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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:
April 15, 2007 Guest column: Kodanko gives time, effort back to area By Ken Bothof
In fact, her 22-rebound effort against conference rival UW-Milwaukee on Feb. 11, 1988, still stands as UW-Green Bay's single-game record.
Upon her graduation in May 1989 with a degree in human biology, she accepted an opening with a major pharmaceutical company that allowed her to return to the Green Bay area in 1991. Her professional success has led to 18 years with the same company and advancement into the role of senior executive professional representative covering a Northeastern Wisconsin territory. She has also won and been recognized for numerous leadership and achievement awards during her career. Kodanko recently received her sixth Vice President's Award for outstanding service to the medical community.
Kodanko believes it is important to give back to the community and has dedicated herself to numerous community service efforts including coaching youth basketball at MacArthur Elementary School and, in Pulaski, working with the American Heart Association (AHA) for more than 10 years.
Looking back on her opportunities at UW-Green Bay, Kodanko believes it is those chances that have helped shape her throughout the rest of her life.
"One doesn't always realize what an education one receives while being a student-athlete, but I know that had it not been for that experience, I would not be where I am today as a person. Everyone wants a chance to better themselves; I was lucky to have been given that chance."
Kodanko has been able to transfer the experiences from her days as a student-athlete into her professional career and personal life.
"All of the things that sports teaches a person can't be matched by anything else," she said. "Being a student-athlete at UW-Green Bay allowed me the opportunity to experience everything sports teaches you but on a very high level as an adult compared to a child. I was offered the ability to set goals both personally and as a team, then experience the journey to reach them, and ultimately meet or exceed them.
"To give something everything you have, leave no regrets, have fun, believe in yourself and others and have the desire to improve are the greatest things a person can take from the game. Nothing beats that experience. Being truly responsible for yourself and your actions, being dependable, accountable and trustworthy as a person are all qualities that transfer over to the workforce."
Ken Bothof has led the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Athletics Department since 2001.
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