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E-mail
message to UW-Green Bay campus REMARKS
AND ESSAYS Today, in Bellingham, Washington, the Trustees of Western Washington University are meeting to announce that, on Friday, they will act on the matter of my becoming their next president. While often approached about other leadership possibilities that are as routinely declined, both Cyndie and I were particularly excited by the opportunities presented at WWU. We remain very excited. But, it has also been difficult for we have very much enjoyed being a part of UWGB and see very bright futures for the university. For some time, over a year, I have been thinking about a statement I made in my inaugural address: a chancellor has two opportunities to most affect a university. They are found in the decision to come to a university and in the decision to leave a university. Would I be able to recognize when the time had come, when, precisely because of years of some success, the next step in helping UWGB would be to open the opportunity for new leadership? We are very proud of what, over the last 7 years, you and we together have achieved. Those gains have been significantly solidified over the last year and form a firm base for moving even further. Yet, in that process of your turning around, strengthening, reconnecting, and growing Green Bay's University of Wisconsin, much of what Cyndie and I could innovatively contribute has been offered. I am not one to simply maintain, and I believe that it is now opportune for new leadership to help you keep UWGB moving forward. That is how a chancellor must think, trying to keep the interests of the university paramount. As a friend and colleague, though, know how difficult it will be for us as those professional and personal relationships do change. And, that is something Cyndie and I find some comfort in: the relationships are not ending, they will be evolving, even growing along new pathways. President Reilly will be communicating with you regarding the steps he will be initiating as he involves you in a successful transition. And, that will also be my primary focus over the next two months, doing all possible to support the desire I have clearly heard from you to keep the momentum going. Toward that end, I have been working with campus groups and President Reilly to soon effect selection of a strong and effective Interim Provost. Certainly with pride and with a sense of having given our all but, at a moment like this, also with deeply felt affection, Cyndie and I wish to thank you for the opportunities we have had to serve UWGB and to learn and to grow through having you —the university, its people, its community — as a part of our lives. Thank you for all you have given us. Bruce |
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