Lakeland College News RSS Feed

Benson honored by state coaches

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:47:08 CST

Sophomore Adam Benson, a member of the Lakeland men's soccer team, has been named honorable mention All-Wisconsin NCAA Division III by local members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Benson, a midfielder from Anoka, Minn., finished the 2009 season with three goals and a team-high five assists. He was named second-team All-Northern Athletics Conference and also received CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District 5 second team accolades.

Benson started all 19 matches for the Muskies, who finished 8-10-1 overall and 6-5 in conference play.

A total of 33 players from around the state were selected to the All-Wisconsin teams.

Darryl Moore '96

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:16:13 CST

Darryl Moore's mission is making sure Milwaukee-area African American high school students understand the importance of going to college. And not just any college. His alma mater, Lakeland College, is at the top of the list.

Currently the math specialist at Congress Elementary School in Milwaukee, Moore oversees other teachers and helps them to improve their students' learning. In addition, Moore started a group called Junior Betas, which connects elementary students in the area with mentors who can help them understand the particular problems that can happen in inner cities. Through the program, Moore connects members of the Beta Sigma Omega fraternity (mainly from Lakeland) with young people, helping them to see how they can be successful. It begins with placing high value on a college education.

"Studies show that up until third grade, there is not that much difference in what children need to understand the challenges facing them," Moore said. "After third grade, racial differences do matter. Children need to understand that images they see of African Americans in the media are not the real story." Moore is adept and successful at helping young people see a clearer picture.

Moore has been an ambassador for Lakeland College for several years. As our Alumni Ambassador program takes shape, we can learn from the impact that his influence as a graduate has had on prospective students. He has mentored high school students directly, met them through younger siblings, and instructed them as a deacon at his church. When Moore brings a high school student to Lakeland to visit, that young person not only gets a picture of what college is really like, but learns about Lakeland through Moore's personal experience.

His vision of what is possible at college was shaped, in part, by his time as a Beta on Lakeland's campus in the mid-1990s. "The fraternity teaches accountability, and gives a sense of family. Every time I set foot on the campus now, I see Lakeland as home. The fraternity was my family. I saw people that went home every weekend. They didn't last long."

Moore cites Dr. Mehraban Khodavandi as one of his most important influences. "I call him Uncle Mehraban, he calls me his nephew. When I was in his class, he told me I needed to get my grades up. He told me I owed it to my community to go back and make a difference." Laughing, Moore adds, "He also told me if I didn't get my act together, he would wring my neck!"

Moore made good on all his promises to his respected mentor. He not only graduated from Lakeland, but went on to attain a master's degree from Cardinal Stritch, as promised. "Some people at Lakeland have a way of impacting your life forever," Moore said. "Professor Khodavandi was one of them for me."

He also remembers very fondly, and with some amazement, that after graduation, when he wanted to help the Betas expand their reach, he received help from then-alumni director, Mary Piehl. Moore needed to get to a meeting down in Kenosha. "Mary, who was the staff advisor to the Betas, drove an hour to pick me up (she had no baby sitter for her son, so she brought him along), drove me to the meeting, and then brought me all the way back home. Her dedication and willingness to help me was one of those things that makes a person say wow."

What would Moore say to new graduates? "Never underestimate or devalue what you have learned at Lakeland." Then he added, "Even more important, make sure to show the people who gave you tremendous love that they are cherished, whether it is a favorite professor or someone who works in housekeeping, like Paul [Temme]. Paul would do anything for you. That is a person who should be cherished and remembered."

Darryl Moore has been an Alumni Ambassador of his own making, but you can bet his experience and dedication to Lakeland College and to young people will be much appreciated as we move forward with this important new endeavor. If you would like more information on becoming an Alumni Ambassador, contact Lisa Vihos, director of alumni relations, at vihoslb@lakeland.edu. Darryl Moore can be reached at betasigomeg22@yahoo.com.

