Background
Wirkus, Thomas Edward was born on May 31, 1933 in Marshfield, Wisconsin, United States. Son of Joseph Albert and Jamina Sylvia (Hansen) Wirkus.
Wirkus, Thomas Edward was born on May 31, 1933 in Marshfield, Wisconsin, United States. Son of Joseph Albert and Jamina Sylvia (Hansen) Wirkus.
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, 1956; Master of Science in Speech, University of Wisconsin, 1959; Doctor of Philosophy in Speech Education, Northwestern University, 1966.
Teacher high school, Iola, Wisconsin, 1956; teacher high school, Wautoma, Wisconsin, 1956-1957; teacher high school, Wausau, Wisconsin, 1957-1958; teaching assistant speech, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1958-1959; professor speech committee and theatre, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, 1959-1994; emeritus, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, since 1994; supervisor student teaching, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, since 1966; department chairman, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, 1970-1979; consultant listening, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, since 1980.
Board directors La Crosse Concert Band, 1981-1983. Member state board directors Wisconsin Public Radio Association, since 1992, president, 1994-1997. Vice president University Wisconsin-LaCrosse Learning in Retirement Program, since 1996.
Member Speech Communications Association, International Listening Association (nominating committee 1993-1994, 97-98), Central States Communications Association, Wisconsin Communications Association (chairman Weaver award committee 1975, chairman nominations committee 1987-1990, recipient Weaver Outstanding University Communications Education award 1988), Crest Investment Club (president 1990, secretary 1984-1985), Phi Delta Kappa (president 1986-1987, President's award 1986, Service award 1992).
Married Lois Ann Langfeldt, July 28, 1956. Children: Terrance, Sheila, Mary, Timothy.