Future nurse succeeds at both Marinette colleges | News | ehextra.com

MARINETTE—Sarah Pettit has wanted to be a nurse since she was 5 years old. This May, she will receive her Associates Degree in Nursing from UW-Green Bay Marinette Campus and has secured an externship with Aurora Medical Center—Bay Area. While many choose to leave the Marinette area to seek success, Pettit was able to go through school and enter her dream career from within the community that saw her grow up.Pettit went to UWGB Marinette Campus for two years after high school to earn her associates degree, and also as a way to save some money. “It was a lot cheaper route than going to a four-year college right off the bat,” she said.

Source: Future nurse succeeds at both Marinette colleges | News | ehextra.com

Reminder: Registration is open for Innovation in Aging Competition

The fifth annual WiSys Innovation in Aging Student Idea Competition, Feb. 25, 2020 from 4 to 6 p.m. challenges UW-Green Bay students to create innovative solutions to combat hardships and improve quality of life for an aging public. The competition gives students an opportunity to grow idea development, collaboration, and public presentation skills. Innovations are broadly defined—a product, service, social approach, etc. A competition packet and list of mentors is sent to those who register. Questions? Reach out to Brad Ricker bricker@wisys.org or Ryan Kauth kauthr@uwgb.edu for more information. Register now for the Feb. 25 virtual competition! Register as an individual or as part of a team. Individuals interested in forming a team will be connected with other interested individuals that sign up to compete. See additional Information and event registration. Cash prizes.

Quick Facts about the Innovation in Aging Student Idea Competition:

  • Started in 2017, this year will be the 5th year of the competition.
  • The competition this year is on Feb. 25, 2021 and will be held virtually for the first time
  • Typically, about nine student teams (25-40 students) compete each year
  • The competition is a collaboration between UW-Green Bay and WiSys Technology Foundation (www.wisys.org)

Student Competition Drives Innovation To Help Older Adults | Wisconsin Public Radio

Wisconsin Public Radio interviewed UW-Green Bay Dean Susan Gallagher-Lepak (CHESW) regarding the Innovation in Aging virtual student competition aimed at developing new ideas—products, services, systems—to help more elderly people and age-specific problems they’re facing. Source: Student Competition Drives Innovation To Help Older Adults | Wisconsin Public Radio.

UWGB Nursing Students in simulation lab

UW-Green Bay nursing students prepare to help COVID-19 vaccine rollout

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY)-Nursing students at UW-Green Bay are getting ready to help with the state’s vaccination effort. “As we understand it, the local health departments are in a position where they don’t have the capacity to launch a massive vaccination clinic throughout the whole state,” said Christine Vandenhouten, chair of Nursing and Health Studies at UW-Green Bay. In an effort to increase the vaccine rollout the state enlisted the help of the National Guard and local nursing and pharmacy programs. “They are requesting us to provide a list of students and our volunteers to be part of the vaccination arm of that program and so we are prepared as nurses and nursing faculty to supervise the students, while they are vaccinating students at these COVID clinics,” said Vandenhouten.

Source: UW-Green Bay nursing students prepare to help COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Campus mourns passing of education faculty emeritus Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson, photo courtesy of University Archives

UW-Green Bay learned last week of the passing of Phil Thompson, and associate professor of Education, who served for more than two decades at UW-Green Bay. Thompson was a lifelong basketball fan, and a regular in the “noon ball” league at the Phoenix Sports Center. He also served as clock operator for GB men’s basketball games for many years.

No obituary was passed along to the Log.

Thompson joined the UW-Green Bay faculty in 1971 as an assistant professor in the Education program, focusing in the areas of English and language arts. In addition to his instructional duties, Thompson supervised numerous independent studies and student teachers throughout his tenure. He routinely shared his expertise regarding teaching, classrooms, and curriculum matters by speaking at professional conferences, leading teacher in-service training, and serving as a consultant for school districts across Wisconsin. He also co-authored and presented an innovative language and literature text for the Green Bay Area Public School District. Thompson was recognized for his endeavors in 1985 with the UW-Green Bay Founder’s Award for Excellence in Outreach. At the time of the award, it was noted he “exemplified the finest in the ranking of the profession at UWGB.” In 1988, Thompson was further honored with a nomination for Wisconsin’s state educator of the year award. Thompson retired from UW-Green Bay in 1997. Upon the conferring of emeritus status, it was stated the recognition was due to his “tireless work at creating the first education program at UW-Green Bay and shepherding it through its continuous development.”