'Tis the Season of Giving

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:05:15 CST

At this time of year, we share meals, we share stories, we share gifts with family and friends. We count our many blessings and make special efforts to connect with those we love. Here at Lakeland, we consider you-our alumni-not only our family, but also our blessing. The work you all do in the world helps others to see what a special place this is. Your generosity helps us to carry on, providing excellence in education to students from all over the world.

Every person who has ever attended Mission House or Lakeland College has been the beneficiary of someone's philanthropy. Think of the names on the buildings, classrooms, scholarships and the thousands of gifts-big and small-given to each year's annual fund.

The circle of giving continues when you extend your gratitude by giving generously to this year's Annual Fund for Excellence. In so doing, you ensure that current and future students will thrive at Lakeland College, just as you once did.

This year, the goal of The Annual Fund for Excellence is nearly $1 million, and at mid-year we are only a third of the way there. By joining together as a community of givers, we can reach our goal. When you are checking your Christmas giving list this holiday season, please remember the blessing of Lakeland College and give as you can. Merry Christmas.

Lakeland's new website puts visitors in control

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 CST

Lakeland College has launched a new institutional website, a dramatic overhaul that puts visitors in the driver's seat of their web experience.

The content of lakeland.edu is designed with audience preferences in mind, and pages are organized based on the needs of visitors instead of the structure of the college. It recognizes the ever-increasing importance the web site plays in the college selection process.

"In planning for this site, we gathered data from our visitors about what they need when they visit lakeland.edu, and we built a site that matches their expectations," said Jason Irish, Lakeland director of interactive communications and the architect of the project.

"The site's design makes it easier to find the information you need. Information is presented the way you would expect to find it, whether you are a prospective student, Lakeland graduate, donor, etc."

The new site's design features more, larger and engaging photos of students and the campus to add visual appeal. The new site also introduces a campus video tour, hosted by Lakeland's student ambassadors, and ready access to everything from Lakeland's NCAA athletic team scores to a financial aid estimator for new students.

The site will interface with popular social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, accommodating the ability to gather and share information between prospective students and their parents.

"With the increasing number of prospective students that rely solely on our website, it's critical that our site be ever more engaging and user-friendly," said Nick Spaeth, Lakeland's director of admissions.

Lakeland's website has won multiple awards from the National Research Center for College & University Admissions (NRCCUA) for being one of the top admissions websites in the country.

"This new site represents the next step in Lakeland's award-winning website tradition," Irish said.

The new navigation might reduce the amount of time visitors spend on the site, mainly because visitors find what they need sooner.

"One of our goals is making the site more efficient for all visitors," Irish said. "If people are spending a lot of time on the site because they can't find what they need quickly, that's not a valuable experience."

Lakeland honors employees for service to the college

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:00:00 CST

Lakeland College recently recognized several employees with service to the college awards, marking their anniversaries at the college's annual Christmas gathering.

Marceline Werthmann, admissions coordinator and switchboard operator, was recognized for 45 years of service, while Linda Tolman, professor of English, was recognized for 40 years.

Other honorees included:

30 Years:

Susan Gould, registrar; Karl Elder, Fessler Professor of Creative Writing & Poet-In-Residence; Ronald Hass, math and computer science professor.

25 Years:

Laurie Freeland, associate director of the Milwaukee Center; Adina Schwartz, associate professor of economics; Donna Wolf, resource development support coordinator.

20 Years:

Gary Bauer, facilities operations manager; Jane Bouche, athletic director; Mari Falk, associate registrar; Denise Presnell-Weidner, associate professor of art and Bradley Gallery director; William Weidner, associate professor of art and Bradley Gallery director.

15 Years:

Charles Stockman, associate professor of resort management; Paul Temme, custodian.

