Newsletter of the Association of Independent and (WAICU) SPRING 2015 VOL. 47 NO. 1 WAICU INDEPENDENT INSIGHTS

WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Life Lessons Dr. Wegenke received an honorary doctorate means “the new.” You have been prepared to

Alverno at the School of Engineering take calculated—not foolish—risks. Embrace Bellin College (MSOE)’s winter commencement. The following the thrill. are excerpts from his remarks. The third lesson I learned from someone I Cardinal Stritch First, a lesson I learned from my Dad: my never met, a dean in the University of Illinois father never had the opportunity to attend system. He was quoted as saying of the 9/11 Columbia College of Nursing college. He told me that he decided that he Concordia University Wisconsin wanted to be a machinist when, as a child, he saw a drill press in operation—with shiny Lakeland College metal spiraling upward, and he said, “it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and Marian University I knew I wanted to do something like that.” Medical College of Wisconsin So, the first lesson is: seek beauty in whatever Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design you do. Milwaukee School of Engineering The second lesson is to take risks, to break Mount Mary University out of the tried-and-true, “…to go where Northland College Ripon College no one has gone before.” I suppose I also MSOE president Dr. Hermann Viets, board chair St. Norbert College learned risk-taking from my Dad who was Dr. Scott Moon, and board regent Dr. Eckhart Silver Lake College a problem solver and an inventor. Richard Grohmann present Dr. Rolf Wegenke, WAICU Florida wrote that the future belongs to the president, with an honorary doctorate. Wisconsin Lutheran College creative class, and, by definition, creativity continued on page 7

WAICU Students’ Day 2015 a success Thursday, March 26 was WAICU Students’ Day in the Capitol. Commission on Financial Aid Consolidation and Modernization and As in past years, the students turned in an absolutely stellar considered the leading legislative expert on student financial aid), performance. They took time off from work and from class to speak Representative Robb Kahl (a Ripon College graduate and trustee), up for educational opportunity in the form of Wisconsin Grants. Senator Jennifer Shilling (Senate Minority Leader who represents They were eloquent, informed, and civil—making all of us proud. Viterbo University, UW La Crosse, and Western Wisconsin Technical As preparation for the individual visits in the capitol, WAICU College), and Senator Paul Farrow (Assistant Majority Leader and president, Dr. Rolf Wegenke, moderated a panel of legislators Carroll University graduate). These legislators were fully engaged by including: Representative Joan Ballweg (author of the Wisconsin the students, focused on the importance of Wisconsin Grants, and continued on page 6

Representative Representative Senator Senator Paul Farrow Joan Ballweg Robb Kahl Jennifer Shilling COUNSELOR NEWS & NOTES

Wisconsin Private College Week: July 13-18 Learn and earn credits with the Soon it will be summer, a perfect time for the family road trip! Scheduled this 2015 College Seminar Tour year from July 13-18, Wisconsin Private College Week offers high school students a chance to “jump start” the college search process. Private College Week is the High school counselors are invited to ideal time to visit several colleges and discover what’s important in the college participate in the twenty-first annual experience. Students and families can get a feel for the private, nonprofit colleges College Seminar Tour to be held June and universities in Wisconsin, each with its own, unique opportunities. During this 21-26. Each year this popular seminar joint “open house” week, visitors can talk to admission and financial aid representa- explores colleges and universities in tives, sample campus food, meet students, tour the campus, and learn about majors, different areas. You will gain valuable sports, clubs, and more. Student visitors insight into the colleges and universi- will receive fun prizes and be entered into a ties and the college selection process drawing for an iPad. In addition, student while also earning three graduate credits visitors receive free application fee waivers toward the renewal of your state license. for each campus they visit. The place to start The graduate credits, offered through is WisconsinsPrivateColleges.org/Private- Marian University, are approved by the College-Week, where students and families Department of Public Instruction and can learn more about Wisconsin’s 23 private, endorsed by the Wisconsin Association nonprofit colleges and universities. for College Admission Counseling and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Counselors can also be winners. Colleges and Universities. Counselors nominated by student visitors will be entered into a drawing. For more informa- tion or to register, call 1-800-433-4733, or For more information, go to just head to WisconsinsPrivateColleges.org/ http://www.marianuniversity.edu/cst/ Private-College-Week. or email [email protected].

