Thriving on Adventure–Indoors and Out

College of Letters and ScienceThe College-at-the-Core

UW-Stevens Point alumna published in Journal of Raptor Research

COLS Newsletter - Spring 2014

By Sydney Inks Recent graduate Jenna Cava discovered a new bird species that is establishing habitat in Portage County and other Wisconsin counties through research she began as an undergraduate at UW-Stevens Point. The peer-refereed international Journal of Raptor Research accepted Cava’s lead-authored article, “Shift to Later Timing of Autumnal Migration Sharp-Shinned Hawks,” last fall. Studying Cooper’s Hawks as an undergraduate, Cava and her mentor Professor Robert Rosenfield (Biology), who has a doctorate in zoology, discovered Merlin falcons in the Stevens Point area and conducted research co-authored by Andy Richardson, a UW-Stevens Point alumnus with a B.S. in Wildlife. Cava is currently pursuing a master’s at the University of New England with a research focus on the causes and consequences of natal philopatry in Savannah Sparrows and Bobolinks in Vermont. She has received a NSF Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 education to support her work. Currently, Cava is part of a long-term study on the effects of agricultural management on nesting grassland birds, focusing on Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows. “The study was started by my co-adviser Noah Perlut in 2002,” said Cava, “so I have

a wonderful dataset from which to work and I will be able to do more fieldwork this coming summer.” After completing her master’s at the University of New England, Cava plans to pursue a Ph.D. UW-Stevens Point played a part in Cava’s success as she was mentored by faculty members who gave her guidance as she conducted research, co-authored two papers and lead-authored two other papers. “My Honors Internship with Bob Rosenfield was wonderful for helping me get involved with research early-on and follow through with presentations and publications,” said Cava. “My involvement as a project co-leader in the UW-Stevens Point Wildlife Society Chapter also helped me gain experience in wildlife research. All of the hands-on experience certainly made

me a great candidate for graduate school!” As she continues her education, Cava is also in the review process of her third lead-authored paper based on her work in the Wildlife Society and independent study she completed at UW-Stevens Point with Assistant Professor Jason Riddle (wildlife ecology-CNR). As a graduate who had unique opportunities in her field of work and

hands-on experiences, Cava gained insight on future possibilities of research prospects, career paths, and interests. With help from faculty at UW-Stevens Point, Cava was able to craft her own independent study program and begin her next adventure.

Jenna Cava holds a seven-day-old Savannah Sparrow in Vermont.

Cava studies Peregrine falcons in Greenland during a UW-Stevens Point study abroad trip.

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Mary Joe Buggs taught English courses at UW-Stevens Point for 35 years until her retirement in 2000. After her death in January 2013, relatives made a memorial gift that will provide two annual $1,000 scholarships to help English students with tuition assistance. Buggs grew up in Central Wisconsin, and attended Central State College (now UW-Stevens Point) in the late-1950s. While on campus, she was a member of Mu Chi Omega sorority, editor-in-chief of the Pointer, and was named Homecoming Queen in 1959, the year she graduated. She went on to teach at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in the mid-

1960s and earned her M.S.T. (English) from UW-Stevens Point in 1966, focusing on the reading interests

of adolescents. Buggs began to teach at the university that fall and later completed her Ph.D. from UW-Milwaukee. She taught several courses including composition, literature for adolescents, nature literature and 19th-century American literature. Her accomplishments included developing a widely used instrument for grading composition and chairing the Coordinating Council of Women in Higher Education, a statewide organization promoting affirmative action. She

was passionate about helping students, reading books, sharing books and suggesting books to read. Her passion for helping students succeed will continue with the first scholarship awarded this spring.

Memorial Gift will Help Students

By Sydney Inks

It is often said that America is a melting pot with diversity in every nook and cranny of the country. With many Hmong Americans residing in Portage County, we have cultural opportunities here locally as well. Select faculty, staff and students on campus, with the help of many community members and other professionals, have created a documentary tracing the Hmong community in Stevens Point and spotlighting their diverse culture. “Finding the Middle Way” explores cultural traditions, working life, intergenerational relations, and Hmong and non-Hmong relationships in Portage County. Adjunct Anthropology Professor Tori Jennings and Maysee Yang Herr, an Assistant Professor of Education were two members of the documentary film team. Jennings contributed her experience in ethnographic and fieldwork to teach student project assistants ethical research practices, skills and techniques required for ethnographic and qualitative data collection while primarily working as the project producer. Herr served as the projects humanities expert and cultural consultant. Her Hmong background was useful in helping the team

understand meaning of content in interviews and events. She will present lectures and lead discussions at public forums and showings of the documentary as the project is presented. Members of the UW-Stevens Point Hmong and Southeast Asian American Club (HASEAAC) have also contributed with interviews and research. HASEAAC is a club formed in the 1980s and consists of many Hmong American students who are active on campus and in the community.

“Finding the Middle Way,” which will be included in Jennings and Herr’s community lecture on May 6, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Portage County Library, ties together two cultures that have become one. While still holding true to tradition and core values, the Hmong Americans in the documentary portray a people who are adaptable and accept new surroundings, but loyal to where they came from. The work done by a

team who are integrated with different backgrounds, diverse cultures and professions is a celebration of two communities joining together.