10 Years:

Charles Grubisic, IT staff; Karl Kuhn, associate professor of religion; Robert Hersey, grounds keeping; Ray Fisher, driver; Cynthia Pfrang, Sheboygan Center education coordinator; Margret Albrinck, interim Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of the College; Brian Frink, associate professor of chemistry/physics; Richard Gaumer, associate professor of accounting; Elizabeth Stroot, associate professor of psychology; Elaine Christensen, library assistant; Debra Fale, admissions visit and event coordinator; Steven Mantia, associate registrar.

5 years:

Jeffrey Schwehm, associate professor of biochemistry; Keith Rutlin, Central Wisconsin Center director; Wendy Scheibl, housekeeping; Erin Kohl, Kellett School associate dean of operations & advising; Stephanie King, assistant director of financial aid; Chad Buchmann, head softball coach / director athletic event management; Scott Niederjohn, Charlotte and Walter Kohler Charitable Trust Assistant Professor of Business; Maria Wierichs, Business and Leadership Development Institute director; LuAnn Lawonn, housekeeping; Thomas Padron, instructor of resort management; John Yang, assistant professor of education; Paula Loomis, daycare staff; Jennifer Siebert, assistant director of Academic Resource Center / English Language Institute; Christopher Thousand, head baseball coach / Wehr Center manager; Christine Vanic, admissions office manager.

Defense, depth key Muskies' perfect start

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:56:44 CST

Nine games into the 2009-10 season, the Lakeland women's basketball team is among the Northern Athletics Conference leaders in several statistical categories, including scoring offense (second), scoring margin (second) and field goal percentage defense (third).

However, there is one important statistic the Muskies have yet to record - a loss.

Lakeland is off to the best start in program history with an unblemished 9-0 record, including a 5-0 mark in NAC play. The previous record was held by the 1983-84 team, which started its season 6-0.

On Thursday, the Muskies knocked off North Division rival Edgewood, 66-61, after losing the five previous contests against the Eagles. Three days later, Lakeland shot just 35.8 percent from the field, but defeated Concordia Chicago, 50-47, on the road.

Despite shaky offensive performances this season - the team ranks 10th in the league in field goal percentage - Lakeland is relying on a full-court pressure defense to create offense and keep opponents in check.

As a result, the Muskies are first in the conference with 15.4 steals per game, and lead the league with a plus-8.78 per game turnover margin. They force 28.1 turnovers per game, which is also first in the league.

"Coach (Teri) Johnson has done a good job of making sure we know that defense wins games," said senior forward KC Blahnik, who leads the team in scoring at 14.6 points per game. "Our defense creates our pace and our offense. Coach Johnson has stressed defense since the first day of practice."

Johnson, the team's third-year head coach and a 2000 Lakeland graduate, said she has preached defensive consistency all season and has stressed intensity in practice. She pointed to senior guard Terra Hiben, whose impact is felt beyond the box score, as an example. Hiben averages a modest 1.8 points per game, but averages 24.0 minutes and is 10th in the conference with 2.2 steals per contest.

"There are certain players that bring out the best in our team," Johnson said. "Terra Hiben doesn't get the credit she deserves because her defensive intensity pushes others."

Depth is another cog behind the Muskies' fast start. Nine Lakeland players average more than 12 minutes per game, while 10 players have appeared in all nine games so far this season. Johnson believes the team's depth has helped the Muskies push the tempo in games and has increased the quality of practice.

"Going nine or 10 players deep helps us stay fresh, and it brings competitiveness in practice," Johnson said. "That competition is important to our progression and improving our mental toughness. It shows our players' willingness to make their teammates better."

After losing just one senior from the 2008-09 team, which went 17-9 overall, much of the Muskies' core returned this season with another year of experience, while several new players have emerged as vital contributors.

Johnson has started the same group of four seniors and one junior in each contest this season. That kind of consistency has helped the Muskies settle comfortably into their roles.

"Last year, those players weren't ready for the roles they were given," Blahnik said. "The biggest thing is that people are stepping up. We don't have the same leading scorers every game, so it's good that the team doesn't rely on just one person."

