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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: 9/27/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
December 17, 2004 School Zone: Barrett chosen to speak at UWGB commencement By Cynthia Hodnett This weekend, she'll take a few moments to pass along a few pearls of
wisdom when she speaks to more than 300 graduates Saturday during mid-year
commencement at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Barrett, 42, of Green Bay, is receiving a degree in social change and
development. She was nominated to be student speaker by five professors
at the university.
Barrett said her speech will encourage fellow graduates to use their
degrees to enhance the quality of life for others.
"I got an e-mail a couple of months ago that I was selected," she said.
"When I read it, my stomach literally dropped. I thought, 'Oh my gosh,
they chose me to do this?' There was some nervousness and excitement.
But after I calmed down, I realized what a wonderful honor it was to be
asked to speak at graduation."
Kim Nielsen, an associate professor of social change and development,
was one of the professors who nominated Barrett.
"She would help a student who needed help personally and she would help
a student who needed help academically," Nielsen said. "Some students
are afraid to ask questions but she wasn't."
Barrett is active in the community, including providing companionship
to an elderly woman through a program with Brown County Human Services
and serving on the board of directors for the Fort Howard/Jefferson Neighborhood
Family Resource Center.
Her post-graduate plans include working for a nonprofit agency.
Earning a bachelor's degree has been a journey for Barrett. She worked
as a legal secretary for 22 years before leaving two years ago to attend
school full time. She had been taking classes part time, but realized
she'd need to devote herself completely to the work if she wanted to finish.
"It was a long haul, but I'm happy about my decision," Barrett said.
"I did it because it was something I wanted to do, not what someone else
wanted me to do."
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