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With
great people, optimism abounds, even amid great challenges We have had an outstanding year, under challenging circumstances, thanks to the people who are the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Our colleagues, co-workers and friends here are among the very best. For those closest to the University, this can easily be taken for granted, losing some of its power to amaze as it morphs into an everyday expectation. Sometimes, it requires someone only a step or two removed to illuminate how extraordinary our efforts, how powerful our impact. I was reminded of this last week as the touring delegation of Pakistani educators prepared to depart. As some of you are aware, their eight-week exchange visit was a whirlwind. From their home base here at UW-Green Bay, they traveled the region gathering ideas for improving their nation’s public education system. They met local educators, visited schools — the venerable two-room elementary schoolhouse at Spruce was a favorite — and observed classes at the K-12, post-secondary and Learning in Retirement levels. They collected countless boxes of books, handouts and curriculum aids for use back home. “We cannot thank you enough,” was what Lubna Nazli, the unofficial spokesperson for the group, conveyed to me. “We learned so much, and felt quite at home. People were very kind, very loving. And their dedication to education is remarkable.” While I am paraphrasing Ms. Nazli’s precise words, the message was indelible. The warmth, professionalism and dedication of the people — particularly those they encountered at UW-Green Bay — are the most vivid impressions they carried back to Pakistan, 7,500 miles and 11 time zones distant. We can reflect with pride on that sentiment, a true tribute to the commitment and hard work of so many. Now, Labor Day, I suppose, might be the holiday for celebrating work ethic and shared enterprise, but it has really become simply summer’s final fling. We are better served, I think, when we remember to celebrate the value of our work together on a year-round basis. The month of May will offer many such opportunities. |
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