UW-River Falls to present “The Drowsy Chaperone” April 9-12
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Music and Stage and Screen Arts Department will present the Tony Award-winning musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a delightful love letter to the glitzy, goofy musicals of the roaring twenties, April 9-12. Performances will be held in the Blanche Davis Theatre, Kleinpell Fine Arts, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls. A diehard musical theatre fan longing for a bit of escape drops the needle on his favorite record – the cast album of a fictitious 1928 musical. As the
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Dual enrollment programs give high school students a head start on college degrees
Hayden Halstead, a first year University of Wisconsin-River Falls management major from New Richmond, had a great start on a college degree and a career before he even graduated from high school. Halstead already had work experience as a manager at McDonald’s, where he started working at age 14, and he started earning college credit as a junior by taking chemistry classes from UWRF through the Dual Academic Credit Program (DACP). “I have always tried to challenge myself, try new things,” Halstead
Student Voice wins nine awards in statewide collegiate journalism contest
The Student Voice, the student-run newspaper at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, received nine awards at the 2025 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Collegiate Better Newspaper Contest earlier this month. The contest featured 331 entries from 12 campus newspapers, highlighting excellence in various journalistic categories. The publication secured two first place awards, one for public affairs reporting awarded to Angel Riley, a senior from Brooklyn Center, Minn., for her story “DIB to
River Falls Municipal Utilities Director Kevin Westhuis to speak at UW-River Falls April 8
The University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host the third guest speaker in the Innovators Speaker Series Wednesday, April 8. Kevin Westhuis, director of River Falls Municipal Utilities, will speak at 6 p.m. in room 194 of the new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech), 410 S. 3rd St. As the utilities director, Westhuis is responsible for the city’s electricity, water and wastewater. During his presentation, he will discuss the
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Criminology students put research skills to work to fight sexual exploitation
When Ashley Moore, executive director of Citizens Against Sex Trafficking (C.A.S.T.), needed well-researched content for her group’s monthly newsletter, she reached out to University of Wisconsin-River Falls Criminology Professor Desiree Wiesen-Martin. The two worked together to come up with a plan that would not only provide the content Moore needed but woud also give students in Wiesen-Martin's Victimology class some valuable real-world experience. “We work to prevent human trafficking and exploitation
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UW-River Falls to award $2.5 million in scholarships
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls expects to award approximately $2.5 million in scholarships in 2026-2027, helping more than 1,400 undergraduate students pay for college. 65% of undergraduate students at UWRF receive some kind of financial aid. “The UWRF value means we are committed to delivering an exceptional education that remains truly affordable,” said Cindy Holbrook, executive director of enrollment and student success. “We’re proud to support our students with more than 800 merit- and
UWRF students present research at Research in the Rotunda in Madison
Eight undergraduate researchers from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls joined around 125 students from across the Universities of Wisconsin to present their work at the 22nd annual Research in the Rotunda event, held March 11 at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. Seven current students and one recent graduate represented UWRF at the event, presenting research on projects as diverse as colliding catalysts in chemistry, the biology of cancer, business psychology, Latin American history and
“Birds and the Urban Landscape” will be topic of presentation at UWRF March 21
University of Wisconsin-River Falls Biology and Ornithology Lecturer Sami Nichols will give a presentation titled “Birds and the Urban Landscape” on Saturday, March 21, from 10:30 to noon in the UWRF North Hall Auditorium at 410 S. 3rd St. in River Falls. The presentation is free and open to the public. Nichols, who also teaches at Anoka Ramsey Community College, has studied the ecology of birds in urban landscapes since 2010 in collaboration with citizen-science monitoring projects across the Twin
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UWRF to host SciTech Grand Opening Celebration March 31
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls invites the community to tour the new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) at a Grand Opening Celebration March 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. SciTech is located on the UWRF campus at 262 E. Cascade Ave. SciTech opened to students on Jan. 26 for the first day of spring semester classes. In addition to cutting-edge technology, the new building offers collaborative work and study spaces. Karl Peterson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the student
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to host annual conference at UW-River Falls March 13
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) will host their 2026 annual conference at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Friday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls. The conference theme is “Pathways to Inclusion: Unpacking Home and Community-Based Services.” Registration includes lunch and refreshments. Participants can attend in-person or virtually. Register at aaiddwi.com or
St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center awards $55,000 in micro-grants supported by WEDC
The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls has awarded a second and final round of micro-grants supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help area businesses grow. During this final round, SCVBIC awarded $55,000 to 12 businesses to help with critical growth expenses. The micro-grants are supported by $100,000 from the WEDC, provided to support businesses in St. Croix, Pierce and Polk counties. Awarded along with the grants was a matching
Area high school students compete in Visual Arts Classic at UWRF
