2005 Spring Commencement / University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Presented by Sylvia Malcore,
Psychology and Human Development major

(Watch a video of this speech at http://www.uwgb.edu/commencement/video/malcore.wmv)

When I made the decision to attend the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay at age 17, I was not exactly clear on why I had chosen to come here, but I knew there was something special about it. Now at the ripe ol’ age of 22, it has become very apparent why this university was the right decision for me, and for the rest of us graduating here today. UWGB is large enough to offer an array of options. By the same token, it is small enough that your face is not lost in the crowd. One of the many wonderful aspects of the University is the individual guidance, and opportunities it presents. I myself have been able to be a research and teaching assistant, design independent studies, and have been actively involved in the wide assortment of student organizations. Would I have been given all of these opportunities at another university? I believe not. Amazingly, this list is simply a few of the options that I have been privileged to take part in; and many of the graduates here today have also been involved in additional opportunities, such as internships, honors projects, and individualized majors.

How does UWGB have the distinctiveness to offer so many enriching choices for its students? There are a variety of possible explanations, and I will attempt to identify some of them here today for our family and friends who may not be familiar with the values and goals of the University.

Perhaps it has something to do with its slogan “connecting learning to life.” It appears on all the flags, letterhead, and computer pages throughout the university. But is this accurate? It becomes very apparent after hearing just some of the options here that it is a genuine claim that truly lives up to its standards. UWGB makes every effort to ensure its students can become involved in the community, allowing for a positive two-way benefit for both parties. The students are able to develop skills outside of the world of academia for that strange phenomenon and place called “the real world.” My parents have been warning me about this place for quite some time, so it is a relief to become as prepared as possible. The community also has positive outcomes from the University’s value of connecting learning to life. Communities often directly reap the benefits of having students serving the surrounding areas.

Another example of UWGB’s uniqueness is its interdisciplinary approach. Students do not just acquire knowledge in one area of specialty. Graduates leave here with at least a major or minor in an interdisciplinary field. The leaders of our University understand the importance of being trained in a well-rounded fashion. This allows students to be more flexible both in their viewpoints and future options in the short and long-term.

I would also like to offer what I believe is the main reason for the success of UWGB’s graduates: the dedicated faculty and staff in each department. Unlike some larger universities, nearly all courses are taught by faculty with the highest academic credentials in their field. This assures that students are being provided the best education possible. Not to show favoritism, but in my own personal experience with the Psychology and Human Development faculty, they have continually gone above and beyond the call of duty. Let me extend my undying appreciation for allowing students to overrun your offices, and for providing us so many opportunities.

In closing, it is obvious that this University offers its students a special education. It is this something that allows for the success of its graduates. As we leave, we can be assured that our education will serve us well no matter what decisions we make for our future, whether it is careers or graduate school. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends who have helped me along the way.