Written in collaboration with University Archives and Area Research Center.

More on the Student Healthcare Worker Tuition Initiative

As announced earlier this month, UW System created the COVID-19 Student Healthcare Worker Tuition Refund Initiative.

The process to request the tuition refund is now formalized at UW-Green Bay. Details about the process are included in this email. Please refer to the detailed initiative for student eligibility requirements, required work hours and timeframe for the work completion.

The form to use to request the refund can be found on the Career Services website. The steps below outline the process to follow.

  1. Download the form and complete the fields required.  Forward it to your employer for verification of hours worked and completion of form.
  2. Submit the completed form to the Bursar’s Office (via mail; or scan/email; or drop in Bursar drop box located in hallway by cashier’s window).  Email address is bursar@uwgb.edu.
  3. Form must be submitted no later than March 31, 2021.
  4. Requests will be reviewed for eligibility.  Refunds will be issued to eligible students in April 2021 prior to the end of spring semester 2021.

Any questions about the initiative, the process or the form can be directed to Linda Peacock-Landrum in Career Services via email to peacockl@uwgb.edu. Please expect a delayed response due to the holidays.  There is no urgency to submitting the form as this initiative does not impact spring tuition bills. All forms need to be submitted no later than March 31, 2021.

Announcing: Phoenix Forum Virtual Speaker Series

Learning never stops—even when it’s not in person. One silver lining of the pandemic is our ability to stay connected through technology to continually support alumni success. The Alumni Office is announcing the Phoenix Forum Virtual Speaker Series. Learn from UW-Green Bay’s expert faculty and staff. Each speaker event will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. with an opportunity to ask questions of the presenters.

1/21/2021 – ECO-U: The Next 50 Years: Speakers are Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, John Katers and CSET faculty Mike Draney, Bob Howe, Emily Tyner, Kevin Fermanich and John Arendt

3/18/2021 – The Silver Lining:  Unexpected Pandemic Outcomes on our Perceptions of Coaching, Teaching and Learning: Speaker is Associate Professor of Education Tim Kaufman

5/20/2021 – Mind on Money & Money on Mind: The Behavior & Psychology of Money: Speaker is Assistant Professor of Finance, Preston Cherry

7/15/2021 – How to Foster a True Love of Lifelong Learning: Speakers are Associate Dean for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Ryan Martin, Executive and Artistic Director of the Weidner Center, Kelli Strickland, and an English faculty member

9/16/2021 – Exercise is Medicine for Physical and Mental Health: Speakers are Psychology faculty Joanna Morrissey and Alan Chu

11/18/2021 – Get After It…Reaching Those Lofty Career Goals: Speaker is Director of Career Services, Linda Peacock-Landrum

| Video

Video: Commencement speaker Georgie ‘Dolly’ Potts uses her storytelling gift to inspire the 2020 Fall/Winter UW-Green Bay graduating class

Note: Georgie “Dolly” Potts was selected from a number of nominations to be this semester’s Commencement Speaker. As COVID-19 postponed the University’s plans to celebrate with the Fall/ Winter 2020 graduates until Spring 2021, Potts’ speech was recorded and is released today, Fall/Winter Commencement Day, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. See her biography.

Video Transcript

Bear Story

Ani, Nazwin nadisnaquas Mishodanikwe-Prairie Band, Totem Kikos.

