FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2025
Green Bay, Wis. — On Tuesday, December 9, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. at The Tarlton Theatre, UW-Green Bay’s Teaching Press will co-sponsor a dual launch party for its two newest titles:
- “Patinas of Life” by Patrick Wood, publisher of the Press Times
- “Golden Era: The Heart of Wisconsin Sidelines” by Kris Leonhardt and Tori Wittenbrock, Editor-in-Chief and Sports Editor of the Press Times
Seats are available for this event and the public is invited to attend.
Both books were designed, edited and marketed by UW-Green Bay students serving as editorial interns at The Teaching Press. This unique program at UW-Green Bay gives students hands-on experience in publishing, design, promotion and the opportunity to bring ideas to life on the printed page. More than a classroom, the Teaching Press is first and foremost a publisher. From concept to completion, UW-Green Bay students played a pivotal role in:
- Editorial design and layout
- Marketing and promotional strategy
- Rights research and historical verification
This collaboration exemplifies The Teaching Press’s mission to provide experiential, hands-on learning opportunities while amplifying local voices and stories.
About the Books
Patinas of Life
Patrick Wood’s heartfelt collection of columns reflects on friendship, family, and the everyday moments that give life meaning. The book’s purpose is to “start a dialogue in the reader’s mind—provoke a thought, spark a conversation—and offer a positive boost in today’s disquieting world.” Proceeds from the book will benefit local initiatives supporting unhoused communities, underscoring Wood’s commitment to giving back.
Golden Era: The Heart of Wisconsin Sidelines
This historical coffee-table book dives into the iconic era of Packers cheerleaders and the original Lumberjack Band, spotlighting the story of Mary Jane Van Duyse-Sorgel, who helped create the Golden Girls legacy. The book combines rare archival photos, interviews with former cheerleaders, and a timeline of traditions that shaped Green Bay’s sports culture. Co-author Tori Wittenbrock, a UW-Green Bay alumna and former soccer player, began this project during her internship at Press Times, turning a podcast idea into a full-length book.
Book Launch Event Details
What: Dual Book Launch Party for Patinas of Life and Golden Era: The Heart of Wisconsin Sidelines
When: Tuesday, December 9, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: The Tarlton Theatre, 405 West Walnut St., Green Bay
Who: Authors Patrick Wood, Kris Leonhardt and UW-Green Bay alumna Tori Wittenbrock
Special Guests: Former Packerettes and community members
Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,600 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With campuses in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest-growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
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