Wisconsin Union Will Hold Veterans Day Events Nov. 11

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

WISCONSIN UNION WILL HOLD VETERANS DAY EVENTS NOV. 11

Union’s Veterans Day events to include morning breakfast and program and showing of ‘The Greatest War’

MADISON – In observance of Veterans Day, the Wisconsin Union team will hold a free breakfast and program on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. in Memorial Union’s Main Lounge and a showing of “The Greatest War” on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Shannon Hall. 

The Veterans Day event will include remarks at 9:30 a.m. by Bill Davis, a Marine Corps veteran, University of Wisconsin-Madison student and a member of Student Veterans of America; UW-Madison Veteran Services Coordinator Jolene Anders; Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor; and Wisconsin Union Director and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Mark Guthier. The event will include free, light refreshments on a first come, first served basis and is open to the community. 

The program will also feature a performance by the Wisconsin National Guard’s 132nd Army Band. The band travels the state, country and even the world, playing a variety of music. 

More information about this event is available at union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/veterans-day-recognition-breakfast.

Later that evening, rock ‘n’ roll, images and video will come together to tell the story of World War I during “The Greatest War.” This multimedia event will explore the living legacy of WWI, including its impact on Wisconsinites in the past and today. 

“The Greatest War” is presented by Four Seasons Theatre in partnership with the Wisconsin Union Theater. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Memorial Union Box Office. Tickets cost $15-$35 for non-students and $10 for UW-Madison students. Non-student Wisconsin Union members are eligible for $3 off “The Greatest War” ticket prices. 

The Union is holding these events in recognition of the heroism of Badgers who have served our country, including fallen UW-Madison service members. 

“We are grateful for this opportunity to thank our university’s service members for their service and to remember those service members who didn’t come home,” Wisconsin Union Communications Director Shauna Breneman said. “We endeavor on Veterans Day and every day to never forget members of our military and their heroism and service.”

Memorial Union’s honoring of service members began in 1928 with the dedication of the building as a memorial to UW-Madison’s service members. In addition, the names of more than 200 Badgers who died in active duty are inscribed on wooden plaques on the walls of Memorial Union’s Memorial Hall, outside of the Main Lounge. 

In 2017, the Wisconsin Union also debuted an electronic Gold Star Honor Roll, which tells the stories of more than 900 alumni who were killed during active duty. Their stories can be read at uwgoldstarhonorroll.org, on a computer in the Hamel Family Browsing Library, and on a kiosk outside of the Main Lounge.

The Veteran Services & Military Assistance Center assists the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s more than 400 military-affiliated students with transitioning to campus life, coordinating education benefits certification, and connecting to needed campus resources. 

“I didn’t connect with the Student Veterans group on campus until my second semester, and, when I did, it was comforting to know that there were others who had experienced the same things and frustrations,” Davis said. “I am very grateful for the veterans around me, both on and off campus, for the support and camaraderie they give.” 

In addition to the Wisconsin Union-hosted events at Memorial Union, on Nov. 11, the UW-Madison chapter of Student Veterans of America will host a Veterans Day display of flags on Bascom Hill in honor of veterans. The chapter’s leaders welcome community members to take part in this display immediately following the breakfast program by placing flags on the Hill for veterans in their lives. Those interested in participating can obtain flags at a table at the bottom of Bascom Hill on Nov. 11. Those unable to take part in-person can submit flag placement requests for veterans online at no cost: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_41uW2AvAJ1yZCIZ.

The student organization will also host a free showing of the film “Dawn of the Red Arrow” on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. in Union South’s Marquee. This film follows the stories of Wisconsin National Guard soldiers returning from Europe after serving with the 32^nd Red Arrow Division during WWI. 

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

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. Learn more about the Theater: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

[Note to the editor: Click here to download a photo of guests viewing the Gold Star Honor Roll kiosk outside of the Main Lounge. Photo by Sara Warden. Photo provided by the Wisconsin Union.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/veterans-day-2019.

