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Welcome to Stout!: Stoutward Bound scholars build community, arrive early to campus

goersab — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Stout!: Stoutward Bound scholars build community, arrive early to campusgoersab August 21, 2025

Early-start bridge program helps students transition to college life

Beginning on orientation day, Stoutward Bound students start to build a community and connect with other students, faculty and staff.

“Our goal is long-term retention. We want to make sure they persist, succeed, find a place to be and graduate,” said MSS Assistant Director Sia Yang, the Stoutward Bound advisor who works with students throughout their college career.

Stoutward Bound students attend campus events together each week, including karaoke nights.

In its 18th year, Stoutward Bound is coordinated through Multicultural Student Services. The early-start bridge program offers students a unique, supportive living and learning community that prepares them for success.

Week One Orientation, for all new incoming students, provides an array of opportunities for students to engage and connect with their peers at some of �� . most loved annual events, including Blue Rah, Backyard Bash and the 40th anniversary of the Great Stout Cookout.

Building a living and learning community

Four peer leaders serve as professional mentors who work individually with Stoutward Bound students. A student event coordinator plans monthly events for the group, including team-building exercises and social activities. Together, they attend campus events, including those hosted by Career Services, Housing and campus student organizations.

“Our peer leaders help students build a community and a sense of belonging, with the goals of getting them to different spaces on campus, and connecting them with different people, resources and student organizations. They’re heavily involved with engagement and activities,” Yang said.

Students build friendships and connections at events, like craft nights.

Within their learning community, Stoutward Bound scholars attend an eight-week First-Year Experience polytechnic seminar. They also attend workshops led by different departments and a writing class led by two instructors before the academic year begins.

“They experience what it ��. like to be in a classroom before school actually starts. This helps to ease the anxiety of class and navigating campus,” said Yang, who also works with the instructors to check on student engagement or if they need academic resources. “It ��. all about teamwork and helps the students know that we’re engaged in their learning and makes the students want to be involved.”

Yang meets with students twice a semester to see how they’re doing in and out of the classroom and in their personal lives and refers them to campus resources if needed.

“I work with them throughout their college career and help them build skills to meet their goals, whether they’re seeking a leadership position, internships on and off campus, applying to grad school or a study abroad program,” she said.

StoutBound students participate in a learning community, attending classes together before the school year starts.

After their first year, if students continue to persist in the program, they may apply for the Stoutward Bound Scholarship.

Multicultural Student Services (MSS) office, in Merle M. Price Commons, works to strengthen connections across different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, fostering an environment where all students can thrive, develop their leadership potential, and feel empowered to succeed at every stage of their academic journey. It promotes leadership development and intercultural awareness and enhances student success and retention by offering academic, career, and financial support and resources.

MSS also provides a gathering space and opportunities for students to connect, talk, study and relax. Students can connect with multicultural student clubs, like Black Student Union, Native American Student Organization, Hmong Stout Student Organization and Latinos Unidos.

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Early-start bridge program helps students transition to college life Stoutward Bound students at karaoke night

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Strengthening our community

The Multicultural Student Services (MSS) office at the University of Wisconsin-Stout promotes leadership development and intercultural awareness, providing holistic support that extends inside and outside the classroom. Its framework enhances student success and retention by offering academic, career, and financial support and resources. MSS also provides opportunities for personal growth and community building through programs like Stoutward Bound and the Multicultural Living Community. MSS works to strengthen connections across different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, fostering an environment where all students can thrive, develop their leadership potential, and feel empowered to succeed at every stage of their academic journey.

Programs & Services Stoutward Bound Grants & Scholarships

12% Undergraduate Minority Students (2023)

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78.9% All New First-Year Retention (2023 Cohort)

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�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025

goersab — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:03:12 +0000

�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025goersab January 28, 2025

Community programs include exhibits, ‘Alice by Heart’ musical, concerts, film screenings; coincide with Destination Weekend, Spring Showcase

Abbey Goers

From exhibits celebrating a lifetime of photography, illustrations to “Marvel” at and historical moments, to a musical inviting the audience to step into Wonderland in “Alice by Heart, concerts that transport listeners to outer space, film screenings of “February” and “The League,” and literary and civic conversations, there are arts events for everyone at �� this spring.

Many events are free and open to the public, and several will be held in conjunction with �� . Destination Weekend, Friday, April 11, to Sunday, April 13; and Spring Showcase in April and May.

Visual Arts

Furlong Gallery ��. spring season will open with an anticipated exhibit – Bill Wikrent: Capturing the Moment in the North Gallery; and artist and illustrator Matt Talbot in the South Gallery, on view through Saturday, March 1.

A reception for the exhibit Bill Wikrent: Capturing the Moment will be on Feb. 20, with a plaque unveiling ceremony at 5 p.m.

For 27 years, Wikrent worked with �� . Instructional Technology Services, contributing significantly to the university and surrounding area ��. visual history. This exhibition includes highlights of his campus work, as well as his personal photographs, highlighting his expertise and artistic voice. Wikrent passed away in April 2023. A reception will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, with a plaque unveiling ceremony at 5 p.m., in Micheels Hall Atrium.

Talbot is an illustrator and graphic designer from the seacoast area of New Hampshire. His clients include Marvel Studios, Sony, Mondo, Entertainment Weekly, Archie Comics, Fangoria and more. The exhibit includes both personal projects and client work. A meet and greet will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Furlong, with an artist talk following at 6 p.m., in Applied Arts room 321.

Matt Talbot's illustrations and designs include both personal projects and client work

Other exhibits across campus include:

Sunday, Feb. 2, to Sunday, March 30: The Library Art Lab, on the first floor of the University Library, will host Patient No More: People with Disabilities Securing Civil Rights. This traveling exhibit tells the stories behind a moment in history when protests across the country were held to have Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 signed into law, which ultimately made it illegal for any federally funded facilities or programs to discriminate against people with disabilities. It is a collaborative project with the university ��. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Disability Services and Involvement Center. A reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Monday, March 10, to Wednesday, April 19: Associate Professor Daniel Atyim will showcase his sabbatical work at Furlong.
Monday, May 5, through September: The Student Artist-in-Residence Exhibition at Furlong will feature studio art majors Lily Smith and Ellie Eklof. A reception will be held during the School of Art and Design Show from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 9.
Rotating exhibits of student works will be in Gallery 209, the Student Gallery in the Applied Arts building on the second floor.

'Alice by Heart' will be performed at Harvey Hall Theatre April 4-12.

University Theatre

Students will perform “Alice by Heart,” led by Director Audric Buhr, at Harvey Hall Theatre. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 4, 5, 10*, 11 and 12; and 2 p.m. on April 6.

“Alice by Heart” is a musical that encourages everyone to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times, and explores the poignancy of first love, loss and finding the courage to move forward.

Set during World War II, in the rubble of the London Blitz, Alice Spencer ��. teenage life is turned upside down, when she and her friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

* An accessible performance will be held on April 10, with a more informal atmosphere aimed to welcome those with sensory difficulties or autism. The performance will remain the same but with small adjustments. House lights will remain on, loud noises will be softened, and audience members are free to leave and re-enter.

Tickets will be available soon at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

'Please' by SAIR artists Ellie Eklof, and 'worth it' by SAIR artists Lily Smith

Concert Performances

Stout Choirs, under Director Jerry Hui, will present Life on the World Scale at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Our Savior ��. Lutheran Church, 910 E. 9th St., in Menomonie. Join in a musical journey from the microcosmos to the cosmos and back. Whether it is in the microbes, the places we live in, in nature, or the universe, we see faces looking back as we reflect our life experiences, big or small.
The Symphonic Band, under Director Erika Svanoe, will perform Around the World at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. The concert will feature music celebrating different places, cultures and composers from around the world, including Minneapolis-based composer Samantha Hogan ��. new piece “A Tour of Minnesota,” which commemorates the state flag.
The Blue Devil Jazz Orchestra, under Director James Anderson, will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, Harvey Hall Theater. Blast off into infinity and beyond with selections of Gustav Holst ��. “The Planets,” and hear classics like Frank Sinatra ��. “Come Fly with Me,” Hoagy Carmichael ��. “Stardust” and Dizzy Gilespie ��. “Manteca!”

Tickets will be available soon at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

Patient No More will be on exhibit at the Library Art Lab Feb. 2 to March 30.

