|
|||||
 | |||||
|
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 |
|
|
In
the News Archive - Year:
Reprinted from: Green Bay Press-Gazette June 10, 2007 Weidner receives grand goodbye in memorial tribute UWGB's founding chancellor died Wednesday at 85 By Warren Gerds
His wife, Marge, sat in the next seat, as usual. Nearby were their children and grandchildren.
The occasion was rare: Edward W. Weidner was memorialized in a performing arts center that bears his name.
Weidner died at home Wednesday. He was 85.
On Saturday, about 300 friends and family remembered "a rich life of accomplishment and service" of the founding chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in a two-hour program.
Thirteen people spoke, offering the kind of multiple perspectives that Weidner promoted when he was chancellor from 1966 to 1986.
Among those pointing out something distinctive about Weidner was Herbert Grover, former state superintendent of schools, legislator and UW regent.
Not many individuals have created a public university, he said. "Thomas Jefferson comes to mind," Grover said.
Saturday's event had light moments. Many of the speakers, men and women, wore one of Weidner's trademark garish neckties.
The event started with the family greeting well-wishers in the grand foyer. In the area, four television monitors showed picture presentations of Weidner's life as educator, administrator, family man, bird watcher, basketball fan, arts lover, environmentalist and scholar.
Words of condolence and remembrance were projected on a screen. Included were messages from Dick Bennett, former men's basketball coach; Lee Sherman Dreyfus, former Wisconsin governor; and Kevin Reilly, UW System president.
Carol Hammerle, first UWGB women's basketball coach, returned to speak. Weidner was the only chancellor to ask what she needed to improve her program, she said.
Patrick Madden, Iron County (Mich.) Circuit Court judge from the class of 1971, showed the audience a green pen, as Weidner had used. "I write with a green pen when I'm on the bench," he said. "It reminds me of my responsibilities."
| |