The Muskies are just over half way to the school record for consecutive wins, which was set when the 2001-02 team won 17 straight contests. However, Lakeland players and coaches remain concentrated on what is coming next - a trip to California for games against Occidental (Dec. 20) and Redlands (Dec. 21).

"We've got to stay focused mentally," Johnson said. "We're winning right now, so we'll have kind of a target on our back. We have to have fun with the position we're in right now and we can't be afraid.

"We have a great opportunity going into every game, and it's a great challenge for our players to face. We're going to find a lesson in every game."

Muskie Spotlight - Rob Frias

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:35:45 CST

In just his second semester of college wrestling, Lakeland sophomore Rob Frias has shown the ability to compete like a veteran.

Frias, a 133-pounder, pushed his record to 8-3 this season with a pair of wins Saturday at the University of Dubuque Duals in Dubuque, Iowa.

Against No. 16 Dubuque, Frias won a 9-5 decision over Derek Smith. Later in the day, Frias defeated Mark Beatty by pin in 6:15 to help the Lakeland wrestling team defeat Loras 26-21.

An Oak Lawn, Ill., native, Frias also placed second at the MSOE Invite (Dec. 5) and fourth at the Knox Invite (Nov. 14). He transferred to Lakeland from Illinois State midway through last season.

"Rob is way better than last year," Lakeland coach Pete Rogers said. "He really did the work in the offseason after having only one semester of competition last year. He catches on to things quickly ... if you teach him something on Monday, he's already doing it in matches on Saturday."

Frias, who is listed as honorable mention at 133 pounds in the latest d3wrestle.com Individual Rankings, won the Northern Wrestling Association championship for his weight class after posting a 13-9 record in 2008-09.

According to Rogers, Frias' length and toughness make him a handful for any opponent.

"Rob's opponents have a long way to get to his legs because of his long arms," Rogers said. "He's not the most fun guy to wrestle because he's constantly rough and physical. He's kind of intimidating to others because he has a style about him."

Frias is undecided on a major and is a member of the Mu Lambda Sigma fraternity.

Did you know?

Career ambition: To achieve most career wins

Favorite TV show: Anything on the Food Network

Favorite movies: "Fight Club," "Never Back Down"

Favorite website: Google

Favorite musicians: Bob Marley, 311

Favorite food: Mexican food or chili

Favorite sports team: Chicago Bears

For me to improve as a wrestler I need to: Identify my weaknesses and work on them

Heroes/influential people: My father - has always encouraged, supported and comforted me

When not playing sports, you'll find me: Writing, drawing or playing video games

Muskie Spotlight - Mary Dennewitz

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:34:49 CST

Mary Dennewitz's leadership as the point guard on the Lakeland women's basketball team was on full display Sunday.

Dennewitz, a junior, nailed a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:44 remaining in the Muskies' 50-47 victory at Concordia Chicago, helping the team remain undefeated at 9-0 overall. For the game, Dennewitz scored a team-high 11 points and knocked down 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.

On Thursday, the Chicago, Ill., native recorded team highs with 20 points and four steals in a 68-66 home win over Edgewood, the Muskies' first win over the Eagles since the 2005-06 season.

"Mary Dennewitz is playing very good basketball right now," Lakeland coach Teri Johnson said. "She is such a different player from the last two seasons. She understands what we want to accomplish, and has matured a lot as a person and player."

For the season, Dennewitz leads the team with 21 assists and is second on the team with 11.9 points per game. She is also shooting 77.4 percent from the free throw line.

According to Johnson, Dennewitz has increased her leadership role, taking younger guards such as sophomore Becca Tilleman under her wing.

"Mary is a great mentor to Tilleman," Johnson said. "We need someone who is a strong leader and isn't afraid to take chances at point guard, and Mary has certainly stepped up to the plate in that respect."

Dennewitz is majoring in accounting and is a member of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).

Did you know?