Film and Literary Events

Two film screenings and Q&As with the directors will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4:

“February,” with director Nathan Deming and lead actor David Duran, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Harvey Hall Theater. “February,” filmed in Eau Claire, recently won multiple awards at the Wisconsin Film Festival. The event is hosted by the video production program and Video Production Club.
“The League,” with filmmaker Byron Motley, 7 to 9 p.m., Memorial Student Center Terrace. Directed by Sam Pollard, “The League” celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball's triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. The event is hosted by �� Athletics and the Office of Student Opportunity & Excellence.

The Literature Committee will host a virtual talk and reading with Andrew Krivak, author of “The Bear,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.

Author Peter Geye will present and read from his new novel, “A Lesser Light,” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at Harvey Hall Theater. The novel will be released on Monday, April 15.

�� Athletics and the EDI Office will host a screening of 'The League,' directed by Sam Pollard, on Feb. 4.

Civic Events

�� . Center for Applied Ethics will host several national and international speakers:

Wednesday, March 26: Is Abortion Morally Permissible if the Embryo is a Person?, with Kate Greasley, associate professor and Tutorial Fellow in Law at Oxford University.
Thursday, April 3: Assisted Dying: A Slippery Slope?, with Bonnie Steinbock, professor emerita at the University at Albany/State University of New York.
Wednesday, April 30: “Valuing the Diversity of Languages in a Multicultural World,” with Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, CEO of Gael Linn.

The Center also hosts Philosophers’ Cafés, informal, friendly conversations on contemporary issues. Meetings are open to all and are led by �� and UW-Eau Claire faculty. Upcoming conversations will be held at 7 p.m., at Brewery Nonic in Menomonie:

Monday, Feb. 10: Where the Wild Things Are. Moderator: Professor Julie Beston, biology
Monday, March 24: Is Free Speech Too Free? Moderator: Professor Tim Shiell, philosophy
Monday, April 7: Free: Priceless vs. Worthless. Moderator: Professor Chris Ferguson, economics

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Community programs include exhibits, ‘Alice by Heart’ musical, concerts, film screenings; coincide with Destination Weekend, Spring Showcase Bill Wikrent, photo collage

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Faculty, staff awarded for creating opportunities for students in packaging; helping to discover new identities

goersab — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Faculty, staff awarded for creating opportunities for students in packaging; helping to discover new identitiesgoersab December 11, 2024

DeGruson, Brown recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony

Abbey Goers

Two �� staff members have been named special award recipients by the Universities of Wisconsin and were honored at a ceremony on Dec. 4, in Madison.

Associate Professor Min DeGruson, packaging program director, is one of 12 honorees of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award. This year is the 29th anniversary of the award, through which more than 400 women of color have been recognized for their transformational work.

LGBTQIA+ Program Manager Fred Jomo Brown is one of 13 honorees of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People. The award is in its 16th year.

Each UW campus was invited to submit nominations for the annual awards.

Outstanding Women of Color Award

The Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award honors faculty, staff, students and community members for their achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the Universities of Wisconsin as well as communities across the state.

Min DeGruson (second on left), Chancellor Katherine Frank, Provost Glendalí Rodríguez and UW President Jay Rothman / Universities of Wisconsin

DeGruson joined ��'s packaging program in 2015. As well as her faculty role, she is chair of the Food Packaging Division under the Institute of Food Technologists and the Executive Committee member of Kilmer Innovation in Packaging.

When Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, first met DeGruson, “I quickly realized that she is incredibly approachable and radiates positive energy when she enters the room. As a packaging engineer, Dr. DeGruson ��. professional accomplishments are noteworthy, and she focuses on creating opportunities for students.”

DeGruson thinks the most significant part of her work in connection with the award is “creating a sense of belonging and passion for students in their field of study. By empowering them through initiatives like industry connections, research opportunities, various scholarships, study abroad programs and encouraging diversity in engineering, I aim to inspire students to excel and realize their full potential,” she said.

Rodríguez also noted that approximately only 20% of packaging engineers are female-identifying and only 13% are Asian.

“Min is a role model,” said Rodríguez, who received the Regents Diversity Award last February.

�� . packaging faculty team is entirely female, the only one of its kind in the nation, DeGruson added.

“The Universities of Wisconsin have a longstanding commitment to inclusion at our universities,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “We are proud to honor these women of color whose achievements are helping our campuses and communities.”

Dr. P.B. Poorman Award

The Dr. P.B. Poorman Award is given to people in the LGBTQIA+ community who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate. It celebrates the memory and legacy of Paula B. Poorman, a faculty member at UW-Whitewater who dedicated her life to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ people.

Fred Jomo Brown (center), Chancellor Katherine Frank, Student Inclusion and Belonging Executive Director Mai Khou Xiong, Provost Glendalí Rodríguez and UW President Jay Rothman / Universities of Wisconsin

Brown joined �� in 2020 as an adviser in the Multicultural Student Services office, where he spent two impactful years. Now, as the LGBTQIA+ program manager, he has shaped many students’ experiences and lives.

“Through Fred ��. leadership and guidance, students discover new identities within themselves, find new communities and chosen families, and reinvent their voices to show that they too can make an impact in the world around them,” said Executive Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging Mai Khou Xiong.

“Fred ��. purpose is centered around helping others to see the world in a broader context, and Stout has been a supportive platform for him to do just that," she added. Xiong received the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award in 2023.

“My life ��. mantra is informed by a quote from Peter Finley Dunne, ‘to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable,’” Brown said.

�� . Focus2030 strategic plan includes five goals, including inclusive excellence by investing in, and ensuring access to, equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, student living and work environments that reflect the university ��. regional and global connections; and fostering employee success through an equitable environment that invests in, supports, encourages and values diverse faculty and staff development opportunities.

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�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025

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January 28, 2025

Faculty, staff awarded for creating opportunities for students in packaging; helping to discover new identities

DeGruson, Brown recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony

December 11, 2024

DeGruson, Brown recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony Min DeGruson with her UW award

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Support that Powers Success

The Office of Student Opportunity & Excellence (OSOE) works to ensure that every student thrives and reaches their full potential—academically, professionally, and personally—by championing access and cultivating a culture of belonging. We do this through holistic, student-centered support, intentional advocacy, and collaborative efforts that enable all our university community members to persist, grow, and lead with purpose.

Investing in Students

The OSOE plays an integral role in �� . FOCUS 2030 goal of supporting and advancing student success by addressing priorities such as student needs, sense of belonging, and access to resources and opportunities. We are also dedicated to creating supportive environments where students from all backgrounds feel valued, included, and positioned for success.

Investing in Campus Culture

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Welcome to Stout!: Stoutward Bound scholars build community, arrive early to campus

Early-start bridge program helps students transition to college life

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�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025

Community programs include exhibits, ‘Alice by Heart’ musical, concerts, film screenings; coincide with Destination Weekend, Spring Showcase

January 28, 2025

Faculty, staff awarded for creating opportunities for students in packaging; helping to discover new identities

DeGruson, Brown recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony

December 11, 2024

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Graphic design students’ 51 diversity, inclusion posters rollout for traveling exhibit

goersab — Wed, 01 May 2024 14:08:56 +0000

Graphic design students’ 51 diversity, inclusion posters rollout for traveling exhibitgoersab May 1, 2024

Collaboration with national nonprofit BrandLab builds awareness, first stop is Fearless conference on May 2

Abbey Goers

Seventeen graphic design and interactive media juniors at �� will soon have their works featured at a national conference, as part of a traveling poster exhibition tour across the Twin Cities and beyond.

Each student designed a trio of large-scale posters during their Graphic Design II course last fall, supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the marketing and advertising industry. The 51 posters are now en route to the BrandLab ��. Fearless conference, their first stop on the tour.

The BrandLab, a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis, seeks to change the face and voice of the industry by creating more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.

Graphic design Professor Nagesh Shinde ��. collaboration with the BrandLab ��. National Director Michaela Clubb and CEO Kelli Williams led to his students’ visual communication project, with the intent to promote the BrandLab ��. mission and communicate its 2023 State of the Marketing and Advertising Industry Report.

Jalen Sanfelippo, Michaela Clubb, Clara Nicolai, Nagesh Shinde, Carly Kauffman, Kate Gillette and Regan Haack / ��

“The BrandLab welcomed the idea with open hands,” Shinde said. “The exhibition gives great visibility to their mission and to ��. It promotes a more diverse student body in design and a need for stronger recruitment of faculty and staff. It shows the importance of diversity and opens up conversations, even in the classroom.”

Fearless will be held on Thursday, May 2, at the Mosaic in Minneapolis. The annual conference brings together industry leaders, public figures, young talent and marketing professionals from across the country to share stories, collaborate and revitalize commitments to DEI&B. Attendees leave with actionable insights on how to further equity within themselves, their workplaces and their communities.

More than 300 business leaders, marketing and human resources professionals, DEI&B professionals, community and education partners, and BrandLab alums will attend and view the exhibit. Hundreds more will attend virtually from Milwaukee and Kansas City.

“A lot of eyes will be seeing the students’ works and adding to the conversation,” Clubb said. “Their exhibit fosters belonging. It is purposeful and impactful. Nagesh and his students have brought the industry report to life with energy and thoughtfulness.”

The BrandLab ��. National Director Michaela Clubb with Kate Gillette's poster series / Michaela Clubb

The BrandLab ��. industry report, with Fusion Hill in Minneapolis, received the Hermes Creative Awards Platinum award. Seringa McHugh, �� graphic design alum and BrandLab Fellowship recipient, was recently hired by Fusion Hill.

Open conversations, active listening to create real, positive change

Shinde believes that good work happens with teamwork, collaboration and communication. He understands the experiences of underrepresented students and employees working in environments, including the design industry, which lack diverse and inclusive cultures.

“This reality has fueled my determination to champion a crucial mission with all students I teach – addressing and rectifying the systemic imbalances within our field. I am committed to actively contributing to the cause and being a catalyst for change,” he said.

The Graphic Design II students embraced this mentality. As they delved into their research and the industry report to build ideations for their posters, they joined in conversation with each other, sharing their experiences and perspectives on equity, diversity and inclusion.

“This is not a passive topic,” said Carly Kauffman, of Hanover, Minn., whose poster series encourages viewers to embrace diversity, with a message of “You Belong.” Her design was inspired by a quilt, representing diversity in the workplace, and was printed on canvas instead of paper in continuation of her quilt theme.

“We all work together toward a shared goal, yet we’re all unique, like squares on a quilt,” she said.

Graphic design student Jalen Sanfelippo with his BrandLab poster series / ��

Jalen Sanfelippo, of Waterford, searched the report for facts about leadership roles and comfortability. He wanted to create an in-your-face design with bold colors to express statistics, including that only 26% of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) employees feel comfortable in the workplace.

“These are important aspects, especially as design is such a collaborative field. Everyone should be made to feel comfortable in their workplace,” he said.

Kate Gillette, of Green Bay, designed a series emphasizing active, inclusive listening and celebrating others’ stories. She included music records as a visual reminder to listen and inspirational quotes, including by author Simon Sinek, who said, “Hearing is listening to what is said. Listening is hearing what isn’t said.”

Regan Haack, of Minneapolis, designed a “We Must” series, portraying illustrations of the faces behind the statistics. One of her posters states “Institutionalize Equity,” restating Shinde ��. emphasis on DEI&B in the workplace, at the university level and beyond.

“Faculty should reflect the students, and people in marketing should reflect the population,” she said.

Clara Nicolai, of Bangor, encourages organizations to examine if their DEI&B efforts are making a difference and to recommit their efforts, having open conversations with employees because intentions mean nothing without action.

The posters were first featured at �� . Destination Weekend, April 5-6, in the Furlong Gallery atrium in the Applied Arts Building and Micheels Hall.

Graphic design student Regan Haack's BrandLab poster series / ��

Furlong Gallery Coordinator Hannah Phelps thinks having the posters in the atrium has been a bonus.

“It ��. been wonderful for our students, staff and community members to see them,” she said. “And an especially wonderful opportunity for the design students to have been able to work with such a cool company as BrandLab and echo their strong message.”

Exhibit venues after Fearless are being scheduled. Possibilities include the American Institute of Graphic Arts and Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association events, Minneapolis College of Art and Design and other schools, and alumni and partner design studios and agencies in the Twin Cities. The exhibit will return to campus this fall and be displayed in the University Library Art Lab.

The project received funding support from the College of Arts and Human Sciences to laminate the posters and purchase a protective traveling case.

Graphic design and interactive media seniors’ capstones will be featured at the School of Art and Design Senior Show from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Meet with nearly 120 graduating SOAD seniors and talk about their creative works in exhibits throughout Applied Arts and Micheels Hall. Graphic design capstones will be showcased in AA221E, with the theme of Transform-Ai, an exploration of the future of design applications that use artificial intelligence to empower user experiences.

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Collaboration with national nonprofit BrandLab builds awareness, first stop is Fearless conference on May 2 Graphic design student Regan Haack's BrandLab poster series

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�� Provost Rodríguez honored with Universities of Wisconsin Diversity Award

goersab — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:00:26 +0000

�� Provost Rodríguez honored with Universities of Wisconsin Diversity Awardgoersab February 6, 2024

Vice chancellor of Academic Affairs recognized as ‘champion for diversity efforts’ at Board of Regents meeting in Madison

Abbey Goers

In honor of her more than 18 years of actively contributing to equity, diversity and inclusion efforts at ��, Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, is receiving a Regents Diversity Award from the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Provost Glendalí Rodríguez / ��

The award recognizes agents of change, who demonstrate exceptional efforts in fostering greater equity and diversity, including access and success to historically underrepresented, first-generation or economically disadvantaged students.

It is given to individuals and programs that promote forward movement on equity and diversity goals and that collaborate within the university and beyond.

“We are proud to recognize the profound impact of these individuals and programs in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Regent Héctor Colón. “Students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds are benefiting from their dedication to expanding opportunity and building partnerships.”

Rodríguez and other honorees will receive their awards at the 16th annual Regents’ Diversity Awards on Feb. 9, in Madison as part of the Board of Regents meeting.

“I am humbled by this recognition and want to thank all the diversity champions within the Universities of Wisconsin for their persistence,” Rodríguez said. “Eighteen years at �� has passed quickly for me, and our FOCUS2030 goals guide complex work across the university and community. I am grateful for my colleagues, and the hard work of the faculty and staff in support of student success.”

Chancellor Katherine Frank believes that “as a bilingual woman of color in a discipline and industry comprised of predominantly white men, Glendalí has persevered and has not only succeeded, but triumphed as a leader, change agent and model for others to follow.”

�� . interim executive director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Rickie-Ann Legleitner received the award in 2023, and Fostering Success, the first-of-its-kind program on Universities on Wisconsin campuses, in 2020.

Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, center, with Dean of Students Sandi Scott, Vice Chancellor Erik Guenard, Chancellor Katherine Frank and Athletics Director Duey Naatz / Universities of Wisconsin

Rodríguez has served in positions ranging from all levels of professorship to department chair of construction to associate provost to provost. She has led as secretary and treasurer of the Minority Faculty and Staff Network, now known as the Underrepresented Faculty and Staff Alliance, and created its mentorship aspect to help new faculty and staff connect with the university and local community and advance along their professional trajectory.

Rodríguez worked with students to help re-establish the �� Chapter of Latinos Unidos and served as their faculty adviser for two years. The chapter has since grown to be one of the largest and most active student organizations at ��.

She led the inaugural Comprehensive Academic Planning process for Academic Affairs, resulting in a detailed, five-year academic plan that includes alignment of academic programming with the needs of all students. Her work on this plan was recognized by her peers in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Student Success Institute, which presented her with the Fellows Choice Award last summer.

Dean of Students Sandi Scott and Scott Pierson, director of the Office of International Education, agree. “Throughout her tenure at Stout, Glendalí has always been a champion for diversity efforts. Now that is she is in a leadership role as the provost, she leverages her position to encourage and support EDI efforts at the state and system level and continues to ‘walk the talk,’ paving the way for students, staff and faculty to embrace EDI efforts,” they said.

�� . Fostering Success Program, leaders recognized by Gov. Evers

First-of-its-kind program, Provost Rodríguez, Professor Lukowski recognized Oct. 27 at capitol

Rodríguez received the Lifetime of Service Diversity Award from the Wisconsin State Council on Affirmative Action in fall 2023 for her impact on efforts across the institution for the last two decades.

Other Diversity Award recipients were UW-Green Bay Professor Christine Smith and UW-Whitewater ��. Campus Garden Program. ��'s Multicultural Student Services also received a nomination.

Recipients are awarded $7,500 to support professional development or honored programs.

