Updated Seminar Information
The threat of the Coronavirus Pandemic has made it necessary for leadership of the World Affairs Seminar to revise our 2020 offering. The 2020 World Affairs Seminar will be conducted in a revised, virtual format. Thank you for your patience as we update our website, registration forms and other promotional materials.
Seminar Staff & Counselors
Thanks for your interest in joining our world-class team of counselors and staff! Our Staff Application & Staff Health Form can be completed online (preferred method). Alternatively, you can complete the application & health form by printing them & submitting them to our office. Our Youth Activities Affidavit must be printed & submitted with a signature.
Applications are considered complete when both forms are completed and received by our staff. Please be sure to complete the Application, and the Youth Activities Affidavit.
General Application
Click Here to apply online now, step one of three towards completing your application.
Youth Activities Affidavit
Click Here to download & complete Rotary’s Youth Activities Affidavit, required for all staff and counselors.
Note: If you are unable to complete the online forms or prefer a PDF form to complete, please contact our staff at contact@worldaffairsseminar.org and we would be happy to provide appropriate accomodations. Thank you!
Thomas M. Plantenberg, MS, BA,CFRE
Executive Director
Tom Plantenberg assumed the position of Executive Director of the World Affairs Seminar in 2008. He has reorganized the Board of Directors and created a multi-national, high-profile Advisory Board. Tom Plantenberg is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). He is accredited by the Association of Health Care Philanthropy, and a Fellow and Past President of the Wisconsin Hospital Public Relations and Marketing Society. He retired in 2007 from the U.S. Navy Reserve at the rank of Captain.
Stuart Schmidt
Program Administrator
Stuart Schmidt graduated in 2017 from Northland College with degrees in Sustainable Community Development and Sociology. He attended World Affairs Seminar as a high school delegate, and has since found passion in supporting youth empowerment through education. Stuart joins the WAS staff with experience in higher education, youth program development, fundraising and donor management, and skills in web development and photography. He has held several different roles with World Affairs Seminar, including as staff counselor, Senior Staff, and Web Developer. In his current role, he coordinates the registration process, manages delegate room assignments, coordinates meals, manages the website & social media, and provides a host of other services for staff, sponsors, and delegates.
Michael Carriere, PhD
Academic Dean
Dr. Carriere is an Associate Professor and Director of the University Scholars Honors Program with the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He has extensive experience in curriculum development, international affairs, politics of disaster, urban development, civics and international history.
Dr. Carriere brings a wealth of creative energy and enthusiasm, to his position. He has developed and is applying an innovative set of changes to advance the texture and scope of the World Affairs Seminar, including broadening the scope of break-out sessions and integrating service projects into the capstone process. His high level of experience in academics and international education adds considerable depth to WAS.
Marie Furrer
Office Manager & Registrar
Marie joined WAS in 2020, bringing 20 years of administration experience and a wealth of knowledge to the organization. Her past positions supporting the administrative and organizational needs of a busy high school as well as several other large organizations have equipped her well in her role.