Author: sabezm

Name: Nathan Kraftcheck

Position at UWGB: Instructional Technologist

Summary of what you do: Most people that I work with are familiar with the education technology support side of my job, but I’m also responsible for examining new edtech products made available by UW-S, making different systems work together, providing training and guidance, evaluating the effectiveness of software and initiatives, and helping instructors with special educational technology requests.

How long have you been employed: This will be my 6^th year at UWGB.

Brief history of employment with UWGB: I started working at the Learning Technology Center (LTC) shortly before it became part of Academic Technology Services (ATS). I jumped over to the Adult Degree Program (ADP), and much more recently the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL). I also live in a world of acronyms.

Three words that describe you: insightful, curious, chameleon

Personal interests: endurance sports, board games, video games, motorcycles, fixing up my house

Random facts/interests: Hmm, I helped deliver my son (we didn’t make it to the hospital), am a trained forester, and had a forest fire named after me in Washington (it was a smoking stump).

 

Any favorite line from a movie? “Now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.”

Are you messy or organized? Merganized – somewhere in-between

Describe what you were like at age 10. I was a jerk. I’m glad my kids did NOT grow up to be just like me like my mom said they would.

Do you have an office nickname? What is it? Kraftbucket, Kraftmuffin, Kraftbarn

Do you recall any embarrassing moment at work? I was helping someone, took a drink of water, and spilled on myself. I thought it would be funny to reference the movie Airplane and said “I have a drinking problem.” The person I was working with did not understand the reference. It got somewhat awkward after that.

If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Jared Ward, so that I could run fast AND have an awesome mustache.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you? Present, Jake Gyllenhaal; future, Sam Elliot

If you could change one thing about working here, what would it be? Air condition the locker rooms at the Kress… ugh

If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be? I’ve never interviewed a dead person and I like to try new things, so I guess I’d try that.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it? “A Series of Fortunate Events” and hopefully I would not be sued.

If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be? “Everything’s Coming up Milhouse!”

If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save? Pants, or a phone

Least favorite Food? Cauliflower

People would be surprised if they knew: My wife and I renovated our whole house ourselves, we keep pet chickens, I’m in my 30s but both my kids are in high school

Tell us a little about yourself. I live in De Pere with my wife and our two children, three dogs, two cats, and four chickens.

What books are at your bedside? The Worldly Philosophers, The Maltese Falcon

What children’s character can you relate with most? Why? Probably Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter. Not that I’ve killed anyone, but I think that people often go through the motions of their daily life without considering their actions, being guided by their own personal echo chambers. He’s a good reminder for me to stop and reflect on what I’m doing or saying.

What did you want to be when growing up? A fireman

What do you always want to try and never did? Wingsuit base jumping

What do you like most about your job? I think that I have great coworkers. I’ve had quite a few jobs and moved around more than most normal people, and it is really a person’s coworkers that make work enjoyable.

What is the first concert you attended? The first concert I remember attending was The Rembrandts at Summerfest (Friends theme song). It was free and I didn’t have any money, and we were just loitering around anyway.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? I’d probably buy or build a lodge out in the middle of a forest.

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years? Carpe diem

What is your biggest pet peeve? Oh geez, I have so many… people throwing cigarette butts out the window or littering in general.

What is your favorite movie and book? I don’t have a favorite movie. My favorite book is probably “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett.

What places have you lived in? Sacramento, Carbondale, IL, Two Rivers, Mishicot, Madison, Sun Prairie, Portland, De Pere

What tv show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love? I have no shame. The only shows I watch regularly are Game of Thrones and House of Cards.

What was your favorite book, toy, or outfit as a child? “The Monster at the End of This Book” with Grover.

What would people never guess you do in your role? Slip instructional design knowledge bombs into technical trainings

What’s on your bucket list? Compete in and finish a half iron man or iron man

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Probably chocolate covered grasshoppers.

Where is your home town? I lived in Two Rivers the longest. I can smell the fish just thinking about it.

Name: Christopher C. Paquet

Position at UWGB: Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor of Business and Finance

Summary of what you do: “other duties as assigned”

How long have you been employed: about 4 ½ years

Brief history of employment with UWGB: I was hired as the Risk Manager and Contract Officer, but have been privileged to take on several other roles such as Title IX Coordinator, Records Manager and Clery Compliance Officer

Three words that describe you: Per Facebook Quiz: Efficient, Logical and Driven

Personal interests: Reading, Coaching (Football & Soccer), Cooking & Grilling

Random facts/interests: I have far more tattoos than most people would imagine.

 

Any favorite line from a movie?

“I’m your Huckleberry”, Doc Holiday, Tombstone

Are you messy or organized?

Hyper-Organized

Best vacation you’ve been to?

Rented a house in North Carolina with my Mom, Sister’s family and my family

Describe what you were like at age 10.

Very verbal, definitely the class clown

Do you have a favorite newspaper, blog?

The Ringer (formally Grantland)

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Everyone has a game plan until you punch them in the face” Mike Tyson

Do you have an office nickname? What is it? 

Not that I know of, but some probably have some unflattering names for me

Do you recall any embarrassing moment at work?

Nope

Favorite travel spot? 

State Football Tournament at Camp Randall

If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

My wife, to see exactly how much she puts up with

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

Kevin James (too obvious?)

If you could be anyone from any time period who would it be and why?

Katie Ledecky, to feel what it would be like to be the unquestioned best in the world at something

If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be? 

Mandela

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

1995 Rugby World Cup

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Konop’s Hotdogs

If you were an animal what would you be?

Polar Bear

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?

“A Song of Ice and Fire” unless that is already taken

If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be?

Organization: How to Compartmentalize Process

If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save?

My Dad’s Flag

Least favorite Food?

Cooked tomatoes

Motto or personal mantra?

The only person who you need to be better than tomorrow is the person you are today.

People would be surprised if they knew:

If I could do anything in the world, I would have a small dairy farm and breed greyhounds

Tell us a little bit about your family.

Wife, Kristen, 17 years, and two children Max, 15 & Natalie, 13

Top 3 life highlights?

Coaching with my Dad in the 1998 State Football Championship

Arguing a case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court

Day children were born

What advice would you give to recent new hires?

Embrace the pace. Depending on where you came from, you might need to get used to things having a greater amount of process and review, which can be frustrating. Just be patient and you will get used to the pace of UWGB.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

The diversity, it truly is never the same day twice. I am constantly challenged to research new concepts and ideas. I love being able to help people from all over campus work to achieve their goals.

What book did you read last?

Hillbilly Elegy

What celebrity do people think you look like?

Kevin James, but it’s totally not a weight thing

What did you want to be when growing up?

Forest Ranger

What is the first concert you attended?

Rick Springfield (my Mom made my Sister take me if she wanted to go)

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

Payoff the student loans for every attorney working in Legal Aid and the Public Defenders Office in Brown County

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

All the planning in the world doesn’t matter, you can never have the contingencies 100% covered

What is your favorite meal?

Prime Rib at any Wisconsin Supper Club

What is your favorite movie and book?

Book:   To Kill a Mockingbird

Movie:  Bridge on the River Kwai

Hidden talent?

I actually am a fairly decent cook, I really like preparing high end dishes

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

I always say, I don’t hunt, I don’t fish, I don’t golf, I coach. Coaching honestly takes up so much of my time, I don’t really have another hobby.

What tv show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love?

I love Titanic

What would you like to be famous for?

Writer

What’s on your bucket list?

Attend a football game in every Big 10 Stadium (4 down)

What’s the one thing, you can’t live without?

E-reader

What’s your favorite thing to do in Green Bay?

Badger State Brewery with my wife and dog on a Saturday afternoon

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

When my Dad died, I stopped asking that questions, life is just too darn uncertain

Where is your home town?

Denmark, Wisconsin

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?

Butterfield and Robinson Dalmatian Coast Biking Tour

Name: Brenda Beck

Position at UW-Green Bay: Dean Assistant, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Summary of what you do: Administrative support for the Dean and for the College in the areas of budget, financial management, business policies and procedures, human resources and more.

How long have you been employed: I started at UW-Green Bay in May 2008

Brief history of employment with UW-Green Bay: Before starting in my current position three years ago, I had a variety of part- and full-time positions with Phuture Phoenix, University Advancement, University Archives/Records Management, Human Development & Information and Computing Sciences. I even worked a few days in the Chancellor’s office when they let Paula Marcec take a vacation!

Three words that describe you: Organized, efficient and flexible

Personal interests: Spending time with family, yoga, exercise, reading, Sudoku, FreeCell, Scrabble

Random fact: I received my MBA from UW-Oshkosh, but never had a class on their campus; all of my courses were held in the evenings at UW-Green Bay.

 

Any favorite line from a movie? You can’t handle the truth!

Are you messy or organized? Definitely organized

Best vacation you’ve been to? Any vacation is the best vacation.

Do you have a favorite newspaper, blog? The Atlantic

Do you have a favorite quote? If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

Favorite travel spot? Our cottage in Nasewaupee, Door County

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you? Meg Ryan? Drew Barrymore? I do need to add that it wouldn’t be an Oscar winning movie!

