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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: 10/3/06 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
June 13, 2006 Guest columnist: By Bruce Shepard, Chancellor
We don't need to turn to the history books to see the sacrifice of members of the armed services in defending our country. More than 50 service men and women from Wisconsin have died in the line of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gov. Jim Doyle and the Wisconsin Legislature showed that they recognize the continuing contributions of those who have defended our nation by supporting legislation to provide full, free tuition for veterans at the state's public colleges and universities. The full tuition waiver, which starts in the fall semester of 2007, applies to campuses of the UW System and the Wisconsin Technical College System.
This legislation sends a positive message to today's veterans — the same message the landmark federal G.I. Bill of Rights sent to the Greatest Generation more than 60 years ago. It not only will provide educational opportunities for veterans, but will help Wisconsin create its future and build an economy needed to compete in the 21st century.
Valuing the contributions of our veterans is nothing new at UW-Green Bay. I remember the legacy of the Vietnam War era as we failed to honor those fulfilling their obligations in a democratic society. Joining with many others across campus who felt the same way, we were determined to make sure our university did not repeat the mistakes of that polarized era.
For several years now, we have had an ongoing program of reaching out to our students and staff serving in harm's way with messages and "care packages" and then honoring, thanking, and welcoming them back with a special ceremony each year.
The veterans' tuition benefit builds on these important gestures. The legislation expands a program that started this year in which the state waives half the cost of tuition for veterans. In the 2005-06 academic year, the UW System provided $4.1 million in tuition and fee remissions to veterans and their dependents, including nearly $222,000 at UW-Green Bay.
Still to be determined is the source of funding to pay for this benefit. There are those who have suggested we simply pass the cost onto other students by raising their tuition.
I am hopeful that the same legislators who had the wisdom to pass the tuition benefit for veterans avoid giving the bill of payment to other UW students or programs. These veterans have served the entire state, and all citizens of Wisconsin should help pay the bill.
When Gov. Doyle signed the legislation on Memorial Day, he said finding sufficient funding to pay for it would be a budget priority. I am confident the governor and legislature will follow through and make the necessary — and fair — financial commitment.
At UW-Green Bay, veterans will continue to add to the richness and diversity of the campus community. Veterans are among our most committed students, and the experiences they bring to the classroom help connect learning to life for all students.
With a little much-deserved help from the "Wisconsin G.I. Bill," veterans on our campus and across the state will make a major contribution to building the kind of future for Wisconsin that is a credit to their service.
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