Joanna Trygstad joins NGL as Vice President, Policy Administration

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to welcome Joanna K. Trygstad to the team as Vice President, Policy Administration. Trygstad oversees the policy administration services, claims, underwriting, agent support and customer services.

“Joanna is a results-driven collaborative leader who empowers the people on her teams to focus on customer service excellence. Her background in the insurance industry and ability to inspire her teams will help guide our company as we focus on growing and transforming our preneed line of business,” said David M. Anderson, NGL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Most recently, Trygstad was Vice President, Business Transformation at Thrivent Financial. She spent 12 years at the organization in a variety of operations, human resources and strategy leadership roles, with a focus on organizational and operational effectiveness initiatives to continuously improve business alignment and performance.

Prior to joining Thrivent, she served in an operations management role at an online university dedicated to providing equal access for higher education. Additionally, Trygstad is an experienced international corporate and executive coach for all management levels.

“I’m excited to join NGL. I look forward to collaborating across all teams to further strengthen our top-notch customer service for agents and policyholders,” said Trygstad.

Trygstad holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on Finance and International Business from University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and German from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minn. Trygstad participated in exchange programs during both undergraduate and graduate programs at University of Freiburg in Germany and University of Sankt Gallen in Switzerland, respectively. Trygstad earned a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in 2011.

Growing up in the mountains of Northern California, Trygstad is passionate about conservation and global resiliency. Trygstad has been active with various organizations engaged in the development and deployment of micro-insurance solutions in emerging markets, and she has volunteered multiple times internationally with Habitat for Humanity. She currently lives in Appleton, Wis. with her husband, Andy, and two sons.

About NGL

Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), a mutual insurance company, has been located in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

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Registration Open for Wilderness First Aid Courses

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

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSES

Outdoor UW to host first aid courses by world-renowned wilderness school

MADISON – The Outdoor UW team is currently accepting registrations for the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course taking place Nov. 2-3 through the industry-leading, global wilderness school National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Wilderness Medicine Institute. 

This two-day, 16-hour course will prepare trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts and individuals working in remote locations for a variety of first aid scenarios, from falling ill to incurring injuries. Seasoned NOLS instructors will teach this course 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Memorial Union. 

The course will combine classroom lectures and demonstrations with hands-on, realistic scenarios. At the end of the WFA course, participants will have the knowledge and skills to provide effective first aid and make sound decisions in emergency situations. 

“Whether you work for a ski resort, are a wilderness trip guide or are an outdoor enthusiast, you and those around you will benefit from the knowledge and skills you will gain from Wilderness First Aid,” Outdoor UW Director Joseph Webb said. “Being safe in the outdoors means being prepared for emergencies. You always hope to never need to use the first aid skills you’ll gain, but, if you do need them, you’ll be glad you enrolled in Wilderness First Aid.”

Participants can expect learning to take place indoors and outdoors. The Outdoor UW team encourages registrants to read each day’s weather forecast and dress to spend time in the outdoors. 

The course is open to the public. Those who are not Wisconsin Hoofers members can take this course for $250. Current UW-Madison students, who are also Wisconsin Hoofers members, are eligible for $50 off the course.  

Wisconsin Hoofers club members are encouraged to inquire with their club presidents about WFA scholarship opportunities. 

Those interested can register by visiting union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/nols-wilderness-first-aid-course, calling the Outdoor UW office at (608) 262-1630, or visiting the Outdoor UW office on the lower level of Memorial Union. 

Outdoor UW will hold additional two-day WFA courses March 7-8 and April 18-19. Registration for these courses is also open. 

For those seeking more in-depth first aid knowledge and training, Outdoor UW will also offer an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course Jan. 10-19. Taught by NOLS instructors, WFR is regarded as the industry-standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies. NOLS recommends this more intensive training to those traveling to remote wilderness locations. 

Individuals who successfully complete the WFR course and pass WFR written and practical exams will earn Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) Adult and Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will earn a Wilderness EMT certification.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

[Note to the editor: Click here to download a photo of UW-Madison students in the outdoors, using Outdoor UW camping equipment. Photo provided by the Wisconsin Union. Photo by Andy Manis.]

