Barrier-Breaking Olympic Medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad Will Discuss Her Experiences as an American Muslim Athlete and Changemaker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 19, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

BARRIER-BREAKING OLYMPIC MEDALIST IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD WILL DISCUSS HER EXPERIENCES AS AN AMERICAN MUSLIM ATHLETE AND CHANGEMAKER

MADISON – Fencer and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad made history in 2016 when she became the first American to compete for an Olympic medal while wearing a hijab and the first American Muslim woman to win an Olympic medal.

Muhammad will discuss diversity and activism in sports and how her identity as a woman of color and an American Muslim impacts her within the male-dominated sports world during a free, virtual, live event, called “Breaking the Olympic Standard: A Conversation with Ibtihaj Muhammad,” hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

WUD DLS invites all, including those not affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to attend this free event. Those interested in attending can register here to receive the event livestream link in an email.

Muhammad says that fencing, the sport in which she earned her medal, found her. She played many sports throughout her childhood, including tennis and track. However, she found her mother often had to modify her uniforms by adding long trousers or long sleeves to follow her values and Muslim faith.

Then, one day, her mother drove by a local high school, and she and Muhammad saw fencing, which included uniforms that would need no alterations. At the age of 13, she tried fencing and found a sport that she loved and that would not compromise her values.

While she enjoyed fencing, she recalls moments when she was told she did not belong in her sport. She hopes that her accomplishments in fencing will help challenge misconceptions. Muhammad believes that sports can change the world.

In addition to her bronze Olympic medal, the Duke University graduate also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2014 Senior World Championships, and she holds four bronze Senior World medals.

Muhammad’s other accomplishments include but are not limited to launching a fashion brand, called LOUELLA BY IBTIHAJ, with her sisters; being named one of the 2016 “TIME” 100 most influential people; and authoring the book “The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family.”

Mattel also created a Barbie doll in her likeness. The doll is the first Mattel Barbie doll to wear a hijab.

The company’s description of the doll includes the following: “As a brilliant athlete, entrepreneur and inspiration to girls who never saw themselves represented, Ibtihaj is not only celebrated for her accolades but for embracing what made her stand out. Ibtihaj is honored as a Barbie™ ‘Shero,’ a woman who has broken boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls.”

“Ibtihaj Muhammad has accomplished history-making feats while never compromising who she is and what she believes in,” said Caoilfhinn Rauwerdink, WUD DLS Committee associate director of marketing and outreach. “Attendees of this discussion will undoubtedly leave inspired to overcome whatever challenges lie before them.”

WUD DLS hosts lectures by experts to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 11 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.

Those interested in attending the Committee’s upcoming event can register here.

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About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee contributes to the educational experience of University of Wisconsin–Madison students, Wisconsin Union members and community members by bringing engaging and influential people to campus. Founded in 1987, the series aims to expose the campus community to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/dls.

[Note: Click here to download a photo of Ibtihaj Muhammad. Photo provided by Keppler Speakers.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/ibtihaj-muhammad.

CEC Announces the Return of its Business Technology Conference in 2021

Celebrating 75 Years of Technology & Innovation: Past, Present, and Future

Hiawatha, IA (Feb. 16, 2021) – CEC (Communications Engineering Company), a nationally recognized technology solutions provider and systems integrator in the Midwest, is excited to announce the return of its popular Business Technology Conference (BTC) on October 21 at the Doubletree in downtown Cedar Rapids, IA.

BTC will help CEC close out a year-long celebration of its 75^th anniversary by connecting Iowa and Wisconsin business leaders to new and relevant technologies, demonstrations, and innovative ideas to improve communication, collaboration, and safety. With a theme of 75 Years of Technology & Innovation: Past, Present, and Future – the conference will be an opportunity for organizations to assess their technology foundation, learn about trends, and work on their technology vision and roadmap.

