John Pollitz named director of libraries

John Pollitz

A library services professional with 17 years of university library experience has been named director of libraries at UW-Eau Claire.

John Pollitz, currently associate university librarian for public services and innovative technology at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore., will start Aug. 1 in his new position at UW-Eau Claire.

"John Pollitz brings a wealth of experience in leadership positions at both small and large campus libraries," said Andrew Phillips, UW-Eau Claire's interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies. "He also has many significant professional contacts in our region, and he has a wonderful vision for the future of our library." Full story.

Vicki Funne Reed is interim director
of University Recreation and Sport Facilities

Vicki Funne Reed

Vicki Funne Reed has been named interim director of University Recreation and Sport Facilities at UW-Eau Claire. Reed, who has served as associate director for the unit since 1996, was named to the interim director position following the departure of former Director Thomas Patt, who has accepted a position at UW-Oshkosh. A national search for a new director will begin immediately.

Reed joined UW-Eau Claire in 1983. In 1993 she was named assistant director of recreation and then served as acting associate director from 1994-96, when she was named associate director.

As interim director, Reed will administer the university community's recreation program, overseeing the annual budget and supervising the staff and various programs and activities of University Recreation and Sport Facilities, including intramurals; free-time recreation; the Environmental Adventure Center; Fitness Center; Bowling and Billiards Center; sports clubs; special events; aquatics and aerobics programs; faculty, staff and community service programs; and the ropes course. She also will oversee the Bollinger Field recreational and athletic complex and the award-winning National Youth Sports Program.

Study group to examine student services
With the upcoming retirement of Bill Harms, associate vice chancellor for student services, Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich has formed a student services study group to look at how the university organizes and delivers its student services functions. The study group, co-chaired by Bill Frankenberger, psychology, and Connie Russell, Records and Registration, also includes Charles Farrell, University Centers and Programs; Susan Harrison, computer science; Leslie Huntington, athletics; and Scott Lester, management and marketing. Student participation also is being sought.

Over the next two months, the group will examine UW-Eau Claire's current student services and student development and diversity organization and structures; evaluate the institutional culture, philosophy and needs in regard to student services; study a range of models and options; and make recommendations for moving forward at UW-Eau Claire.

“My goal is not change for the sake of change, but rather a thoughtful assessment of how we can best meet the changing needs of our students, both now and in the decade to come,” said Levin-Stankevich. “We are already providing extraordinary support for our students and I want to be sure that we will continue to do so in ways that are not only effective and efficient, but also support the core academic mission of the university.”

The study group's recommendations will be made to the chancellor in August and will also inform the university's ongoing strategic planning efforts. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to support the members of the study group as they gather information and to share ideas with them.

Alumni Association announces board changes
The UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association has announced changes to its board of directors for 2007-08, including the appointment of new officers, the retirements of several members and the addition of six new members.

Sam Stagliano '81 is the new board president. Katy Kiley '01 is vice president. New board members, whose three-year terms begin in August, are Andy Brown '00, Lori Haschke '02, Todd Pauls '96, Joseph Piket '86, Rick Schroder '77 and Linda Spaeth '72. Current board members who will serve a second three-year term include Matthew Greeson '01, Jeff Johnson '86 and Tim Skutley '99.

Mark Gilbertson '89, Mary Heimstead '75 and Joanne Horan '57 retire from the board this month after serving two three-year terms. Full story.

Online graduate program to address demand for directors of special education and pupil services
The special education department, in partnership with Continuing Education, is introducing an online graduate program designed to address the increasing demand for directors of special education and pupil services. The program, which will begin July 9, is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and supported by the Wisconsin Council for Administrators of Special Services. The 12-credit program may be applied toward a master's degree in special education from UW-Eau Claire or can serve as an added credential to a current master's degree. Full story.

The Black-Eyed Susan Band

'Hoop Dreams' poster

Jazz at Noon concludes this week; Music on the Mall,
Summer Cinema continue
The Black-Eyed Susan Band will present an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. today on UW-Eau Claire's Central Campus Mall as part of the university's third week of free Summer Session Programs.

The final week of the Jazz at Noon series also begins today, with shows from noon to 1 p.m. through Friday on the Central Campus Mall (rain site is The Cabin in Davies Center).

The Summer Cinema series will present "Hoop Dreams" (1994) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, through Thursday, June 28, in Davies Theatre. The documentary, which won the Sundance Film Festival's Audience Award for Best Documentary, spans five years in the lives of two Chicago youths who dream of playing basketball professionally. Wednesday's screening will be preceded by an informal discussion at 6 p.m. in the Skylight Lounge, Davies Center, led by Blake Westerlund, UW-Eau Claire adjunct assistant professor of English, and members of the UW-Eau Claire Blugold basketball coaching staff. Free food and beverages will be provided. Full story.

WPR to broadcast Singing Statesmen CD selections
In early July, Wisconsin Public Radio, via its NPR News and Classical Music Network, will broadcast several selections from "A Testament," the most recent CD recording by UW-Eau Claire's Singing Statesmen. Following are the selection titles and the dates and times they will be broadcast as "Music from Wisconsin" features:

• 2 p.m. Monday, July 2: "O Home Beloved"
• 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 3: "Pater Noster"
• 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 4: "Battle Hymn of the Republic"
• 2 p.m. Friday, July 6: "The Morning Trumpet" and "Poor Man Lazrus."

Summer Bulletin
Published weekly during the summer session by the UW-Eau Claire News Bureau. News items and notices should be sent to the News Bureau, Schofield 201, by 10 a.m. Thursday for publication in the following week’s issue. E-mail submissions to Julie Poquette at poquetjm@uwec.edu are encouraged. Faculty/staff news items are published on a space-available basis.