Giving back: For this family, Baer essentials include generosity

UW-Green Bay acknowledged the philanthropic Baer Family of Green Bay at mid-year commencement.

Patricia Wood Baer and son Rick (above), were present as the University paused, before issuing diplomas, to ceremoniously mark the inaugural awarding of three named professorships including two created by the Baers.

Professorships — donor-funded endowments which provide stipends on top of salary to top faculty members — support advanced research and community service.

The Patricia Wood Baer Professorship in Education ties to Mrs. Baer’s interests and work as a teacher. That award was presented to Prof. Clifford Abbott, a linguist, to support and expand his scholarly work on Oneida language preservation and other projects.

The Frederick E. Baer Professorship in Business is in tribute to her late husband’s career as CEO of Paper Converting Machine Corporation. The first recipient of that honor is Prof. Meir Russ, Business Administration.

The Baers have given generously since 1970 to UW-Green Bay student scholarships, the Weidner Center, the center’s 3,702-pipe Wood Family Organ and various initiatives.