the test in her bridalwear collection.

“I learned a lot of couture dressmaking techniques at my internship. My collection is handmade with professionalism. Each piece was hand-designed, patterned and crafted. No detail is by chance,” she said. “I am very excited to show the black wedding dress from my collection. I feel that this specific dress really embodies my inspiration and is unlike anything currently available on the bridalwear market.”

Emerson's designs are hand-sewn. / ��

Emerson, of St. Paul, enjoys exploring textures, fabric and silhouettes. “I love thinking outside the box and get really excited when I come up with something I know is trend-forward and not yet on the market,” she said.

Outfits with a deeper meaning

Cinealis’ inspiration for her collection, Don’t Ask, Don't Tell, was based on the struggles she ��. faced with the public ��. reaction towards her sexuality. The purpose of her collection is to bring awareness to the way that society treats the lesbian community.

Her outfit “Concealment” represents the constant fear that she feels when coming out to new people, while the outfit “Oversexualization” represents how sexualized society makes the lesbian community out to be.

Cinealis will show 'Oversexualization,' part of her Don't Ask, Don't Tell collection, at WEAR. / ��

Her outfit “Isolation,” an exaggerated puffer coat, represents the isolating feeling of being different from everyone and the constant reminder from the public of how different she ��. made to feel. Cinealis loves the coat because it ��. fun and different from anything else she ��. done before.

But her favorite piece in her collection is “Hypermasculine,” a power suit that represents how society expects there to be a more masculine role in lesbian relationships.

“It ��. the most detailed outfit and the closest related to what I want to do outside of college. I think the audience will understand the deeper meaning of this outfit the most,” she said.

Cinealis' exaggerated puffer coat, 'Isolation,' is different than anything she's made before. / ��

Cinealis, of Sheboygan, enjoys the freedom of the initial sketching process. “I love the trial and error of seeing what I want to feature on an outfit and what I want to keep out,” she said.

Fashion, on par

Morin, of Buffalo, Minn., has golfed most of her life and played on the �� Blue Devils team her first year. Her collection, Tradition, is inspired by the characters she observed and interacted with during her time on the course.

“I was interested in the history of American golf, the roles that we consistently have that other countries do not and the personalities of the people that hold the roles. Specifically, ‘The Golfer,’ ‘The Caddy,’ ‘The Cart Girl,’ ‘The Groundskeeper’ and ‘The Member's Wife,’” she said.

Morin works on her 'Tradition Duffle.' / ��

Her favorite piece is her addition of the “Tradition Duffle,” a clubhouse classic that pulls the theme of her collection together.

“The shape is classic, and the lettering is nostalgic. But the materials and hardware give it a more modern and refined look,” Morin said. “I am not sure if it will walk the runway, but it will be displayed at the exhibit before and after the show.”

Morin embellishes her designs by leather tooling accessories. / ��

Her favorite part of the creation process was seeing the collection go from ideas to physical pieces. “It is so fulfilling to see the looks come to life on the model and watch how they can become the character I put them in,” she said.

Designing their careers

Cinealis, Emerson and Morin believe the program, its professors and internships have prepared them for their careers.

“We have gotten to learn everything that we could possibly be doing in our careers from sketching, creating tech flats and tech packs, patterning, draping, to sewing and tailoring,” Cinealis said. “Our professors also help us a lot with perfecting our portfolios and resumes. Stout has enhanced my skills as a designer, expanded my network and fully prepared me for my career post-graduation.”

Cinealis and Morin were hired before graduation. Cinealis will be an assistant designer at Kohl's in Menomonee Falls. Her twin sister, Ava, is also graduating this spring with a degree in applied biochemistry and molecular biology.

Morin plans to move to New York to start her career with Steve Madden on the Anne Klein fashion accessories team and will continue to grow her own accessory brand on the side.

“I am so impressed with all the work our professors and leaders are doing to push the program forward and give it the attention it deserves to grow strong designers and industry leaders,” she said.

Emerson, center, and Professor Jongeun Rhee, left, talk about a bridalwear design. / ��

Emerson is a freelance designer and bridal consultant in St. Paul and is interviewing for full-time positions where she can help companies bring ideas to life.

�� . fashion design and development program is now part of the university ��. College of Arts and Human Sciences design department.

