Convocation video shares highlights of terrific 2013-14 for UW-Green Bay
UW-Green Bay held its annual fall convocation Wednesday, Aug. 28, welcoming faculty and staff back to campus for the 2013-14 academic year. During the event, Chancellor Tom Harden showed a 5-minute video that offered a look at just some of the campus and community highlights from 2012-13. The video and text are below. See also a Fall Convocation photo gallery.
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It was an all-around terrific year at UW-Green Bay, where 360° of Learning became the official way to say what campus and community have long understood — the University is an amazing place to learn, to have fun … and to grow.
Academics are the heart of what we do, from well-prepared freshmen to record commencements. We’re celebrating diversity with gains in minority enrollment, dynamic programming and international opportunities … and emphasizing faculty-student research and the power of hands-on learning. We’ve made major changes to general education, and we’re creating new degrees in Engineering Technology, Nursing, Sustainable Management and Social Work, to be responsive to the needs of students and community alike. Our placement rate is 97 percent — that’s grads who are working, continuing their education or in the military. … And our Adult Degree Programs continue to add new partners — and graduates in record numbers.
“I want people to know that you can go to a school that’s not as big as Madison and not as big as Northwestern,” said May 2013 graduate Holly James, “and you can still get a first-rate education, and get to talk to people that know a lot in their field, and that are willing to spend their free time sharing that with you and teaching you in a lab. And it’s incredible. You don’t have to go to a giant school to get a giant education.”
UW-Green Bay boasts more than its share of award-winners — the Cofrin Library was state Library of the year, Professor Greg Aldrete was Wisconsin Professor of the year, and Professor Angela Bauer earned the UW System Regents Diversity Award. Aiming to recruit and retain the very best, UW-Green Bay commissioned a compensation analysis, and is implementing market adjustments as a result.
Campus life was varied and vibrant during the year, with the Common Theme of Creativity, Innovation and Vision showcasing the artistic side of UW-Green Bay. From the eclectic 360° Thursdays concerts to the inaugural Create-a-Thon, the theme brought the campus community together. … New spaces to gather provided an aesthetic boost on a campus already known for its beauty.
“It’s one of the greatest things about this campus, really,” said Associate Prof. Adam Gaines, Music. “The 360° of Learning is exactly what we’re about here.”
The arts were alive, with a vibrant Theatre and Dance mainstage season that included comedy, drama, Shakespeare and more. The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts shone in its own right, finishing year one of its revitalization plan in the black — with sellouts and rave reviews. A dynamic new season promises more good things to come.
Phoenix Athletics continued to shine — in sports and in the classroom. Student-athletes attained their highest-ever average GPA, and men’s tennis set a new single-sport GPA record. Women’s basketball earned national academic recognition, a 15th consecutive regular season championship — and yet another trip to the Big Dance.
UW-Green Bay’s friends, supporters and 31,000-plus alumni continue to make a difference in our own backyard … across the country … and around the globe. Prominent supporters strengthen our community ties, emphasizing the invaluable nature of a local public University. Events like Business Week further connect us, offering students critical contact with prospective employers; and our Division of Outreach and Adult access continues to expand its offerings … with a little something for everyone. Our supporters are generous with time and treasure — this year’s Alumni Phone-a-Thon set a new record for calling contributions.
In the classroom, on campus and in the community, here’s to another all-around great year for UW-Green Bay.
“They’re just a wonderful group of people here,” said May 2013 graduate Emily Vogels. “It’s really a community. It doesn’t feel like you’re just another face in the crowd.”
Added graduating senior Zona Fang:
“I’m proud to be a Phoenix! Yay!”
