Vote for raSmith’s photo for cover of Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine

raSmith is always thrilled to share the impact that our clients’ projects make, from reshaping infrastructure and improving communities … to potentially highlighting the cover of a national magazine!

raSmith’s project image, shown here, is one of 10 finalists selected from 1,100 entries worldwide for Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s annual Year in Construction photo contest. Industry professionals and others will choose their favorite finalist, which will appear on the cover of ENR’s February 2 issue.

If you’d like to participate, we welcome your support by voting for raSmith’s photo. (One vote per internet-connected device.) The contest ends Thursday, January 22.

Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation awards sessions to fuel nonprofit growth

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Fifteen nonprofits across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois will amplify their missions through Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation grant program, in partnership with The Innovation Lab. The program is designed to spark creative solutions and lasting impact.

The Gift of Innovation Grant recipients are:

• Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Cedar Rapids
• Central Iowa Shelter and Services, Des Moines, IA
• CommUnity Crisis Services, Iowa City, IA
• Dubuque Area Labor Management Council, Dubuque, IA
• DVIP & RVAP (Domestic Violence Intervention Program), Iowa City
• Embolden WI, Madison, WI
• Families Forward, Des Moines
• Galena Art & Recreation Center, Galena, IL
• Moms Connect Dubuque, Dubuque
• New Hope Village, Inc., Carroll, IA
• Opening Doors, Dubuque
• Red Basket Project, Dubuque
• Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, Cedar Rapids
• Willkie House, Des Moines

This is the second year of this transformative program that fuels nonprofit growth through innovation support. Rather than a traditional monetary award, the grant provides innovation sessions to help nonprofits overcome resource constraints that may limit their potential. Sessions can help organizations work through challenges such as strategic planning, process development, financial sustainability, business model improvements and more.

This year’s program represents $67,000 in innovation support, delivered through tailored sessions that span one day, two days or 1 year. Sessions are conducted by Eric Dregne, Director of The Innovation Lab.

“It’s been exciting to work with the 2025 recipients of the Gift of Innovation program, to work through challenges that were holding them back,” said Eric Dregne, Innovation Lab director. “We cannot wait to get to work with the 2026 recipients to further impact the nonprofit sector and the people and communities they serve.”

“At Dupaco, we believe innovation is a catalyst for positive change. By equipping nonprofits with tools and strategies to think differently, we’re helping them unlock new ways to serve their communities,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. “And when nonprofits thrive, the ripple effect strengthens families, neighborhoods and entire regions.”

The next Gift of Innovation grant cycle will open in fall 2026. Organizations that are interested in applying can watch www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give for updates.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.

More Than 115 MMSD Students to Be Honored at Annual MLK Youth Recognition Breakfast

MADISON, Wis.—One hundred eighteen Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students will be recognized for their academic achievements, leadership and service during the 42nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast, hosted by the Urban League of Greater Madison.

The event will take place Sunday, Jan. 18, at Edgewood High School and will honor nearly 300 middle and high school students from 42 Dane County schools with Outstanding Young Person Awards. MMSD’s honorees include 72 middle school students and 46 high school students.

Award recipients are nominated by their schools based on a combination of strong academic performance, leadership and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. Notably, two Robert M. La Follette High School seniors will be among the scholarship recipients: Kira Smith will be awarded a Betty Franklin-Hammonds Scholarship, and Rebecca Oruruo will receive a George Anglin Memorial Scholarship. The event will also recognize the newest cohort of MMSD Mann Scholars.

“Our students continue to embody Dr. King’s vision through their dedication to excellence, community engagement and personal integrity,,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “Their recognition at this event is not only a celebration of their accomplishments, but also a reminder of the responsibility and opportunity they have to shape a more just and inclusive future.”

Now in its 42nd year, the MLK Youth Recognition Breakfast is one of the longest-running youth recognition events in the region. Nearly 1,000 students, family members, educators and community members are expected to attend.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our students and the educators and families who support them every day,” Gothard said. “We are proud to stand alongside the Urban League of Greater Madison in uplifting young people who lead with purpose and serve their communities.”