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Legleitner, English professor and EDI leader, honored with UW System ��. Diversity Award

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Welcome, and thank you for your interest in ��. With our focus on applied learning, career preparation, and collaboration, students graduate from our institution ready for their next steps in work and life. We offer a wide array of specialized programs, and work closely with business, industry, and non-profit institutions to ensure our curriculum is up-to-date.

Our outstanding faculty and staff are dedicated to ensuring that our students leave the University with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful.

Our facilities, with three times more laboratories and studios than traditional classrooms, enhance our focus on applied learning. Our programming, with more than 90% of our students completing a co-op, internship, or other out-of-classroom experience, guarantees readiness for careers. Finally, the infusion of general education courses throughout our programs of study ensures that students are ready not just for their next job, but for future career changes, and their role as contributing citizens in society.

The Provost's Office has oversight of the Division of Academic Affairs, which encompasses the following areas at ��:

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�� staff awarded for creating inclusive environment, bringing harmony to differences

goersab — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:53:22 +0000

�� staff awarded for creating inclusive environment, bringing harmony to differencesgoersab November 14, 2023

Arenz and Xiong recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony

Abbey Goers

Two �� staff members have been named special award recipients by the Universities of Wisconsin and were honored at a ceremony on Nov. 9, in Madison.

Jamie Arenz and Mai Khou Xiong / Jamie Arenz

Academic Advisor Jamie Arenz is one of 13 honorees of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People.

Executive Director for Student Inclusion and Belonging Mai Khou Xiong, interim director of Multicultural Student Services, is one of 13 honorees of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award.

“Mai Khou ��. and Jamie ��. commitment to the students they serve has been so powerful to our inclusive excellence efforts,” said Assistant Chancellor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Quin Brooks.

“They work diligently every day to create and maintain spaces where an optimum sense of belonging can be crystallized. This has a direct impact on the retention of our students. The work they do and the support they provide our students is beyond vital to �� . mission.”

Each UW campus was invited to submit nominations for the annual awards.

Dr. P.B. Poorman Award

The Dr. P.B. Poorman Award, now in its 15th year, is given to people in the LGBTQIA+ community who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate. It celebrates the memory and legacy of Paula B. Poorman, a faculty member at UW-Whitewater who dedicated her life to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ people.

“Working with all students is my passion and meeting students where they are,” Arenz said. “I strive to show everyone respect and kindness. I am a believer in holistic advising as well. I believe being my authentic self allows me to be approachable and easier to make connections with everyone.”

Jamie Arenz, third from left, receives his P.B. Poorman Award / Universities of Wisconsin

Arenz ��. nomination letter stated that he is “truly the epitome of a student-centered professional who is always looking to create an inclusive environment for all students but especially those within the LGBTQ+ community. Jamie works tirelessly to ensure that students feel supported and engaged at all times. He quickly builds rapport with students and helps them navigate the college experience both inside and outside the classroom. He approaches each student as an individual while listening and empathizing with their situation. Jamie creates a safe working environment both with his co-workers but most impactfully with the student workers within the Advisement Center at ��.”

Arenz has served as the Gender and Sexuality Alliance adviser and ensures that students can find their voice on campus. He supports advocacy-related events such as Rainbow Graduation, the annual Qubie Gayla and Diversity Week. He is engaged in community service at Stepping Stones of Dunn County and Habitat for Humanity in Menomonie.

“He does all of this without seeking official acclaim or accolades and, although he does not seek attention for his efforts, he promotes equitable opportunities for everyone in the campus community during his energetic conversations with faculty, staff and students. He never hesitates to speak up, to show support and to show up for all members of the Stout community,” his nomination continued.

Arenz is a two-time alum, earning both his bachelor ��. and master ��. degrees from ��. He has served at the university since fall 2015.

"Honorees are helping build a better experience for our students, faculty, and staff," said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. "This award recognizes their achievements in creating a safer and inclusive climate at our universities.”

Outstanding Women of Color Award

The Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award honors women of color for their leadership in making significant and lasting contributions to their campuses and communities. It is given to faculty, staff, students or community members for their achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the Universities of Wisconsin as well as communities across the state.

Mai Khou Xiong, second from left, receives her Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award / Universities of Wisconsin

Xiong ��. nomination letter stated, “Mai Khou has an invaluable skillset of bringing harmony to the ways in which people differ, which is the purest definition of diversity.”

She was awarded for going above and beyond in her dual roles of supporting students as both the executive director of Student Inclusion and Belonging and interim director of Multicultural Student Services.

She also exhibits “superior leadership and guidance” to TRIO Support Services, McNair Scholars Program, The Qube and Multicultural Students Services. Through her leadership, MSS Stoutward Bound college bridge program received the 2022 Ann Lydecker Educational Diversity Award from the State Council on Affirmative Action.

“Mai Khou is intentional about campus partnerships that promote inclusion, and she fosters belonging and collaborations with several offices across campus,” her nomination continued.

Her collaborations include partnering with the Office of International Education for a heritage-based study abroad program to Thailand; and with the Educational Pathways and Continuing Education and Conferences offices for a Stout STEM Experience youth camp for high school students, with a 3M grant for underrepresented students in STEM in summer 2023.

Stoutward Bound honored with state Educational Diversity Award

A highly successful program that supports students each year from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds has received a state award.

“The Universities of Wisconsin have a longstanding commitment to inclusion at our universities," Rothman said. “We are proud to honor these women of color whose achievements in advocacy and scholarship are transforming our campuses and communities to be more equitable and inclusive.”

The award has recognized more than 400 women of color for their transformational work since it was founded in 1995.

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Arenz and Xiong recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony Jamie Arenz and Mai Khou Xiong

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Fall 2023 Performing Arts Preview: Arts and humanities are alive at ��

goersab — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:58:55 +0000

Fall 2023 Performing Arts Preview: Arts and humanities are alive at ��goersab November 1, 2023

Events build community through theater, choral and band concerts, International Night, visual arts, civil discussions

Abbey Goers

From theater audiences viewing a “live broadcast” and celebrating children ��. creativity at Arts Alive, to musical performances, art exhibits, International Night and learning the history of slavery in the birth of the nation, the arts and humanities are alive at �� this November and December.

�� Theater

Fall Performing arts events lead off with University Theatre ��. “Game Show” at the historic Harvey Hall Theatre, led by Director Audric Buhr. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, through Saturday, Nov. 11, with a 1:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 12. Adult tickets are $15, and senior and student tickets are $10. Tickets are available at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

“Game Show” places the theater audience in the role of the TV studio audience of a fictional trivia-based game show. As the audience watches the “live broadcast” – where anything can and does happen – they also witness all the backstage, back-stabbing antics “behind the scenes.”

Jazz in the Great Hall will feature Daniel Ivankovic, a computer and electrical engineering graduating senior, as vocalist / Aaron Durst

Musical Performances

The Blue Devil Jazz Orchestra will present Jazz in the Great Hall at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. And the Symphonic Band will present a Fall Concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, in the MSC Great Hall. Both groups are led by Director Aaron Durst. Tickets are $5 and are available online at uwstout.universitytickets.com, Memorial Student Center Service Desk, 715-232-1122, and at the door.

The Jazz Orchestra will play a number of different pieces, including the sounds of jazz-rock group Chicago, and will feature Daniel Ivankovic, a computer and electrical engineering senior from Eau Claire, as vocalist. He will also sing “Cheek to Cheek” by Irving Berlin, as made famous by Frank Sinatra. Two ballads will be a part of the concert: “God Bless the Child” by Billie Holiday and “When I Fall in Love” by Victor Young. Emma Nuechterlein, an applied social science senior from Kewaunee, will sing Henry Mancini ��. “It Had Better Be Tonight.”

The Symphonic Band is preparing a variety of pieces for the December concert, including works by Vaclav Nelhybel; Gordon Jacob; “Rapture,” a new work by Brian Balmages; Pavel Tschesnokoff; Dmitri Shostakovich ��. “Waltz No. 2”; John Mackey; and John Philip Sousa.

�� choirs will perform their concert How Is the Weather? at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. / Jerry Hui

The Symphonic Singers, Chamber Choir and Devil Tones Acappella will present their concert How Is the Weather? at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Our Savior ��. Lutheran Church, 910 E. 9th St., in Menomonie. Tickets are $5 and are available online at uwstout.universitytickets.com, Memorial Student Center Service Desk, 715-232-1122, and at the door.

Led by Director Jerry Hui, the concert takes a lighthearted look at the weather in a variety of musical styles, from funny to romantic, from the Sesame Street theme to rocking gospel ballads. The evening will feature WQOW evening news anchor Shannon Hoyt, 2018 professional communication and emerging media alum, and meteorologist Matt Schaefer as hosts.