The university ��. 2022-23 First Destination Outcomes survey reported 100% of program graduates were either working within the industry with an average yearly salary of $53,000, or are continuing their education.

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From bridalwear to social awareness- and golf-inspired attire, designs will be displayed after runway show Fashion design student Sofia Morin in the fashion development studio

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Hero Caption: Fashion design senior Emma Cinealis in the fashion development studio. Cinealis and other seniors will show their capstone collections at WEAR on April 27

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Inspiring Graduate: Willa Rodencal, B.S. Retail & Merchandising Management

goersab — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 19:06:54 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Willa Rodencal, B.S. Retail & Merchandising Managementgoersab January 17, 2023

'The polytechnic environment is one that we are taught in from day one.'

Inspiring Graduate: Willa Rodencal (’22)

Hometown: Waukesha
Degree: B.S. Retail Merchandising and Management
Concentration: fashion marketing
Minors: business administration; digital marketing; and sales and marketing

Willa Rodencal will soon start her career as a merchandiser for Gap Inc. in San Francisco and will enter the Rotational Management Program for nine months, to get a deeper understanding of the retail industry. After completing the RMP program, she will be an assistant merchant with Gap Inc.

Rodencal earned her bachelor ��. in retail merchandising and management, having graduated with honors from �� on Dec. 17, when she served as commencement speaker to her fellow Blue Devil graduates.

Choosing which university to attend was a decision Rodencal didn’t take lightly. “I needed somewhere that would support my value of education as much as I do. I wanted a college that would fit my learning needs,” she said.

Rodencal grew up in a nontraditional learning environment, from home schooling with her mother and older sister to teaching herself in free online classes. At 16, she enrolled in Waukesha County Technical College, taking prerequisite general education courses to prepare for a classroom setting.

“What originally attracted me to �� was the polytechnic experience. The intimate class sizes and hands-on educational experience drew me to this university and helped me succeed here as a student,” she said.

Willa Rodencal speaks at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on Dec. 17. / ��

How has Stout prepared you to work in your field?

As most young people enter their chosen career field, we experience anxiety and imposter syndrome. I remember starting my internship at Gap feeling like I was unqualified for the job I was hired for and worried I would not succeed.

I am glad to say that I was wrong to have those anxieties and that I was more prepared for this job than I ever expected to be. Classes such as Trend Tracking and Forecasting; Information and Communication Technologies; and Finite and Financial Mathematics with Applications were the most beneficial courses in preparing me for my field of work.

What does Stout ��. polytechnic spirit mean to you?

�� . polytechnic spirit shines through the campus, the professors and the students. My dedication and determination, as well as that of the faculty and staff, have inspired me to exceed even my wildest dreams.

Most would say that polytechnic education only is related to class sizes, hands-on labs and encouraged group work. But the polytechnic experience is so much more than that.

The polytechnic environment is one that we are taught in from day one, and it is alive in the way that students feel encouraged to help each other during classes or offer to tutor peers outside of class.

You can make a friend just walking down the street or with the person sitting next to you at a football game. We are encouraged to get to know one another and lean on each other for help, and it shines through not only in our academics but in any Stout student's personal life and experiences.

Previous to Stout, I was worried I would not be prepared or able to succeed in a career. I was worried that I did not have what it would take to achieve greatness. Instead, I can leave confident in my abilities and prepared to face the world ahead. I have made lifelong friends who have inspired me to push myself and be the best person I possibly can be.

I would not be who I am today had it not been for attending ��.

How did your involvement at Stout impact your experience?

At the end of my first year at ��, I was recommended by my English professor to join the Stout Ambassador Program. I worked as a student representative with the Alumni Association, in collaboration with the chancellor's office, to bring positive change to the Stout campus as well as, raise money for scholarships and future campus improvements.

I am most proud of working as a Stout Ambassador and starting the Stout Impact Project, which entailed the creation and design of a wearable product, as well as the marketing and selling of the product to raise funds for the Student Emergency Fund. Our first year, we were able to raise more than $3,300, granting scholarships for students with extenuating circumstances. I am incredibly proud to help raise money for the students at this school, because no one should have to choose between paying for an extenuating circumstance and their educational experience.

Willa Rodencal at commencement. / ��

How did you overcome the challenges you faced in earning your degree?

During COVID, the retail field was not considered to have essential workers within corporate offices so most internships and co-op opportunities were canceled or no longer available. It was extremely difficult to acquire an internship during this time. I had applied to more than 40 internship positions and was only granted one interview opportunity with Gap.