MMSD full list of Outstanding Young Person Award recipients is as follows:

• Badger Rock Middle School: Itiel Gonzalez Espinoza, Adam Ocotl Perez, Ejaaz Ra-El, Liam Sandoval, Kylie Schmitt, Rudy Wilson
• Black Hawk Middle School: Ashaad Anderson, Gary Howard III, Sema-J Ivy-Gore, Matthew King, Monaire Lemon, Akilah Williams
• Capital High School: Airam Aleman-Hernandez, Larissa Dobbins, Knox Fettig, Tasha Noel, Avayah Turner
• Cherokee Heights Middle School: Kaddijatou Bah, Tamia English, Phoenixx Jenkins McMurray. Elijah Kennedy Jr., Zyaire Mickelson, Qamille Taylor
• East High School: Kadiatou Diabate, Wilma Hobenu, Ibrahim Danioko, Ramatulah Njie, Zahra Njie, Khadi Sylla, Titus Vang, Isaiah Vielmas, Daree Xiong
• Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School: Enijsia Johnson, Elias-Hanyire Kahite, Liliana Quevedo, Ayanna Smith, Ni’Esha Smith-Whitmore, Jhiana Wisdom
• Velma Hamilton Middle School: Kassandra Ayetey, Isaiah Bonk, Otto Borman, Khalil Jackson, Corielle McClinton, Cadence Yelder
• Robert M. La Follette High School: Zacaria Conklin, Ameillia Grace Cook, Janet Flores Benites, James Harris III, Miesha Henley, E’Yonna Jones, Lillyanne Medenwaldt, Rebecca Oruruo, Miyah Perkins, Kira Smith
• Vel Phillips Memorial High School: Awah Ambahe, Aliyaha Cofer, Kennedi Harden, William Harden, Lavonte Johnson Jr., Talayaja Johnson, Alric Koffison, Heaven McCann, Ronald Smith, London Tafor, Destiny Wallace, Kelvin Washington
• Georgia O’Keeffe Middle School: Imari Dorrough, Marshawn Fizer, Ky’Aire Larrue, John Mack Jr., Nyomee Triggs, Aubrey Turnier
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School: Cecilia Bull, Paisley Cook, Stoni Hawkins, Iliyan Hoskins, Aiden Martin, Nia Nguyuza
• Sherman Middle School: Reinella Foueppe, Aryanna Freeman, Ari’Yahna Handy, Torrance (TJ) Holmes Jr., Alaya McClain-McMillen, Tyjanic Walker
• Spring Harbor Middle School: Vivian Bartlett, Jesus Chacin, Elias Ketchum, Sanjay Remesh, Kazuki Sone, Gopika Vijayaraghavan
• Akira R. Toki Middle School: Destiny Daniel, Lylah Ferris, Fatoumatta Jaiteh, Michael Meier, Aaliyah Mitchell, Ciara Pettaway
• West High School: Randa Amer, Keymontae Brown, Gelen Castellanos Galvis, Sangrielle Harris, Jayla Jones, David Okpara, Adrian Ramirez Cornejo, Melchi Tepepa-Pasaribu, Hezekiah Ward, Ashley Zongo
• Annie Greencrow Whitehorse Middle School: Boubacar Diallo, Michael Hongmanivanh, Ne’Ayla Huffman, Parys Martin, Iyanna Ross, Zenay Ross
• James C. Wright Middle School: Jayce Gray, Jah’Kie Hodges, Kevin Jones Jr., Dmya Long, Peter Mensah, Zeniya Smith

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Dupaco’s fraud prevention efforts save members millions in 2025

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Fraud attempts are on the rise, and scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day. For more than 77 years, Dupaco Credit Union has been committed to protecting its members and their money. Through expert monitoring, education and advanced technology, the ongoing effort is paying off: in 2025, Dupaco has already helped prevent nearly $7 million in potential losses, reinforcing its role as trusted partner in safeguarding members’ financial well-being.  