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? It would be interesting to witness my great-grandparents immigrating to the United States from Germany.

If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save? Photographs

Least favorite food? Pasta, melon, mushrooms. I’ll stop at listing just three!

Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up in Schofield, WI, the oldest of 4. My youngest brother was born on my birthday when I was 14. I graduated from St. Norbert College and have lived in the area since then.

Tell us about your family. I’ve been married to my best friend, Paul, for 26 years this month and we have 3 wonderful children. After graduating from St. Norbert, our oldest daughter, Kaylee, spent 27 months in the Peace Corps/Malawi and just finished her first year of graduate school at Marquette University. Our daughter, Micah, spent a year in Argentina during her high school junior year and will graduate from UW-Green Bay this December (after just 5 semesters!) with a major in Spanish & Latin American Studies and a minor in Democracy & Justice Studies. Our son, Gage, just finished his sophomore year in high school and will leave next month to spend his junior year in Cavalaire sur Mer, France.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us? I’ve never had a cell phone.

What advice would you give to recent new hires? Get involved with the variety of activities that are hosted by Human Resources and the professional development committees. Take advantage of using the Kress Activities Center.

What do you like most about your job? The interaction I have with so many departments on campus.

What else do you do for fun? I’ve volunteered as a cashier at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for the past 6+ years. It’s a great way to give back to the community and meet a lot of people.

What is an ability you wish you had? To get by on less sleep.

What is your biggest pet peeve? The first that comes to mind is people who don’t use their directional when driving, or feel the need to stop at stop signs, or litter, or don’t know how to recycle…oh, I have so many pet peeves (is that a bad thing?!)

What one food do you wish had zero calories? I wish bakery had zero carbs!

What phobias do you have? Heights. I have to look at the walls when I’m on the eighth floor of the library.

What places have you lived in? Aside from a semester in London, I’ve lived in Wisconsin my entire life.

What would people never guess you do in your role? That I spend way too much time with spreadsheets!

What would you like to be famous for? I don’t need to be famous, but I’d like to be remembered as being a good person.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Green Bay? Enjoying a Titletown Brewing Company beer on the patio or Roof Tap!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 5 years closer to retirement!

Where is your favorite place to eat? At home – Paul does the cooking!

Name: Jay Rickaby

Position at UWGB: Facilities Maintenance Supervisor

How long have you been employed: Five + years

Brief history of employment with UWGB: I started in February 2012 as a Facilities Repair Worker-Advanced, and in 2015, I became the Supervisor.

Three words that describe you: Hard-worker, Creative, Dependable

Personal Interests: Playing with tools, building things, fixing things, gardening, fishing, movies, eating, being outdoors.

Random Facts/Interests: I live in an old granary barn with my wife, son, three dogs and 3 cats. We bought a 10 acre property in Brussels in November 2013 and moved into the barn. We been converting this barn into a home and are getting close to completion. On the property is an old log barn built around 1860 that we restored. Our next project is restoring the old Belgian 3 room stone house on the property. We also have a very large garden, grapes, berries, apple trees and other assorted fruit trees. We grow much of our own food and make apple cider.

 

– Are you messy or organized? Typically I am pretty organized.

– Describe what you were like at age 10? I liked to learn how things worked and liked watching builders. We were taught to work hard and I helped with building and chores around the home. I liked to fish and camp.

– If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? I would like to see what Green Bay looked like from the beginning of time every thousand years until the 1700’s and then see the changes every 10 years.

– If your house was burning down, what’s the one-non living thing you would save? Pictures.

– Least favorite food? Asparagus.

– Tell us a little bit about your family. I am married, 2 adult sons, 3 dogs and 3 cats. I am lucky to have my father yet and 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

– What advice would you give to recent new hires? Learn your way around. Ask questions and learn from experienced employees. Don’t be afraid to share ideas and offer suggestions. Be friendly.

– What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be honest. Be dependable and helpful.

– What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? Great coworkers, good working conditions, weekends off (typically).

– What celebrity do people think you look like? We had an “old-time” picture taken once and I looked exactly like W.C. Fields.

– What did you want to be growing up? A heavy equipment operator. I would go and watch them work as a kid. My dad also worked on them and I got to ride on some.

– What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? A vacation home in a warmer climate.

– What is your favorite meal? Buffets with a huge variety. Pizza.

– What one food do you wish had zero calories? Desserts!!

– What phobias do you have? Snakes.

– What is on your bucket list? Travel abroad.