I managed to move on to several more rounds of interviews and made it to the final round, in which I was unfortunately denied an internship. I was utterly crushed by this decision and felt that I would not be able to graduate if I was not able to get an internship. I continued applying, reaching out to advisers and HR for retail companies, with no success.

Five months after being denied my dream internship with Gap, they reached back out to me saying that a slot had unexpectedly opened, and they wanted me to do two 45-minute interviews with the heads of their merchandising department. I held mock interviews with friends and faculty, all while updating my resume and preparing with Career Services.

I was offered a paid internship with Gap in San Francisco. Looking back, I am very grateful for the life lessons that this scenario prepared me for.

This opportunity taught me a lot about perseverance and utilizing the support that surrounds you in life.

What message would you like to share with your classmates?

During our education here at ��, we experienced an extraordinary amount of turbulence that turned our lives upside down. But we as Stout students persevered and came out the other side stronger.

We came to this university unsure of what our futures would hold, but we leave prepared, educated, and inspired to face the world and start our careers. I am so proud to graduate with this class of extraordinary students who have overcome challenges against all odds.

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Alum Suzanne Wittman believes in building an empowering legacy

goersab — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:17:27 +0000

Alum Suzanne Wittman believes in building an empowering legacygoersab January 11, 2023

She was recently named one of Wisconsin ��. Most Influential Asian American Leaders

Abbey Goers

Suzanne Wittman believes that building relationships is the foundation for building a community. As the executive director of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, covering Shawano and Menominee counties in eastern Wisconsin, she is helping to highlight the area ��. natural resources, its people and to create a better quality of life.

Suzanne Wittman / Suzanne Wittman

Wittman, a �� retail merchandising and management alum, recently was named one of Wisconsin ��. 34 Most Influential Asian American Leaders by Madison 365, a nonprofit online news outlet that covers communities of color and issues important to those communities.

She was recognized for her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion, while working with Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in the Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee areas, and for aiming to empower women ��. voices – especially women of color.

“It ��. humbling to be recognized, but more importantly it was an opportunity to highlight the work I was doing at the time. Bringing to light the needs of marginalized people is a great undertaking,” said Wittman, the former Women's Empowerment Center director of the YWCA Greater Green Bay.

She remembers wanting to empower women ��. voices after reading a book about how women don’t apply for jobs that they don’t feel 100% qualified for, how they rarely ask for raises and miss promotional opportunities.

“I found that absurd. I refused to fall under that stereotype and knew that if I didn’t raise my own voice, no one would do it for me,” she said. “Yet when you look for Asian representation in respect to leadership, you’ll see that it ��. not as strong as it could be.

“I hope to help pave the way for other Asian and Asian-American women to seek out positions in leadership and utilize their diverse experience and skills to better the businesses and organizations they serve.”

Wittman feels that it ��. incumbent on her to be a role model to her three children. / Suzanne Wittman

Wittman ��. parents were born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada, where they met. Wittman was born in Montreal, Quebec, and with the exception of living in Buenos Aires for two years as a child, spent most of her life in Canada. She never witnessed racism until she moved to the United States.

“Unfortunately, it was here in the U.S. where I felt that seismic shift, whether I was overlooked or intimidated because of the color of my skin. And I’m saddened that my three children have had to feel the effects of this as well, as mixed-race individuals,” she said.

But as a mother of three children, Wittman feels that it ��. incumbent on her to be a role model, especially to her two daughters.

“What greater legacy could I leave than to have raised two independently strong, well-versed and insightful young women? They are now my cheerleaders, and no mom could ask for anything more,” she said. “Maybe my role on this earth is to show resilience. Maybe it ��. to just be authentically human and caring. I’m still figuring it out but certainly embracing the challenges and the connections I’ve made along the way.”

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She was recently named one of Wisconsin ��. Most Influential Asian American Leaders Suzanne Wittman

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New manager seeks to update campus store, increase traffic

powersp — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:36:50 +0000

New manager seeks to update campus store, increase trafficpowersp August 25, 2021

Eggum plans to improve in-store branding, expand merchandise and hours

From new in-store branding and merchandise to plans to add pop-up shops at campus events, University of Wisconsin-Stout alumna Hanahh Eggum is thrilled to be the new manager at Stoutfitters, the campus store.