WAICU SCHOOL COUNSELOR WORKSHOPS WAICU School Counselor Workshops WAICU offers high school counselor workshops throughout Wisconsin. Learn about the private college difference. New for fall 2015, we have added new workshop locations and dates.

Please save the following dates:

•Monday, October 12: Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) •Tuesday, October 13: Beloit College •Monday, October 19: Carthage College •Tuesday, October 27: Silver Lake College •Tuesday, November 3: Holiday Inn & Suites Wausau-Rothschild

and coming in March 2016: Holiday Inn Rolling Meadows-Schaumburg

The program will feature a presentation on the affordability of Wisconsin’s private nonprofit sector, tips on the application and financial aid process, updates from each admission representative, and breakout sessions with the chance to meet with representatives from Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities. Free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and professional development certificates will be awarded.

For more information on these free workshops, visit our webpage just for counselors at WisconsinPrivateColleges.org/counselors.

2 SPRING 2015 THE WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS ALL WAICU MEMBERS FEATURED IN A REGULAR ROTATION Mount Mary launches innovative Occupational Therapy Doctorate

MOUNT MARY UNIVERSITY Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board Certification. Mount Mary University is an established These high standards provide leader in the education of occupational graduates a competitive edge. therapists, with more than 2,000 graduates Among more than 113,200 of its B.S. and M.S. programs over the past licensed occupational therapists 73 years. The university has responded in the country today, only 158 are to growing demands for specialization board certified in specialty practice in the field with a new post-professional areas. “The new doctorate program Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) underscores our commitment to program for practicing occupational meeting the needs of a changing therapists who hold a master’s degree in health care environment.” said Kari Inda, professor and chair of occupational therapy. The 31-credit online Mount Mary President Eileen occupational therapy, meets with student. program equips candidates with advanced Schwalbach, Ph.D. practice and leadership competencies The OTD program is open to men and offered under the shared guidance of a in the changing delivery models for OT women nationwide. The part-time, flexible practice mentor and faculty member. services. Emphasizing gerontology, physical program features “distance-delivery” courses Cathy Buck, president of Froedtert rehabilitation, pediatrics and mental health, that allow students to remain in their work Hospital and a Mount Mary trustee, affirmed the program also prepares OT professionals settings for ongoing real-time knowledge the need for highly skilled occupational for education and healthcare leadership acquisition. Students connect online with therapists. “Doctoral education will allow positions. peers and program administrators weekly. practitioners to concentrate on clinical This first-of-its-kind OTD program Faculty offer feedback on students’ critical specialties, focus on wellness and even requires practice-based research and a analysis and application of knowledge partner with primary care providers as culminating portfolio specifically designed and oversee the peer learning community. health care strives to offer more affordable to meet rigorous criteria for American Research-driven residency experiences are and effective care models,” she said. 

A head start for young while addressing the disparity between the the College of Natural Sciences and Health students in Carroll low numbers of Spanish-speaking health Sciences at Carroll University, “as well as care workers and the growing Hispanic provide practice opportunities in various University’s PASOS program population. A 2012 Wisconsin Registered communities.” Nurse Survey Report found that only 11 Student participants, many of whom CARROLL UNIVERSITY percent of Wisconsin nurses speak Spanish. would be first-generation college students, are accepted into PASOS Beginning in the spring of 2015, Carroll based on test scores, grades, University opened its doors to tomorrow’s recommendations and college students with PASOS, or Preparing essay submissions. PASOS’ and Advancing Students for Opportunities innovative education model in Science. Ten eighth-grade students from has a built-in component to Bruce Guadalupe Community School ensure student participants’ (BGCS), a grade K-8 charter school in success from the start of high Milwaukee, will receive a head start towards school to the end of college. pursuing a career in nursing, physical Throughout that time, Carroll’s therapy, or the physician assistant field. College of Natural Sciences and PASOS is a partnership between the Health Sciences’ faculty and United Community Center and Carroll students will work with PASOS University. students to maintain the The program addresses priorities shared Student Natalia Perez is eager to learn about program’s academic standards by both partners. PASOS students will gain health science in the PASOS program. within the university’s highly exposure to in-demand careers in health competitive program. The first and medical sciences. The predominantly “Through working with BGCS and the 10 students selected for the program will be Hispanic student population of Bruce United Community Center, health and announced in the summer of 2015.  Guadalupe Community School enriches medical professions will be highlighted in the diversity of the Carroll student body the community,” said Jane Hopp, dean of

