‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ Author Rebecca Skloot to Discuss Ethics in Science During Lecture

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

‘THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS’ AUTHOR REBECCA SKLOOT TO DISCUSS ETHICS IN SCIENCE DURING LECTURE

Science writer Rebecca Skloot to speak at free Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee event in Memorial Union

MADISON – Award-winning science writer and author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” Rebecca Skloot will speak at a free lecture in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) spring lecture series. 

Specializing in narrative science writing, Skloot’s work has appeared in many publications, including The New York Times Magazine and O, The Oprah Magazine. Skloot is best known for her #1 New York Times bestseller “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”

She also founded and serves as president of the Henrietta Lacks Foundation, which seeks to create an awareness of ethics in science and provides funding to those who have made important scientific contributions without their knowledge or consent.

Skloot will give a lecture, called “An Evening with Rebecca Skloot: An Intersection of Science & Ethics,” during which she will discuss her work as a science writer as well as scientific consent and research. Her lecture will be followed by a 30-minute question and answer session with audience members.

A free, general admission ticket is required for this event, which will first be made available to University of Wisconsin-Madison students Feb. 21 and then to other patrons Feb. 26. More information about how to obtain tickets will be announced on the event webpage soon.

This event is sponsored by the WUD DLS Committee members in their mission to bring influential people to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and create important and thought-provoking conversations.

Additional DLS events in spring 2020 include political strategist Symone Sanders on April 6, science educator Bill Nye on April 21, civic engagement activist Tiana Epps-Johnson on April 30, and a presidential forum March 30 and 31. 

WUD includes 10 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year. WUD is part of the Wisconsin Union.

More information about upcoming DLS events is available at union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/dls.

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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 to the editor: Click here to download a photo of Rebecca Skloot. Photo by Manda Townsend.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/rebecca-skloot.

Gordon Flesch Company Acquires ITP, Creating One of the Midwest’s Largest and Most Capable Managed Service Providers

Madison, WI ‑ Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) has agreed to acquire Information Technology Professionals (ITP), a managed service provider based in Madison with locations in the Appleton and Milwaukee area. With this acquisition, the GFConsulting Group will become one of the largest and most capable technology solutions providers in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, offering services including cloud, cybersecurity and Managed IT. 

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are increasingly important in the complex and technology-driven business world, with the market projected to hit $296.38 billion globally by 2023. With the combined resources of GFC’s GFConsulting Group and ITPs’ team, the Gordon Flesch Company will serve more than 400+ customers and employ 70 MSP staff in locations across the Midwest.

Both GFC and ITP feature prominently on the CRN Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list, which recognizes the largest and most innovative North American managed services companies. As one of the nation’s largest independent office equipment providers, GFC launched the GFConsulting Group in 2015 to expand their ability to help businesses solve challenging problems and achieve organizational goals. These capabilities include not only Managed IT, cybersecurity and cloud computing services, but Virtual CIO (vCIO) and consulting services, Enterprise Content Management and A.I. Solutions.

“ITP is one of the premier MSPs in Wisconsin and has a great reputation for delivering strong technical support and solutions to the customers they serve,” says Patrick Flesch, President of the Gordon Flesch Company. “Their strong technical team and operational maturity will be a great addition to the current team that GFConsulting has built over the years. This acquisition underscores GFC’s commitment to be the leading provider of technology solutions in the markets we serve.”

Founded in 2003 and currently owned by Paul Hager, ITP has grown to 40 employees, serving more than 200 clients in Wisconsin. “I am proud of how quickly ITP has grown, becoming one of the leading MSPs in Wisconsin in a very short time,” says Paul Hager, president, CEO and owner of ITP. “I am excited for the opportunity to begin the next chapter in our story, as we join one of the oldest and most respected technology companies in the Midwest. The combined resources and reach of our two companies will be an unbeatable combination.”

About the Gordon Flesch Company

The Gordon Flesch Company is one of the largest family-owned providers of office technology solutions in the nation. Family-owned since 1956, the Gordon Flesch Company employs more than 600 people throughout 26 offices in the Midwest, with their corporate office in Madison, Wisconsin. They deliver unique business process expertise to solve challenging problems and achieve organizational goals. This includes integrating industry-leading software and hardware to build custom solutions that are supported by technical expertise, customer service and flexible, in-house financial services. Follow us on Twitter at @GordonFlesch.

