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We succeeded on all counts, I think. I’ve extended personal thanks to many
who planned or participated in the week’s events. I’ve also fielded,
on your behalf, congratulations from friends in the community. The media coverage
was outstanding. We made a solid impression on visitors and UW System colleagues including President Lyall, Regent President Gottschalk, and chancellors and representatives of sister campuses. In informal conversation with me, President Lyall spoke highly of this campus and community and, long-term, our ability to grow and prosper, together. She made a point, in her public remarks during the installation ceremony, of noting how much this state and region benefit from UW-Green Bay’s contributions to the economy and to the quality of life. She described our future as bright and commended campus planning “that will take you on a directed growth path we can all support.” Those, I think, are encouraging words for our University. On a personal level, it was also a big week for the Shepards. It was the first time my brother, Lor, had visited Green Bay. The first visit for Nancy Hoffman, a former colleague and lifelong friend from Oregon State. For Roy Arnold, the former OSU provost, a friend and mentor. And for Bob Gill, Cyndie’s brother, from Fullerton, Calif. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaTOP OF NEXT COLUMN |
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There’s
something special about bringing in out-of-town family and friends and introducing
them, proudly, to your new home, your new friends and colleagues, a new professional
passion, or, in our case, all of the above. Not surprisingly, Lor, Nancy, Roy, Bob and others walked away singing the praises of Green Bay, and UW-Green Bay. They loved the campus and found the people to be gracious, friendly and welcoming. They counseled me (though no reminder was necessary, I assure you) to treasure the moment and appreciate the optimism in the opportunity: a strong institution with a positive vision, reaching out to a growing community. Most meaningful, our friends and family commented that “it seems like a good fit,” and they told us how happy they are that we seem so happy. Cyndie and I took that as a great compliment, a satisfying and absolutely accurate observation by some of the people who know us best. As we prepare to mark our one-year anniversary in Green Bay, thank you for your continuing support of this University. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for making us feel at home.
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