In-Person Wisconsin Union Theater Events Return With 3rd Annual Black Arts Matter Festival, 102nd Annual Classical Music Series, Jazz and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 3, 2021

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

IN-PERSON WISCONSIN UNION THEATER EVENTS RETURN WITH 3RD ANNUAL BLACK ARTS MATTER FESTIVAL, 102ND ANNUAL CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES, JAZZ AND MORE 

Wisconsin Union Theater team releases full 2021-22 season lineup

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union Theater team’s 2021-22 season will include jazz, classical music, R&B music, the return of the Black Arts Matter Festival, and more and will begin in September with in-person performances and some virtual attendance options. 

The Theater team held a mostly virtual 2020-21 season with the exceptions of two outdoor Madison Jazz Festival performances on the Memorial Union Terrace in June 2021. Despite all of the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Theater held more than 30 online events and supported artists, thanks in part to support from donations and patrons’ ticket purchases. 

The Theater team hosted a small number of performers for livestreamed and recorded performances in Shannon Hall, but the rows of patrons’ seats remained empty due to COVID-19.

The team looks forward to its upcoming season during which patrons can again enjoy programming in-person as well as all that Memorial Union offers, including dining at multiple on-site restaurants that guests can enjoy before performances. 

The series includes the return of the Theater’s classical music series, called the Concert Series, and the 3rd annual Black Arts Matter Festival, which builds community around Black culture and art.

The full lineup is as follows:

• Dulcé Sloan, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in Shannon Hall – This free performance is exclusively for UW-Madison students. Seating for this event is available on a first come, first served basis the day of the event. Students must present valid Wiscards for entry.
• Arun Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Play Circle Theater and online livestream
• Concert Series: Sphinx Virtuosi, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Shannon Hall and online livestream
• ABSENCE: Terence Blanchard featuring the E-Collective & Turtle Island Quartet, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• Phony Ppl, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• The Vijay Iyer Trio, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Play Circle Theater and online livestream
• Concert Series: Gil Shaham with Akira Eguchi, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall and online livestream
• Concert Series: Third Coast Percussion + Movement Art Is, Jan. 27, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall and online livestream
• Concert Series: Brentano String Quartet, Feb. 10, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall and online livestream
• Concert Series: Pacho Flores with the University of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, March 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall and online livestream
• Black Arts Matter Festival, March 23-26, 2022, at Shannon Hall, the Play Circle Theater and online livestream
• George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, March 31, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• Concert Series: Renée Fleming, April 30, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• Summer 2022 programming to be announced in spring 2022

Patrons can currently purchase subscriptions to the Concert Series, including a subscription with or without the Fleming recital as well as a subscription for only fall Concert Series performances. The following are available for subscribers to purchase as discounted add-ons to their purchases: Arun Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project, Phony Ppl, The Vijay Iyer Trio, and ABSENCE: Terence Blanchard. 

Concert Series subscribers’ benefits include no order fee and the opportunity to be the first to purchase tickets to Fleming’s recital and other Series performances. Additional subscription benefits include the option to be among the first to purchase tickets to Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project, Phony Ppl, The Vijay Iyer Trio, and ABSENCE: Terence Blanchard. 

Patrons can purchase single tickets for all 2021-22 Theater season events starting Aug. 24 with the exception of Fleming’s recital. Pending availability, single tickets for Fleming’s performance will go on sale in early 2022.

Patrons can purchase tickets online or in-person at the Memorial Union Box Office. Ticket prices vary by event. University of Wisconsin-Madison students, staff and faculty and Wisconsin Union members are eligible for ticket discounts.  

“We’ve missed our patrons and the opportunities to greet them and witness their enjoyment of performances,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “We enter this new season with excitement and acknowledgment that we’re not going back to how it’s always been. The pre-pandemic ‘normal’ wasn’t great for everyone, and this is a chance to rethink how we do things. Our hybrid model of in-person and livestreamed programming is designed to increase flexibility and accessibility for our audiences. From programming to operations, we’re prioritizing health, safety, and belonging for all.”

The Wisconsin Union Theater began in 1939. The Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a non-profit organization with a vision of serving as the social heart of UW–Madison, where all belong. The Theater team has been committed to artistic excellence throughout its more than 80 years of serving its patrons. It also presents diverse forms of art in its seasons and works to create inclusive spaces. 

This season is made possible in part due to donations. The events featuring Gil Shaham and Akira Eguchi and the Brentano String Quartet are part of the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music series supported by the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music Fund. The performance by Fleming is supported in part with gifts from Bob and Linda Graebner and Stephen Morton. The entire season is presented with support from the Wisconsin Arts Board. 

The Wisconsin Union team employs numerous health and safety measures to help provide safe enjoyment of Union experiences, including the frequent cleaning of shared spaces and the providing of hand sanitizer stations.

For more information about the 2021-22 Wisconsin Union Theater season, visit union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater. 

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 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 expansive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and continues to work towards creating 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 learning and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater. 

