UW-Madison Division of the Arts: Professor Laura Schwendinger Leads The List of Recipients for the 2024 Creative Arts Awards; Wisconsin Film Festival’s Artistic Director Earns Bartell Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact: Kate Hewson, info@arts.wisc.edu

URL: go.wisc.edu/ArtsAwards

Media kit: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/mlao475g6uqcp77qw3440nhcewpqk32g

News article: https://artsdivision.wisc.edu/2024/02/08/2024-creative-arts-awardees/

Professor Laura Schwendinger Leads The List of Recipients for the 2024 Creative Arts Awards; Wisconsin Film Festival’s Artistic Director Earns Bartell Award

Madison, Wis. – February 8, 2024 – The much anticipated 2024 Creative Arts Awardees have been announced by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of the Arts. Laura Schwendinger, Professor of Music Composition at University of Wisconsin–Madison, leads a distinguished list of faculty, staff and student recipients, who will be honored publicly at a special gala event on May 2, 2024 at the Hamel Music Center.

Professor Schwendinger will receive the Creative Arts Award, which recognizes and honors extraordinary artistic projects and endeavors of the highest quality carried out by tenured members of the UW–Madison arts faculty.  Schwendinger is the award-winning composer of Artemisia, winner of the 2023 American Academy of Arts and Letters Charles Ives Opera award, one of the largest such awards to composers of opera, was the first composer to win the Berlin Prize in 1999 and is a 2009 Guggenheim Fellow.  Staff member Hannah O’Hare Bennett, an artist and experimental papermaker based in Madison, WI is among the notable recipients this year and will receive the Edna Wiechers Arts in Wisconsin Award. She holds an MFA in Design Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison (2017). She is known for her innovative techniques with hand papermaking and natural pigments, and frequently teaches workshops on those topics at art centers around the United States. Currently she is the UW–Madison campus recruiter for the International Division and lectures in the Art Department. Kaleb B. Autman, senior and a double-major in Sociology and Legal Studies, began studying at UW–Madison in the fall of 2021 as a First Wave Scholar. Autman is a documentarian working through the mediums of photography, video, and spoken word, focused on Black and Indigenous resistance and survivance. His practice employs memory and ancestral ties in centering land stewardship, cultural stewardship, and social movements. He will receive the Lyman S.V. Judson and Ellen Mackechnie Judson Undergraduate Student Award in the Creative Arts and the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Arts Award.

Mike King, the visionary Artistic Director of the Wisconsin Film Festival (WFF), is this year’s recipient of the Joyce J. and Gerald A. Bartell Award in the Arts for his exceptional contributions to the arts community. Under King’s leadership, the Wisconsin Film Festival has become a beacon of cultural and community engagement, showcasing groundbreaking films that provoke thought, celebrate diversity, and connect people across the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and beyond.  The Division of the Arts extends its sincere thanks to the Bartell Family for their deep and engaging contribution to the arts on UW’s campus and across the Madison arts community over many decades. The multiple points of access and engagement created by this synergy between the donor and the work is the Wisconsin Idea in action.

“We’re proud of the diverse group of awardees from across UW–Madison faculty, staff and students this year, who are doing groundbreaking and innovative research intended to benefit the communities we serve.” says Christopher Walker, Director of the Division of the Arts. “There is a renaissance in the arts post COVID, and the Creative Arts Awards serves to recognize excellence and equip our talented recipients to lead the change and to go boldly with work that advances the Wisconsin Idea.”

Completing this year’s list of awardees are:

Emily Mead Baldwin Award in the Creative Arts
Anna Campbell, Associate Professor, Gender and Women’s Studies
Peter Dominguez, Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies, Mead Witter School of Music

David and Edith Sinaiko Frank Graduate Fellowship for a Woman in the Arts
Anamika Singh, MFA candidate, 4D, Art Department

Lyman S.V. Judson and Ellen Mackechnie Judson Graduate Student Award in the Creative Arts
Diego Alegria, PhD Candidate, Literary Studies, English
Gabriela Yepes-Rossel, PhD candidate, Interdisciplinary Theater Studies

Graduate Student Creative Arts Awards
Fatemeh Fani, MFA candidate, photography, Art Department
Matthew Ludak, MFA candidate, photography, Art Department
Veronica Pham, MFA candidate, fiber arts, Department of Design Studies
Magdalena Sas, PhD candidate, cello performance, Mead Witter School of Music
Caroyln Spears, MFA candidate, glassmaking, Art Department
Devon Stackonis, MFA candidate, printmaking, Art Department

Lyman S.V. Judson and Ellen Mackechnie Judson Undergraduate Student Award in the Creative Arts
Diya Abbas, Creative Writing & South Asian Studies
Kaleb Autman, Sociology & Legal Studies

Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Arts Award
Kaleb Autman, Sociology & Legal Studies
Dylan Hart, Wisconsin School of Business
Madelyn Mascotti, Art Department
Kiyem Obuseh, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Abby Sunde, Art Department
Isaac Yang, Department of Communication Arts

The 2024 Creative Arts Awards selection committee chaired by Chris Walker, and comprised Faisal Abdu’Allah, Anthony Di Sanza, Florence Hsia, Grant Nelsestuen, Jen Plants and Samara Frame (ex officio).

The Creative Arts Awards program enables the Arts Division to recognize and support research and outreach in all areas of the creative arts at UW–Madison. Eight awards are open to a variety of arts practitioners, researchers, students (both undergraduate and graduate), staff and faculty from arts academic departments, co-curricular arts units and programs. The gala awards ceremony, presented by the Division of Arts, is a celebration of diverse and groundbreaking creative arts research that spans disciplines and departments across UW–Madison.