Behind the scenes at Dupaco’s operations center in Dubuque’s Millwork District, the financial cooperative’s fraud team works tirelessly to ensure members accounts are protected from potential fraud losses. They collaborate with other financial institutions, partner with law enforcement, and complete regular training to ensure all Dupaco employees remain informed so they can be a leader in fraud prevention. 

Dupaco also continues to invest in innovative technologies to help detect suspicious account activity. These systems are designed to recognize anomalies and inconsistencies—flagging any issues before they become problems.  

“Fraud prevention is a shared effort. Everyone’s vigilance matters,” said Jill Gogel, vice president, fraud services at Dupaco. “Fraud attempts are rising everywhere. When members stay alert and we stay ahead of the trends, we create a strong line of defense—together.” 

Gogel provides these tips as a few ways to stay proactive in the fight against fraud on financial accounts: 

• Monitor your accounts online regularly. 
• Review your credit report regularly. Dupaco members can use Bright Track, the credit union’s free tool within their Shine online or mobile banking to keep tabs on their credit report and spending trends.  
• Set up eNotifiers to receive alerts for things like account activity, balance and debit card usage. At Dupaco, these can be delivered by text, email or both—your choice.  
• Use strong, unique passphrases. Then, be sure to update them often. 
• Sign up for two-step login verification for your online accounts, then verify your contact information with your financial institution to ensure your verification codes are reaching you.  
• Utilize the passcode or biometric options on your personal phone and other devices. 
• And most importantly—trust your gut. If something feels off, or you think you may have been targeted by a fraudster, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

For more fraud prevention resources visit dupaco.com/protection.  

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

La Follette High School Educator Taylor Koss Wins Silver at 2025 Deaflympics

MADISON, Wis.—Taylor Koss, an American Sign Language teacher at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Robert M. La Follette High School, captured a silver medal in the 4X100 relay at the 2025 World Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

“Representing Team USA as a Deaf athlete is something I take great pride in,” Koss said. “Competing at the Deaflympics and bringing home a medal is an honor, but so is being able to share that experience with my students. I want them to know that their identity is a strength and that they can succeed on any stage.”

Upon his return to the school, students and staff honored Koss with a celebration featuring the La Follette band and messages of support from the Lancer community. His achievement reflects years of dedication to his athletic pursuits and his work with students.

“Taylor is an incredibly valued member of our school,” La Follette Principal Mat Thompson said. “Our students look up to him not only for his athletic success but for the leadership, positivity and authenticity he brings to the classroom every day. Mr. Koss is such a role model for our Lancers. We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment with him.”

Koss has represented Team USA three times before this year and is known for training independently, often without a coach or major sponsorship. USA Deaf Track and Field receives no government funding, and athletes frequently balance full-time work with travel, training and fundraising efforts. Despite these challenges, Koss has remained committed to competing at the highest level while serving students at La Follette.

As an ASL teacher and Deaf educator, Koss contributes to a learning environment where sign language, accessibility and Deaf culture are embedded throughout the school community. La Follette High School, along with Ray F. Sennett Middle and Dr. Virginia Henderson Elementary schools, serves as a hub for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students and offers specialized resources that support communication access, language development and academic success.

MMSD’s DHH programming includes:

• Direct instruction from licensed DHH teachers 
• Educational sign language interpreters who support communication in academic, social and extracurricular settings
• Audiology services that maintain and monitor hearing equipment
• American Sign Language coursework through level four at La Follette 
• School environments where sign language is normalized and used widely, including by hearing peers

“Having educators like Taylor makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students,” Thompson added. “He shows them what is possible and helps create a school culture where DHH students feel seen, supported and valued.”

To learn more about MMSD’s special education services, which include DHH programming, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.