Stoutfitters, which is owned by Follett and located in the Memorial Student Center, offers class materials for students, as well as branded �� items for students, staff and alumni to show off their �� pride.

Eggum, who graduated in December 2019 with a degree in retail merchandising and management with an emphasis in apparel marketing and buying and product management, started as the Stoutfitters manager in mid-July.

“I absolutely fell in love with Stout and the community of Menomonie,” Eggum said. “I just love how much care and passion the professors have. I truly admire Stout ��. values. Working in Menomonie at Stout within my major is a dream come true.”

While attending ��, Eggum had an internship in the 2018 spring and fall semester at the Niche, a student-run boutique in Heritage Hall offering fashion merchandise and accessories, school accessories, home décor and beauty and health products.

She also had an internship through the Cooperative Education and Internship Program supported by Career Services at Sleep Number corporate offices in Minneapolis during the summer of 2018 as an operations intern. Sleep Number president and CEO is �� alumna Shelly R. Ibach.

Eggum also worked at University Housing as a resident assistant and hall manager and was a member of the Stout Retail Association. After graduating, she started her career at Menards Corp. in Eau Claire as a merchandise planner in the electrical department. While there she learned to do some electrical work setting up displays for the department.

This summer, Eggum said Stoutfitters has been busy with giving the store a “facelift” and serving incoming first-year students and their families who are stocking up on �� branded gear.

“We have been changing how items are displayed and where they are displayed,” Eggum said. “We’re looking at adding new merchandise. We’ve added new branding using signs with Stoutfitters and StoutProud. I love having the opportunity to talk with parents and students and make the connection with customers. This is a major moment in the life of new incoming students. I want it to be a memorable experience for them.”

Eggum, originally from Wautoma, also plans to increase Stoutfitters’ social media presence.

Malinda Hebert / �� photo

Malinda Hebert, assistant director of the Memorial Student Center, said staff are excited to have Eggum as the new manager.

“In the short time she has been on board, she has brought a new energy to Stoutfitters,” Hebert said. “She is a fairly recent �� graduate, which gives her an advantage of having a pulse on what students are looking for in apparel, supplies and gifts and what the store is missing in product and services.

“Hanahh has some great ideas to enhance the services provided, such as expanded hours, plans to update and add in-store branding, which will add spirit and hopefully increased interest in visiting Stoutfitters. Hanahh also has plans to provide some pop-up shops at select campus events, bringing the store to event attendees.”

As an alumna, Eggum knows �� and is already brainstorming how Stoutfitters can support and complement events and build relationships with departments across campus, Hebert said.

Eggum transferred to �� after about two years at what is now known as UW-Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus. “�� is the only public school in the state that offers my major,” Eggum said. “I still believe this is the best place for my program in the country.”

Eggum lives in Menomonie with her partner, Zoe Slewitzke, a senior majoring in graphic design and interactive media concentrating in communication design.

Eggum is passionate about making Stoutfitters grow and thrive. “I love seeing how we can do a different procedure and make it better.”

Eggum plans to improve in-store branding, expand merchandise and hours hanahheggum2.jpg

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Hero Caption: Hanahh Eggum, the new Stoutfitters manager, straightens a display at the �� campus store.

Malinda Hebert

Full Name: Malinda Hebert

Job Title: Assistant Director, Memorial Student Center

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Cabot executive program to feature founder of handbag company

polingj — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 17:31:38 +0000

Cabot executive program to feature founder of handbag companypolingj November 7, 2019

Sue Fuller, who started Oliver Thomas, to present Nov. 14 on campus

The founder of the startup handbag and accessories company Oliver Thomas will be the featured executive at this year ��. Cabot Executive in Residence Program at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Sue Fuller will speak from 10:10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, in the ballrooms of the Memorial Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.

As part of the residency, Fuller will meet with students from various academic programs, as well as faculty and staff beginning Monday, Nov. 11. Topics of their discussions will include international markets, trademark law, heat transfer, future foresight planning, women leaders and functional design. A student business competition also will be held.

Fuller founded Oliver Thomas, named after her dog, in 2017 after working in a variety of capacities for several national companies, including Kohl ��., Ralph Lauren, L.L. Bean and Vera Bradley.

She launched the company in four months.