“BTC has grown into a regional event where customers can experience the latest technology,” states Randy Montelius, CEC VP of Technology. “The single day format makes it easier to fit into their schedule and provides a unique platform to hear first-hand how peers are meeting the challenges of today’s world.”

CEC’s trusted technology partners—leaders in AV, fire and security, healthcare communications, IT, and two-way communications—will also be onsite to update attendees on the technology set to support digital experiences and new ways of working (NWOW).

CEC’s Business Technology Conference has become a must-attend event for technology decision-makers in hospitals and long-term care settings, schools and campuses, manufacturing facilities, and corporate offices. In 2021, the event returns as one way to honor the past, talk about the challenges of the present, and plan for what’s to come.

The valuable information unveiled at this year’s BTC won’t be found anywhere else in the Midwest. Attendees can use what they learn to stay one step ahead of the rapidly changing technology landscape.

For more information, visit www.cecinfo.com.  

About CEC

CEC employs more than 300 professional and technical staff in eight locations in Iowa and Wisconsin. The company offers solution design, integration, and technical services specializing in audio/video, fire and security, healthcare communications, IT, and two-way communications. Focused on creating world class technology experiences, the CEC team partners with clients to understand their businesses, tailor solutions, and plan for future technology needs. Visit www.cecinfo.com.

About BTC

Now in its 13^th year, CEC’s Business Technology Conference (BTC) provides free education for technology influencers and decision-makers. The free event delivers several tracks of education sessions, showcases the latest technology from trusted technology providers, and supports networking among professionals across the Midwest.

Media Contact: Angie Worrell, aworrell@cecinfo.com, 319.731.1245   | #BTC2021

Meccore String Quartet to Perform for Wisconsin Union Theater Patrons Feb. 28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 15, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

MECCORE STRING QUARTET TO PERFORM FOR WISCONSIN UNION THEATER PATRONS FEB. 28

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union Theater will stream an online Concert Series performance by the Meccore String Quartet on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

The Quartet will perform the String Quartet No. 21 in D major, K. 575 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, String Quartet No. 3 “Leaves from an Unwritten Diary” by Krzysztof Penderecki, and String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 by Ludwig van Beethoven.

The ensemble includes violinists Wojciech Koprowski and Aleksandra Bryła, violist Michał Bryła, and cellist Marcin Mączyński.

As one of Europe’s most compelling ensembles, the Meccore String Quartet has appeared at many influential music festivals around the globe, such as the Rheingau Musik Festival and the Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The ensemble was the first ever Polish string quartet to perform during the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the Bundestag, the national parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Meccore String Quartet has also received many international awards, including a nomination for the Paszport Polityki award in the classic music category for its “innovative approach to the music and for breaking the musical stereotypes.” The musicians won the Premio Paolo Borciani International String Quartet Competition and Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition.

When they are not performing, Meccore’s members lead chamber music and individual instrumental classes at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland.

Praised for their technical accuracy, Meccore is also known for its deep musicality and expressiveness.

“The Meccore String Quartet brings an unparalleled energy and emotional depth to its performances,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “This ensemble is admired the world over, and our patrons will experience why the Quartet has earned global praise during its virtual Wisconsin Union Theater performance.”

            Ticket purchase information can be found here. Tickets for this online event are $10 for UW-Madison students; $17 for Wisconsin Union members, UW-Madison staff and faculty, and students that do not attend UW-Madison; and $20 for all other patrons.

The Wisconsin Union Theater team presents its Concert Series season in collaboration with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee, which, along with 10 other WUD committees and six clubs, promotes and runs more than 1,000 Wisconsin Union events each year.

The Meccore String Quartet’s performance is sponsored by the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music Fund.

The Wisconsin Union Theater presents this event, in part, with the help of financial support from Wisconsin Arts Board funding from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Wisconsin Union Theater team is committed to taking action against racial inequities. For a full statement on the Theater’s stance, click here.

The Wisconsin Union Theater team strives for all of its spaces to be accessible. Those that need accommodations can reach out to the Theater team at wisconsinuniontheater@union.wisc.edu. 