Around 60 students from 11 area high schools put their artistic talents to the test at the Visual Arts Classic (VAC) held February 27 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The VAC is a competition for art students in grades 9 through 12 and is presented by the Wisconsin Art Education Association. The competition features several studio categories involving a long-term project and an onsite short-term team project. This was the second year that UWRF hosted a regional competition. “It’s a great
Chancellor John Chenoweth marks one-year anniversary
Reflecting on my first year as interim chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, I would like to express my gratitude for the extraordinary community support that I have witnessed. I have been truly moved by the enthusiastic participation of the people of River Falls and our surrounding communities in campus life. I am struck by how truly special this region is. UWRF is a unique campus, but its strength is drawn directly from the people who show up for us time and again. I have been
Students pitch original business ideas at Spark Tank! Innovation Challenge
“One thing that people are scared of is their mom, their grandma, maybe their close family members showing up to a totally dirty house.” That was the opening line of the winning business pitch presented by University of Wisconsin-River Falls students at the 11th Spark Tank! Innovation Challenge hosted at the university by the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Tanner Kaufman, a junior sociology and criminology major from Maple, joined his teammates Bradley
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UWRF presents Eve Beglarian for 60th Commissioned Composer Concert March 12
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will welcome featured composer Eve Beglarian for the 60th Commissioned Composer concert on Thursday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Abbott Concert Hall in Kleinpell Fine Arts, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls. The concert is free and open to the public. Beglarian will be on campus March 10-12 for a three-day residency working with faculty and students and sharing insights about her music. The public is also invited to a convocation March 12 at 11 a.m. in Abbott Concert
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Anchor Paper CEO Brooke Lee to speak at UW-River Falls University Business Collaboration Center
Brooke Lee, the CEO of Anchor Paper, will be the next guest speaker for the Innovators Speaker Series presented by the University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Lee will speak Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m. in room 194 at UWRF’s new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech), 410 S. 3rd St. The event is free and open to the public. Lee represents the fourth generation of her family to lead Anchor Paper, a role she took on at age 33. She has grown
Author to discuss disappearing family farms at UW-River Falls March 11
Author Brian Reisinger will discuss his book, “Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family’s Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer,” on Wednesday, March 11, at 5 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the Kinnickinnic River Theater in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave. The event is free and open to the public. Reisinger will discuss the forces driving the decline of family farms and their impact on the nation’s food supply, drawing on four generations of his family’s
Chamber Insights: The Best Creativity Tool for Your Small Business
The Best Creativity Tool for Your Small BusinessA beginner-friendly guide to thinking bigger without working longer If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen trying to write a social post…Or struggled to come up with a new promotion that doesn’t feel recycled…Or wished you had a brainstorming partner who didn’t need coffee breaks…Your life is about to get easier.You probably already know the capabilities of AI as a writing tool, but it’s also a creative accelerator. And for small business owners who do
Through a cow’s eyes: Humane Handling Institute first in U.S. to use augmented reality goggles for animal handling training
Have you ever wondered what the world looks like through the eyes of a cow? When your job is handling livestock, that information could be useful to know. That is the idea behind the augmented reality goggles being used to train animal handlers at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Humane Handling Institute (HHI), the first organization in North America to put the technology to use. Ashlynn Kirk, program manager of HHI and a UWRF alum, learned about the goggles, called the Animal Eye
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UWRF hosting free Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series
Feb. 3, 2026 – The University of Wisconsin–River Falls has released the spring 2026 schedule for the free Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series featuring a wide variety of musical performances by university faculty and special guests. The series includes performances on piano, cello, woodwinds, harpsichord, violin and vocals. Concerts take place at noon on Fridays in Abbott Concert Hall in Kleinpell Fine Arts, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls. Concerts are free and open to the public. Concert series
Chamber Insights: For Business Owners - A Smart QR Code Playbook
QR codes have faded in and out of popularity over the past decade, but they’ve finally surpassed trend status and they’re here to stay. They are convenient ways to drive traffic to desired information or action platforms. When used with intention, QR codes quietly remove friction and move customers exactly where you want them to go. QR codes are great for information that could change such as daily specials. QR code stickers can also update old info on printed materials (perfect for the extremely
Tech entrepreneur Jeff Cernohous to speak at UW-River Falls Feb. 18
Jan. 30, 2026 – The University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is introducing a new monthly panel, the Innovators Speaker Series. The first guest speaker will be Jeff Cernohous, COO of Interfacial Consultants and chief innovation officer of Nagase, who will speak about his experiences as an innovative business entrepreneur. His talk will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. in the new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech), 410 S. 3rd Street, in
Chamber Insights: Is Your Business Owner-Dependent?