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/season-2021-22.

Paul Connor Named Vice President of Property & Casualty at M3

Paul Connor has been named vice president of property & casualty at M3 Insurance, effective August 2, 2021.

Connor comes to M3 from Arthur J. Gallagher, Co. where he served as vice president, market initiatives since 2013. Prior to that, he held a variety of brokerage roles, including carrier relationship manager at Aon and risk consultant at Market Financial Group. Connor’s experience, talent and established regional and national carrier relationships are in strong alignment with M3’s property & casualty division and its specializations.

“Paul’s vast insurance brokerage and risk management experience and solid industry relationships make him an ideal addition to the M3 team,” said Brad Reitzner, executive vice president of property and casualty. “We’re excited to leverage his expertise as we grow and develop new and existing talent.”

The evolving leadership structure at M3 represents continued agency growth and commitment to building a strong infrastructure from which to serve clients.

About M3

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.Share Article

Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin: Opportunity to Empower Local Girls Now Available

Sponsorship opportunities for Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin’s fall season are now available. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires 3-8^th grade girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. The volunteer-led program brings together groups of 8-15 girls for an 8-week season that encourages personal development, team building, and connection to the community.

This fall, Girls on the Run will be offered at over 50 sites throughout the 8-county South Central Wisconsin territory including Cross Plains, DeForest, Madison, McFarland, Middleton, Milton, Monona Grove, Mount Horeb, Oregon, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona and Waunakee. Each team will meet twice weekly for 90 minutes and participate in lessons that use dynamic discussions and fun running games to teach important life skills. The season will culminate in a 5K event that brings together family, friends, and community members to celebrate the girls’ growth throughout the season. This fall, the 5K event will take place at the Waunakee Community Center on Saturday, November 6^th. The public is welcome.

Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin is proud to share that no girl is ever turned away for an inability to pay for the program. Sponsorships support programming in a number of critical ways. Christine Benedict, Girls on the Run Executive Director, shares “sponsorships help us advance our mission and have a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of local girls who gain confidence and healthy habits through our empowering programming.” Sponsorships underwrite expenses ranging from program supplies to running shoes and help ensure access for participants from high-need communities. Sponsors enjoy a number of benefits including access and exposure to hundreds of local families interested in health, wellness and empowering women and girls. Interested sponsors can reach out to christine.benedict@girlsontherun.org for more information.

Girls on the Run uses running to inspire and motivate girls, encourage a lifelong appreciation of health and fitness, and help them build confidence through accomplishment. The organization envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

About Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin: Girls on the Run SCWI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering positive youth development programming in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk Counties. Girls on the Run SCWI is an independent council of Girls on the Run International, which included more than 200 councils in the U.S. and Canada. Since 2005, over 15,000 girls at over 100 program sites throughout South Central WI have benefited from Girls on the Run.

For more information about Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin, visit: https://www.girlsontherunscwi.org/

Eppstein Uhen Architects Continues Leadership Transition; Greg Uhen, Current CEO, Announces New Leaders

MILWAUKEE, WI, July 21st, 2021 — Greg Uhen, Eppstein Uhen Architect’s (EUA) current CEO, is announcing leadership team transitions, effective October 1st, with Rich Tennessen moving to CEO, Kristin Dufek named as President and John Chapman as Vice President. Uhen will remain on the Board of Directors through 2023.

EUA is Milwaukee’s largest architecture firm with locations in Milwaukee and Madison, WI and Denver, CO and this marks the next phase of long-term transition planning that has been in the works for over 17 years. As EUA continues to grow and geographically expand, plural leadership becomes even more important to the success of the organization.

Regarding the planned transition Tennessen said: “Many architecture firms get tripped up on succession planning, we’ve been planning this for a long time and it’s fulfilling to get past the pandemic, to get to this point. Our leadership team includes more than just a few people, it’s our Practice Team, Principals, Associates and other leaders within the firm that are positioning us for a positive future.”

Rich Tennessen’s move to CEO comes after serving as EUA’s President for the past 10 years. He will continue to be integrally involved in leading EUA’s mission and vision, also leading overall strategy for future growth of the firm. Regarding this move Greg Uhen stated, “I’ve known Rich for a long time, and when I hired him over 20 years ago, I knew the day would come when he would lead this firm. His perspective and unique qualities complemented my leadership style and influenced our firm immensely. He is everything I’ve expected and more. I couldn’t be more confident in his ability to lead EUA and take us to new heights.”

In the promotion to President, Dufek will be taking over EUA’s day-to-day operations, working closely with Tennessen and Chapman, as well as utilizing the skillsets of other leaders across the firm. Newly announced CEO Rich Tennessen said, “With this transition, I’m the most excited about recognizing Kristin’s impact and influence at EUA. She has shown time and time again that she has what it takes, through hard work and influence, so I know she is going to shine in this role.”