THE WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT SPRING 2015 3 MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS ALL WAICU MEMBERS FEATURED IN A REGULAR ROTATION Downtown Fond du Lac building to serve as Marian’s opportunities to expand activities as part of its ongoing commitment School of Nursing and Health Professions towards community engagement. Marian MARIAN UNIVERSITY Marian University. “We believe Marian’s University has established a partnership presence will add to the growing vibrancy with Agnesian HealthCare for the of the downtown area. The vacated space additional space as a venue for providing For more than 100 years, Marian in our Agnes Center will be strategically workshops, training sessions, and other University has been dedicated to the reallocated at a later date.” professional development opportunities. education of quality nurses who focus The new, expanded location for Renovations are underway and the on compassionate patient care, while Marian’s School of Nursing and Health building is expected to open for the 2016 embracing the growing specialization and Professions will enhance the educational fall term.  corresponding technological changes of experience by bringing today’s healthcare field. With the recent together formal instruction purchase and renovation of a downtown and simulated learning Fond du Lac building, Marian is poised within one location. The to meet the growing demand for nursing new facilities will add a education in a state-of-the-art facility. simulated hospital unit to Marian University has recently expand critical learning purchased the building formerly owned experiences and foster by The Nielsen Corporation, located at interdisciplinary education 30 S. Main Street in downtown Fond du with Marian’s expanding Lac. “Marian’s purchase of this building health professions will allow us to relocate the School of programs. Nursing and Health Professions from our With the downtown The renovated Marian-Nielsen building in Agnes Center on East Division Street to location of the Nielsen downtown Fond du Lac. the more spacious Main Street Building,” building, Marian said Robert Fale, interim president of is anticipating new

Viterbo University marks drive goal to 25,000 pounds of food. Women on the Planet by Forbes 125th anniversary with a The Viterbo community will share the magazine, gave a campus presentation on bountiful food collections with the Viterbo “Common Good, Uncommon Excellence” year of special events University food for students, faculty pantry, Place of and staff. Students VITERBO UNIVERSITY Grace Catholic gained the real world Worker House, insights and lessons Founded by the Franciscan Sisters the La Crosse behind the recent film, of Perpetual Adoration in 1890, Viterbo Warming Shelter, “Captain Phillips” with University is celebrating its 125th Centro Latino, a talk on leadership Anniversary with special events that and the Hunger in challenging commemorate the past and focus on its Task Force. circumstances by mission of service and leadership. The year-long Captain Richard Students, employees, alumni/ae, and anniversary Phillips, who was held friends of the university are logging celebration hostage by Somali their volunteer service hours with the has included pirates. goal of 125,000 hours for the academic multiple In March, friends year. Two alumni provided unexpected demonstrations and supporters gathered momentum to the celebratory food drive of Viterbo’s for a gala arts event to and its goal of collecting 12,500 pounds mission raise scholarship funds of non-perishable food items. Derek to prepare and celebrate Viterbo’s Burnstad, vice president of Burnstad’s students for commitment to the Markets, and Mark Skogen, president faithful service visual and performing and CEO of Festival Foods, showed their and ethical arts. appreciation for their alma mater by leadership. Carolyn Woo, president and The entire Viterbo campus community donating 12,500 pounds of food towards CEO of Catholic Relief Services and continues with observances of its 125-year the goal. Viterbo then doubled the food named one of the 500 Most Powerful history throughout the academic year. 