For more information about the Meccore String Quartet’s upcoming performance, visit union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/meccore-quartet.   

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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 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 plans and promotes events for the historic Wisconsin Union Theater stages. The student-led committee programs a variety of events to provide a diverse and cultural experience for students, faculty, alumni, community members and visitors. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

[Click here to download a photo of the Meccore String Quartet. Photo by Arkadiusz Berbecki.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/meccore

Wood Communications Group: Become a local leader — apply to Leadership Greater Madison

If you care about your community and want to make a difference — Leadership Greater Madison is for you! Leadership Greater Madison is a non-partisan, civic education and leadership-training program with a mission to inform, connect and engage a diverse group of individuals so they might be inspired to serve, lead and make a difference in their communities.

Become an effective community leader. Join the nearly 800 local leaders who are LGM graduates and apply today for the next LGM class that will kick off soon. The online application can be found at www.leadershipgreatermadison.org. Financial assistance is available to qualified applicants.

Leadership Greater Madison is a joint collaboration between the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Wood Communications Group.

WPS Health Solutions shares a ‘Love Letter to First Responders,’ sends treats to hospital workers, adds red heart to face mask for Valentine’s Day

MEDIA ADVISORY | February 12, 2021

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions shares a ‘Love Letter to First Responders,’ sends treats to hospital workers, adds red heart to face mask for Valentine’s Day

Following up on the “face mask” replicas that were added to its Madison campus sign in December, WPS Health Solutions is celebrating Valentine’s Day by sharing a “Love Letter to First Responders” and adding red hearts to the sign at 1717 W. Broadway in Monona.

The temporary face masks call attention to the continued need for people to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19, even as vaccines are being administered around the nation. The masks say, “We support first responders.”

For Valentine’s weekend, WPS is delivering treats and healthy snacks for Intensive Care Unit employees at hospitals in WPS communities: Madison; Wausau; Green Bay; Omaha, Neb.; Hampton, Va.; and southern Illinois. (Madison hospitals: SSM Health St. Mary’s, UnityPoint Health – Meriter, and UW Health)

Jessica Marking, a Brand Journalist in WPS Corporate Communications, wrote the following tribute, which is being shared with WPS employees and on the company’s social media channels.

A love letter to our first responders …

For so many serving in health care, your career path wasn’t a choice but a calling.

As battlefield health care providers, you have tended to the fallen of an invisible enemy during the COVID-19 pandemic. With overrun hospital beds and supplies, you have sacrificed for us.

Your face is covered with scars from your mask while your capable hands heal us and do not fear us. You’ve persevered in the face of total exhaustion. You have protected us.

Showing compassion for perfect strangers. Every day honoring the oath you pledged. Treating every color, every age, every human with decency and dignity. You have loved us.

Encouraging the fight within us and showing up day after day with no end in sight. You have advocated on our behalf. You have listened to our circumstances, our stories, our concerns, and our hurt. You have shown us patience.

Holding our hands when it is time to let go. You comfort our families in times of grief, guilt, and sorrow—and clap your hands in celebration of recovery. You have raised them in thanksgiving as you lifted us in good health. You have cried over us, prayed over us, and healed us.

People have called you heroes; people have called you warriors. From the bottom of our hearts, we call you angels.

At WPS Health Solutions this Valentine’s Day, we have a message for our employees, customers, and everyone else: Share your love for the first responders in your life.

Please #sharethelove by tagging @WPSHEALTHSOLUTIONS on Facebook and LinkedIn, and @WPS_HS on Twitter.

About WPS Health Solutions:

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation utilizes “WPS Health Solutions” to refer to our entire enterprise. Within our enterprise, there are three divisions, including Government Health Administrators, Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. WPS Government Health Administrators manages Medicare Part A and Part B benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and WPS Military and Veterans Health serves millions of members of the U.S. military and their families through TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation has been based in Madison, Wis., for nearly 75 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.