This year’s event will hold even greater significance, as it will form part of the UW–Madison’s 175th Anniversary celebration. The gala will feature an extraordinary evening of performance and acknowledgement of some of UW–Madison’s most distinguished faculty, staff and students. The evening will also highlight notable transformative service contributions.

About The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of the Arts
The Division of the Arts advocates for, connects, and elevates the arts at UW–Madison. Our vision, “The Arts for Everyone, Everywhere,” is one by which the arts at UW–Madison are: integral to research, teaching, learning and outreach; accessible to all at UW–Madison; and impactful both locally and globally. Through the Creative Arts Awards, the Arts Division provides research support to faculty, staff, and students in the arts. Awards are made possible by the Emily Mead Baldwin Professorship Fund, Joyce J. and Gerald A. Bartell Award for Arts Faculty and Staff Fund, Suzanne and Roberto Freund, Lyman S.V. Judson and Ellen Mackechnie Judson Award Fund, Emily Nissley, David and Edith Sinaiko Frank Fund, Edna Wiechers Arts in Wisconsin Fund, and the Division of the Arts.

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Madison Presented General Staffing Office of the Year Award

Local Staffing and Recruiting Company Recognized with Prestigious National Honors

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) in Madison announced today that it was recently presented with the General Staffing Office of the Year award for the second consecutive year during the company’s annual National Meeting. In addition, team members Loraine Burton and Becky Romens were recognized as top performers nationally.

“It’s an honor to be awarded nationally for the second year in a row,” said Kassner. “This acknowledgment reinforces the outstanding work our team does each day to make a meaningful impact for both businesses and job seekers in Madison.”

The 2024 Spherion National Meeting was held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans from March 14 to 16. While there, franchisees had the chance to reconnect with each other and with members of the corporate team while participating in educational workshops that embody Spherion’s culture of continuous growth and improvement.

“It was an empowering moment for our franchise community to gather in New Orleans for our 2024 National Meeting and celebrate our 2023 accomplishments while reflecting on growth opportunities for the year ahead,” said Kathy George, president of Spherion. “Spherion has the award-winning reputation it holds today because of franchisees like Austin, whose dedication to excellence sets the standard for our organization. We’re proud to recognize the entire Madison team for their hard work and community contributions.”

Spherion brandishes the power of local through a network of independent and empowered franchisees like Kassner. Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community through connecting and facilitating employment opportunities every day—and when they’re successful together, their investments flow back into the neighborhoods where they live and work. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

Caden Moyer Joins Oak Bank as Loan Operations Specialist

For Immediate Release

Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Caden Moyer Joins Oak Bank as Loan Operations Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s community bank since 2000, welcomes Caden Moyer to the team as a Loan Operations Specialist.

Moyer’s professional journey prior to joining Oak Bank includes valuable experience in the auditing industry, which has equipped him with a keen eye for detail and a strong analytical mindset. He brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our organization, making him an invaluable asset as we continue to serve our clients with excellence.

In his role at Oak Bank, Moyer’s responsibilities include various reporting and servicing functions. He will work closely with Oak Bank’s lending team to prepare and process loan applications and work with parties involved in real estate and consumer loan transactions. He will also assist clients accessing equity in their homes by processing home equity lines of credit.

“Caden is a wonderful addition to our Loan Operations team. He brings analytical insight to our current processes and a fresh perspective. He is already proving to be a valuable asset for our clients,” said Melissa Torres, Oak Bank Vice President Loan Operations.

“I’m excited to start my professional career surrounded by so much knowledge and a team driven toward providing the best client experience possible,” Moyer expressed.

A recent graduate from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, Caden holds a degree in finance, graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude. Outside of his professional endeavors, Moyer has a passion for giving back especially through causes like the Special Olympics and World Vision. In his leisure time, he enjoys golfing, watching sports, traveling, fitness activities, and spending time outdoors.

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 23 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 125 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

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Alliant Energy named among Most Trustworthy Companies in America

Newsweek recently announced its list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America, and for the third year in a row, Alliant Energy was included. The award list was presented on March 27 by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

Read more from In Business magazine

National Guardian Life Insurance Company Names Joseph Celentano as New CEO

MADISON, WI (April 2, 2024) — National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) Board of Directors announced that Joseph (Joe) Celentano will join the Madison Wisconsin-based mutual life insurance company as President & CEO effective May 6. Celentano will also serve on the NGL Board of Directors.

Celentano is an experienced life insurance industry professional with more than 30 years in leadership positions at Pacific Life, a mutual based insurer. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Pacific Life’s Retirement Solutions Division during which he managed the impacts of the Covid pandemic while increasing profitable annuity sales through the launch of new and innovative annuity products.

“Joe’s extensive mutual life experience and risk management expertise combined with his leadership skills will serve us well as he leads NGL’s next phase of growth,” said Gary Wolter, chair of NGL’s Board of Directors. “He knows the mutual insurance culture, understands the important role our preneed products have in helping families, and values building partnerships.”

While at Pacific Life, Celentano held a variety of positions ranging from product development officer to divisional CFO, to enterprise-wide Chief Risk Officer. His most recent position was Executive Vice President with overall responsibility for the Retirement Solutions Division. Joe’s experience includes co-chairing the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, leading digital transformation efforts and participating in setting overall company strategy.

“I am honored to lead NGL and become part of the team,” said Celentano. “NGL’s strong financials, leading position in the preneed market and mutual company culture make NGL poised for future success.  My wife Kathy and I look forward to moving and settling in Madison.”

Kim Shaul, who served as interim CEO, will return to her position as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, working with Celentano for a seamless leadership transition. “On behalf of the NGL Board of Directors I would like to thank Kim for her leadership in keeping the company focused and profitable during the time of the search,” said Wolter.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered 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 http://www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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