Career ambition: FBI or IRS special agent

Favorite movies: "Wedding Crashers," "V for Vendetta," "The Lion King"

Favorite website: YouTube

Favorite musicians: Mat Kearney, Matt Nathanson

Favorite food: anything Mexican

Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs

For me to improve as a player, I need to: Not dwell on a mistake or a missed shot

Not many people know this about me: I can eat salsa by the jar - by itself

Heroes/influential people: Parents

Favorite Lakeland class: Readings & Research in Fraud & Forensics

Dec. 9 Chippewa Valley Center classes cancelled

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:52:02 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for Lakeland's Chippewa Valley Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/AboutUs/weather.asp

Dec. 9 Central Wis. Center classes cancelled

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:50:59 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for Lakeland's Central Wisconsin Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/AboutUs/weather.asp

Dec. 9 Sheboygan Center classes cancelled

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:42:34 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for Lakeland's Sheboygan Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/AboutUs/weather.asp

Dec. 9 Green Bay Center classes cancelled

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:41:19 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for Lakeland's Green Bay Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/AboutUs/weather.asp

Dec. 9 Madison Center classes cancelled

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:40:06 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for Lakeland's Madison Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/AboutUs/weather.asp

Dec. 9 Fox Cities Center classes cancelled

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:36:59 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for Lakeland's Fox Cities Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/AboutUs/weather.asp

Dec. 8 Fox Cities Center classes cancelled

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:15 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for the Fox Cities Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/weather

Dec. 8 Green Bay Center classes cancelled

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:39:06 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for the Green Bay Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/weather

Dec. 8 Sheboygan Center classes cancelled

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:25:16 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for the Sheboygan Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/weather

Dec. 8 Madison Center classes cancelled

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:23:07 CST

Please visit the following page for an important weather-related announcement for the Madison Center:

http://www.lakeland.edu/weather

Lakeland men's, women's basketball games rescheduled

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:10:19 CST

The Lakeland women's and men's basketball games against Edgewood scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week have been moved to Thursday, Dec. 10, due to winter weather conditions in the Sheboygan area.

The women's game will begin at 5 p.m., while the men's contest will tip off at approximately 7:15 p.m. at Moose & Dona Woltzen Gymnasium.

Check back to the Lakeland athletics website for the latest information.

Lakeland men's, women's basketball games rescheduled

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:02:34 CST

Schwarz captures NAC Player of the Week honor

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:26:17 CST

Lakeland sophomore Jake Schwarz has been named Northern Athletics Conference Student-Athlete of the Week in men's basketball for the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 6, the league announced late Monday.

Schwarz, a sophomore forward, averaged 32 points and nine rebounds in a pair of Lakeland home victories last week.

On Saturday, Schwarz scored 11 of his team-high 26 points in overtime in the Muskies' 74-70 win over Benedictine. The Sheboygan, Wis., native also collected seven rebounds and made 10-of-12 from the free throw line.

Last Tuesday, Schwarz poured in a career-high 38 points on 17-of-19 shooting from the field and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds in Lakeland's 85-75 win against Maranatha Baptist.

Six games into the 2009-10 season, Schwarz leads the conference in points (22.2 per game) and is sixth in rebounding (8.7 per game). He is shooting just over 81 percent from the free throw line and 55.3 percent from the field.

Last season, Schwarz earned NAC honorable mention and All-Freshmen team honors after leading the team with 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest.

Each week, the league's head coaches nominate a player from their own team to be voted on for each sport by NAC sports information directors.

To see other NAC Student-Athlete of the Week winners and nominees from the past week, click here.

Muskie Spotlight - Jake Schwarz

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:45:52 CST

It is safe to say Jake Schwarz's impact on the Lakeland men's basketball team may only be exceeded by his 6-foot-5, 210 pound frame.

Schwarz, a sophomore forward, scored 11 of his 26 points in overtime to help the Muskies defeat preseason conference favorite Benedictine 74-70 on Saturday at Woltzen Gymnasium. He shot 10-of-12 from the free throw line.