Hmong culture shared in Central Wisconsin

For information on creating a legacy at UW-Stevens Point or creating one for a friend, mentor or loved one, please contact Tony Romano at 715-346-3406 or email tony.romano@uwsp.edu. Thank you for your consideration.

The documentary poster illustrates the combination of two cultures and its core purpose of tellling the stories of Hmong families who have moved to Portage County, their home.

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From the desk of Dean Chris CirmoThis issue of the COLS newsletter highlights some of the ways we are fulfilling our UW-Stevens Point Strategic Plan. In all our activities, classes, meetings and events, we are guided by principles that benefit our students and our community. Jenna Cava has demonstrated how we Advance Learning through field work opportunities that eventually led to a new scientific discovery. The “Finding the Middle Way” effort shows how we Enhance Living by promoting greater understanding of Hmong culture in our community. Caitlin Lindsay is a wonderful example of how a successful student is getting the most out of her educational experience. By Leveraging Resources, she is gaining valuable work experience on campus to prepare her for a career in administration. And finally, we will Honor Legacy by recognizing the many contributions of Justus Paul (retired COLS Dean) and the late Mary Jo Buggs (English). These principles serve as a roadmap that has proven invaluable as the College-at-the-Core fulfills its critical role in serving our students and our community.

Getting Involved is Key to College Success

www.uwsp.edu/cols

Caitlin Lindsay

By Sydney Inks One of the keys to having a complete college experience is involvment with activities, events and people who will test your strengths and encourage you to test yourself. Caitlin Lindsay is a prime example of how students can get involved, network and apply valuable life skills in any activity she does. Lindsay appreciates students, professors and faculty alike as mentors and inspiration to help her achieve higher success.

“We kind of challenge each other to outdo the other one. If one of them graduates with high honors, our goal is to graduate with highest honors. It’s friendly competition,” said Lindsay, regarding her competitive relationships with her friends. She has been involved with

numerous extra-curricular activities, ranging from Greek life to working at the Student Affairs office.

As Lindsay’s college career has progressed, she has strived to relate to everyone she encounters as she has done in Delta Phi Epsilon, the sorority she serves as president.

“Sororities are made up of a wide range of majors and that has really helped me to look at things in different perspectives because you talk to your sisters

about everything,” said Lindsay. “You have to learn to respect other peoples’ opinions and present yours in a respectful way.”

Lindsay strongly believes getting involved is beneficial in many forms, and resume building is crucial for post graduation plans. Her resume is certainly fulfilling as she is currently working three jobs: two in the Admissions office and interning for the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, shadowing leaders of different departments within student affairs, attending meetings for budgeting, and performing various other tasks. She is also president of the White Rose of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and has participated in the Student Alumni Association, Multicultural Leadership Conference, and several other clubs and organizations.

However, it is not just about listing another activity on her resume; the experience of being active on campus and active with the area community are truly valuable. “These activities are a chance to relieve stress and see which processes of relaxation can do that for someone as an individual,” said Lindsay.

The General Education Program (GEP) at UW- Stevens Point has also opened Lindsay to a variety of new interests or career paths. Although she has declared a double major in sociology and social work, she still enjoys topics she had not previously pursued. The GEP introduces students to different fields of studies through required credits in basic subjects. This is especially useful to undecided majors since the exposure can spike interests in unknown careers. Lindsay’s involvement is representative of a student body willing to get involved to better the university, their fellow peers and themselves. Lindsay is thriving in a community at UW-Stevens Point that encourages students to be adventurous and learn through experience.

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University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointCollege of Letters and Science130 Collins Classroom CenterStevens Point, WI 54481

Non-profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 19

STEVENS POINTWI 54481

COLS Community Lecture Series ● April 8, 2014 – 6:30 p.m.

“Importance of Indigenous Languages: Ojibwa and Runasimi (Quechua)” Elia Armacanqui-Tipacti and Sonny Smart

● May 6, 2014 – 6:30 p.m.“Finding the Middle Way: The Hmong People of Portage County”Tori Jennings and Maysee Herr

Portage County Library (Pinery Room)www.uwsp.edu/cols.

Jennifer Collins (Political Science) gave the keynote address titled “Giants for Justice” at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration held

at the Stevens Point Area Senior High School.

News Briefs UW-Stevens Point was awarded a $150,000 grant from the United Soybean Board for research led by Associate Professor of Biology Devinder Sandhu. The plant geneticist is renowned for work to improve soybean yield and quality. At least 10 undergraduate students will work with Sandhu on this project aimed at improving genetic traits in soybeans. Sandhu was part of a group of scientists from all over the world who sequenced the entire soybean genome in 2010.

Retired College of Letters and Science Dean Justus Paul will be honored with the Academy of Letters and Science Community Award

on April 26. In addition to his longtime leadership, Paul authored several books chronicling the history of UW-Stevens Point and the state of

Wisconsin. Thirty-four students and two faculty members will also be honored at the event.

Renowned scholar Alek Toumi (Foreign Languages) presented the keynote address at a Middlebury College event celebrating the 100th birthday of French Nobel Prize winning

author, journalist and philosopher, Albert Camus. Toumi earned his Ph.D. from UW-Madison specializing in 20th century literature on Camus-Satre and has published three books on Camus.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.

Sydney Inks, Newsletter Editor

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