About ITP

With nearly 20 years of experience, ITP provides managed IT service and strategy for small to mid-sized businesses, delivering customized technology solutions that allow clients to function at peak performance and profitability. While ITP serves clients of all shapes and sizes across a variety of industries, ITP is highly experienced in meeting IT needs in the legal, manufacturing and medical sectors. 

Pictured: Jeff Dotzler, VP of GFConsulting Group; Mark Flesch, GFC Chief Operating Officer; Paul Hager, president and CEO of Information Technology Professionals and Patrick Flesch, GFC President

Wegner CPAs Named to The INSIDE Public Accounting’s 2019 All-Stars Specialized Niche Firms

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Ty Beck Joins Oak Bank as Vice President of Business Banking

Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s community bank since 2000, expands its business banking team with the addition of Ty Beck as Vice President of Business Banking.

Beck joins Oak Bank with over 17 years of financial experience, with his most recent ten years working in community banking at Park Bank.

“Ty is a strong advocate for his business clients and works tirelessly to help them solve problems and take advantage of opportunities,” said Terry Taylor, President at Oak Bank. “Ty is a genuine, caring individual and his energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Like everyone on the Oak Bank team, Ty is passionate about helping others.”

Beck will work with the Oak Bank business banking team to lead strategic development and closely work with current and new business clients to fully capitalize on growth to help them reach their financial goals. “I am extremely excited to have joined the Oak Bank family because of the way they value and care for their clients, their associates and the communities they serve,” said Beck. “Every decision is made locally and on an individual basis. They treat folks the way they would want to be treated themselves.”

Beck was born and raised in Oshkosh and has lived in the Madison area for over 20 years. He graduated with an Anthropology degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison, with an emphasis in Archaeology. This led Ty to work for six years as a research archaeologist in backcountry Alaska prior to starting his financial career in 2002. Ty and his family (his wife, three kids and two dogs) are very active and enjoy most outdoor activities like running, triathlons and cycling.

Company Background
Oak Bank is celebrating 20 years of deep roots in the Fitchburg community and Madison areas. The community bank meets the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers and unique solutions, all while supporting over 100 local nonprofits each year. Visit oakbankonline.com to learn more.

A Journey Around the World: ‘Sailing into Oblivion’ With Jerome Rand

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

MADISON – For Jerome Rand, what began as daydreams and seemingly fanciful imaginings became a real life adventure sailing solo unassisted and nonstop around the world. The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee and the Hoofer Sailing Club invite the community and visitors to learn about Rand’s adventure from Rand, himself, and to take with them inspiration to achieve their dreams.

Rand will speak Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Play Circle Theater at Memorial Union for a lecture called, “Sailing into Oblivion.” He will take guests along his journey as he forewent modern-day conveniences on his 29,805-mile nine-month journey and through lessons learned about endurance, challenging the mind and body, and self-reliance.

“Jerome Rand challenged what people said was impossible to go on the adventure of a lifetime,” said WUD DLS Associate Director of Marketing and Outreach Evanka Annyapu. “Guests will leave Jerome’s lecture inspired to pursue the dreams they’ve convinced themselves are impossible.”

Additional WUD DLS free lecture opportunities include science writer Rebecca Skloot on March 4, civic engagement activist Tiana Epps Johnson on April 23, as well as a presidential candidates forum March 30 and 31.

The WUD DLS Committee brings engaging and influential people to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 10 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.

The DLS Committee’s event partner the Hoofer Sailing Club provides affordable, accessible sailing equipment and instruction to more than 1,000 members. The Club offers lessons in everything from wind surfing to dinghy and keelboat sailing.

More information about upcoming DLS events is available at union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/dls.

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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.

About the Hoofer Sailing Club

The Hoofer Sailing Club promotes sailing at UW-Madison by providing recreational and competitive sailing instruction and equipment. Since 1939, the Club has operated under the Wisconsin Union to provide affordable, accessible sailing programs to the campus and community. Learn more about the Club: hoofersailing.org.

[Note to the editor: Click here to download a photo of Jerome Rand. Photo by Andy Noël.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/jerome-rand.