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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: 9/26/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
May 15, 2005 Jean Weidner honored at UWGB Small theater will carry name of university's first 'first lady' By Anna Krejci
The cozy performance room was renamed The Jean Weidner Theatre at a noon ceremony on Sunday. Its new name honors the late Jean Weidner, known to many as the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's original "first lady."
Jean held that distinction from 1966-1986 while her husband, Edward Weidner, was chancellor. He directed the Weidner Center's creation, a facility that opened in 1993. The space that now bears Jean's name houses student-led plays as well as faculty-directed works while serving as a classroom.
"For some people it's the first place they see in the Weidner Center and others don't even know it exists," said UWGB Theatre Department vhair Laura Riddle.
Edward, who said his wife loved all parts of the university, said the hall was appropriate to carry his wife's name.
"It is a small space that is really devoted to university use," he said.
Theater departments need room for experimentation, he added.
The room seats 100 people. It was nearly full during Sunday's ceremony.
"It's a place where there's a very intimate connection between audience and players," Edward said of the room with two levels for seating.
UWGB Chancellor Bruce Shepard decided to rename the studio in honor of Jean.
Jean was a fan of theater and music, Edward said. Her favorite musical was "Les Miserables," but she enjoyed the work of playwrite Tennessee Williams, Shakespeare and contemporary art, he said.
University faculty and friends were among those who spoke about Jean, who died in 1997 before she could see the intimate performance hall added to the center in 1998. They testified to Jean's impact on them personally and professionally at Sunday's ceremony.
Jean was a psychotherapist and family counselor who continued to work after pressing her husband to retire. Edward said he would call Jean and request that they make a spontaneous getaway but she would turn him down, saying she had appointments with clients until 6 p.m.
Much to the delight of at least one colleague who spoke publicly about the way Jean schooled him in the profession, she postponed retirement.
In the 1960s the burgeoning university needed community support.
Jean was known for hosting dinner parties in the chancellor's house as she and Edward cultivated friends for the university, Edward said.
Jean would mix university faculty with those unfamiliar with the school as well as separate husbands from wives at dinner. Jeffrey Entwistle, acting chair of the theatre department, said he and his wife were split up as well.
"And I remember thinking how uncomfortable that made me," Entwistle said. He continued, saying it was in Jean's plan for everyone to know as many people as possible and for no one to be known as so-and-so's spouse.
The family and friends that knew Jean described her unique manners and qualities. Karen Weidner, one of Jean's four daughters, said her mother always hummed but never sang, even though she knew a song's lyrics.
Edward said his wife was known for making sweet pickles that she gave as gifts to many.
Christopher Weidner-Larson, Jean's grandson, described Jean as selfless.
"Every time that you go out and think about somebody else . . . you remember Grandma," he said.
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