University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

News Bureau

TIP SHEET   Week of May 12, 2003
Current topics of interest in higher education in western Wisconsin

Story Idea
UW-Eau Claire journalism graduate Kevin Keane, assistant secretary for public affairs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be available Saturday to talk with the media about his career in the public sector. Among Keane's current HSS responsibilities are serving as a senior adviser to Tommy Thompson, secretary of the HSS; directing all communication efforts for Thompson; and serving as the chief public affairs liaison between HSS and the White House. Bioterrorism, access to health care and stem cell research are among the initiatives he's been involved with since being appointed to his position by President Bush in 2001. Keane previously served as deputy chief of staff for Thompson when Thompson was governor of Wisconsin. Keane, a 1987 graduate, will receive an Alumni Distinguished Service Award from the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association on Saturday, recognizing his contributions to the state and country. If you're interested in talking with Keane while he's in Eau Claire this weekend, contact News Bureau Director Judy Berthiaume at (715) 836-4745 or berthija@uwec.edu.

Campus Expert
Sarah Hadden, assistant professor of special education at UW-Eau Claire, is available to discuss the proposed retooling of the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act. Elements of the plan include earlier intervention for students with learning trouble, better identification of students with disabilities and reduced paperwork. You can reach Hadden at (715) 836-2175 or haddends@uwec.edu.

Photo Opportunity
More than 1,100 students will graduate from UW-Eau Claire Saturday, May 17, during two commencement ceremonies. The morning ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the afternoon ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Both ceremonies will be in Zorn Arena. Tommy Thompson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Health and Human Services, will give the commencement address during the morning ceremony. Kevin Keane, assistant secretary for public affairs for HSS and a 1987 UW-Eau Claire graduate, will be the afternoon commencement speaker. A reception for graduates and their families will follow both ceremonies on the Central Campus Mall. The reception will move to the Tamarack Room of Davies Center if it rains.

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Judy Berthiaume, Director
UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Schofield 201
(715) 836-4741
newsbur@uwec.edu

Updated: May 12, 2003