Top 10 UW-Green Bay moments of 2017
As the year comes to a close, take a look back on some of the greatest moments of 2017 at UW-Green Bay…
New collaborative spaces in Cofrin Library
The award-winning Cofrin Library team worked this year to expand offerings to students by opening two new collaborative spaces. The Library staff and supporters gathered in January to cut the ribbon on a new space on the third floor, Breakthrough® Studio, a project supported by Breakthrough® Fuel founder and CEO Craig Dickman ’82 and his team. Breakthrough® Fuel employees, including many UW-Green Bay alumni, worked with library staff to envision an innovative and collaborative space for students.
In November, the Library Commons (pictured above), a new meeting space on the second floor of the library, opened for use. With its modern, open-space design and plentiful amenities, the area has many different uses for students, faculty and staff alike.
Phoenix Studios launches
This year, students, staff, faculty and community partners worked to launch Phoenix Studios, a podcast network, featuring podcasts by the University community. Current podcasts include: All the Rage, Psychology & Stuff, PhlashCast, Serious Fun and Indented. Learn more.
‘Metropolis’ performance
In a premiere event, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Music presented a screening of the 1927 “sci-fi” film “Metropolis” on Apr. 28, 2017. The film was accompanied by a world- premiere film score, written by UW-Green Bay Associate Professor Michelle McQuade Dewhirst (Music) and performed by the UW-Green Bay Chorale (lead by Associate Professor Randall Meder), Wind Ensemble and Studio Orchestra (lead by Associate Professor Kevin Collins). Watch this video to learn more.
May Commencement sets records for academics honors and masters degrees awarded and features first Engineering Technology graduate
The Class of 2017 boasted a record number of academic honor recipients (277) and a record number of master’s degree candidates (120) and also included the University’s first graduate from the Engineering Technology program, Dessi Koss. Koss was also the first graduate in the Mechanical Engineering Technology track, paving the way for a new era of academic programming at the University in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Read more.
Falcons nest on the Cofrin Library
After seven years of encouraging endangered Peregrine Falcon to nest on campus, local supporters were exited when four male eyasses hatched atop the Cofrin Library! Name submissions were collected and voted on by the campus community. A naming ceremony revealed the names Austin, David, Douglass and Peter, respectfully honoring the four deceased male members of the Cofrin family who, through philanthropic support, helped build and sustain the University. Read more.
UWGB community experiences eclipse on campus
Despite a cloudy forecast, the UW-Green Bay community gathered outdoors to witness and celebrate the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. (Wisconsinites in the Northeast saw about 80% coverage of the sun.) With safety in mind, faculty, staff, students and Phoenix family members shared eclipse safety glasses and homemade pinhole projector boxes to observe the solar phenomena. See photos.
Viking House constructed on campus
In October, UW-Green Bay became the new permanent home for a reconstructed Viking House. The new addition, located near Wood Hall, was donated to the University by Owen and Elspeth Christianson through a connection with Associate Professor Heidi Sherman, who had previously taken students to visit the house for immersive, hands-on experiences. The Viking House will provide great learning experiences for UW-Green Bay students and beyond. Read more.
Legally Blonde is a sellout
UW-Green Bay Theatre and Music and Dance presented the international award-winning production, Legally Blonde The Musical, in the University Theatre Nov. 16-18 to sellout crowds— 1,248 attendees at three shows.
Phlash debuts a new look
The University’s mascot Phlash debuted a new look at The 34th Annual Prevea Green Bay Holiday Parade, and has since represented Green Bay Athletics at many University events.
Former Phuture Phoenix graduates as most-outstanding and class speaker
Riley Garbe ’17 came to UW-Green Bay as a fifth-grader on a Phuture Phoenix field trip, where a visit to the campus turned into a dream of one day graduating from college. In the fall of 2013, Garbe entered the University on a Phuture Phoenix scholarship, and now his dream came true as he holds a bachelor’s degree for UW-Green Bay. Garbe was designated the Outstanding Student of the graduating class by the Aumni Association for his undergraduate student success, his leadership on and off campus and his volunteer service to others and the community. He was also nominated and selected as the student commencement speaker. Garbe is of 51 students to have gone through the Phuture Phoenix program and graduate from UW-Green Bay. Read more.
– Photos by: Dan Moore; Kimberly Vlies and Amanda Jo Danihel, Marketing and University Communications and Greg Septon