Dufek joined EUA 19 years ago as a Healthcare Architect and Planner and helped jumpstart EUA’s presence in the Healthcare market. During her tenure at EUA she transitioned to Healthcare Studio Director, and most recently served as Vice President where she has been involved in various facets of leadership within the organization. In her role as President, she will have expanded exposure to EUA clients, core markets and geographies, and increased visibility within the communities where EUA serves.

Dufek reflected, “I was drawn to EUA almost 20 years ago by how grounded the firm felt, with such a solid reputation for design and business integrity. I chose to grow my career here because of the caliber of the people I work with.” When asked about the future, she commented, “EUA succeeds because of our exceptional people who love the practice of architecture and who trust and challenge each other, which translates into the way we serve our clients. We will continue to be the go-to architecture firm that solves complex problems, really well. As President, I’m excited to do what I love to do, to engage with clients and help our talented team members grow in their own careers.”

When asked about EUA, long-term client Catherine Jacobson, President and CEO of Froedtert Health said, “EUA is one of our most important partners helping us to extend our mission and increase our impact in the community. In life and in business, so much comes down to the people who you work with to solve issues. Rich and Kristin genuinely care and move us forward together. They are both thoughtful and authentic which are great qualities to have leading a company with whom we partner.”

Uhen will be transitioning from his current design leadership role, selling a majority of his controlling shares in the company, and moving to a more advisory board position for the upcoming years; still staying active in the Milwaukee community and the Third Ward. He plans to continue leading the design through completion for his current projects, including the Fiserv Forum and Deer District master planning, Komatsu Mining Corporation Headquarters, Rite Hite World Headquarters, and the Marriott Tribute Hotel in the Third Ward, among other current projects.

Backfilling Uhen’s leadership in Design, Chapman will be taking an enhanced role in influencing design across the firm. He will maintain his active involvement with clients as well as expanding his reach outside Madison to all geographic locations within the firm.

Regarding this occasion, Uhen stated, “It is really rewarding to get to the point of my career where I can now watch EUA from a different vantage point. I will always stay connected with EUA, doing what I can to help the firm grow. I’m looking forward to this next phase of my life, to spend time seeing the world and enjoying time with friends and family.

About Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA)
Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) is best known for designing environments that elevate people’s potential. Over 200 employees in Milwaukee, Madison and Denver demonstrate unparalleled commitment to the markets, communities and clients they serve. The respected 114-year-old firm specializes in several markets including: education, workplace, industrial, healthcare, senior living, mixed-use, community, aerospace and science + technology. For additional information, please visit the firm’s website at eua.com.

DeWitt’s Minnesota Super Lawyers 2021 Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Michelle M. Friedman
mmf@dewittllp.com/262-754-2877

DeWitt’s Minnesota Super Lawyers 2021 Announced

GREEN BAY | MADISON | MILWAUKEE | MINNEAPOLIS – DeWitt LLP announced today two of its attorneys were named by Minnesota Super Lawyers® as top attorneys in Minneapolis for 2021.  The attorneys selected for inclusion as 2021 Minnesota Super Lawyers are Family Law attorneys Robert W. Due and Kathleen M. Newman.

Due is a Partner at DeWitt who has substantial experience in high-net-worth cases involving complex assets that are difficult to value, such as closely held business entities, commercial real estate, and intellectual property. He is skilled in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution, and he has a high success rate both in trying cases to a conclusion and in reaching settlements through mediation. He has extensive appellate court experience before both the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court, and he is listed on the Minnesota Supreme Court Roster of Qualified Neutrals. He earned a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Carleton College.

Newman is a Partner at DeWitt with extensive experience in all aspects of marital dissolutions, including cases with high-net-worth, closely owned businesses, professional practices, and complex custody matters and is well-versed in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.  Newman is Board-Certified as a Family Law Trial Attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.   She is also a skilled mediator, approved for inclusion in the Minnesota ADR Statewide Neutrals Roster in all categories of Family Neutrals and is on the Minnesota Supreme Courts list of Appellate mediators.  Newman earned a J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a B.A. from Hamline University.

About Super Lawyers

The selections for Minnesota Super Lawyers are made by the research team at Super Lawyers, which is a service of the Thomson Reuters legal division based in Eagan, Minnesota. Each year the team conducts a thorough selection process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by the attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area and a good-standing and disciplinary check.

The final list of Minnesota Super Lawyers features the top five percent of attorneys in more than 60 practice areas. Lawyers featured on the Rising Stars list are selected based upon similar criteria as Super Lawyers; however, a candidate must either be under 40 years of age or in practice for 10 years or less, and a peer evaluation is not conducted.

About DeWitt

DeWitt LLP was founded in 1903 and is one of the 10 largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota. It has more than 130 attorneys practicing in Green Bay, Madison and Metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes. The firm is known for its work in a variety of legal areas including intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright law, construction litigation, corporate law, employment, environmental, employee benefits, estate planning, family business, family law, government relations, health care, litigation, real estate, and tax law.  More information is available at dewittllp.com.