Wisconsin Union: Music Virtuosos Geneva Lewis, Evren Ozel Will Perform Program Spanning Centuries and Continents Jan. 27 at Memorial Union

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 18, 2022

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

DOWNLOAD PHOTOS: https://www.genevalewisviolinist.com/copy-of-media-1.

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/geneva-lewis.

MUSIC VIRTUOSOS GENEVA LEWIS, EVREN OZEL WILL PERFORM PROGRAM SPANNING CENTURIES AND CONTINENTS JAN. 27 AT MEMORIAL UNION

MADISON – Pure, honest, remarkable and from the heart — these words have been used to describe the artistry of violinist Geneva Lewis. She will perform with pianist Evren Ozel on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. CST at Shannon Hall in Memorial Union as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s Concert Series.

Patrons can purchase virtual and in-person tickets online, by phone at (608) 265-2787 or in person at the Memorial Union Box Office. Wisconsin Union members, guests under the age of 18, and University of Wisconsin–Madison students, staff and faculty are eligible for discounted tickets.

The program will feature the following compositions:

• Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 7 by Fazil Say
• Violin Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 96 by Ludwig van Beethoven
• Violin Sonata by Douglas Lilburn
• Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1, Sz. 75 by Béla Bartók

Lewis has become known in part for the incorporation of contemporary and lesser-known artists in her performances, both of which are reflected in the Jan. 27 program. For instance, while Lilburn is an influential composer and famous music figure in New Zealand, musicians rarely perform Lilburn’s music outside of New Zealand. And the program spans centuries of compositions, ranging from 1812 to 1997.

Audience members will hear her perform the program on a c. 1770 Zosimo Bergonzi violin on loan from the Guarneri Hall NFP and Darnton and Hersh Fine Violins.

This dynamic artist has captivated audiences since the age of 11 with a career that includes performing with ensembles around the world, such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

In an interview with the American Symphony Orchestra, Lewis said, “I just really want to make art that I believe in, and I want to connect with people and hopefully just share a lot of experiences through that music.”

Joining Lewis for this performance, Ozel began studying music at the age of 3, before most children even learn to read when his father discovered that the artist had perfect pitch. Hailing from the Midwest, this gifted, internationally renowned artist now performs with creativity and passion around the globe, earning praise for his smooth and engaging artistry and countless recognitions.

Ozel’s awards include scholarships from the Chopin Foundation of the United States and YoungArts Foundation, 1st prize at the Boston Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, and 2nd prize at the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition.

Audience members will have the opportunity to experience his precise and passionate musical interpretations as he performs on the Wisconsin Union Theater’s historic Steinway Concert Grand Piano.

“The performance by Geneva Lewis and Evren Ozel promises to be nothing short of captivating with its bringing together of these two chamber music stars,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said.

The Wisconsin Union Theater also invites the public to a free studio class featuring Geneva Lewis on Jan. 26 from 1-2:30 p.m. The team will provide additional details here.

Additional Wisconsin Union Theater 2022-23 season performances include PILOBOLUS Big Five-OH! on Feb. 1; Imani Winds on Feb. 5; Cécile McLorin Salvant on Feb. 7; Samara Joy on Feb. 16; Immanuel Wilkins on March 25; Anthony McGill with the UW-Madison Symphony Orchestra on April 4; and the Danish String Quartet on April 18.

The Wisconsin Union’s Wisconsin Union Theater co-presents its season with the UW–Madison student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee in a continuation of a decades-long performing arts collaboration and student leadership effort.

Patrons can click here to learn more about the Jan. 27 performance by Lewis and Ozel.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 80 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an extensive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and works to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for all who engage with the Theater’s programming, events, and activities. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee is part of the Wisconsin Union’s leadership development program for UW–Madison students and supports the Wisconsin Union Theater’s mission of serving students through the performing arts. By helping to program the Theater’s annual season of performing arts presentations, the students learn about program curation, relationship-building, marketing, communications, budgeting, and production. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

Boardman Clark: Jennifer Mirus Elected as Chairperson of Executive Committee

Boardman Clark recently named Attorney Jennifer Mirus as Chairperson of the firm’s Executive Committee. The role, previously held by Attorney Richard Heinemann, is the firm’s foremost leadership position.

“It has been a privilege to practice law at Boardman Clark for more than 27 years and I look forward to this opportunity to help the Firm achieve its goals in serving its clients and the community,” Jennifer says. “I am excited and proud to be the first female Chair, and would like to thank Richard for his years of leadership and hard work in this role.”

Jennifer is also Co-Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group and will continue to actively represent clients. In her legal practice, Jennifer represents employers in all aspects of employment relations, including wage and hour issues, discrimination, Family and Medical Leave, ADA, reductions in force, harassment, hiring, discipline and terminations. She is also a sought-out speaker on human resources issues.

“Jennifer is a natural leader and a true people person,” added Heinemann. “She brings the same thoughtful approach she applies in her practice to her role on the Executive Committee – she is an excellent choice to lead the firm moving forward.”

Boardman Clark’s Executive Committee is the governing extension of the Firm’s partnership. The Committee is responsible for maintaining the firm’s long-term vision as well as overseeing decisions related to day-to-day operations.

In additional to Jennifer’s transition to Chair, Doug Witte has been named to the Executive Committee. Doug is Co-Chair of the firm’s School Law Practice Group, is also a member of the Labor & Employment Practice Group and has over 30 years of experience representing private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. Doug joins Sarah Zylstra, Jennifer Mirus, Pat Neuman and Richard Heinemann on the Executive Committee.