4 SPRING 2015 THE WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT ALL WAICU MEMBERS FEATURED IN A REGULAR ROTATION MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Campus improvements bring drives and other charitable collections. the brand new Inferno Café serves as a In addition, leaders of student organiza- campus coffee shop and popular gathering new life to tions have a dedicated space to meet and spot. plan activities in the Student Activities & The library has also seen major ALVERNO COLLEGE renovations, and the updates reflect Alverno’s This academic year, Alverno began emphasis on collabora- its biggest campus improvement project tive learning. New small in school history. The $30 million group study areas provide dollar renovation has already led to the space for students to work completion of several major phases, and together and practice the new amenities have created consider- presentations. able excitement and renewed energy on The latest addition to campus. campus is a brand new The campus space that elicits the classroom building— most enthusiasm is the new La Verna Alexia Hall. It features Commons. Before, the Commons was new classrooms, a so crammed during peak hours that comprehensive nursing students frequently had trouble finding an The newly remodeled La Verna Commons is simulation facility and open seat. Since then, the Commons has the crossroads of campus. studios for art/dance. doubled in size and now provides ample The entire project is space for students, faculty and staff to being paid for through dine and meet together. Leadership Center. contributions to Alverno’s Promise & The Commons lobby offers space for The Commons also includes the brand Power fund-raising campaign. Alverno’s student-organized events. It’s also home new Loft, where comfortable seating and a revitalized campus reflects the college’s to the new Service Learning Center, which fireplace make for a cozy place to study in focus on students and an excellence in provides a central gathering spot for food between classes. Right around the corner, teaching and learning. 

Renovation offers a welcoming space at Silver Lake College

SILVER LAKE COLLEGE Center and provides a central location in the schools of Education, Liberal Arts for the registrar, financial aid office, and and Professional Studies in the four-year, business office. Prospective students private liberal arts setting founded on the Silver Lake College has long been and their families will be welcomed Catholic Franciscan tradition. known for offering a warm In addition, the new space will serve welcome to anyone who as an inviting entrance to the recently walks through its doors. remodeled Heritage Room, which features That warmth is even more a pictorial history of the relationship in evidence thanks to a between Silver Lake College and the recently completed major Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, renovation made possible who sponsor the college. The campus will by a gift of $300,000 from enjoy the community space afforded by Mike and Mimi Ariens of Mimi’s Café, a meeting and social area that Brillion. includes a gift shop featuring Silver Lake “Silver Lake College College merchandise. students, faculty, staff and A dedication ceremony for the visitors will experience renovated space was held Dec. 5, with true Franciscan hospitality Bishop Robert Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop Mike and Mimi Ariens (far left & center) pose with Silver Lake thanks to their gift, Emeritus of the Diocese of Green Bay, president Dr. Chris Domes and guests at the Ariens Family for which the entire leading the blessing. As Silver Lake Welcome Center dedication ceremony. college community is commemorates its 80th anniversary in truly grateful,” said Dr. 2015, the Welcome Center affirms the Chris Domes, President of Silver Lake by the Admissions Department, newly college’s ongoing commitment to growth College. The remodeled space, located relocated just within the main entrance and community in the Catholic Franciscan inside the main entrance of Main Hall, area. Visitors may learn about studies in tradition.  features the Ariens Family Welcome the more than 25 academic disciplines

THE WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT SPRING 2015 5 MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS ALL WAICU MEMBERS FEATURED IN A REGULAR ROTATION Ripon’s Department of Communication recognized as best in the U.S. The department established a national RIPON COLLEGE reputation in the early 2000s through the creation of its Speakers Bureau program, The Ripon College Department of a selective traveling group that empowers Communication received the prestigious students to serve as spokespeople for 2014 Rex Mix Program of Excellence nonprofits whose missions align with their Award from the National Communication passions. Association in November. For eight years, the department’s Each year, the award recognizes extravagant “Mr. Ripon” comedic pageant one undergraduate department of has challenged Applied Communication communication for overall excellence above students to use theory learned in other all others in curriculum, program quality, courses to wage a large-scale fund-raising course design, and special programs. and awareness campaign supporting “We are deeply honored that our research by the Huntington’s Disease Society commitment to student development and of America. empowering them as agents of change has More than 90 percent of students who been recognized at the national level,” says graduate from Ripon’s Department of Steve Martin, associate professor and chair Communication are employed within their Steve Martin, associate professor of the Department of Communication. career field of choice within six months of and chair of the Department of Communications, leads a discussion. “While the core of our program engages graduation; typically, more than half have students in rigorous, traditional studies of secured full-time employment in their field rhetorical theory, American public address, of choice prior to Commencement. bachelor’s degree. Every graduate who and rhetorical criticism, we also invest time Since 1996, 17 percent of has applied to has been and resources to provide students with communication graduates have attended a accepted to at least one program offering opportunities to apply what they learn in master’s or Ph.D. program in communication a full-tuition scholarship and teaching the classroom to the world beyond campus.” immediately following completion of the assistantship stipend. 

WAICU Students’ Day a success continued from page 1 appreciative of the role WAICU and WAICU members play in this state. Just having the dialogue was a big step forward. Of course, there is much work lying before us before the state budget passes. One thing you could do today is join the more than one thousand Wisconsin Grant supporters who have signed the online WISCONSIN’S FINANCIAL AID BUDGET petition at PowerofFinancialAid.org, and encourage others to do so.

Wisconsin spends less than one percent of its taxpayer-supported budget on financial aid. Source: 2013 Wisconsin Act 20

Students ready to “take” the Capitol.

6 SPRING 2015 THE WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT Life Lessons WAICU BULLETIN BOARD continued from page 1 terrorists, “they were just as educated as NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS anyone else.” Wrong! Education transmits • Dr. Michael Lovell, President of Marquette University, received the Lifelong Commitment to knowledge, but true education is about Justice Award in the Environmental Progress category from the Community Shares of Greater wisdom. Neither we nor this world are Milwaukee, presented on February 26. just random, self-seeking flux. True • Mount Mary University received the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service wisdom includes meaning and morality. Honor Roll with Distinction award for its exemplary commitment to community service and The fourth lesson I learned from my service learning. The Community Service Honor Roll is the highest form of federal recognition an son, Erich, a college junior. And that institution can receive for community involvement and service learning programs. Mount Mary is lesson is to take joy in everything in life. the only Wisconsin higher education institution to be named to the Honor Roll with Distinction. Life is what it is, but it can be what you • Wisconsin Student Nurses’ Association (WSNA) has elected Cassandra Goldschmidt, BSN make of it. Make it joyful! student at Bellin College as its 2015 Executive Vice President. WSNA encourages nursing The fifth lesson came from my wife, students to participate in community affairs and influence standards in nursing education. Karen. As the Apostle Paul teaches, “… • The School of Pharmacy Building at Concordia University Wisconsin was recognized with Now these three remain—faith, hope, and the Architectural Portfolio Award for outstanding design in the post-secondary category in the love—but the greatest of these is love.” I November 2014 issue of the American School & University. began by urging you to seek beauty. I’m • Edgewood College received a $500,000 gift to honor a student from the Cutting Edge not sure if you can seek love, but I pray program, which offers a fully integrated higher education experience for adult learners with you may find it as I have and that, if you intellectual challenges and other developmental disabilities. The gift will help fund a new are given the gift of love, you treasure it residence hall that will welcome three Cutting Edge students, each year, in perpetuity. above all else. • The Army ROTC program at Marian University, part of the UW-Oshkosh program, was awarded The sixth lesson is hard to learn: a top ranking out of 43 colleges and universities in North Central United States, the first time a remember “you ain’t such a much.” Over higher education institution in Wisconsin has been awarded this distinction. the years, many took a chance on me, • Lakeland College received an $840,000 gift to their natural sciences division from Dr. Cliff mentored me, supported me, and gave me Feldmann, president of Sheboygan Falls-based Feldmann Engineering and Manufacturing opportunity. It is not about what I did, Company, Inc. and a 1969 Lakeland graduate. but about what we did together. “I ain’t • The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) has received a two-year, $420,000 grant from the such a much.” National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study new The next lesson is: seize the therapeutic targets for tuberculosis. opportunity to be part of a great cause. • Edith Widder, a deep-sea explorer and conservationist, has received the 2015 Distinguished You have undoubtedly learned that your Explorer Award, given by Beloit College’s Roy Chapman Andrews Society. alma mater—is such a great cause. Private, • Carroll University has been listed as a Friendship Institute to Musashino Art University (MAU) nonprofit colleges and universities have in Tokyo, the only university in the United States with this honor. MAU is one of the leading art neither taxpayer support nor compulsory institutes in Japan, with over 7,500 students. attendance, but they were founded, and • Thirty students from the Columbia College of Nursing were inducted into the Tau Sigma - at - continue today, because of the creativity, Large Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. The mission of Sigma risk-taking, voluntary support—and, Theta Tau is to advance world health, celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and yes, love—of the Board, the faculty, the service. alumni/ae, and the donors. All of this is • The Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation awarded Northland College a done for YOU in the great tradition of $10 million endowment to create the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation. American voluntarism…because of and • Tammylynne (Johnson) Jonas, 2000 graduate of Carthage College, has been recognized by for YOU. the Milwaukee Business Journal as one of Milwaukee’s rising community leaders in their 2015 The final lesson is from my mother. 40 Under 40 awards. She always taught me to say “thank you,” • Lawrence University is part of a six-college Midwest Hybrid Learning Consortium that was not because she needed to hear it, but awarded a $335,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation to develop and teach new hybrid online because she wanted me to be the kind of courses in the liberal arts. person who would say it. So, I thank you • Professor Paul Secunda of the Marquette University Law School has earned a Senior for this recognition and thank you for the Fulbright Scholar Award, and will spend the fall 2015 semester in Australia teaching and doing privilege of being part of this great cause. research focused on the country’s national pension program. • Demi Fung ’15, a student at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, was selected for the Sincerely, Society of Illustrators’ 2015 Student Scholarship Competition, the third consecutive year a MIAD illustration student has been chosen in this highly selective competition. • The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) recognized the student organization at the Milwaukee School of Engineering as the MCAA Student Chapter of the Year for exceptional achievement in governance, leadership, community involvement, and career development. Rolf Wegenke, Ph.D., • The teacher education program at Northland College received a Model of Excellence Award for President continued on page 8