A companion art exhibit featuring weather-themed artworks by School of Art and Design students will be installed at the Art Lab, on the University Library first floor. The exhibit will open mid-November through January 2024.

Arts Alive will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Raw Deal / Ann Oberding-Carlisle

Visual Arts

The second annual Arts Alive Community Art Show will be held at the Raw Deal the entire month of November, featuring the artwork of 45 K-12 students from the Menomonie school district.

An Arts Alive event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Raw Deal, with an awards ceremony at 5:45 p.m. �� Devil Tone Acapella and Jazz Embers groups will perform.

“Childhood is magical. Every child needs to express themselves through the arts and discover who they are as a person and as a budding artist. Arts Alive is a wonderful opportunity to participate in a professional art show as a child artist,” said Oaklawn Elementary art teacher Kim Roberts. “My students are so excited to be included. This is a powerful opportunity for them to see how important the arts are in our community.”

Art education Program Director Ann Oberding-Carlisle works with preservice art educators and community art teachers. “My work with them has been a highlight of mine here at Stout. Building community is the core of what we do in preparing our students to participate in civic life while advocating for the arts,” she said.

The event is coordinated by the art education program, the visual and performing arts department and sponsored by Arts Integration Menomonie.

Pheng Thao's photographic artwork, "Soaking Spirits." / Pheng Thao

The Student Artist-in-Residence program will hold its inaugural SAiR Fall Artist Talk. The two artists will give a presentation about their work in progress from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, in the University Library second-floor open area. A tour of the SAiR collection in the library will follow. Refreshments will be provided by the Stout University Foundation.

Students selected to the prestigious program for the 2023-24 academic year are Pheng Thao, a studio art senior from Green Bay, and Joshua Fusco, a graphic communications junior from Shafer, Minn.

Thao, who has a concentration in photography, is researching what Hmong refugees faced during the Vietnam War. “I want to dive deep into their long escape on foot, loss of hope and any hidden stories that have been passed down through generations,” he said.

“Then, by visually projecting these emotional stories and data onto photographic or sculptural artwork, I’m able to build a bridge that connects Hmong people with their cultural past, present and possible future. To build an artwork where they can visually learn about who and what they once were or still are. I hope to continue to do more research and interact more with people about these topic choices,” Thao said.

All �� students are eligible to apply for the Bud and Betty Micheels Student Artists-in-Residence program. Selected artists work all academic year toward a two-person exhibit in Furlong Gallery in May and have one piece selected for the permanent collection in the library. Each student receives a $2,000 stipend, up to $1,000 for materials or related expenses as well as an appropriate workspace.

International Night is a cultural expo, free and open to the public. / Office of International Education

Culture & Literature

�� . annual International Night, hosted by the Office of International Education and the International Club student organization, is from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16. in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. The cultural expo is free and open to the public. It is an opportunity to connect with international students and learn about their countries and cultures.

OIE and the International Club will also host back-to-back presentations on the countries and cultures of Tunisia and Pakistan presented by IREX visiting scholars. The presentations will be from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the MSC Oakwood room.

Events are in conjunction with International Education Week, Monday, Nov. 13, to Friday, Nov. 17, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.

The Literature Committee's Reading Across Campus will host a concert reading and exhibition of Lady Gregory's "The Rising of the Moon" from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, in Harvey Hall Theatre. It is a collaboration between the Literature Committee, University Theatre students and Director Audric Buhr. The concert reading is free and open to the public and will be accompanied by a pop-up exhibit on Lady Gregory prepared by Professor Joan Navarre's students.

Augusta, Lady Gregory, was an Irish writer, playwright and theater manager. Her translations of Irish legends, her peasant comedies and fantasies and her work with the Abbey Theatre played a considerable part in the late 19th-century Irish Literary Renaissance.

The Center for Applied Ethics offers civil discussions and Philosopher Cafes. / Center for Applied Ethics

Lectures & Conversations

�� . Center for Applied Ethics will host a discussion with Pulitzer Prize winner Edward J. Larson on his book “American Inheritance: Liberty and Slavery in the Birth of a Nation” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the Memorial Student Center Ballroom A. Larson will discuss the relationship between liberty and slavery in the birth of the United States and the founding leaders championing liberty while enslaving Black people.

And a discussion, Should We Remove Racist Monuments? will be held virtually in Microsoft Teams from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Debaters will be Travis Timmerman, of Seton Hall University, and Daniel Demetriou, of University of Minnesota, Morris.

“We seem to live in an age where everything is politicized: slavery, racism, abortion, transgenderism, climate change, animal welfare, artificial intelligence, democracy and so on. The center ��. mission is to help advance the discussion by having it in an informed, healthy and enjoyable way. People are yearning for informed and healthy discussions around these issues,” said center Director Xan Bozzo, assistant professor of philosophy.

The center also hosts Philosophers’ Cafés, informal, friendly conversations of contemporary issues. Meetings are open to all and are led by �� and UW-Eau Claire faculty. Upcoming conversations will be held at 7 p.m., at Brewery Nonic in Menomonie:

Wednesday, Nov. 8: Drawing the Line: Does Tolerance Have Limits?
Wednesday, Dec. 13: Back from the Dustbin? The Marxist Critique in the Twenty-First Century

“If you’re interested in helping advance the discussion and learning from others, then you’ll find our programs interesting and rewarding,” Bozzo said.

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�� supports first-generation students on Nov. 8 event during national celebration

goersab — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:11:28 +0000

�� supports first-generation students on Nov. 8 event during national celebrationgoersab October 31, 2023

Rooted in Growth, with national grant, aims to build community among students, faculty, staff with variety of activities

Abbey Goers

Highlighting the perseverance of its first-generation college students, �� is hosting its seventh annual First-Generation College Celebration, as part of a national celebration to recognize students’ personal growth and resilience in higher education.

Rooted in Growth: First-Generation College Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8., in the Memorial Student Center Huff's Lounge, on the first floor.

The campuswide event supports the strength and determination of first-generation college students – any student whose parent or guardian has not received a four-year bachelor's degree – with workshops, games and activities to foster growth and community among students, faculty and staff.

Rooted in Growth will lead off with Trailblazers of Knowledge, a multicampus virtual student panel at 10 a.m., followed by a Growth Workshop with Power of Perception nonprofit CEO and founder Dennis Beale from 1 to 2 p.m. in MSC ballrooms B and C.

Rooted in Growth: First-Generation College Celebration will offer workshops, games and activities to foster growth and community. / Jamie Vue

Among the many activities, Resource Booths for Success will show students the many campus resources and services available to help them navigate higher education: TRIO Student Support Services; McNair Scholars Program; Multicultural Student Services; The Qube LGBTQIA+ resource center; Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; Career Services; and the newly opened Financial Literacy and Wellness Center.

�� has a large and growing first-generation student population, with 32% identifying as first-generation in the fall 2022 academic semester.

“First-generation students, staff and faculty bring such a wealth of knowledge and culture to the university. It ��. important to celebrate their successes because they are not without barriers and challenges,” said Jamie Vue, TRIO SSS adviser and writing specialist.

“These students embody resilience, resourcefulness and think outside the box. They come from various backgrounds and with lived experience that often makes them the best problem solvers of issues in our community,” she said.

��, along with 53 U.S. institutions, was selected to receive a $1,000 First-Generation College Celebration grant through NASPA, a national association for student affairs administrators in higher education, to support the event.

Overcoming challenges to redefine higher education

Vue is the first in her family to go to college. Of her parents and five siblings, she ventured into a world where there were a lot of firsts, she said. “I didn’t always have someone to turn to for questions. I didn’t even want to ask questions because of how people looked at me when they assumed I should know better. It ��. the same looks my parents got as refugees,” Vue said.

“However, I look back at those earlier years and know that overcoming the challenges is what got me here today. To be in a position that supports students equitably and meaningfully, that ��. what gives me purpose,” she added.

First-Generation Celebration coordinators Jamie Vue and Ryan Leckel / ��

The first-generation celebration is a cross-campus collaboration, with individuals from several offices and departments coming together to make it happen. It started as a grassroots effort in 2017 and has evolved to become a part of �� . mission of serving and supporting first-generation students.

The planning team consists of staff from Student Support Services, McNair Scholars Program, Involvement Center, Multicultural Student Services, the Provost ��. Office and Marketing Communications.

