1. Update on historic core campus renovation

As reported earlier this fall, the university is renovating the three buildings that make up the campus historic core – Johnston Hall, Marquette Hall and Sensenbrenner Hall. Demolition of the former legal research center began this week, but no construction activities will occur May 6-11 due to finals week.

The Facilities Master Planning Committee, which is made up of faculty, students and staff, identified these three buildings as requiring infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and renovations. These three iconic buildings serve as the front door for visitors to campus, and have not had significant renovations since the mid-1970s.

The design phase for Marquette Hall, Johnston Hall and Sensenbrenner Hall is nearing completion. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2015. In September of 2012 the Board of Trustees approved funds for architectural and engineering design work necessary to prepare detailed plans for the project.

Johnston Hall will remain the home of the Diederich College of Communication. Marquette Hall and Sensenbrenner Hall will be renovated to provide improved offices for four humanities departments, English, History, Philosophy and Theology, which are currently in Coughlin Hall, as well as the college main office of the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences.The final assignment of the space for Klingler College and the four departments will be completed in the next few months. As a result of the renovation of Marquette Hall, the student support functions provided by The Educational Opportunity Program along with the Office of Student Educational Services and the Office of Disability Services will move to Coughlin Hall, which will also be partially renovated to accommodate space needs.

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2. Senior Week tickets on sale now

Senior Week will take place Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 19, and will include a variety of events for graduating seniors and their families. Seniors are invited to participate in all events, including Senior Ball on Wednesday, May 15. Ticket information and event details are available online.

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3. Men's lacrosse to close inaugural season against No. 6 Duke on Sunday

The men's lacrosse team will close its first season Sunday, May 5, at noon at Hart Park, located at 72nd Street and State Street in Wauwatosa, Wis. The team will face off against No. 6 Duke. Free shuttles will provide transportation to and from the game for all fans, leaving the Annex beginning at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the game or by calling the Ticket Office at 8-4668. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for youth (12 and under).

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4. EAA hosting ice cream social study break

The Ethnic Alumni Association will host a free ice cream social study break Wednesday, May 8, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the AMU, Lunda Room. All students are welcome.

For additional information, contact Alumni Engagement and Outreach at 8-7633.

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5. College of Nursing to host forum on mental health care services in Milwaukee

The College of Nursing will host its fourth annual Health Care Forum, "Access to Mental Health Care Services in our Community," Monday, May 6, from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the AMU. The discussion will focus on access to mental health care services in the Milwaukee community, and will feature a panel discussion with the community leaders who help provide those services every day. Dr. Brenda J. Bowers, R.N., senior vice president of organizational change and leadership performance at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, will moderate a panel of experts representing multiple perspectives on mental health care in Wisconsin:

  • Bevan K. Baker, F.A.C.H.E., Commissioner of Health, City of Milwaukee

  • Kristina Finnel, M.S.W., A.P.S.W., president and CEO of Mental Health America of Wisconsin

  • Meg Kissinger, investigative journalist at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


  • Dr. Jon Lehrmann, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin; co-division manager of the Mental Health Division at the Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center

  • Paula Lucey, M.S.N., R.N., Grad '88, former administrator of the Behavior Health Division of Milwaukee County; chair of the Consortium for Health Wisconsin Partnership Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin

  • Sue Schuler, M.S.N., R.N., Nursing's Voice Project Consultant, Wisconsin Center for Nursing

The forum is free and open to the public. Registration is available online.

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6. Start IT initiative expanding to help with implementation of electronic medical records

The Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science is offering a new initiative, Start IT, that gives students the opportunity to start a career in computing with an emphasis on health care IT. The first class of students is currently taking a Start IT Boot Camp to initiate the career change from other disciplines; they will enter the master's of science in computing program this summer. Graduate coursework will lead to a master's of science degree, on-the-job experience, internships and tuition vouchers.

Start IT is looking to expand its original concept to establish a consultancy practice for clinicians wishing to start IT implementation of electronic medical records. The program will focus on independent clinicians who need high-value, high-quality help. Students in the program will invest "sweat equity" in consulting to offset education expenses. The concept was originally presented at the Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship's ImpactNext Business Model Competition, where it won first prize in the category of faculty and staff submissions.

For additional information on the new health care IT initiative, contact Dr. Thomas Kaczmarek, adjunct assistant professor of mathematics, statistics and computer science, at 8-6734.

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7. Social Innovation Initiative to host Midwest Social Innovation Start-Up Challenge

The Social Innovation Initiative will host the Midwest Social Innovation Start-Up Challenge this summer at Manpower Group in Milwaukee. This challenge provides an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to submit a business model that includes a social or environmental impact – a second bottom line that makes the world a better place. Business executives, funders, mentors, local entrepreneurs and prominent national figures in social innovation will be present for networking at the event.

Business model ideas must be submitted by Monday, May 20, at noon. Competition timeline and additional details are available online. Registration can also be completed online. For additional information, contact Elise Chapman, special project manager for the Social Innovation Initiative, at 8-4990.

This competition is presented in collaboration with the Brady Corporation, Dell Corporation, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Johnson Controls, Milwaukee School of Engineering and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and parallels the national platform founded by Dell Corporation and the University of Texas-Austin.

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8. College Student Personnel Administration to host "pie a graduate assistant" event

The College Student Personnel Administration will sponsor "Pie Your GA Day," Tuesday, May 7, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. under the Raynor Memorial Libraries' Bridge. Undergraduates and staff are invited to pie a graduate assistant enrolled in the master's degree program for College Student Personnel Administration. Pies can be purchased for $1, with all proceeds going to the CSPA graduate student organization's professional development fund.

For additional information, please contact Rebecca Olsen, graduate service assistant in the College of Education, or Meredith Reinhardt, graduate assistant in the Career Services Center.

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9. Free group fitness classes on Friday

The Department of Recreational Sports is offering the following free group fitness classes to members tomorrow, May 3. The following classes will be offered free of charge:

Rec Center:

  • Spin Class at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Full Body at 4 p.m.

Rec Plex:

  • Butts and Guts at 3 p.m.

For more information, call the group fitness office at 8-6979 or contact Shannon Bustillos, assistant director of recreational sports, at 8-7778.

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