“My artistic career definitely has its roots in my time at UWGB and the excellent instructors I enjoyed there. We had an informal theatre reunion of mid- to late-1980s graduates a year or so ago and it was a powerful reconnection to some of my early teachers and collaborators… and a reminder of how quickly 20 years can go by!”

Joel Sass ’89, Minneapolis, award-winning theatre director and scenic designer, one of the rising stars to be featured in the February edition of the Inside UW-Green Bay print magazine spotlighting art, music and theatre alumni

Military men join alumni salute to Jazz Fest founder
Just as they did at UW-Green Bay, alumni musicians Mark Burditt (trombone) and Mark Israel (trumpet) know how to command an audience. They both tour nationally with the U.S. Air Force elite jazz ensemble, the Falconaires.

The two 1980s grads will take leave from that gig, so to speak, when they and other graduates of the UWGB jazz studies program flock back to campus Jan. 31 for Jazz Fest XXXIX. A highlight of the Saturday concert will be the return of Green Bay jazz legend Lovell Ives. The retired professor will celebrate his 80th birthday by guest directing the alumni all-star ensemble. Tickets for the 4 p.m. concert at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts are $12 in advance and $14 at the door.

The Phoenix Athletics Hall of Fame is set to welcome three new members in 2009, honoring women’s basketball player Sue Pitroski, volleyball standout Janelle Tomlinson Richard and men’s soccer player Josh Lynk.

Inducted in her first year of eligibility, Tomlinson Richard is the first volleyball player to join the Phoenix Athletics Hall of Fame.

The ceremony and dinner for the 16th induction class of the Phoenix Hall of Fame will be Friday evening, Feb. 6 in the University Union’s Phoenix Room. Those planning to attend should RSVP with Intercollegiate Athletics by Feb. 2.

Pitroski was a standout of the mid-1980s whose teams won at least 21 games each of her four years. She earned team MVP honors her senior year in 1986, and still ranks among career scoring leaders. Lynk, a goalkeeper in the late 1990s, is Green Bay’s career saves leader and a two-time team MVP and all-Horizon pick. Tomlinson Richard holds numerous league and school records and led the 2003 Phoenix to the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance.

Harlan scores Chancellor’s Award
Retired Green Bay Packers executive Bob Harlan was all smiles last month just before he was called to the stage of the Weidner Center to receive the Chancellor’s Award, UW-Green Bay’s highest community honor, at mid-year Commencement.

Harlan was recognized for his extraordinary success as chief executive of the NFL’s only fan-owned franchise, his commitment to making his community a better place, and his support of the University and its Phoenix Athletics program.

The Chancellor’s Award noted Harlan’s role in helping UW-Green Bay move up to NCAA Division I status in the 1980s. As Packers president, he worked actively to form the Phoenix Fund, the fundraising arm of Phoenix Athletics. He provided momentum by agreeing to serve as the organization’s first chairperson.

Harlan retired last January after 37 years with the Packers, including 19 as its principal executive. He now serves the organization as chairman emeritus and goodwill ambassador.



Confirmation of new chancellor expected Jan. 16
The UW System Board of Regents is scheduled to meet via teleconference Friday afternoon, Jan. 16, to discuss and possibly vote on the selection of Clayton State (Ga.) President Thomas K. Harden as new chancellor for UW-Green Bay. If approved, Harden would finish out the semester in his current post and begin his new duties here June 1. Visit the University’s online news site for more information on the chancellor-designee at http://blog.uwgb.edu/inside/.