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Writing
a bright future:
Region's children benefit
when we all think big
Greetings from Northeastern Wisconsin’s University of Wisconsin!
This sense of regional ownership was never stronger than a few weeks ago
when youngsters from throughout Northeastern Wisconsin visited the UW-Green
Bay campus to be part of our growing Phuture Phoenix Program.
Phuture Phoenix, which started modestly three years ago with students
from 10 Green Bay schools, now is reaching into nine area school districts
— both urban and rura l— in five counties.
Under the leadership of my wife, Cyndie, and Ginny Riopelle, a great friend
and supporter of UW-Green Bay, this innovative program is inspiring youngsters
to dream of attending college and then is providing the tools they need
to achieve their dreams. It has caught the attention of the governor and
others at the highest level of state government.
I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to all those who have
contributed to the success of this program: the many volunteers from our
campus (including about 50 faculty members) and community, our partners
in area school districts and UWGB student mentors. Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton
was among the volunteers helping out this year.
This chancellor also has to admit that even with all the lofty goals we
have for the program, Phuture Phoenix Day gives me a charge because it
is just plain fun. It took me awhile to recover from the writer’s
cramp I developed after signing so many Phuture Phoenix t-shirts. Shirt
autographs have become a treasured tradition of Phuture Phoenix Day.
Sure, having 1,000 fifth-graders on a university campus at one time can
be a little disruptive. But I received few complaints while hearing many
positive comments about the potential impact of Phuture Phoenix on youngsters,
their families and our region’s future (not to mention the energy
these youngsters brought to campus).
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To fifth-graders touring the campus of their regional university,
the chancellor is the "big principal." About 1,000 children
participated in the Phuture Phoenix Day on Oct. 10, and many wanted an
extra autograph for their souvenir shirt.
We see the program’s growth in more than just the number of fifth-graders
who tour the campus each fall. It also has expanded through after-school
Phuture Phoenix Clubs and through the continuing connection between the
program’s participants and their UWGB mentors.
Phuture Phoenix is one glowing example of how your University of Wisconsin
serves as a source of opportunity for thousands of people across our region.
Recent data show that 63 percent of our freshmen are so-called “first-generation”
students, meaning neither mom nor dad have a four-year college degree.
At a time when knowledge holds the key to success in our rapidly changing
economy, these first-generation students are finding that a college education
provides the opportunity that leads to a brighter future.
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