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CONVOCATION |
| Thank
you. Good morning! I have, in the past, begun my remarks by observing how much I enjoy the rhythms of academic life: the cyclical changes of pace and the predictable shifts in focus. And, I like to share the good news with so many of you who are now so much younger than I, that even after 31 fall opening convocations, the excitement, the energizing does not diminished. The juices still start flowing. But, maybe advancing years does have some effect: walking over here this morning, I thought thankfully about another kind of "juices flowing." The long summer draught is now over, and we can again find cappuccinos in the Phoenix Club. Cyndie and I extend our warmest welcome back. We know all assembled join together in sending a specially warm welcome to the newest among us: those here at Convocation for the first time. We are very happy to have you as a part of our community. We trust that you, as has been the case for Cyndie, Paul, and me, will find a warm and welcoming community of engaged and committed colleagues. For us, colleagues have become friends and Green Bay has very much become a home. For that, we are so thankful to you. We hope all of you made time this summer to relax, recharge, and enjoy family and friends. That was a priority in our household. This native Californian did learn this summer how to detect true Green Bayer's. When, sometime in July, the mercury finally crept into the low 70's, they were the ones who started complaining about the heat wave. Cyndie and I look forward to being here for many, many more years. But, I do not think we will ever become that "Green Bay." Speaking of heat waves, this summer did bring our way a long promised trip to Paris. The romantic in me made the promise to Cyndie years ago. The Scotch in my lineage waited until, with the anti-French sentiments, I figured there would be some really good deals on hotels and plane tickets. The trip exceeded all our expectations: romantic and pecuniary. To the usual list of summer pleasures, I must confess to adding a new vice. Paul, our fifteen year old and I, started playing golf. For the first time. Now, I mention this seemingly irrelevant fact in this professional context only because I believe there is a vocational connection. You all have an interest in assuring a chancellor without too big a head. Believe me, in attempting golf, I can sum up what I have mainly learned in one word: "humility." It keeps one humble. As if it isn't enough simply having at home a teenager to remind Cyndie and me of our vast areas of ignorance. |
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What
a delightful day... and a marvelous way (the breakfast, the introduction
of new colleagues, the Founders Association Awards) to jump into another
school year! Let me first add my own congratulations to our Founders Winners: Cliff... Christine... David... Greg... Jerry... and Sherri Thank you, each of you, for what you do for our University. This recognition is truly well-deserved. My appreciation, also, to those who organized this morning's event: • Pat Przybelski • Our new Secretary of the Faculty and Academic Staff, Ken Fleurant • My personal savoir, Sharon Gutowski • The Marketing/Communications Office • Staff of the University Union, and Sodexho food services • Prof. Joan Thron and other members of the Awards and Recognition Committee • The Founders Association, for their support. Everyone who has had a hand in this... Thank you! Fine work! Now, I began with hopes that you found time over the summer to relax. It was not a particularly quiet summer on campus: • The corridors and classrooms were often buzzing as 4,500 energetic young adults from diverse backgrounds attended myriad camps. • The Lab Sciences remodel and expansion continued along an ambitious schedule. • The University Union, in use year-round, received authorization for an update and expansion, funded by student fees. • Our newest residence hall was finished and the foundation poured for our next. • Scholars from across the country along with local citizens gathered together to delve into subjects ranging from ornithology and butterflies to outer space and "The Changing Earth," watershed management, and the teaching of American History. • We were the national staging site for "Thoroughly Modern Millie," a wonderful opportunity for those students and others who were able to participate in building, from the ground up, the national tour of a Broadway show that swept the Tony's. • And, the aging elevators in Cofrin Library were given a major upgrade. I have been assured that the old system of pulleys, wheels and squirrels has been replaced, thereby eliminating one of the risks of visiting the eighth floor. |
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This
summer saw another event, one that brought pride to many of us here at UWGB:
our youngest-ever graduate, Tina Sauerhammer, went on to become Dr. Sauerhammer
and the youngest ever graduate of the UW Medical School. She came to UWGB
at age 14 as an obviously gifted student. She graduated at age 18, having
benefited from very strong academic preparation, thanks to Prof. Donna Ritch,
the Human Biology faculty, and many of you across campus. It is the success in medical school that makes us so proud. It is her selection as Miss Wisconsin and now going on to the Miss America contest that caught the media's eye. However, Dr. Sauerhammer's motivation to enter the pageant - bringing attention to needs for organ donation - suggests the dimensions of personal commitment to public and practical problem solving that are also critical to a truly higher education. I will have more to say about this aspect of our educational calling in a few moments. Another summer event - actually, a worldwide media event - captured my attention, as well. It was the publication of the latest in the Harry Potter series. Beyond all the frenzy and the hype, what you will find is a surprisingly good read for an adult. Of course, I had to first pry the book from the hands of our own 15-year-old Harry Potter. Good read, yes. But, I mention it here mostly because of its title: "The Order of the Phoenix." Fastest-selling book in history and it carries our name. Perhaps we should inquire about royalties. In J. K. Rowling's fantasy, we find that the Order of the Phoenix is at war with the "Ministry of Magic," confronting the growing menace of Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Ministry of Magic and Death Eaters? Sort of sounds like the least favorite days of my summer, those that were spent in Madison. Actually, there's yet another recent young-adult novel with "Phoenix" in the title, "The Rise of the Phoenix." Here, refreshingly, the protagonist is female and Dawn Rivers Baker tells the story of a young noblewoman's dangerous journey through times of great chaos to restore the prophesized guardian of order and compatriot of the gods, the Phoenix. |
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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: 03/02/2006 |