Ryan Leckel, student engagement coordinator with the Involvement Center and first-generation graduate, helped Vue plan many aspects of the celebration. “First-generation students are so critical to �� . campus, not only because we make up a lot of campus, but because first-generation students have the ability to redefine higher education to work for everyone.

“If first-gen students don’t know the bad habits that keep people out, first-gen students get to create good habits that draw people in and elevate voices that have historically been quieted. They create spaces that serve everyone in equity and consideration, and that ��. what higher education should be and do,” Leckel said.

Events ‘Rooted in Growth’

The student panel will feature first-generation �� students Anna Johnson, a family and consumer sciences education senior from Eau Claire, and Chueseng Lo, an M.S. school counseling graduate student from Schofield.

They will be joined by UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls and Chippewa Valley Technical College TRIO SSS/McNair programs. The panel will share their personal journeys of being the first in their families to attend college, challenges they overcame and the impact of higher education on their lives, as well as the importance of inclusivity, diversity and equity, and how first-generation students contribute to fostering positive change within educational institutions.

First-generation student Anna Johnson will join the student panel / Anna Johnson

Johnson is excited to be on the student panel.

“I hope to empower students to be their true self, to know that there are many resources for students who are first generation and to not let anything stop them from achieving what they are going to school for.

“Being the first gives you a sense of drive,” she added. “It empowers you to do the best that you can. I think it is important to take the opportunities that are provided to you as a first-generation student, and resources like Student Support Services, the Financial Literacy Center and McNair help you thrive throughout navigating college.”

In the Growth Workshop, Beale will share about his experience and the roadblocks he overcame to start his Eau Claire-based mentoring program for African-American and Biracial youth and how �� . first-generation students can approach their education with bravery and purpose.

Along with the Resource Booths, a hands-on Nurturing Growth: Potting a Plant workshop revolves around the theme of growth, both in nurturing plants and fostering personal growth, and self-reflective activities will help build a sense of community. There will also be movie showings of Disney ��. “Strange World” at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Applied Arts room 210.

�� . event is sponsored by the NASPA First-Gen Center, the university ��. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Involvement Center and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management.

First-Generation College Celebration is celebrated annually on Nov. 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. It raises awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.

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Blue Devils’ Frozen Four trip, conference title highlight a hockey season for the record books

Young �� squad tied all-time program record for wins in a season

March 31, 2026

Ranked fifth in nation, Blue Devils hockey team carries home ice advantage into first NCAA tournament in 17 years

�� hockey to host Anna Maria College in first round of NCAA tourney

March 11, 2026

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

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

February 25, 2026

Rooted in Growth, with national grant, aims to build community among students, faculty, staff with variety of activities First-Generation Celebration activities

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TRIO Student Support Services

Offering tutoring, advising, and other academic resources for students enrolled in this TRIO program.

Helping You Navigate the College Experience

TRIO Student Support Services strives to increase the retention and graduation rates of first-generation students, students who meet federal low-income criteria, and students with disabilities.

Our Services

�� . TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, funded by three federal TRIO grants, provides supplemental academic support and services for its 550 student participants. Student participants have access to the following:

A dedicated TRIO SSS Advisor to assist with your academic, financial, career, and personal goals
Advice and assistance with course selection
Financial wellness and planning support
Writing and math tutoring for one-on-one support
Peer tutoring & peer coaching
Personal, intercultural, and leadership development
Graduate school preparation
Tuition & fee waived TRIO SSS courses:
- Strategies for Academic Success (2 Credits)
- Strategies for Successful Career Development (1 Credit)
Workshops, events, and activities

By creating and maintaining a supportive community and fostering a climate that values the social and cultural capital of our students, we aspire to empower them to maximize their potential and achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.

Early Bridge Program

Free early start program for eligible incoming first year students

Learn more and apply

SSS Living Community

Supportive living community for incoming and continuing students

Learn more and apply

Eligibility

Undergraduate students may apply to Student Support Service's program offerings by meeting the following criteria:

Participants must be undergraduate students enrolled at �� or accepted for enrollment to the university.
Participants must be committed to graduating from ��.
Participants must be pursuing their first bachelor's degree.

Additionally, students must meet one of the following criteria:

A student who is first-generation
Definition: (A) An individual both of whose natural or adoptive parents did not complete a baccalaureate (4 year) degree;
OR
(B) In the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate (4 year) degree.
OR
(C) An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent.

Your signature on the application verifies this criterion.
A student who meets federal low-income criteria
Definition: A individual from a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census. We determine financial eligibility based on guidelines for federal TRIO Programs low-income levels using taxable income (not adjusted gross income). We will need a signature from you or a parent/guardian, depending on FAFSA dependency status. If we need this signature, we will email a form via DocuSign.
A student with a documented disability and is connected with Disability Services
Definition: For the purposes of this grant, disability includes physical, learning, or mental health diagnoses. Examples include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, etc., connect with Disability Services. We use your Faculty Notification Letter, generated through AIM, as verification of disability and connection with Disability Services.

Life at Stout Student Support Services

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Contact Information

TRIO Student Support Services

Office: 310 Bowman Hall

715-232-5180

Email: sss@uwstout.edu

The TRIO Student Support Services Projects (3 total) are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education $306,486.00, (Disability), $385,514.00 (Regular), and $272,364.00 (STEM) annually.

Apply To SSS Program Frequently Asked Questions

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

CONNECT with us!

For information about events, tutoring, or other SSS resources, visit our portal on CONNECT.

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�� . Fostering Success Program, leaders recognized by Gov. Evers

goersab — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:23:35 +0000

�� . Fostering Success Program, leaders recognized by Gov. Eversgoersab October 30, 2023

First-of-its-kind program, Provost Rodríguez, Professor Lukowski recognized Oct. 27 at state Diversity Awards

Abbey Goers

A unique program and two outstanding individuals at �� were recognized by the Wisconsin State Council on Affirmative Action and the Division of Personnel Management for their commitment to faculty, staff and student success through diverse educational services and efforts in the workforce.

At the council ��. Diversity Awards ceremony on Oct. 27, �� . Fostering Success Program, the first-of-its-kind program on Universities on Wisconsin campuses, received the Ann Lydecker Educational Diversity Award.

Diversity Awards recipients Alison Lukowski, Glendali Rodriguez and Angie Ruppe with Gov. Tony Evers and �� Multicultural Student Services Director Mai Khou Xiong / Mai Khou Xiong

�� Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, received the Lifetime of Service Diversity Award for her profound impact on efforts across the institution for the last two decades.

And Associate Professor Alison Lukowski received an Outstanding Leadership Diversity Award for her leadership as director of the university ��. First-Year Composition program, promoting a respectful and inclusive campus environment.

“�� is appreciative of this recognition of the outstanding work of our faculty and staff in support of student success and institutional excellence,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank. “We value our people at ��. It is because of their tireless efforts on behalf of our institution and our students that we are able to meet our mission as Wisconsin ��. �� and support the workforce needs of our state.”

�� has received the Ann Lydecker Educational Diversity Award two years in a row; Stoutward Bound, an early-start bridge program for incoming first-year underrepresented students, including first-generation or low-income students, was recognized in 2022. Fostering Success received the Regents' Diversity Award from the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents in 2020.

View the awards ceremony recording on YouTube.

Stoutward Bound honored with state Educational Diversity Award

A highly successful program that supports students each year from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds has received a state award.

Fostering Success through unequaled support

�� . Fostering Success supports college students who were former foster youth, students who have experienced out-of-home care, are orphaned or wards or the court, or those experiencing housing insecurity, a population that is often underserved and faces additional barriers to college education.

The program provides guidance, resources, leadership and involvement opportunities on and off campus so students can make the most of their college experience.

Fostering Success has a strong enrollment and retention rate, with 30 returning students in the program this year and 46 new eligible students identified. Students in the program have an average cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and are retained at an average rate of 73%.

Nationally, although 80% of foster youth hope to attend college, only 13% enroll and less than 4% graduate from a four-year institution.

The program also coordinates overnight experiences and campus tours for youth ages 13 to 17 to learn about higher education, grants and scholarships, courses and resources. It provides information to other campuses interested in developing a similar program.

Angie Ruppe, director of Fostering Success and TRIO Student Support Services, is proud and honored that the program was recognized.

“Fostering Success has been a labor of love and a collective effort by our university community, and its impact on the lives of our students is truly remarkable,” she said. “It's heartwarming to know that our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is being acknowledged. This award serves as a validation of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the program."

