Special Projects

Award-winning special projects created by Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Most nights at Old Guard Games, a gaming store across the street from the UWM campus, there is some kind of open play event. Here, experienced fans or total newcomers can stop by and play some tabletop games. On Wednesday nights, the event is Bloodbowl, a miniatures game based on American football made by Games […]

In this short documentary, Stephen Wielebski introduces us to a non-profit organization called Special Methods In Learning Equine Skills Incorporated (SMILES Inc.). Based in Darrien, WI, SMILES has a 35-acre riding facility that provides joy to individuals with special needs of all ages through equine-assisted therapies.

In this short documentary, Bill Stauber introduces us to Madison-based band .zipbomb. While it is a small band, they are planning to perform at a show on December 29th. The band’s weeknight rehearsals, which run for nearly three hours, help them find the things that work, the ones that don’t, and the places they need […]

In this short documentary, Angelica Fuentes introduces us to Carra-Lyn, a music director at the Sheboygan First Congregational Church. She directs the choir every Sunday and directs the annual Christmas Cantata. Every week there are choir and band practices in preparation for the event, where people get together to listen and work on the notes, […]

Explore the artistry and dedication behind HairBySteph, a thriving local hair business that prioritizes creativity, connection, and community. In this short documentary, Summer Fisher provides an intimate look at Steph’s journey, her passion for empowering clients through unique styles, and the challenges she has faced along the way.

The long, winding drive from San Antonio to Eagle Pass, through the flatlands of Southern Texas, is, for most, uneventful. To an outsider, a passerby, or a commuter, a drive down State Highway 57 is characterized by sprawling ranchland, miles of cacti and underbrush and farms, and the occasional herd of longhorn cattle. There are […]

EAGLE PASS, Texas — Amber Duncan has lived in front of Shelby Park for five years. During the past few months, she has seen countless migrants attempt to cross the Rio Grande and those who strive to change their lives. What once was a park filled with happiness and joy is now a military base […]

EAGLE PASS, Texas — Ramsey English Cantú is the Maverick County Judge and the former Mayor of Eagle Pass. He has been in the position of County Judge for the past 15 months, was the mayor for 10 years prior and before that was a member of the city council.   “As a Democrat, I […]

This project was created through a journalism class at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies Department. This work was made possible through the support of MPC Endowment Ltd., the philanthropic affiliate of the Milwaukee Press Club.

Following Texas National Guard and state law enforcement taking control of Shelby Park in January, the community remains very split about it. This project was created through a journalism class at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies Department. This work was made possible through the support of MPC Endowment Ltd., the philanthropic […]

U.S. Army veteran, immigrant detention center employee and local podcast host Ruben Camarillo shares his thoughts on immigration in Eagle Pass, Texas. Ruben and his wife, a border patrol agent, are rich with knowledge on the subject. This project was created through a journalism class at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies […]