Campus Connection

Events for the week of March 9

Announcements

UWL Celebrates: Women's History Month

Eileen Narcotta‑Welp, associate professor in UWL’s Department of Exercise & Sport Science, specializes in the cultural study of sport, feminist theory and media representation of women in athletics.  

She earned her doctorate in Health and Sport Studies from the University of Iowa in 2016. Her dissertation, “The Future of Football is Feminine,” examined the cultural and historical significance of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Her scholarship has appeared in academic journals including Journal of Sport History, Sport & Society, and Soccer & Society, and she has contributed chapters to multiple edited book collections on sport and culture. Narcotta‑Welp has also presented nationally at conferences such as the North American Society for Sport History and the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport.  

Since joining UWL in 2016, Narcotta-Welp has taught courses in Sport Management and Society, Financial Aspects of Sport, Sport and Fitness Administration, and Event & Sport Operations. She has also led first-year seminars exploring identity, gender and equity in athletics.  

Her teaching engages critically with the everyday gendered experiences of women's sport, where gender norms and cultural expectations persist. She brings thoughtful insight into navigating gendered spaces in both higher education and athletics. 

Spring break send-off trivia

Join us for a night of trivia! Topics will include safety tips and precautions to take for your upcoming spring break! Students will compete with and against others to become the champion of the night and will win more than bragging rights. Win great prizes too!

It makes cents to learn life-skills!

Don't forget! There are two ways to make your time and money count! By attending our events you have the chance to win a $50 scholarship each time! What's even better? Double up your odds to win a $150 scholarship if you attend an event and come in for a financial consultation. Cha-ching!

Introduction to Mindfulness

UWL Counseling & TestingWellness & Health Advocacy and Rec Sports have teamed up to provide non-credit "Intro to Mindfulness" courses for the campus community! UWL "Intro to Mindfulness" courses use curriculum designed by the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA). 
 
Mindfulness is simple, but not easy. Our four-week "Intro to Mindfulness" is an introductory class that will teach students the skill of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. Positive outcomes include: 

  • Less self-judgment 
  • Manage stress 
  • Increased self-compassion 
  • Better sleep 
  • Increased calm 

Faculty and staff: Please consider referring students to attend!  

The course is open to UWL students, staff and faculty only. There is no fee to attend; however, attendees must register in advance by the deadline. More information and registration are available on the Rec Sports Intro to Mindfulness webpage. Two sessions are offered for the spring semester, starting Feb. 19 and March 30.    

Lucky You: Learn how to write a heartfelt and thought provoking essay

Feeling lucky? You will after receiving free scholarship essay advice and having your essay reviewed by students, like you, who have been awarded scholarships! Learn how to write a heartfelt and thought provoking essay, while honing in on your best traits and accomplishments. 

Enjoy free sweet treats and a chance to win a $50 scholarship!

Money Matters: Auto-Buying

Murphy Library presents the Money Matters: Financial Literacy Workshop Series with UW Credit Union and It Make$ Cents! Money Management Center. 

This spring, Murphy Library will partner with financial experts from the UW Credit Union and money managers from It Make$ Cents! to teach UWL students about financial literacy.

Over the course of four subject-specific workshops on Mondays this spring, students will learn the basics of credit, buying a car, budgeting and investing during customized one-hour, drop-in events held in Murphy Library.

Bring your lunch, questions and appetite to learn the aspects of financial wellness.

Monday, Feb. 2: Credit

Monday, March 9: Auto-buying

Monday, April 13: Budgeting

Monday, April 27: Investing

It sure make$ cents to learn life skills!

Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards

In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, and on behalf of UWL's Student Association, we are excited to announce that nominations are open for the 3rd annual Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards!

The annual Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards provide a dedicated platform to recognize the good work UWL student leaders are doing each day. The awards are designed to create a moment of reflection on, appreciation of, and gratitude for the exceptional contributions made by student leaders who enrich our campus and community. Please join us in recognizing Eagles by taking the time to nominate for one or more of the Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards.

2026 important dates

  • Nominations are currently open
  • Nominations close: 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 6
  • Ceremony: Thursday, May 7 (by invitation only)

The individual awards have been designed to recognize the impact of our students at every level, from first-year to graduating senior, from student organizations to community advocacy, and much more. Brief descriptions of each award are below. More information, as well as the nomination forms, can be found on the Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards website.  

Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards

  • Student Organization of the Year, designed to recognize a student organization which has impacted the campus and community, and demonstrated a commitment to the University mission.
  • Student Organization Advisor of the Year, designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has gone “above and beyond” as an advisor and resource for their students.
  • Student Organization Member of the Year, designed to recognize a student who has emerged as a leader in a student organization, without holding any titles.
  • Aerie Award, affectionately named after a “group of eagles”, designed to recognize a non-student-organization group of students who have shown a commitment to service and the institution.
  • Emerging Eagle Award, designed to recognize up to two students who have completed less than four semesters at UWL, have shown a commitment to getting involved, and have exhibited leadership potential.
  • Stryker’s Student Leader Award, designed to recognize up to two students who have completed four or more semesters at UWL, have shown a continuous commitment to campus life, and have positively influenced their peers.
  • Eagle Advocate Award, designed to recognize a student who has made contributions in areas of inclusive excellence, belonging, public policy, environmental stewardship, and/or community advocacy.  
  • “Mens Corpusque” Award, designed to recognize up to three graduating seniors (upcoming May or December), who have shown a commitment to the University’s motto, “Mind and Body.”

Thank you for considering nominating a fellow Eagle for one (or many!) of these awards. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, please reach out to Jacob Hart, associate director of Student Engagement & Leadership.

Register for the UW Symposium for Undergraduate Research

Students interested in sharing their research at the Universities of Wisconsin Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity have until March 15 to register as a presenter. The symposium, scheduled for May 1, is being hosted by UWL for the first time in 25 years. It brings together undergraduate students from all 13 UW campuses to showcase the depth, diversity and transformative power of undergraduate research across the state.

La Crosse Science Café: Tracing the Midwest Fur Trade with Archeological Chemistry

Join us for our March Science Café! Heather Walder, UWL assistant professor of Archeology and Anthropology, will present "Tracing the Midwest Fur Trade with Archeological Chemistry" at 6 p.m. Friday, March 13 at JavaVino, 2311 State Road, La Crosse. Food and/or beverage purchase is required: reservations with JavaVino are strongly recommended. Please make sure to arrive early to place your order to truly enjoy this experience of world class science!

Visit our Facebook page for information about future events.

Archaeology Artifact Show March 14

Come to Valley View Mall and see artifacts representing the area’s long history from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at Valley View Mall, La Crosse, 3800 WI Hwy. 16. Local collectors will display their personal collections, and MVAC staff will bring artifacts recovered from local excavations. Archaeologists will be on hand to answer questions. Bring in your own artifacts for help in their identification. Call MVAC at 608.785.8454 or e-mail Jean Dowiasch, MVAC, at jdowiasch@uwlax.edu if you would like to display your artifacts.

The Artifact Show is free and open to the public and students.

Give the welcome at TEDxUWLaCrosse 2026

Attention students: Step onto the TEDx stage. 

We are seeking a UWL student speaker to deliver the opening welcome at TEDxUWLaCrosse 2026. This year’s theme explores the Driftless Area — a landscape that shapes our region, identity and sense of place.

Selected students will open the event with a brief welcome and introduction to the theme before our three featured TEDx speakers take the stage at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in The Bluffs. This welcome will serve to open the event and will not be part of the recorded videos submitted to the TEDx platform. 

How to apply: 

  • Submit a draft of your proposed welcome address that defines “Driftless” and explores what it means to you in 300–700 words (approximately 2–3 minutes spoken aloud)
  • Please submit in written format
  • Finalists will be called in to read the script aloud to members of the TEDx committee.
  • The winner should be prepared to attend one or more rehearsals in summer and September 2026 and deliver the complete address live at the event. 

Submit your draft by Wednesday, April 15 to Kjerstin Lang at klang@uwlax.edu. 

Applicants will be notified if they are selected before the end of the spring semester. 

Take the stage. Share your voice. Help us welcome the community to TEDxUWLaCrosse 2026. 

Recreational Sports - spring break hours

The Recreational Sports Department would like to share building hours for spring break. For more information regarding the Recreational Sports Department and the programs that are offered, visit the Rec Sports website or contact the office at recoffice@uwlax.edu 

REC/Fitness Center 
Friday, March 13:  6 a.m.-6 p.m.  
Saturday, March 14:  Noon-6 p.m. 
Sunday, March 15: Closed  
Monday, March 16 - Saturday, March 21: Noon-6 p.m.
Sunday, March 22: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Outdoor Connection 
Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 22: Closed

Climbing Gym 
Friday, March 13 - Saturday, March 21: Closed
Sunday, March 22: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

EZONE 
Friday, March 13-Saturday, March 21: Closed
Sunday, March 22: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 

Mitchell Hall Pool 
Friday, March 13:  Noon - 12:50 p.m. 
Saturday, March 14 - Sunday, March 22: Closed 

Hetzel Fieldhouse Open Rec
Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 22: Closed

Miles for Minds- 5K fun run/walk

On April 11, Kappa Delta Pi, UWL's education honor society, is hosting a run/walk, “Miles For Minds,” which benefits the La Crosse Area School District’s Special Education program. Join us for a fun, low-pressure run/walk to help raise awareness and support our community. This event is open to all ages and abilities — whether you run, walk, jog or cheer from the sidelines, every step counts! 100% of the proceeds will be donated directly to the La Crosse Special Education Department, helping provide resources, support, and opportunities for students. Come out, move at your own pace, and make a difference together! 

Writing Center: now hiring students!

The Writing Center is hiring undergraduate tutors for 2026-2027 and beyond from all majors! Applications are due March 23. This on-campus, part-time position offers comprehensive training, professional development support and opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. Visit the Writing Center's About Us page to learn more about the position and apply.

Faculty: consider encouraging students to apply or nominating a student directly to Sara Heaser, who can reach out to them on your behalf. 

UAPUWL postcard writing event - GOTV

The United Academic Professionals of UW-La Crosse, UAPUWL, (faculty and academic staff union) is hosting a postcard writing event to help Get Out The Vote in the extremely important April 7 election. All UWL faculty and staff are welcome to attend. You can join us any time during the event as your schedule allows. UAPUWL will provide postcards, address labels, food, beverages, and solidarity. This is a great chance to get involved and find out more about (y)our union. Please RSVP online

UWL In the News

Model and talent search

Models and talent are needed for a fashion show on Monday, April 20. This year’s theme, "Nothing New Under the Sun," celebrates reuse, creativity and sustainable expression.

We welcome models, club representatives, photographers and other creatives who want to contribute to the energy and storytelling of the runway experience.

This is an opportunity to:

  • Showcase your skills in a large campus event

  • Build your portfolio and gain live performance experience

  • Be part of a sustainability-focused creative production

No prior fashion show experience required — just creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm

What: Fashion Show

Where: The Bluffs Ballroom

When: Doors open: 4:30 p.m.; show begins: 5 p.m. Monday, April 20

Free clothing shop: 6:45 p.m.

UWL in the News

Monday
UW-La Crosse Collects Fourth Straight Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championship, WIAC
UW-La Crosse Claims Sixth Straight Women’s Indoor Track & Field Championship, WIAC
UWL WBB upsets Oshkosh to grab WIAC Tourney title, WXOW
UW-La Crosse Wins First Even Men’s Basketball Tournament Title, WIAC
Men's basketball: Warhawks edged by Eagles in WIAC Tournament title game, Daily Jefferson County Union
UW-Oshkosh falters in fourth quarter, UW-La Crosse wins WIAC tournament championship, NBC26

Tuesday
From a Fulbright Scholarship to a new home: Three Americans who stayed (Former UWL professor Dawn Norris featured), Radio Prague International
These ‘Dr. Phil’ Controversies Illustrate Why the Show Was So Reviled (UWL professor Taylor Cole Miller quoted), TV Insider
International Women's Day Celebration set for Tuesday at UWL, WXOW
Eagles dancing: UWL men’s and women’s teams learn NCAA D3 Tournament paths, WKBT
UWL MBB will open NCAA Tournament at home, WXOW
Archivist Laura Godden on La Crosse’s Emerson getting historic designation (UWL professor), WIZM

Wednesday
3 things to know about UW-L men's basketball before NCAA Tournament, La Crosse Tribune
UW-La Crosse’s Schroeder earns WIAC men’s outdoor scholar-athlete honor, Wisconsin State Journal
UW-La Crosse students create digital trail signs for Upper Mississippi River island, WKBT
UW-La Crosse Students travel to Hintgen island to create unique digital signs, WOXW
UWL's International Women's Day Celebration promotes gender equality through generosity, WKBT