Fostering Success wins Regents' Diversity Award

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents will honor the recipients of the 12th annual Regents’ Diversity Awards on February 7 in Madison at the next

In its letter of recognition, the DOA congratulated Fostering Success, as its initiative “embodies your institution ��. commitment to equity and inclusion. The program also showcases your dedication to offering a multicultural, multiethnic experience for students at all levels of academic pursuit. Programs such as this make a difference in student success and make possible options that might not otherwise be attainable.”

Fostering Success works in collaboration with the TRIO Student Support Services grant, which supports students from first-generation and limited-income backgrounds as well as students with a disability.

A career of profound impact

In her 18 years at ��, Rodríguez has been an active leader at the university, in the community and in academia, affecting positive change with a collaborative approach through her expertise, actions and lived experience as a woman of color.

She joined �� . construction program in 2005 as its only female faculty member and has had a demonstrable impact on the university through progressive roles as department chair, associate provost and provost. Rodriguez continues to play a central leadership role on the university ��. Baldrige committee, which identifies people as a key driver of organizational success.

Actively involved with students beyond the classroom, Rodriguez was also an early advocate of planned improvements to �� . Student Counseling Center. She has served as a faculty adviser to �� . Latinos Unidos chapter, one of the university ��. largest student organizations, and as director of the university ��. former STEPS program, inspiring young women in engineering, technology and science fields.

Under her leadership, �� was awarded the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs' IDEAS grant to support a series of heritage-based, faculty-led study abroad programs and led the first Latinx program to Costa Rica in January 2023.

Ten students immersed in Costa Rican culture via international business study abroad course

Hands-on, polytechnic experiences bring group closer to heritage of Latin America

To aid faculty, Rodríguez worked to create support networks for diverse employees across campus through the Minority Faculty and Staff Network, now known as the Underrepresented Faculty and Staff Alliance.

As a licensed architect with expertise in building information modeling and design, she has advised nonprofit organizations on aspects of universal design, and her work with students integrated service learning as a high impact practice.

She is a recipient of the UW System Pathways Initiative grant and was selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Student Success Institute, a leadership development program for campus leaders to help implement transformational change necessary to meet the evolving needs of diverse students. She was the recipient of the Fellow ��. Choice award in the program.

Diversifying student experiences through education

Lukowski is in her sixth year at ��. As director of First-Year Composition, nearly every incoming first-year student passes through her program. “We work really hard to make these courses support student success,” she said.

Lukowski also teaches women and gender studies in the English, philosophy and communication studies department, serves as a faculty fellow for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, is a core team member of the Higher Learning Commission ��. Student Success Academy and has presented research and published articles on supporting diverse student needs.

“Equity, diversity and inclusion have always been central to my career,” she said. “Some of my motivation for this work is tied to my experience as a Pell grant recipient and first-generation college student. I took the position at Stout because I saw an opportunity to support students like me.”

2023 Diversity and Virginia Hart award recipients at the Capitol ��. Assembly Chambers in Madison / Department of Administration

Now in their 24th year, the Diversity Awards were presented at the Diversity and Virginia Hart Special Recognition Awards event, at the Capitol ��. Assembly Chambers in Madison. The ceremony was open to the public, with remarks by Gov. Tony Evers, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, SCAA Chair Angela Nash and special guest Maysee Herr, CEO of the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.

The SCAA established the Diversity Awards program in 2000 to recognize outstanding Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action practices among state agencies, UW campuses and Wisconsin technical colleges for their strong commitment to recruiting, retaining and promoting a diverse classified workforce.

“These awards recognize some of the most dedicated public servants in our midst,” said state Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, “and we are proud to be able to celebrate not only the impact of these outstanding individuals, but to also inspire future leaders to serve and build a state government that is equitable and inclusive.”

�� . FOCUS2030 strategic plan includes initiatives for inclusive excellence, student retention and employee success.

Inclusive Excellence

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Welcome to Stout!: Stoutward Bound scholars build community, arrive early to campus

Early-start bridge program helps students transition to college life

August 21, 2025

�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025

Community programs include exhibits, ‘Alice by Heart’ musical, concerts, film screenings; coincide with Destination Weekend, Spring Showcase

January 28, 2025

Faculty, staff awarded for creating opportunities for students in packaging; helping to discover new identities

DeGruson, Brown recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony

December 11, 2024

First-of-its-kind program, Provost Rodríguez, Professor Lukowski recognized Oct. 27 at capitol �� Diversity Award recipients with Gov. Evers

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Provost's Office

The dedicated professionals in our office work to ensure that �� provides the best possible environment for teaching and learning.

Fostering Success

Fostering Success provides guidance and resources for youth who have experienced out of home care and have interest in pursuing higher education.

English, Philosophy & Communication Studies Department

We offer classes for a B.S. in Professional Communication & Emerging Media, as well as a selection of related degree minors.

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Novelist Ganeshananthan to present ‘Brotherless Night’ at Chippewa Valley Book Festival event co-hosted by ��

goersab — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:46:33 +0000

Novelist Ganeshananthan to present ‘Brotherless Night’ at Chippewa Valley Book Festival event co-hosted by ��goersab October 3, 2023

Historical fiction talk on Oct. 16 will address war, feminism, ethnicity

Abbey Goers

The earliest years of Sri Lanka ��. three-decade-long civil war are the earliest years of American fiction writer V.V. Ganeshananthan's life. Stories of the war are imprinted on her memory. They are the stories she grew up hearing and reading about.

Ganeshananthan shares one such story in her historical novel “Brotherless Night,” a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Set in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, during the 1980s, it is the story of Sashi, a 16-year-old girl who wants to become a doctor, as well as her brothers and their friend K, who are swept up in the violence of war.

Novelist V.V. Ganeshananthan, author of 'Brotherless Night' / Portrait by Sophia Mayrhofer

Sashi works as a medic at a field hospital for the militant Tamil Tigers, who, following years of state discrimination and violence, are fighting for a separate homeland for Sri Lanka ��. Tamil minority. But events lead Sashi to question where she stands, and when she ��. invited to join a secret project documenting human rights violations, she embarks on a dangerous path that will change her forever.

“Brotherless Night” is part of this year ��. Chippewa Valley Book Festival readings. Ganeshananthan will present “Brotherless Night: Political Fiction of the Recent Past” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, in �� . Harvey Hall Theatre. It will also be live-streamed.

The event is free and open to the public; no registration is needed. It is co-hosted by the festival and �� . Literature Committee.

Ganeshananthan will discuss how she researched 1980s Sri Lanka to create a historically accurate setting for her novel. She'll also delve into themes and style, emphasizing their places in the larger tradition of literature addressing war, feminism and ethnicity.

“I hope my audience and readers can hear me tell the beginning of a good story, particularly a story that looks to restore to common knowledge of an erased narrative,” Ganeshananthan said. “‘Brotherless Night’ is a book that approaches several marginalized vantage points of the civil war – women and minorities – and places them at the center.”

Ganeshananthan ��. work has appeared in Granta, The New York Times, “Best American Nonrequired Reading” and other publications. She is a former vice president of the South Asian Journalists Association, has served on the board of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop and is a member of the boards of the American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies and the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop.

She teaches in the MFA program at the University of Minnesota and co-hosts the podcast Fiction/Non/Fiction on Literary Hub, which is about the intersection of literature and the news.

“Brotherless Night” will be available for sale by Dragon Tale Books at the event for $28, plus tax. Ganeshananthan will autograph books. It is also from the University Library in electronic book and audiobook formats.

‘The role of literature in remembering’

�� professors Lopa Basu, Literature Committee co-chair, and Kevin Drzakowski are members of the festival ��. Authors and Events Committee, which chooses the authors each year.

'Brotherless Night' is a New York Times Editors’ Choice / V.V. Ganeshananthan

“I recommended ‘Brotherless Night’ because it is a really important document of the Sri Lankan civil war. I wanted V.V. Ganeshananthan to come to campus to share her perspective with our community and students to increase their global awareness of terrorism, conflict and the role of literature in remembering,” said Basu, who is looking forward to learning how to write about and teach complex and painful histories.

Literature can play a role in teaching us about our histories, Ganeshananthan thinks. “We live in a world where official storytellers, whether they are governments and non-state actors like the Tamil Tigers, are insistent on telling their versions. And a lot of stories are left out,” she said.

“Fiction uniquely fills that imaginative space of covering history at its margins or where stories are flat-out missing.”

