The Lorraine Gross Memorial Scholarship
Educator, Administrator, Presenter, Arts Advocate, Colleague, Mentor, and Friend. These are just a few of the many hats worn by Dr. Lorraine Haughk Gross (1935-1998). Born in Milwaukee and receiving her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Michigan State University, Lorraine joined the theatre faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1968. From those early years of teaching theatre and designing costumes, through the formation of the Cultural Affairs Committee, to the realization of a state-of-the-art performing arts center for the campus, two distinctive qualities were evident: Lorraine’s commitment to the arts and her unique ability to instill her passion into the lives of the students who surrounded her.
The annual Midwest conference was characterized by the presence of Lorraine and her entourage of students, all eager to learn about the business of arts presenting. In recognition of her devotion to education and the arts, the Wisconsin Presenters Network established the Lorraine Gross Memorial Scholarship to enable one student each year to attend the Midwest Arts XPO (MAX).
What is MAX?
The Midwest Arts XPO (MAX) is an arts conference created by Heartland Performing Arts, Inc., a nonprofit organization since June 28, 2022, which brings together arts professionals to encourage innovation, create educational opportunities, strengthen artist touring relationships, and support arts advocacy throughout the central United States. The organization was founded by agents, artists, and state consortia leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and beyond.
Scholarship
The Lorraine Gross Memorial Scholarship includes paid student conference registration, courtesy of MAX, along with a stipend to cover transportation, housing, and meals not provided as part of the conference. The recipient will be notified in the spring of their selection to attend the following fall’s conference. Reimbursement for eligible expenses will be provided after the conference upon submission of itemized receipts. To be eligible, students must be affiliated with an active WPN member or organization that will sponsor their application. Applicants should contact their local WPN member for additional details about the MAX conference and the application process.
Application Deadline May 4, 2026
Past Scholarship Recipients
1999 Jennifer Wolf University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
2000 Andrea Pelloquin University of Wisconsin - Madison
2001 Alliso Tonn Bolz Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison
2002 Carna Engstrom University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
2003 Carey Ninfo University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
2004 Anne Jude Simon Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI
2005 Jolene Dalebroux University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
2006 Erica Jo Lloyd Hoye Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI
2007 Chris McDermott University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
2008 Emily Lindahl University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
2009 Kevin Hankes University of Wisconsin - Platteville
2010 Hannah Weiss Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI
2011 Jarrad Biitner Lawrence University, Appleton, WI
2012 Lindsay Sheridan Luther College, Decorah, IA
2013 Grace Felion University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
2014 Erica Bush University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
2015 Tiffiney Kavers University of Dubuque, IA
2016 Katrina Lang University of Wisconsin - Madison
2017 Grant Kees University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
2018 Cassidy Skorja Carthage College, Kenosha, WI
2019 Liam Ladewski University of Dubuque, IA
2020 no scholarship awarded
2021 no scholarship awarded
2022 no scholarship awarded
2023 Emily Leavey Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
2024 no scholarship awarded
2025 Skylar Niang Lawrence University, Appleton, WI
Abbie Scholler Gateway Technical College, Sheboygan, WI
2026 Bri Leider University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point