“As I climbed the corporate ladder, I moved further away from the actual consumer. It was my passion for product design and addressing the needs of consumers that was the catalyst to start Oliver Thomas,” Fuller said in a 2018 Forbes interview.

The bags, retailing for less than $100, are designed to be fashionable, affordable, lightweight, water resistant and machine washable, as well as vegan. They have been featured by numerous national publications, websites and shows.

Student ambassador

This year, a Cabot Student Ambassador position was created to showcase the university ��. spirit of entrepreneurship, one of this year ��. themes. The ambassador is Kaylyn Kubishak, of Osseo, who recently started EDiT.DENiM, an online apparel retail business. She is a senior in retail merchandising and management.

Kubishak will have a one-on-one mentoring session with Fuller and attend the School of Management social, a meeting of business leaders with Fuller, a student lunch with Fuller and the keynote presentation. She also will help recruit students to attend the Cabot events.

Coordinating the program are Meriem Chida, an assistant professor in the business department; and Rebecca Thacker, a program manager in Professional Education Programs and Services, part of �� . Discovery Center.

Cabot Executive in Residence Program

This is the 35th year of the Cabot Executive in Residence Program, which is named in honor of Arthur R. Cabot, a successful pet products manufacturer. His son, Scott Cabot, earned a bachelor ��. degree from �� in 1978 and a master ��. in 1979.

Recent Cabot executives have included alumnus Todd Wanek, president and CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries; Stephen Marcus, chairman of Marcus Corp.; and alumna Shelly Ibach, CEO of Sleep Number.

A Cabot Wall of Honor, featuring plaques of previous Cabot presenters, was established in 2014.

###

Photos

Sue Fuller named her handbag company, Oliver Thomas, after her dog.

An Oliver Thomas handbag.

Kaylyn Kubishak

The founder of the startup handbag and accessories company Oliver Thomas will be the featured executive at this year ��. Cabot Executive in Residence Program at U Sue Fuller

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Graduate Q&A: Kurt Adams

polingj — Tue, 21 May 2019 19:13:54 +0000

Graduate Q&A: Kurt Adamspolingj May 21, 2019

'I loved the idea of super hands-on education and learning by doing'

A Q&A with one of the 1,319 students who received a diploma May 4 at ��:

Name: Kurt Adams
Hometown: Boscobel
Major: Retail merchandising and management

Why did you choose ��? I chose �� for a number of reasons, but chief among them was that Stout is a polytechnic university. I loved the idea of super hands-on education and learning by doing. Stout also has an incredible retail program that I believe very strongly in.

What are the biggest challenges you faced in getting your degree? One of the biggest challenges was reaching out for help when I needed it. I didn't reach out enough early on, and I could have saved myself a lot of stress and headaches.

What stands out about your college experience? Definitely the vast knowledge and experience of our professors. I think that it would be extremely difficult to replicate an experience like ours somewhere else. Most professors have firsthand, professional experience in their fields, and that makes all the difference.

What's next? After graduation, I will be joining the ranks of Sam's Club in La Crosse as an assistant manager to further my retail adventure.

###

A Q&A with one of the 1,319 students who received a diploma May 4 at ��: Kurt Adams

University Communications

Jongeun Rhee

Research Interests: Material culture, Sustainable consumption, Young individuals' consumption behaviors

Full Name: Jongeun Rhee, PhD

Job Title: Professor

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College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

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Degree: Ph.D. Design, Housing and Apparel

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Degree: M.S. Design, Housing and Apparel

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

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Fashion imagery research one of 20 projects at national event

polingj — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:57:14 +0000

Fashion imagery research one of 20 projects at national eventpolingj April 5, 2019

Undergraduate research conference in Georgia to feature 18 �� students

One of reasons Charlene Retzlaff was drawn to the retail merchandising and management major at �� is her love for fashion. Her view of the fashion industry, however, is more complicated.

Retzlaff recently undertook a research project that examined the treatment of women in fashion advertisements. The result, “Women Portrayals In Printed Fashion Advertisements: A 19 Year Thematic and Media Analysis,” has been accepted at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

She will present her research at NCUR from Thursday through Saturday, April 11-13, at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga., about 25 miles northwest of Atlanta. The annual conference is expected to draw about 4,500 students and officials from around the U.S.

Along with Retzlaff, a junior from Milwaukee, 17 other �� students had a total of 20 projects accepted by NCUR.