A lot of Ganeshananthan ��. favorite writers work to fill those gaps. For example, Edward P. Jones, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, and Shyam Selvadurai, author of “Funny Boy,” a queer coming-of-age novel set right before Sri Lanka ��. civil war.

“Some think these sorts of narratives are too complicated for most people to comprehend in fiction writing. I don’t believe this,” she added. “It ��. important to write about things that other people try to intentionally erase. And as a reader, to find stories that exist outside of the official bounds. These are unknown narratives, but unknown to who?”

“Brotherless Night” and other historical fiction ask, “What does the reader assume?,” and can show the reader they might be wrong in their assumptions, she said.

Ganeshananthan will also visit with Basu ��. Honors Composition students, who will be reading “Brotherless Night” and will have an informal Q&A with the author.

The students will write about the novel or use it as a source for a research paper on conflict and resolution. Basu would like her students to learn about how othering (the act of treating someone as though they are not part of a group or are different in some way) by race and ethnicity can create unbelievable tragedies and violence, she said.

Ganeshananthan will talk with them about how she became a writer, what it ��. like to write a book and the difficulties of approaching historical material in writing. She has the same discussions with her own creative writing classes.

Inclusive excellence is a part of �� . FOCUS2030 goals. It aims to invest in and ensure access to equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, student living and work environments that reflect regional and global connections.

Literature Committee

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Year of Design celebration central to ��'s spring 2026 event schedule

Community invited to exhibitions, civic and literary conversations, film screenings and performances

February 11, 2026

Design focus anchors ��'s fall 2025 event schedule

Community invited to exhibitions, lectures and discussions, readings and performances

September 25, 2025

‘Sing, Slivered Tongue’: �� professor ��. book of poetry is a statement of courage, hope

Basu ��. anthology gathers 68 international voices to reflect on trauma, resolution

August 19, 2025

Historical fiction talk on Oct. 16 will address war, feminism, ethnicity Brotherless Night novel

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About the Literature Committee

Reading and discussing literature are vital activities that expand our ideas and provide insights into a dynamic and diverse world.

Our Mission

The Literature Committee serves as a source of information on current literary pedagogies, practices, and theories and to actively promote, on campus and throughout the community, the value of creative writing, literature, literary studies, and literary culture via course offerings, outreach programs, involvement in curriculum and assessment, and the English minor.

Our Vision

The Literature Committee supports an appreciation of reading, engaged discussion, reflective considerations of literature, and creative writing as activities that have valuable effects for society. Reading and the many forms of literacy—information, literary, textual, and visual—are applications of active learning and critical thinking skills and have transformative potential in their demonstrated ability to improve communication, rhetorical acumen, and intercultural understanding in a complex, diverse, and ever-changing society.

Statement of Purpose

The Literature Committee, functioning under the aegis of the Department of English & Philosophy, seeks to actively promote the value of literature, literary studies, and literary culture across campus and throughout the community.

We recognize the importance of the literary arts—creativity, film, language, literature, publishing, and reading—within the broad spectrum of the humanities and liberal education. We believe that in order to cultivate a more engaged and informed society we need to recognize and encourage a commitment to reading and literacy as fundamental modes of active reflection and cultural transformation.

We view reading and the knowledge of various forms of literacy—information, literary, textual, and visual—as primary applications of active learning and critical thinking. Literacy transforms individuals by preparing them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change.

Moreover, as fundamental to the humanities and the liberal arts, literature and literacy supports analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving skill development. Reading has a demonstrated and positive effect on an increased ability to apply knowledge and skills in new real-world settings. Reading promotes effective communication, rhetorical skill, and the understanding of intercultural dialogue.

Literature Committee Programming

As part of its vision, the Literature Committee hosts two important campus programs that demonstrate the importance of literature and literary culture across the campus community.

The Reading Series

Each semester the Literature Committee invites recognized writers, poets, and literary specialists to lecture, discuss literary issues, and read from their works. We strive to collaborate with campus and community organizations such as the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center, the Honors College, Multicultural Student Services, and the Menomonie Public Library.

Reading Across Campus

Each year the Literature Committee promotes a campus-wide reading program featuring a significant book reflecting cultural ideas relevant to all students and faculty, and an associated film that encapsulates the grounds the reading event. We present the film with a reception featuring a campus leader, and tap into faculty expertise in three related lecture events.

Function of the Literature Committee

The Literature Committee encourages engaged discussion and reflective consideration of literature and creative writing course offerings in the Department of English and Philosophy. As such we act as a source of information on current literary pedagogies, practices, and theories. Moreover, we are concerned with literary opportunities for students in classes, programs, the English minor, and curriculum and assessment. The Literature Committee guides the university in continuing improvement of literary activities, literature and creative writing courses, and literary outreach programs.

We believe that reading and discussing literature are vital activities that expand our ideas and provide insights into a dynamic and diverse world. Each year, the Literature Committee—part of the Department of English & Philosophy—promotes the value of literary studies through events that emphasize literary culture across the campus community.

The Literature Committee is charged by the Department of English and Philosophy (CAHSS) accordingly:

The Committee on Literature, which has three fundamental purposes:

to develop strategies for increasing enrollment in literature and creative writing courses;
to inform �� administrators, faculty, and students of the values of literary studies;
to establish guidelines for revising, expanding and improving literature and creative writing courses and the literature program in general.

CACHSS

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Welcome to Stout!: Stoutward Bound scholars build community, arrive early to campus

Building a living and learning community

Stoutward Bound

12% Undergraduate Minority Students (2023)

35% UG First-Generation College Students (2023)

78.9% All New First-Year Retention (2023 Cohort)

�������� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025

Visual Arts

University Theatre

Concert Performances

Film and Literary Events

Civic Events

Furlong Gallery

Performing Arts

Faculty, staff awarded for creating opportunities for students in packaging; helping to discover new identities

Outstanding Women of Color Award

Dr. P.B. Poorman Award

Investing in Students

Investing in Campus Culture

Strengthening Our Community

OSOE Staff & Fellows

Land Acknowledgment

Nondiscrimination Statement

Student Services & Support

TRIO Student Support Services

The Qube Services

Fostering Success

McNair Scholars Program

Multicultural Student Services

MSS Scholarships & Grants

Graphic design students’ 51 diversity, inclusion posters rollout for traveling exhibit

Open conversations, active listening to create real, positive change

B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media

�������� Provost Rodríguez honored with Universities of Wisconsin Diversity Award

�������� ��������. Fostering Success Program, leaders recognized by Gov. Evers

Legleitner, English professor and EDI leader, honored with UW System ��������. Diversity Award

Welcome from Provost Rodríguez

�������� staff awarded for creating inclusive environment, bringing harmony to differences

Dr. P.B. Poorman Award

Outstanding Women of Color Award

Stoutward Bound honored with state Educational Diversity Award

Achievement Center

Multicultural Student Services

Investing in Students

Investing in Campus Culture

Strengthening Our Community

OSOE Staff & Fellows

Land Acknowledgment

Nondiscrimination Statement

Student Services & Support

TRIO Student Support Services

The Qube Services

Fostering Success

McNair Scholars Program

Multicultural Student Services

MSS Scholarships & Grants

Fall 2023 Performing Arts Preview: Arts and humanities are alive at ��������

�������� Theater

Musical Performances

Visual Arts

Culture & Literature

Lectures & Conversations

Performing Arts

Center for Applied Ethics

�������� supports first-generation students on Nov. 8 event during national celebration

Overcoming challenges to redefine higher education

Events ‘Rooted in Growth’

Helping You Navigate the College Experience

Our Services

Early Bridge Program

SSS Living Community

Eligibility

�������� ��������. Fostering Success Program, leaders recognized by Gov. Evers

Stoutward Bound honored with state Educational Diversity Award

Fostering Success through unequaled support

Fostering Success wins Regents' Diversity Award

A career of profound impact

Ten students immersed in Costa Rican culture via international business study abroad course

Diversifying student experiences through education

�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025

�� Provost Rodríguez honored with Universities of Wisconsin Diversity Award

�� . Fostering Success Program, leaders recognized by Gov. Evers

Legleitner, English professor and EDI leader, honored with UW System ��. Diversity Award

�� staff awarded for creating inclusive environment, bringing harmony to differences

Fall 2023 Performing Arts Preview: Arts and humanities are alive at ��

�� Theater

�� supports first-generation students on Nov. 8 event during national celebration

�� . Fostering Success Program, leaders recognized by Gov. Evers