To read this release online, visit https://union.wisc.edu/about/news/wilderness-first-aid/.

VanBuskirk Joins M3 as Account Executive

Madison, WI – James VanBuskirk recently joined M3 Insurance as a property and casualty account executive. In this role, consults with and advises small market clients on the design, implementation and management of their business insurance coverage.

James is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent in Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Prior to joining M3, James developed and managed a start-up insurance agency in the Washington, D.C. area which focused on commercial insurance for small businesses and personal coverage for high net worth individuals.  In June 2018, James sold his agency in preparation to move to Wisconsin. He is currently enrolled in the Executive MBA (Master of Business Administration) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In his free time, James enjoys spending time with his wife and giving back to our community by delivering meals to elderly and home-bound individuals with Independent Living’s Evening Meals on Wheels program. He is also an active volunteer with the Ironman Wisconsin event as well as Catholic Charities of Chicago and is a member of the University of Maryland Alumni Association.

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About M3

M3 is the largest insurance broker and risk management firm in the state of Wisconsin. As a top 50 broker 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.

Christa Schonscheck Joins State Bank of Cross Plains as In-House Portfolio Manager and Trust Officer

October 21, 2019, MADISON, Wisconsin— State Bank of Cross Plains (SBCP) welcomes Christa Schonscheck, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC®, CLTC® as an in-house investment portfolio manager and trust officer.

Schonscheck works in collaboration with the bank’s entire wealth management team to help customize the investing experience and provide local management of funds. In this unique melding of roles, she serves customers both behind-the-scenes through research and fund management and face-to-face through client meetings to answer questions about why specific funds are chosen for individual portfolios.

“I’m very passionate about financial literacy,” explains Schonscheck. “Financial planning requires a dialogue. Everyone at every stage of investing should feel welcome to ask questions and fully understand how the process works. My goal is to analyze the complexities of each unique financial situation, create a strategy, and have a collaborative conversation about the next steps. I want everyone to feel comfortable, included, and empowered regarding their finances.”

Schonscheck not only brings seven years of experience in all areas of wealth management, she has also worked diligently to advance her financial education, recognized as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC®) professional.

In addition to her work at State Bank of Cross Plains, Schonscheck and her husband own a small business providing pet boarding. She also serves as a volunteer for Lucky Mutts Rescue and competes with her Australian Shepherd in conformation in American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, and Australian Shepherd Club of America.

“Christa has a great combination of experience, accreditation, and technical ability to perform all the day-to-day back-office work paired with the personality to provide great customer service during interactions with our clients,” shares Mark Drachenberg, CFP®, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager for SBCP’s Wealth Management Division. “I’m excited to have someone with her impressive experience and ability on our team!”

The Wealth Management Division at State Bank of Cross Plains is headquartered in the Madison office and provides a full spectrum of business and personal financial services, including:

• Comprehensive financial planning services
• Retirement income management
• Risk management (insurance)
• Education funding
• In-house investment portfolio managers
• Trust and Estate Administration
• Business Continuation and Succession Planning

Anyone can work with the wealth management team at State Bank of Cross Plains. Specifically, customers do NOT need to bank at SBCP or live or work in the bank’s service area. For more information about the financial planning and trust services available through the SBCP Wealth Management Division, visit sbcp.bank or call (608) 826-3570.

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State Bank of Cross Plains is known for our modern, progressive approach to supporting businesses and consumers by offering services more typical of larger financial institutions in an environment that values one-on-one personal relationships and community involvement. Thanks to our recent merger, State Bank of Cross Plains is a $1.3 billion institution, offering a full range of business and personal financial services including business, real estate, and consumer lending, as well as wealth management and financial advisory services. We now also provide Crop Insurance and Ag Lending Services. SBCP has 15 convenient locations in Dane, Rock, and Green Counties. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

For additional information, please visit sbcp.bank or contact VP-Marketing Director Darin Tessier at 608-826-3514.