University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 2007 Faculty and Staff Convocation August 28, 2007 Chancellor's Address on the State of Green Bay's University Bruce Shepard, Chancellor Click here to download the Chancellor's remarks.
						INTRODUCTION Good morning. Cyndie joins me in offering a warm welcome. It’s great to see so many good friends and colleagues. I hope you had opportunities this summer to relax, re-charge, and enjoy time with your families. And, even travel. For me, much of the summer was spent on the road – literally – the road between here and Madison. I learned that old saying about Wisconsin, you know the one that goes: there are only two seasons in Wisconsin, winter and road construction. You also know, of course, that the summer months are no longer a down time for a university campus. All I had to do was look around UWGB this summer to discredit that stereotype. Our increasingly popular summer school program. Summer camps – both the tried and true like our music and arts camps and newer models like the pioneering Grandparents’ University – kept getting bigger and better. In July, our Psychology faculty, in conjunction with the American Psychological Association, hosted high school psychology teachers from across the country. We even had the governor here – again. In fact, he’s been here so many times in the past year that, the next time he comes, we may have to give him a diploma. Or, direct him to the Bursar’s Office to write out a tuition check. Before I go on, I want to mention a significant moment in our university’s history that took place only a few months ago – the passing of founding Chancellor Ed Weidner. I could use many words to describe Ed Weidner. Friend. Colleague. Mentor. Leader. Visionary. His passing touched us on a personal level and as a campus community. We will honor his memory by continuing to build on the strong foundation he laid and by never ceasing to strive to achieve his high standards for Green Bay’s university. We have the good fortunate to have with us, this morning, Marge Weidner. Marge, let me express on behalf of all assembled, our most sincere regrets on your enormous loss. I also wish, at this time, to ask that you step forward so that we may briefly show our appreciation for all you have given. Marge, you were UWGB’s second employee. And, believe me for I should know, that meant that that first employee, founding Chancellor Weidner, actually worked for you. Through the years, you have given so much to make UWGB what it is today. I knew you, of course, in later years as the source of strength by Ed’s side and saw so much of what Ed continued to contribute to be dependent upon your keen judgment and skillful guidance. In partial recognition of our debt to you, I wish to make what is, actually, one of our rarest awards: To officially designate you as an honorary alumna of the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Marge, UWGB, now formally, is your alma mater. Do continue to be an active presence on our campus, your campus. I am also pleased to make a special announcement. Following the family’s wishes and supported by funds contributed toward a memorial for Founding Chancellor Weidner, we will be installing a carillon on campus. What a special gift to all of us. What a fitting tribute. I can still hear the excitement in Ed’s voice when, some years ago, we first spoke of the possibility of having a carillon on campus. And, I can already hear the sounds of the bells serenading the campus as we head toward home on one of those beautiful Wisconsin Fall days, those notes reminding us of Ed’s love of music, yes. But, foremost, reminding us of Ed’s love for this university, its mission, and its people.         . . . .continued
	Introduction The Next UWGB Recent Progress in Building the Next UWGB Continuing to Build the Next UWGB Moving Forward Together
							TOP OF PAGE Office of the Chancellor David A Cofrin Library, Suite 810 University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 Phone: 920-465-2207     E-mail: shepardb@uwgb.edu Comments to: Chancellor's Web Manager Revised: 03/17/2009