Hello, my name is Dolly Potts, I introduced myself in my language (Potawatomi). I have been named Student Speaker for the 2020 Fall/Winter graduates. This is quite an honor, for those who do know me, know that I am a storyteller. I am sharing with you a story that I believe will carry with you into your future:

Eagle Clan decided one day to host a lodge. Eagle built an enormous lodge. Plenty of space for all the clans to comfortably sit. Eagle placed cedar boughs along the sides of the lodge for the clans to sit. The smell of cedar filled the air. After completing the lodge Eagle went out into the forest to invite all of the animal clans to his lodge.

On the day of the lodge all the animal clans entered the lodge. Coyote was first in as they would be the clan at the door. Coyote would announce all the other clans. Being Coyote they entered the lodge yipping and yapping nodding to Eagle clan. Sniffing the air, they could not help but smell the cooking fires nearby.

Fish Clan was next quiet and serene. Looking sternly at Coyote clan immediately quieting them with calming nature. Fish Clan reverently sat down in their places.

Hoof Clan was next, they danced into the lodge gracefully. Their wide eyes open and ears perked for any noise to alert the others to. They nodded to Eagle Clan with their long necks.

Bear Clan was last to enter. Huffing and puffing with massive breaths all the other clans scooted a little closer to the lodge wall giving Bear Clan all the space they needed. Bear Clan sat down on the soft cedar boughs and stared at Eagle Clan to begin.

Each clan representative gave Eagle clan a report on their responsibility in the forest. Coyote reported all of the sounds mentioning if any were different or unusual. Fish Clan talked about the waters of the forest how much or how little there was. Hoof Clan talked about the sights and sounds of the forest. If they had seen or heard anything to report to all of the clans.

Bear Clan was last. Bear stood and all of the animal clans fell silent. Bear stood to his massive height from his cedar bough seat. In a voice rumbling from deep in his chest. Bear told the animal clan that he was the leader of all the clans. There was no one stronger than Bear and he had no enemies who could defeat Bear.

All the clans looked up at Bear nodding in agreement. Yet Bear added if there is danger in the forest, come to me and I will protect you. For his testimony all the animal clans loved and respected Bear.

What a great feast it was. Coyote munched noisily on his chicken soup at dinnertime. Hoof Clan savored their maple sugar. Bear Clan gulped and chomped on the most delicious berries. Eagle looked at all of the clans satisfied for they had hosted a good lodge. All the animal clans were happy and safe in the forest.

My story is a story of Power, as we go into our future many of you will have Power. Our college education will afford us positions that are supervisory or as directors. It may lead us down other paths too, like more Education or building our families and communities.

As we go into the world, go in as the Bear—strong, respected, and caring. Be proud as testimony to the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay. Meet your future in a good way.

Thank you.

Master of Social Work program to be offered at UWSP-Wausau | Point/Plover Metro Wire

An advanced degree in social work will be offered locally to Central Wisconsin residents through a new partnership between the UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay.Beginning in the 2021-22 academic year, UW-Green Bay will offer its Master of Social Work (MSW) program on the UW-Stevens Point at Wausau campus.“This is exciting because it creates an option for students residing in Central Wisconsin to get their master’s degree in social work right in their own community, from a highly esteemed program,” said Amy Zlimen Ticho, director of the UW-Stevens Point social work program. “This will benefit not just UW-Stevens Point graduates, but also others in the region who would like to pursue their MSW and perhaps did not have that option before.”Under the agreement, the MSW program will offer its same curriculum and areas of emphasis at the Wausau location, with UW-Green Bay instructors teaching courses and its staff advising students.UW-Green Bay MSW Program Director Gail Trimberger expressed optimism about how the new program can help expand the social services available to Central Wisconsin residents.

Source: Master of Social Work program to be offered at UWSP-Wausau | Point/Plover Metro Wire

Storyteller Dolly Potts will share her journey and advice (virtually) with her graduating peers

Note: Georgie “Dolly” Potts was selected from a number of nominations to be this semester’s Commencement Speaker. As COVID-19 postponed the University’s plans to celebrate with the Fall/ Winter 2020 graduates until Spring 2021, Potts’ speech was recorded and will be released on what was to be 2020 Fall/Winter Commencement, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020 at news.uwgb.edu.

LIFE AS A STORY

Georgie “Dolly” Potts is a firmly grounded person. That includes in this present moment of celebration at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, as well as her past and her future.

As a member of Prairie Band Potawatomi from Kansas and a graduate receiving a bachelor’s of arts in First Nations Studies, Pott’s achievements transcend academics. In her nomination, Mai J. Lo Lee noted, “Dolly is an exemplary UW-Green Bay student because of her love for learning, compassion to listen and her ability to connect life to learning.”

When asked about her “special” ability to connect life with learning, she says simply, “I’m good at telling a story.” Even more remarkable is not just her talent in telling, but retelling stories. “These stories come from my ancestors. We pass them down to our children, to our grandchildren.”

And her journey to today is a story few others could tell.

In just two years, after transferring from College of Menominee Nation, Pott’s stature among students, faculty and the First Nations community on campus has grown through her words of encouragement, empathetic listening and a unique life perspective influenced by Potawatomi traditions.

“We believe in the seven generations. I am in the middle. I learn and listen to my ancestors from the past three generations and I look to the future three generations,” Potts explains. “These stories come from my ancestors. We pass them down to our children, to our grandchildren.” She recognizes this is a concept that doesn’t always fit neatly in a Western worldview. But she adds, “If you talk of the seven generations to a native, they know exactly what you’re talking about.”

These “native” traditions she describes simply as “choosing the way of the earth.” And it’s not just all talk. Potts travels throughout the region to participate in teachings from tribal Elders (a title of respect that also applies to her), from her community and others. She uses these learning experiences, to directly impact the students and colleagues on campus and in the community through teaching, demonstrations and celebrations.

Every question she is asked comes not with just an answer, but also a story—including her name Dolly. “My oldest sister named me Dolly. When I was born, there were 10 years between us, so I was her dolly. Georgie’s after my father.” Addressing her as Koya (Grandma) Dolly is also acceptable—especially considering she has three sons, one daughter, 13 grandchildren and number 14 on the way.

Potts describes herself simply: “I’m a traditional native. I grew up with my ways.” Her “growing up” included life on a Kansas reservation and attendance at a Catholic boarding school in South Dakota. Her love of Wisconsin began in her teenage years, traveling to the Green Bay-area to take part in tribal pow wows. Potts remembers “We would all get together to sing and dance.” The purpose of dancing? “For joy.”

Beyond her naturally fun-loving nature, Potts’ achievements within the University and community have been impactful and transformative. First as an intern in the Education Center for First Nations Studies, where she worked with the local indigenous community. During that time, she arranged for several Elders and knowledge-keepers to present to campus on various topics. Her nomination as Commencement Speaker noted, “As an undergraduate student and tribal Elder, Dolly’s skills and abilities surpass those of many professionals already working in a higher education setting.”

Potts’ activism and community outreach has extended state-wide to Madison, where she shared her research on Act 31—a requirement that all public school districts provide instruction on the history, culture and tribal sovereignty of Wisconsin’s 11 federally-recognized American Indian nations and tribal communities. In true “Koya Dolly” fashion, she met with Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Stanford-Taylor and established a “grandma-to-grandma” connection.

But most of all Potts enjoys being herself. “I love who I am. I’m very proud of being native.” Essential to her identity is a tribal oral tradition she explains as “telling stories about our ancestors, or the world around you that helps explain human nature.”

The unique quality of “Koya Dolly’s” power to connect with others is that it comes from her giving nature. She shares that power freely in the form of her stories. Lisa Poupart, director of the First Nations undergraduate and doctoral programs, describes her as a role model for all students and community members. “She embodies the commitment to lifelong learning and service to others,” Poupart said. “We will all benefit from her wisdom and shared words at commencement.”

As for her Commencement Speech, she’s got a story to share and offers this hint: “It’s about a bear and about power. Because many of the students that are graduating will go into positions of power.”

And as for plans beyond graduation?

“I’ll use my education as a pillar to support the foundation of my people.” And for Potts, that foundation stands on a love of learning about the past, present and future.

Her story continues.