"Jake was huge for us in the second half," Lakeland coach Aaron Aanonsen said. "We tried to get him isolated in the post to where he could make plays and run our offense from the inside out."

Four days earlier, Schwarz posted a career-high 38 points on 17-of-19 shooting from the field in an 85-75 home win over Maranatha Baptist. The Sheboygan, Wis., native also grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds in the contest.

All in all, Schwarz averaged 32 points and nine rebounds and shot 66 percent from the field in the two games to help Lakeland start undefeated in Northern Athletics Conference play.

For the season, Schwarz is averaging 22.2 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting over 55 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line. Aanonsen hopes Schwarz, a gifted offensive player, will improve defensively during the season.

Last season, Schwarz earned NAC honorable mention and was named to the league's All-Freshmen team.

Schwarz is undecided on a major.

Did you know?

Career ambition: Business owner

Favorite TV show: "SportsCenter" or "Family Guy"

Favorite movie: "Shooter"

Favorite website: ESPN.com

Favorite musician: Lil' Wayne

Favorite food: Prime rib or shrimp

Favorite athlete: Dwight Howard

For me to improve as a player, I need: Defense

Heroes/influential people: Parents - they have taught me about sports and have been there all the time to encourage me

When not playing sports, you'll find me: Playing Xbox 360 or working out

Favorite class: Persuasive writing

Muskie Spotlight - Jake Frias

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:43:06 CST

Lakeland wrestler Jake Frias is always among the top contenders in tournaments, but on Saturday he got the one thing that had eluded him his whole career.

Frias, a senior captain, recorded his first collegiate tournament victory at 165 pounds at the MSOE Invite in Milwaukee, Wis. The Oak Lawn, Ill., knocked of top-seeded Justin Skillings of St. Olaf (Minn.) by a 3-2 decision in the final match after winning once by pin, once by forfeit and twice by technical fall.

"Jake looked great from the beginning," Lakeland coach Pete Rogers said. "He did a lot of things technically that he hasn't done before. He's wrestling like a veteran"

Frias was one of three Lakeland wrestlers to win their respective weight class, helping the team finish second overall.

In 2008-09, Frias scored runner-up finishes at the Cornell Matman Invite and the Northern Wrestling Association Tournament and posted a 27-12 record for the year.

This season, Frias, a team leader both on and off the mat, has an 11-3 record.

"He has a lot of goals in mind, and after watching him this weekend, I think he can attain them," Rogers said. "He's always been a hard worker and a good leader, but now he's having success on the mat."

Frias is majoring in fitness studies with a minor in criminal justice. He is also the vice president of the Mu Lambda Sigma fraternity, president of Mortar Board and a SAAC representative.

Did you know?

Career ambition: High school coach, open my own gym or a power lifter

Favorite TV show: WWE's "Raw" or "SportsCenter"

Favorite movie(s): "Rocky" movies, "Goodfellas," "Alpha Dog"

Favorite website: bodybuilding.com

Favorite food(s): Chorizo, tamales, menudo, steak

Favorite sports teams: Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs

For me to improve as a player, I need to: Demonstrate true leadership skills

Not many people know this about me: I write poetry, I do a crossword daily

Heroes/influential people: My father - taught me my work ethic

Favorite Lakeland class: Advanced Poetry with Karl Elder

Lakeland College accounting students get hands-on experience of law enforcement from IRS

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:04:46 CST

By Dan Benson
Sheboygan Press staff

"Open up, police," Damir Hadrovic shouted, as he pounded on the door of a conference room on the second floor of the Esch Library on the campus of Lakeland College.

Hadrovic, a junior in the college's accounting program, pounded on the door again.

"Police. We have a search warrant. Open the door," hollered Hadrovic, the point man of a five-member team on the trail of Sonny Days, a man they believed had been recruiting others to file false W-2 forms with the Internal Revenue Service.