Retzlaff, whose concentrations within her major are fashion marketing and store operations, analyzed ads from European and American fashion brands between 2000 and 2019, compiling 261 ads from 74 brands found in magazines and online.

She found the ads tended to stereotype women through one of four themes: sexualization, objectification, submission/sexism and sexual violence.

“All of these themes are used to degrade and inhibit women ��. advancement in their social roles and careers,” Retzlaff said. “Not only did I find these themes incredibly prominent in a majority of fashion advertisements with women but that they occur in a domino effect, meaning one leads to another.”

Retzlaff cited imagery that includes female nudity, overemphasis on intimate areas, dominant male poses along with submissive female poses and physical abuse.

The result of such imagery over an extended period of time can have negative impacts on men and women, she said.

“While these images break down women ��. self-esteem, they build up men ��. egos and their unrealistic standards for beauty, making them treat women unfairly and unequally. These images have been known to have a direct relation in increased violence in males against women, increasing domestic abuse, rape, sexual harassment and sexist treatment,” she said.

Retzlaff has been nominated for the university ��. Undergraduate Researcher of the Year award.

The other �� students presenting at NCUR and their research projects are:

Katlin Eyre, of Lodi, junior, applied science, “Impact of Life Skills Curriculum on Students’ Well Being”
Michaela Guerrini, of Menasha, junior, technology education, “Impacts and Factors of Women in STEM Education at ��”
Jordyn Horvath, of Zimmerman, Minn., senior, applied social science, “Social Media Influence on Voter Turnout Among College Students”
Aarica Humke, of Greenwood, senior, human development and family studies, “Assessing California ��. Paid Family Leave Through a Family Impact Lens”
Noel Jacobson, of Lakeville, Minn., senior, applied social science, “ADA Compliance Accommodation and Success: Harvey Hall Renovation”
Frank Janovec, of River Falls, senior, applied social science, “Public Lands, Public Identity”
Matthew Johnson, of Cottage Grove, Minn., senior, applied social science, “Does the Tie-Bout Sorting Model Hold True for Property Tax Values?”
Jamie Kuhns, of Menasha, senior, applied science, “A Review of Magnetic Nanoparticle Synthesis and Characterization methods for Medical Applications”
Ryan Leckel, of Menomonie, junior, applied social science, “Assisting Wisconsin Municipalities and Citizens on the Replacement of Lead Service Lines using Wisconsin Act 137”; and “Silence in a Small Town: Conceptualizing Sexual Violence in a Community Context”
Maddi McConville, of Augusta, junior, applied social science, “School-to-Prison Pipeline: Its Creation, Effects and How it Can Be Diminished”
Anne McShane, of Menomonie, senior, applied social science, “Research on Cadets’ Motivations, Expectations and Goals Regarding Joining the Military”
Emmi Nielson-Gunning, of Minneapolis, junior, applied social science, “Sex Trafficking in Minnesota”
Johanna Peterson, of Rochester, Minn., senior, applied social science, “American Fascism: We Beat the Nazis, Now it ��. Time to Tackle Ourselves”
Marcus Ramirez, of Hancock, senior, applied social science, “The Meiji Secret: The Emergence of the Zaibatsu and Their Dominance of Japan”; and “The Persuasion War”
Rachel Smith, of Menomonie, senior, applied social science, “What Drug Court Treatments and Services Matter the Most”
Megan VanEgdom, of Dodgeville, senior, applied social science, “The Effectiveness of Gun Control Laws”
Alayna Wier, of Fall Creek, senior, applied social science, “At a Breaking Point”

The research by Guerrini, Peterson and one each by Leckel and Ramirez are oral, while the others are presenting posters.

NCUR is the first of several special research-focused events in April. Others include Research in the Rotunda Wednesday, April 17, at the state Capitol; the UW System Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity, Friday, April 26, at UW-Green Bay; and �� Research Day Monday, April 29.

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Charlene Retzlaff

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New Spring Merchandise at The Niche

goersab — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 21:12:23 +0000

New Spring Merchandise at The Nichegoersab March 7, 2019

New spring merchandise has been trickling in at The Niche, �� . student-run boutique.

Abbey Goers

New spring merchandise has arrived! Retail Merchandising and Management seniors Olivia Hammernik, Kelsey Grant, and Meagan Myers are excited for the opportunity to breathe new life into their store.