Thursday
We designed an AI tutor that helps college students reason rather than give them answers (UWL professor Saharnaz Babaei-Balderlou), The Conversation
All-WIAC Men’s Basketball Honors Declared (UWL student Sam Grieger named Player of the Year), WIAC
UWL women's hoops ready to tournament run, WXOW
US Rep. Mark Pocan: More questions for White House than answers on war in Iran (UWL professor Sona Kazemi quoted), Wisconsin Public

Submit an announcement
Niti Mishra profile photo Niti Mishra Geography & Environmental Science

Niti Mishra, Geography & Environmental Science, presented "From Satellites to Drones: How UAS is Transforming Environmental Monitoring in the Himalayas" at Lecture Series on Contemporary Issues in Geography on Feb. 25 online. The event was organized by Geography Department of Amity University, India.

Michelle Collyar profile photoDave Harlan profile photoMandy Kolbe profile photoNate Mohlman profile photoMary Trotter-Gonzales profile photo Michelle Collyar, Dave Harlan, Mandy Kolbe, Nate Mohlman and Mary Trotter-Gonzales Theatre & Dance

Michelle Collyar, Dave Harlan, Mandy Kolbe, Nate Mohlman and Mary Trotter-Gonzales, all Theatre & Dance, presented "Machinal" at as part of the 2025-2026 season on Friday, Feb. 27 in Toland Theatre. The production, directed by Mary Trotter, featured the work of Mandy Kolbe (scenic and lighting design), Michelle Collyar (costume design), David Harlan (sound design), and Nate Mohlman (technical direction), along with students Michael Muma (props design), Avery Weston (dramaturg), and Ellie Hemming (stage manager). The production ran Feb. 27-March 8, 2026

Dany Jacob profile photo Dany Jacob Global Cultures & Languages

Dany Jacob, Global Cultures & Languages, presented "Witty Words, Bold Identities: Language and Performativity in the Dandy Tradition" at American Comparative Literature Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting on Feb. 28 in Montréal, QC, Canada.

Tushar Das profile photo Tushar Das Mathematics & Statistics

Tushar Das, Mathematics & Statistics, authored the book "Functional Analysis and Thermodynamic Formalism of Countable Shift Spaces," published on March 3 by de Gruyter. This research monograph represents the first installment of the multi-volume project Open Dynamical Systems, an extensive collaborative undertaking with Prof. Giulio Tiozzo, Sapienza University of Rome; Prof. Mariusz Urbański, University of North Texas; and Prof. Anna Zdunik, University of Warsaw; initiated in June 2022 at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ.

Rupsa Bhowmick profile photo Rupsa Bhowmick Geography & Environmental Science

Rupsa Bhowmick, Geography & Environmental Science, facilitated a field trip to National Weather Service for her meteorology class on Thursday, March 5 in La Crosse. The visit included a tour of the facility and walking through their forecasting process.

Remembering

Richard John "Rick" Hamann,'70 Alumnus

Alumnus Richard John "Rick" Hamann,'70, died Jan. 20, 2024. For more information see the obituary.

Betty Jane (Withrow) Ecklor, '68 Alumna

Alumna Betty Jane (Withrow) Ecklor, '68, died July 17, 2015. For more information see the obituary.

Thomas Robert Wise Alumnus

Alumnus Thomas Robert Wise died Dec. 8, 2008. For more information see the obituary.

Therese “Terri” Ann Boisvert, '82 Alumna

Alumna Therese “Terri” Ann Boisvert, '82, died Feb. 18. For more information see the obituary.

David Ivan Vieth,' 78 Alumnus

Alumnus David Ivan Vieth,' 78, died Feb. 21. For more information see the obituary.

Lyall Dean Schroeder, '69 Alumnus

Alumnus Lyall Dean Schroeder, '69, died Feb. 22. For more information see the obituary.

the Psychology Department thanks Marjorie Bazluki, Center for Advancing Teaching & Learning

Thanks to Marjorie Bazluki, Center for Advancing Teaching & Learning (CATL), for making time to come to our department to provide assistance as we work to get all of our course materials accessible. We particularly appreciate your extremely helpful individualized help and follow up. You are a gem!
— the Psychology Department

Classifieds

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