Hadrovic and the other team members, accompanied by two IRS special agents - all of them armed - finally burst into the room as part of an exercise known as the Adrian Project in which college accounting students are introduced to the law enforcement aspect of the IRS.

Sonny Days, portrayed by another IRS agent, was arrested and evidence - including partially filled out W-2s, software, tax withholding calculators and cash - was secured during a search of the room.

"You have your probable cause," IRS supervisory special agent Brandon Bielke told the students. "Good job. We smashed what would be a three- to six-month investigation into four hours."

The exercise involved 20 Lakeland accounting students and 16 IRS special agents from Milwaukee.

Far from merely auditing tax returns, IRS special agents comprise the law enforcement arm of the agency. They carry guns, execute search warrants and make arrests.

"We're the CSI of accounting," said agent Julie Ricchio, one of the agents who helped guide a team of students through a mock investigation and the use of "forensic accounting" - following a paper trail of financial and other records to discover whether a crime has been committed.

At the beginning of the afternoon exercise, each of the 20 students were sworn in as temporary special agents, were given a rubber pistol, radio, handcuffs and a badge.

Then they were divided into five teams, assigned a scenario and began to collect evidence, interview witnesses, obtain search warrants from judges and make arrests.

"They're taking the knowledge they acquire in the classroom and applying it to real-life situations," said Lakeland accounting professor Robert Martin, himself a former IRS special agent.

The Lakeland accounting program graduates 150 to 180 accounting students every year, making it the state's largest, said Richard Gaumer, who heads the college's accounting program.

It's also the only accounting program in the state with a forensics emphasis, he said.

That's why the IRS has twice selected Lakeland as a location for its Adrian Project. The first time was in 2007. It's the only college to ever host the project, although an abbreviated version has been done at high schools.

"This program is phenomenal," said Bielke, who oversaw the exercise and the 16 agents involved.

Laura Schnelle, a junior from Howards Grove with a double major in international business management and accounting, said the exercise opened her eyes to career opportunities she hadn't previously considered.

"It definitely made me think about some of the options out there," she said.

Schnelle particularly liked the role playing of the exercise, especially when making the arrest, which required her to bang on a door and order the suspect to open it.

"It was really fun to act it out," she said.

The combination of law enforcement and accounting can excite the imagination of accountants, Bielke said.

"Accounting is sometimes a dry subject. This helps students think outside the box," he said.

The IRS employs about 30 special agents in Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay, according to Bielke.

Bielke said the Adrian Project helps create a partnership with schools and helps the IRS recruit new agents.

Mary Dennewitz, a junior from Chicago, said she is 'definitely interested" in going to work for the IRS.

Her team went through bank accounts, searched a storage unit and taped conversations in order to arrest "Roger Pothead," a drug dealer concealing his illicit income from the IRS.

"I like accounting, but also the law enforcement aspect," she said.

Dennewitz came to Lakeland for that purpose, she said, having been introduced to law enforcement by her sister, a special agent with the federal department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Blahnik awarded NAC weekly honor

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:08:45 CST

Senior forward KC Blahnik has been named the Northern Athletics Conference women's basketball Student Athlete of the Week.

Blahnik (Gladstone, Mich.) averaged 24 points and 8.5 rebounds to lead the Muskies (5-0, 1-0 NAC) in wins over Finlandia and Rockford. She scored 18 points in Lakeland's 77-57 victory over Finlandia and carried Lakeland with 30 points, tying her season-high, and shot 14-of-18 from the free throw line as the Muskies pulled out a 79-72 overtime victory in their NAC opener against Rockford.

Blahnik has been selected to the NAC all-conference second-team for two consecutive seasons. She is currently tied for second in the conference with 17.8 points per game and places seventh with a 55.4 field goal percentage through five games.

Lakeland travels to Maranatha on Thursday, Dec. 3 for a 7 p.m. match up before returning home on Saturday, Dec. 5 for the front end of a men's/women's doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.