‘Born to Rise,’ UW-Green Bay Class of 2024 Celebrates Winter Commencement
Happy chaos. Nervous energy. Cheering, clapping. Tears of joy. Excitement! That and so much more dominated UW-Green Bay’s 2024 Winter Commencement ceremonies at The Weidner Saturday, December 14, 2024. Friends, family and fans of the more than 470 graduates celebrated the newest members of the 50,000+ University of Wisconsin-Green Bay alumni.
Chancellor Michael Alexander welcomed all participants at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies, highlighting the more than 50 years of graduates who proudly share their history as a UW-Green Bay graduate. “You are and always will be a Phoenix,” he said.
Student speaker for the morning ceremony, Brady Reinhard shared what it meant for him to say ‘yes’ during his time at UW-Green Bay. “This was my first lesson in college, always say yes to an opportunity when it presents itself, no matter how much your anxiety is telling you to say no.” Reinhard shared the impact of his third grade teacher and how that educator’s interaction helped him forge his career in teaching and political science. He urged his fellow graduates to “never be afraid to take the jump that people warn you against…I now know that I made the best decision for myself, not something that makes other people feel good for me. Lead the life that you want to live, and never look back.” His parting words spoke to everyone in the crowd, “…you are a Phoenix, we were born to rise.”
UW-Green Bay is well-known for its unrelenting access to education, and community speaker Adam Procell epitomized what education can do. After being handed a lifetime prison sentence at the age of 15, Procell has since become an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, adjunct professor at Marquette University and now, commencement speaker. His words to the graduating class were profound, sharing that the degree and the grade point, while important, would not define them. “It’s your resilience that will define you.” His story also features the power of education and what it can do to change your life, sharing these final words with the graduating class of 2024: “You’re at the beginning of your journey, and I want you to know something: there is nothing you cannot do. No matter what challenges you face, no matter what doubts creep into your mind, remember this—you are more powerful than you realize.”
UW-Green Bay student speaker at the afternoon ceremony, Mia Laufer, spoke about the people and experiences that shaped her as a student. “My time at UWGB has been truly transformative, providing me with far more than academic knowledge alone. I’ve had incredible opportunities to grow as a leader.” Family, friends, and her time on the Good Times Programming board and as a Resident Assistant had a profound impact on Laufer, “I am reminded of the strength and support that have shaped me—not only from my family but also from the lessons and experiences we’ve shared during our time here.” Finally, she challenged her fellow classmates, “We are the authors of our own stories, and together, we’ve proven that we are capable of perseverance, growth, and greatness. Let’s step boldly into the future, ready to write chapters filled with purpose, passion, and impact. The future is ours to shape—let’s go make it extraordinary.”
A well-known member of the banking community and the Northeast Wisconsin region, afternoon community speaker Bob Atwell shared much more than accounting principles and financial advice with the Class of 2024. Themes surrounding generosity, character and serving others were threaded throughout his remarks. “Learning to do well the things that must be done is a mark of great character. You will also have bad days and I think it also says a lot about our character if we can have habits of generosity especially when you are feeling out of sorts. I am firmly convinced that the purpose of our work is to serve others. We succeed best by helping others succeed.” Atwell concluded his speech with important words for all in attendance. “Be clear with yourself about what success looks like to you. There is a whole lot more to life than money and professional success. Somewhere inside you there lies a dream of something beautiful that will happen through your hands. Perhaps it is so deep that we blush at the prospect of describing it. Let the beautiful dream spur you on. Work toward it relentlessly.”
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024. Together we rise!
Click to advance slideshow or view the album on Flickr.
– Photos by Dan Moore, UW-Green Bay Marketing and University Communication
