Welcome to The Cupola Post, featuring stories about members of our Pointer family, our campus community and all things related to our Central Wisconsin home.
The Cupola atop Old Main has served as a symbol of our university since 1894. First-year students seal their covenant with the university by touching a wooden replica of the cupola as they depart Convocation, at the start of their journey as Pointers. This hands-on tradition is repeated at Commencement, as graduates mark their transition from students to alumni.
Touching the cupola is a symbol of the lasting connection between UWSP and members of the Pointer family. In much the same way, we hope The Cupola Post reaffirms that connection and helps you “keep in touch” with your alma mater.
Kim Westerman | October 2025
For Emmitt James ’15, UW–Stevens Point was more than a place to study — it was where he found his purpose. The Arts Management graduate turned campus experiences into a thriving music career centered on creativity and community. From producing his first live show at UWSP to launching Milwaukee’s annual Emmitt James Big Band BBQ fundraiser, he continues to blend art with impact.
Kim Westerman| October 2025
Paul (’78) and Gale Kirby’s journey began at UW–Stevens Point — and their legacy will now shape its future. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝗯𝘆𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗪𝗦𝗣’𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 an unrestricted gift ensuring that generations of students can discover their purpose and potential. Their story is one of hard work, gratitude, and giving back to the place that helped them find their way.
Kim Westerman | September 2025
Howard Pope ’04 turned obstacles into opportunities — and now, he’s paying it forward. A proud UWSP graduate, Howard has given back every year for 18 consecutive years, proving that annual giving isn’t about the size of the gift, but about showing up consistently to support future generations. His story reminds us that persistence, gratitude, and steady generosity can transform lives.
UWSP Staff | September 2025
UW-Stevens Point will honor the extraordinary generosity of Mary E. Reinhart by naming the new Mary Reinhart University Library, opening in 2026. Through her estate gift, Mary created two scholarships—one providing emergency support so students can stay on track when life throws the unexpected at them, and another providing opportunities in library science and academic research. Her legacy will ensure generations of Pointers can discover their purpose, thrive on campus, and carry the vision of opportunity forward
Kim Westerman | September 2025
From UW-Stevens Point student to Director of Advising Services at Fox Valley Technical College, Dana Alft Zahorik (’93) turned challenge into purpose. Inspired by a professor who truly saw her, she shifted from pre-law to psychology and found her calling in college counseling.
Kim Westerman | August 2025
Jake (’07, MSE ’09) and Candice (’07) Dickert Honor Their Past by Investing in UWSP’s Future.
Jake and Candice know the power of a UWSP education. That’s why they’ve made a gift to honor Coach John Miech and strengthen Pointer Football for years to come.
UWSP Staff | August 2025
As we celebrate August as Make a Will Month, we honor visionary gifts like the planned gift from Chancellor Thomas George and Barbara Harbach—made with purpose and heart.
UWSP Staff | June 2025
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is entering the public phase of its “Discover Your Purpose” comprehensive campaign, announced the UWSP Foundation Board, with the goal of raising $100 million dollars.
Kim Westerman | May 2025
This year’s NFL draft was held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 23, 24, 25, and four Point alumni were front and center for the action.
Kim Westerman | May 2025
From UWSP to published author — Steve Salmon (’98 English) defied the odds. Born with cerebral palsy, he found his voice through writing and Morse code. Now, he’s living his dream.
Kim Westerman | April 2025
When Jay Joseph ditched the Big 10 scene for UW-Stevens Point, he wasn’t chasing prestige but purpose. What started with rebuilding an engine during a housing hiccup turned into a 30-year career fueled by a passion for communication and cars. A chance toll-free call to Mitsubishi jump-started a ride through the upper ranks of automotive PR, eventually landing him at Honda, where he now takes the wheel as President of Honda Australia.
Kim Westerman | April 2025
Sara Witter Connor, who has had a front-row seat as a family historian of one of the great American lumber families, shares the WWII legacy of Wisconsin’s lumber industry—including waterproof plywood that saved Allied planes. Her family’s wood helped build the DeHavilland Mosquito, the CG-4A glider, and even Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose.”
Kim Westerman | April 2025
Kevin (BS ’19, MBA ’20) and Jordan Ile (BS ’19, MS ’21) turned their UW-Stevens Point experience into a love story, successful careers, and now, giving back. Married in 2020 and raising a family, they recently established the Kevin and Jordan Ile Scholarship to support students. Their journey started at UWSP, and now they’re helping others begin theirs.
Kim Westerman | March 2025
Chad Harlow (’97) grew up in rural Wisconsin with dreams of making it to New York. Fast forward to Chad recently winning an Emmy Award for his work at his dream job on Saturday Night Live!
Kim Westerman | March 2025
Learn about Brian Riedel’s journey from UWSP to hoisting the Stanley Cup as assistant athletic trainer for the Florida Panthers!
Kim Westerman | March 2025
Honorable Lawrence P. (Patrick) Auld created a scholarship to honor his mother, Joan Whitford Auld (’56), on the 60-year anniversary of her graduation from Wisconsin State Teachers College (now UWSP).
Kim Westerman | February 2025
Ray Ackerlund (’97) is a quiet disruptor. His journey from growing up on a rural dairy farm to the Air Force to UWSP and eventually leading one of the largest companies in Central Wisconsin provides valuable lessons in personal growth and service to your community.
Jeanne Nagle | January 2025
After a 40-year career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, alumnus Tim Kroeff ’75 is dedicated to giving back to UWSP. Most recently, Kroeff made a generous contribution to help rebuild water-damaged offices in the CNR, dedicating his gift to his fellow classmates from his time at UWSP.
University Communications and Marketing | December 2024
Longtime educators and UWSP Alumni Frank and Kathleen Haeni support UWSP by funding multiple scholarships, undergraduate research and laboratory equipment and maintenance. Their commitment to the university and its students will be recognized with the naming of the Haeni Chemistry Biology Building.
Jeanne Nagle | November 2024
Navigating waves and rising to awesome heights have defined alumnus Frederick “Fritz” Wenzel’s career—as well as his favorite pastimes.
During a long, distinguished career that included stints as a researcher, health care manager, leader and teacher, Fritz Wenzel ’56 authored or coauthored numerous scientific papers, plus a couple of books for good measure. Were he so inclined, and maybe feeling a bit puckish, one suspects he could also just as easily write a volume titled “Lessons Learned From My Leisure Pursuits.” Featured prominently in that particular book would be chapters featuring two of his favorite activities: Sailing and mountain climbing.
Jeanne Nagle | October 2024
Professors Emeriti Susan Gingrasso and Doug Henderson had a hand in shaping the departments of Dance and Psychology, respectively, while at UWSP. Their influence is still being felt on campus courtesy of individual scholarships that bear their names as benefactors. Read how this dynamic couple altered the landscape of their respective fields on campus.
Jeanne Nagle | July 2024
Everywhere there are many stories to tell. From humble beginnings to a spontaneous collaboration, this Cupola Post story joins two Pointer alumni in their journey to share powerful narratives throughout Central Wisconsin.
Jeanne Nagle | June 2024
Professor Isabelle Stelmahoske ’49 takes center stage in this dramatized account of one woman’s life and times as an educator extraordinaire. The Cupola Post story A Teacher’s Gift also underscores how planned gifts make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many at UWSP.
Jeanne Nagle | April 2024
UWSP’s monthlong Day of Giving celebration is back–and this time, it’s personal. Cupola Post explores individual measures being undertaken by alumni, students and friends of the university to help make the D.O.G. a success in this month’s Cupola Post story.