It’s a simple question. Slightly uncomfortable. Surprisingly revealing.If you stepped away from your business for two weeks starting tomorrow, no email, no Slack, no “just checking in,” what would fall apart?Most business owners don’t love this thought experiment. Not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because many small businesses are built on proximity. You are the system. You are the memory. You are the fixer of last resort.That works. Until it doesn’t.We’re not suggesting this asking this
Chamber Insights:One Easy Revenue Stream Most Small Businesses Don’t Know About
Unless you’ve been on the show Survivor’s island for the last six months, you probably have gotten wind of the notion that AI can help you save time, but did you know it can also help you make money? I’m not talking about becoming an AI expert and training the masses. That would take time you probably don’t have. In this case, I’m referring to creating a digital product for your business that you can sell and make money even when your business isn’t open. And best of all you can likely create it
Chamber Insights: The Hidden Cash Sitting In Your Business (And How to Find It)
A Guide to Recovering Revenue You Didn't Know You Were LosingWhen was the last time you reviewed your business subscriptions? From software to streaming services, you could have hundreds of dollars out there that you had forgotten about. That’s money that’s been quietly slipping through the cracks.Most business owners are so focused on bringing money in the front door that they don't notice it leaking out the back. But this "hidden cash" is actually easier to find than new customers, and the returns are
Chamber Insights: The Most Overlooked Growth Practice for Business Owners Isn’t What You Think. And It’s Free.
You spend a lot of time encouraging everyone else. Your customers. Your team. Your family. Even total strangers on social media.Today, it’s your turn.Before the year gets away from you, give yourself a gift that costs nothing and can pay off all year long: write a letter to yourself to read this time next year.Not a to-do list. Not a strategic plan. A pep talk.Think of it as sitting down with the future you, looking them in the eye, and saying, “Here is what mattered. Here is what I dream for you. And
Chamber Insights: Keeping Up With Tech
If you’re a busy professional, “keeping up with tech” can feel like a second full-time job you did not apply for. New tools launch daily. Your inbox is full of “game-changing” software. Meanwhile, you still have customers to serve, a team to lead, and probably at least 47 open browser tabs. Right? While there’s enormous pressure to keep up with innovation these days (it’ll make you more efficient), you can’t be on top of everything. And you don’t need to be. You just need a simple system that keeps you
Chamber Insights: How to Protect Your Peace During the Busiest Season in Business
With the holiday season approaching with the speed of a bullet train (holiday prep, year-end sales pushes, family gatherings, budget reviews, etc.), it’s no surprise many of us feel our blood pressure and tension rise, while our patience comes crashing down. While this season is one of the most exciting of the year, it brings lots of extra stress. But what if some of that stress was unavoidable? Maybe we can’t keep that troublesome relative away but we can borrow wisdom from the minimalist movement and
Chamber Insights: Talking Websites: A Game-Changer for Small Business
If you’ve ever parented a teenager, you know talking back is not to be celebrated. But when it comes to your business website, talking back is the next big trend.Most websites feel like digital brochures. You scroll, you click, you squint at tiny menus—and if you can’t find what you’re looking for in 20 seconds, you’re gone. On to the next one.But what if you landed on a website that immediately addresses your needs:“Hi there! Looking for a haircut, a color, or some products?”You type “Color,” and the
