Tyler Slak (Fort Atkinson/Fort Atkinson), a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and school recordholder in the 100 butterfly, received his bachelor's degree Wednesday, January 27 in a special ceremony.  Slak, who completed his four years of eligibility last season, has been diagnosed with cancer.  A "Slak Strong" Fund has been set up to help the family with expenses.

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Two of the goals he set for himself as he battled his illness were to compete in one more swim meet and to receive his degree.  The UW-W swim teams, women and men, joined the Fort Atkinson swim teams for a "meet" Monday, January 25 at Fort Atkinson Senior High School.  Wednesday afternoon UW-Whitewater Chancellor Richard Telfer conferred a degree in Information Technology Infrastructure from the College of Business and Economics.  In addition to Telfer, Dr. Roger Yin, Slak''s academic advisor, and Dr. Paul Plinske, director of athletics, also made spoke at the ceremony.  The ceremony was held in the Summers auditorium in the Hamilton Center. 

For more information contact Joel Rollings, UW-W swim and dive coordinator.