In their Retail Practicum I course last fall, Hammernik, Grant, and Myers worked with their classmates as staff behind the scenes at The Niche. Acting as buyers for the boutique, they attended MN Mart, NorthStar Fashion Exhibitors market, and MAGIC in Las Vegas, the retail industry ��. most comprehensive marketplace.

“As buyers, we had the opportunity to talk with professional vendors and negotiate prices for merchandise we hoped to sell at The Niche,” Grant said.

Knowing they would be marketing to fellow students, The Niche staff needed to keep their prices affordable as they sought new merchandise for their store. But, recognizing vendors at the markets may not be able to negotiate on prices, the staff have other buying resources.

“Fashion-Go is a wholesale website,” Myers said. “Whatever we can’t buy at the market, we can buy at Fashion-Go and get it for the price we need. After researching prices and trend forecasting, we present to our practicum class what we want to sell. We decide as a team what to sell in our store.”

Now in their Retail Practicum II course, Hammernik, Grant, and Myers work in the storefront, helping The Niche customers. They are able to see firsthand the success of their decisions made the semester before and are empowered to continue making new decisions while managing their boutique.

“At the start of the semester, the store is like a clean canvas,” Myers said. “We have complete control of the layout.”

Hammernik (right) at The Niche.

Hammernik noted how The Niche staff strives to create a warm and welcoming experience for their customers.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our layout by switching our visual merchandise,” Myers added, “We’ve had a really good semester so far. We’ve had to restock already.”

The Niche ��. layout is well organized and visually inviting.

“We’re prone to detail anywhere you look,” Grant explained. “We like to cross-merchandise and create whole looks.”

The Niche also sells $1 coffee.

“You can stop in for a cup on your way to class,” Hammernik said. "We're located in 211 Heritage Hall, and we encourage you to Shop local, stylish, & smart. Shop The Niche."

For a full list of the new spring brands, visit The Niche.

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New spring merchandise has been trickling in at The Niche, �� . student-run boutique. img_5511.jpg

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Contact Us

The Niche
211 Heritage Hall

George Duychak, Professor
245 Jarvis Hall-Technology Wing
715-232-2417
duychakg@uwstout.edu

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Student manages family-owned Eau Claire skating center

powersp — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:00:15 +0000

Student manages family-owned Eau Claire skating centerpowersp January 23, 2019

Dual major sees importance of customer service, creating memories

University of Wisconsin-Stout junior Emma Johnson can’t remember a time she couldn’t roller skate.

The La Crosse native manages the High Roller Skating Center in Eau Claire that her family has owned since 2014. Her parents, Mark and Amanda Christianson, also own the High Roller Skating Center in La Crosse.

Johnson, who is majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management and golf enterprise management, works full-time at the skating center, on Melby Street on the city ��. north side, while being a full-time student.

Roller skating and helping with the family business has always been a part of Johnson ��. life, and she loves it. “I have no memory of learning how to skate,” she said. “I can always remember knowing how to do it.”

As manager, Johnson does everything needed for customers of the skating center. She sells tickets, picks music, announces games and helps with parties at the center, delivering food and beverages. One moment she can be seen holding a rubber chicken for a game, then helping customers pick out skates and then helping cook pizzas. “I love that ��. what I get to do and get paid for it,” Johnson said.

Meeting families and watching young children build friendships that continue for years is the best part of her job, Johnson said. “I love all the kids that come in here,” she said. “They show us their report cards. They will ask for help with homework. You don’t realize how important you start to be to them.”

Customer service is very important to her, particularly when it comes to birthday parties. The center has six themed party rooms, including a White House presidential one, Candyland based on the popular game and an under-the-sea theme room.

“Parents get about eight good birthday parties from when kids are four to 12,” Johnson said. “Those precious memories depend on how well we do our job. You need to have customer service down. You’re working in an industry where you are serving other people for a specific purpose.”

The supervisor at the skating center is Ben Wisniewski, a �� junior from Maple Grove, Minn., majoring in the same two programs as Johnson, his girlfriend.

Johnson hesitated to hire Wisniewski because they were dating, but after he filled in once when she was short-staffed customers raved about him, she said.

“I love making kids smile,” Wisniewski said. “This job has taught me hard work and patience and the understanding of customer service.”