M3 Insurance Announces Strategic Partnership with The Employer Group

M3 Insurance (M3) announces the formation of a strategic partnership with The Employer Group (TEG), a human resources solutions company based in Verona, Wisconsin. In this partnership, TEG will function as a wholly-owned subsidiary of M3 and will continue to offer customized solutions to organizations of all sizes and industries, ranging from serving as a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) to providing full payroll services and a wide array of human resources administration and consulting.  

Effective January 1, 2023, Angie Heim, previous owner and president, will continue with TEG as a senior executive as part of the succession plan she created to ensure TEG continues to thrive into the future. Heim purchased TEG in 2007.

We’re thrilled to be able to operate independently while continuing to provide outstanding service to our clients. We couldn’t be more proud of the exceptional services, remarkable team, and stellar reputation we’ve built over the past 15 years.

— Angie Heim
Senior Executive | The Employer Group

Also effective January 1, 2023, Luke Anderson, current TEG vice president since 2019, will serve as president of TEG. In this role, Luke will oversee the management team, lead key initiatives, and work with M3 leadership to focus on TEG’s overall success.

Anderson’s role has evolved since he started with TEG in 2009, from payroll specialist to payroll manager, and most recently to vice president. His precise focus on quality payroll and HR services, along with his excellent client acumen and leadership skills will not only benefit TEG’s staff but also its clients and our community.

This partnership fits strategically with our desire to offer our clients a broad and extensive array of HR consulting support. M3 is committed to advising and supporting clients as they navigate complex and evolving topics, and we couldn’t be more excited to provide them such a high level of expertise and service through TEG.

— Mike Victorson
CEO | M3 Insurance

About The Employer Group

Since 1995, The Employer Group has provided expert human resources solutions to organizations of all sizes and across a number of industries. As The Human Resource Resource™, we specialize in all things payroll and HR-related, from providing direct deposits and preparing payroll tax forms to conducting HR assessments and creating employee handbooks. We’re also a registered PEO, which gives us the opportunity to provide a comprehensive level of service to our clients.

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About M3 Insurance

M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work.

Agrace: January 2022 Update

Volunteers Needed for Agrace Adult Day Center

Volunteers are needed to provide companionship to clients at the Agrace Adult Day Center. Agrace will host orientation for new volunteers Thursday, February 9, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at its Madison campus. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer and fill out an application.

Agrace Offers Grief Support Group Options in February

In February, Agrace is offering professionally led, in-person and virtual (accessible with a tablet, computer or smartphone) grief support options.

• Spouse/Partner Loss Support is a grief support group series for adults whose spouse or partner has died. The six-week series meets Thursdays, February 2 to March 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Agrace Grief Support Center. The eight-week series meets Fridays, February 3 to March 24, from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required.

• Bridges is for adults grieving the death of any loved one. Meetings are held every other Wednesday at the Agrace Grief Support Center. In February, meetings are February 1 and 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required for each session.

• Bridges (virtual) is for adults grieving the death of any loved one. Meetings are held every other Wednesday. In February, meetings are February 8 and 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. via Zoom. Pre-registration is required for each session.

There is no fee for these programs if a participant’s family member was in hospice care in the past 12 months; fees for others can be lowered or waived, if needed. Pre-registration is required; call (608) 327-7118 with questions or to register.

Get Expert Customized Grief Support—by Text

Agrace now offers thoughtful, customized text messages from a service called Help Texts. It’s free and you can sign up even if you are also receiving grief support individually or in a group. To sign up or learn more, visit HelpTexts.com/Agrace.

Agrace Adult Day Center Offers Daytime Care

Do you care for or know an older adult who cannot—or chooses not to—stay alone all day? The new Agrace Adult Day Center in Madison gives seniors the reassurance and comfort of having others with them throughout the day. It’s especially helpful for people who have dementia or trouble with their memory. It’s a welcome break for family caregivers, too. Learn more at (608) 327-7303 or Agrace.org/AdultDayCenter.

Bank of Sun Prairie’s Christopher Cox Named Chief Business Banking Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2022

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com
bankofsunprairie.com

Bank of Sun Prairie’s Christopher Cox Named Chief Business Banking Officer
Cox Assumes Commercial Lending Executive Leadership Role as Bank Grows

Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie’s Christopher Cox has been named Senior Vice President, Chief Business Banking Officer. Cox has enjoyed a successful career in commercial banking for more than 20 years in central and southern Wisconsin where he has specialized in commercial lending and managing extensive portfolios across widely respected community banks. He now oversees the business lending department of lenders and portfolio managers after serving under recently retired Chief Lending Officer Ron Blawusch.

Bank of Sun Prairie’s commercial lending team is working throughout central and southern Wisconsin and under Cox’s leadership, the area continues to grow recently adding a junior business banker and currently recruiting a vice president, business banker to round out the growing practice.

“Chris is the exact right person at the exact right time to step into this critical executive leadership role for Bank of Sun Prairie,” exclaimed Bank of Sun Prairie’s President and CEO Jimmy Kauffman. “He brings the perfect combination of leadership skills and a deep understanding of commercial lending and complex portfolio management – and most importantly, our customers and Chris’ team respect and admire his technical expertise and warm personality, a winning combination.”

Cox earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MBA in accounting from University of Phoenix and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking. Cox has served as a community volunteer in board and governance capacities, serving nonprofits and organizations focused on economic development. He lives in Fall River with his family.

Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $639.5 million in assets and five branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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