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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 10/2/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
December 21, 2002 Chancellor carves gift from UWGB tradition Bowl fashioned from Shoe Tree By Cynthia Hodnett
UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard will present a bowl made from the "Shoe Tree" and adorned with the university's emblem to the university's 20,000th graduate.
Shepard said the 150-year-old tree, which was destroyed during a storm this summer, served as perfect material for the small oak bowl.
"The oak tree was a big tradition on campus and this will be the first graduating class that won't have that oak tree to throw their shoes up on, so we thought we'd pass along a piece of the tree to one of our graduates," he said.
University officials said they want to keep the identity of the student who will receive the bowl a secret until degrees are handed out.
"I hope they realize it's Shoe Tree wood and that it was personally made by the person who represents the university," he said. "I hope it really helps to give attention that we have 20,000 graduates now, many who are in prominent positions all over the region."
Many of the bowls that Shepard makes are given away as presents to friends and colleagues.
Mary Goral, program assistant for University Advancement, received one of Shepard's bowls as gift last year during a Christmas gift exchange.
"My father did woodworking when I was a child so I can appreciate the quality and work that he puts into them," Goral said.
"It's really special to me because it was the first year that the chancellor was at the university and the first year I was here," she said. "He signed the bowl for me afterwards and I have it in a display case at home."
Woodworking has been a hobby of Shepard's for about 20 years.
Six of his woodworking pieces decorate the family's home, including a stained oak entertainment center, a china cabinet made for his wife, Cynde, and a dresser that belongs to their son, Paul.
"I've never had instruction," Shepard said. "I never have any plans on how it's going to come out. I'll get a piece of paper and sketch out an idea, but a lot of it's trial and error.
"My philosophy about it can be applied to life," he said. "I no longer make mistakes. I make what I like to call 'spontaneous design alterations.' If I cut a board wrong, that's not a mistake; I just change the design a little bit so it'll fit."
Because of the demands of his job, Shepard doesn't have much time to complete large woodworking projects. But he still keeps his passion for woodworking alive by creating bowls similar to the one he'll present today.
"Sometime when I retire or if there's a piece we need, I'll consider it," he said. "But I can make bowls. It's a lot quicker to do and it gives me the same satisfaction."
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