THE WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT SPRING 2015 7 Non-Profit U.S. Postage WAICU PAID Permit #1508 WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Madison, WI

122 West Washington Avenue, Suite 700 Madison, WI 53703-2723

Address Service Requested

“Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.”

Sir Moser Claus, British academic b. 1922

WAICU: WISCONSIN’S PRIVATE, NONPROFIT COLLEGES WORKING TOGETHER FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

WAICU BULLETIN BOARD THE WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT continued from page 7 Vol. 47 No. 1, Spring 2015 its clinical residency program from the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education. PRESIDENT & CEO Silver Lake College was awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to Rolf Wegenke, Ph.D. • expand its Camp Explore summer program, designed to familiarize students in grades 3-9 with the SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVOCACY college campus experience. Rebecca Larson • Jesús Jambrina, Associate Professor of World Languages and Cultures and coordinator of SENIOR VP FOR COLLABORATIVE SERVICES the Latin American and Latino Studies Program at Viterbo University, was presented with the Rod Opsal prestigious Medal of the Four Synagogues in honor of extensive research on the medieval Jewish SENIOR VP FOR FINANCE & OPERATIONS heritage of Zamora, Spain. Liza Simon • Beloit College, Lawrence University and Ripon College are part of a seven-year initiative with SENIOR VP FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES the Committee on Institutional Cooperation to diversify the academic workforce through a $8.1 Carole Trone, Ph.D., editor million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COORDINATOR A $1 million gift from the Agustin A. Ramirez, Jr., Family Foundation will fund the Ramirez Lean Kathy Dutter, assistant editor • Scholars Program, a joint initiative between the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the Medical College of Wisconsin to employ Six Sigma, Lean processes towards the improvement of healthcare. The Wisconsin Independent is published quarterly by the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU). To be placed on NEW DEGREES AND PROGRAMS the free mailing list, contact: • Ripon College, recently recognized by the National Communication Association as the WAICU top undergraduate communication program in the United States, has initiated the Ripon 122 W. Washington Avenue, Suite 700 Communication Consortium to foster connections between student organizations related to speech, Madison, WI 53703-2723 deliberation/debate, technology and media at the College. 608-256-7761, fax 608-256-7065 • Concordia University Wisconsin has announced the Concordia Promise dual credit initiative, www.waicu.org designed to provide select high school students the opportunity to complete one year of a liberal www.WisconsinsPrivateColleges.org arts undergraduate degree cost-free. Printed on recycled paper • St. Norbert College has officially launched its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program under the auspices of the Donald J. Schneider School of Business and Economics.