Johnson is a tremendous manager, able to work through any issues and diffuse problems, Wisniewski said.

Bob Loney of Chippewa Falls skates regularly at the center and said Johnson does an amazing job managing it. “She has a great attitude and is very friendly,” he said. “She ��. incredible.”

Recently Johnson took some requests for some old-time music that Loney loves, including Doris Day and Jimmy Rogers.

“I have skated since I was young,” Loney said, as upbeat dance music played in the rink and green, red and blue lights flashed around a silver disco ball. “It ��. good exercise. It is just something I love.”

Rachel Geissler of Chippewa Falls has skated the past year with her three young children. They recently bought a family pass so they could skate more often. “It ��. awesome exercise in the wintertime when you don’t want to bundle up and be out in the cold,” she said. “It ��. something we all enjoy. It connects us. The music is awesome. The lights are incredible. The floor is smooth and it ��. clean. Every time is fun.”

Other �� students who work at the center include:

Matthew Stark, a junior, majoring in construction, St. Charles, Ill.
Lydia Fetter, junior, retail merchandising and management, Hudson
Taylor Hansen, junior, business administration, Prairie Farm
Tyler Andres, junior mechanical engineering and applied science with physics concentration, Auburndale

When her family bought the Eau Claire center they spent three months basically gutting it and remodeling the interior, Johnson said. “People don’t realize how much work a rink is,” she said.

Johnson, a first-generation college student, picked �� because it offered the majors she was interested in. It just happened the school was close enough to let her manage the family skating center.

In her first year at ��, Johnson had an internship at The Westin hotel in Milwaukee. She was hired specifically because of her experience working in family skating centers. She ended up running housekeeping while there because of her management experience.

Johnson and Wisniewski are scheduled to graduate in May 2020. Johnson wants to work in the corporate offices of Disney or for a cruise company. Wisniewski eventually wants to own his own golf course.

Working with her family for many years has been rewarding for Johnson. “Their work ethic is the number one reason I’m so successful,” she said.

Working and going to school is very important to her. “It feels so good to be a full-time student,” she said. “I think I have so much respect for it because I’m the first one in my family doing it.”

�� is Wisconsin ��. ��, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.

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Photos

�� junior Emma Johnson, at right, manages the High Roller Skating Center in Eau Claire that is owned by her family. The skating rink supervisor is �� student Ben Wisniewski, at left. / �� photos by Pam Powers

The skating center has taught Johnson the importance of customer service and creating memories through birthday parties and other special events.

Working with her family has been rewarding and taught Johnson a work ethic.

Four other �� students work at the skating center with Johnson and Wisniewski who recently serves customers.

Johnson can’t ever remember not skating. Her family also owns the skating center in La Crosse.

University of Wisconsin-Stout junior Emma Johnson can’t remember a time she couldn’t roller skate. Rollerskatehero1

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Hero Caption: �� junior Emma Johnson, at right, manages the High Roller Skating Center in Eau Claire that is owned by her family. The skating rink supervisor is �� student Ben Wisniewski, at left. / �� photos by Pam Powers

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Graduate Q&A: Emma Harris

polingj — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:10:57 +0000

Graduate Q&A: Emma Harrispolingj January 11, 2019

'I will be moving to Milwaukee and beginning a job at Kohl ��. corporate. I cannot wait to begin this next chapter.'

Following is a Q&A with one of the 763 students who received a diploma Dec. 15 at ��

Hometown: Kaukauna
Major: Retail merchandising and management, concentration in fashion marketing and buying and in product development, minor in business

Why did you choose ��? Stout provides the only merchandising degree from a four-year UW school. I also talked to many friends and family members who had heard of this program and told me about how great its reputation is.

What are the biggest obstacles you faced in earning your degree? Working full time more than three hours away from Stout while I was attending classes here twice a week. I drove back and forth to be able to keep working. It was a long year but so worth it.

What stands out among your college experiences? I took the retail tour trip to New York in January 2018 with the retail program. It was an amazing experience that I would highly recommend.

What ��. next? I will be moving to Milwaukee and beginning a job at Kohl ��. corporate in product development. I cannot wait to begin this next chapter.

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Following is a Q&A with one of the 763 students who received a diploma Dec. 15 at �� Emma Harris

University Communications

2026-04-23 ">April 23

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Student manages family-owned Eau Claire skating center

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