Posted 2:21 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, 2022
In Remembrance
Harry Gardiner
While he was a faculty member at UWL, Harry developed and taught pre-departures and re-entry orientations to students who studied abroad through UWL. He prepared and supported 100s of UWL students over the years.
Gardiner kept himself involved in the international psychology community as much as he could; He was a founding member of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, served as president of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, and was a consulting editor for the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology. Harry and his wife Ormsin established a UWL scholarship to recognize academic achievement by psychology majors participating in study abroad programs through International Education & Engagement.
Harry’s passing will undoubtedly leave a hole in our international community here at UWL, but we are ever grateful for the support he gave to students throughout the years.
“Harry Gardiner was often assisting me with orientation for the international students. He shared his experiences from teaching in Thailand and could relate to cross-cultural issues between international students and their American professors! His help was a great support for me, especially with students from Thailand!” -Lisbeth Reynertson, retired UWL Intl Student Advisor
“He always had a great story to share, often about Thailand or other parts of Asia, and a gentle laugh to go with it.” -Betsy Morgan, UWL Provost
Thomas “Tom” Strange
Tom was active in La Crosse Friends of International Students, Thomas Book Group and Town and Country Garden Club. One of his passions was gardening his garden was always beautiful, and he loved talking about his different plants. He was interested in the arts and loved drama, music, and fine art. While living in La Crosse he and Michele were friends of international college students in La Crosse. As a result, they know people around the world and are considered American parents by many.
Tom was a kind soul, with a generous heart and knew no stranger. He always had a story to tell and time to for others. He will be missed by many.
“Tom Strange was a wonderful host family to so many international students. They all loved being part of the Tom Strange family, and Tom dedicated a lot of time to help LFIS with all our many activities such as Thanksgiving celebrations, welcome picnics and trips around Wisconsin. Tom Strange will always be a part of many UWL international students’ lives!” Miranda Panzer, International Student Advisor
Dr. Burt & Norma Altman
Known as incredibly bright and witty storytellers, the Altman's spent much of their time with family and friends, new and old, sharing tales of their life and travels. There is no shortage of the stories they had to tell, especially within the international and education communities.
The Altman's have been involved in education in La Crosse since they moved to the area in 1965. Nora taught in town for 24 years, mostly at Central High and Hamilton schools. Burt was a faculty member at UWL for 28 years as a professor and the chair of elementary education. At UWL, the Burt and Norma Altman Teacher Education Award is still awarded to outstanding educators.
Burt & Norma were two of the biggest advocates for international education in this community. They took every opportunity to travel and led many trips all over the globe. In their life, they made it to six continents together. They understood the importance travel has on learning. At UWL, the pair contributed awards to the advancement of international education. In La Crosse, Burt was involved lightly in the Sister City program and actively involved in the La Crosse Friends of International Students organization, where he even served as president for a time.
Burt and Norma graciously chose to support international ties and education in the local La Crosse and university communities, and the impacts their support left will be around for many years to come.
Tributes from their LFIS host students over the years:
“It’s such great sadness to lose Burt. He was not only a host family to me, but also a mentor and supporter to my study and leadership growth during my time at UW-L. Burt and Norma were great supporters to ISO. For almost 20 years since my 1st day at UWL, Burt and Norma had always been a part of my life watching me grow, meeting my husband and children. I will truly miss them both and very thankful that I had a chance to meet them and be their host student. Their legacies will always be remembered.”- UWL 2003 Alum
"I met Burt and Norma first time way back in 1989 when I went to the USA from Bangladesh to study in UW-La Crosse. They were my host family. Most of the students move on their lives and may not keep contacts with their host families once they leave campus. But, even after leaving La Crosse 30 years ago, Burt and Norma kept contact with me, thanks to Facebook and modern technology! I was so blessed to have them in my life! Both of them taught me that all cultural, racial, and social differences can be overcome if you show love, compassion and respect each other. May Burt and Norma rest in peace and happiness!" -Kaihan Rahman, UWL 1990 & 1992 Alum
“Burt and Norma’s passings are a loss felt by many, but we celebrate that they lived beautiful, fun-filled, and eventful lives! They were both very caring and thoughtful people who went out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcome. One example is them making sure that my dietary restrictions were always met whenever I was invited to their house, and/or to a restaurant. As we all know, whether we were two people or four, they had enough food to feed an army! When my mother visited La Crosse for my graduation, Burt and Norma made an extra special dinner to welcome her! That’s the Altman’s for you - always thinking about others. I had the pleasure of meeting Burt and Norma during the Summer of 1988 when they became my host family. Thanks to them, the Reynertson’s, and a few other friends, my time in La Crosse is full of very fond memories! Burt and Norma made me a part of their wonderful family and made sure that I didn’t feel homesick by inviting me to spend time with them as much as possible. Their passing is a tremendous loss that will never be filled. We miss them very much and pray that life continues to bring you happiness like Burt and Norma brought to others. Amen.” -Waqar Dossani, UWL 1988 Alum
“Burt Altman was a great friend and a financial supporter of international students’ activities. He supported my trips and activities on and off campus with the international students. Burt and Norma were also a wonderful host-family for so many international students. They created homes for students from all over the world! Burt was also on the board of LFIS (La Crosse Friends of International Students) Burt Altman along with Roger Grant also helped start the International Films series, we showed on campus for many years! The Altman’s will be missed by so many former students from all over the world!” -Lisbeth Reynertson, retired UWL Intl Student Advisor