Commencement, December 2007

Dec. 14 was a happy day at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. You could see it on the faces of master's degree candidates just before the ceremony. This group was to receive graduate degrees in Applied Leadership for Teaching and Learning.

Joey Bellmore, left, received the ceremony's warmest ovation despite not setting foot on stage. His sister, Lynn Bellmore, center, mentioned his name when she addressed the near-capacity Weidner Center crowd as recipient of the Alumni Association's Outstanding Student Award. The award was a thrill, she said, but no more than having Joey in attendance as their family welcomed him home that day from a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq. The Bellmores posed after the ceremony with UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard.

Demonstrating community support were members of the Chancellor's Council of Trustees who took part in commencement. Gathering just before the ceremony were Trustees Diane Ford, Lou LeCalsey, Carl Kuehne, Chancellor Bruce Shepard, Kramer Rock, Donsia Strong Hill and Robert DeVos.

Carl and Mary Ellen Kuehne were recipients of the Chancellor's Award, the University's highest community honor, at December 2007 commencement. The Kuehnes are generous and influential supporters of both UW-Green Bay and numerous community causes.

Chancellor Shepard extends his hand in congratulations as Carl and Mary Ellen Kuehne accept the Chancellor's Award.

The newest addition to the Chancellor's Council of Trustees, Green Bay attorney Donsia Strong Hill, donned traditional academic regalia for the occasion.

Student volunteers line up just prior to the processional, each bearing a flag of a nation represented by participants in the commencement ceremony.

Longtime Dean of Students Jerry Olson received a Chancellor's Award for his lifetime commitment to building a stronger community, both on-campus and off. He is shown here with Provost Sue K. Hammersmith and Chancellor Shepard.