UW-Madison Honors Lorbetske

Nicolet President Lorbetske honored
as UW-Madison distinguished alumnus

Nicolet College President Adrian Lorbetske was recently honored for a distinguished alumni award presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education.

Several state education leaders joined Nicolet College President Adrian Lorbetske, left, at the ceremony where he was honored as a distinguished alumnus by the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Education. He is pictured here at the event with Mary Quinnette Cuene, center, chair of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board, and Dan Clancy, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Lorbetske received the Carol and Robert Heideman Distinguished Secondary Education Alumni Award for his many years of exemplary work in education, both in the classroom and as Nicolet president.

Lorbetske graduated from UW-Madison's School of Education in 1968.

He was nominated for the award by his former professor of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education, Professor Emeritus Constance Knop.

In the nomination Knop cited Lorbetske's demonstrated commitment as both a teacher and educator noting that he has “devoted himself to strong, forward-looking planning,” and has “worked hard at cooperating and working closely with colleagues in the university system.”

Her words were echoed by UW System President Emeritus, Katherine Lyall who wrote to the selection committee supporting Lorbetske's nomination. “He really exemplifies the best of the Wisconsin Idea in extending his UW educational talents and leadership to northern Wisconsin and beyond,” said Lyall.

She also commended Lorbetske for understanding the importance of the connection to the University of Wisconsin System for northern Wisconsin residents. “He has worked tirelessly to expand these options and horizons for Nicolet students and citizens of his communities.”

After earning his bachelor's degree in education, Lorbetske taught high school English and French first in Marshall and then in Rhinelander. He went on to earn a master's degree in English and a law degree, both from UW-Madison. For the past 17 years he's been president of Nicolet College .

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle also wrote a letter to the UW-Madison School of Education recommending Lorbetske for the honor. “Under his leadership the college has greatly expanded opportunities for articulation with the University of Wisconsin and with private colleges throughout the state,” Doyle wrote. “I have known Dr. Lorbetske throughout my years as governor and appreciate his ongoing commitment to improving the lives of northern Wisconsin residents.”

During Lorbetske's tenure at Nicolet, the two-year college has partnered with numerous UW System campuses and private colleges to offer area residents more options for earning bachelor's degrees. Most of these transfer agreements involve completing the first two years at Nicolet and then transferring Nicolet credits to a four-year college or university.

These Nicolet credits can then be applied towards a bachelor's degree. This includes a special agreement with UW-Madison where Nicolet students are guaranteed admission to UW-Madison if they complete 54 credits at Nicolet and maintain at least a B average.