Video: Celebrating the 'game-changing' Austin E. Cofrin School of Business
The Austin E. Cofrin School of Business at UW-Green Bay held an Open House event March 2, gathering students, faculty, staff and community members to celebrate the school’s new look and unveil the portrait of its namesake. Attendees shared thoughts and reflections on the event and what it means to students, the University and the larger community.
Thomas K. Harden, UW-Green Bay Chancellor:
“Perhaps nothing would thrill the Cofrin family more than to have the next Austin Cofrin — the next innovator, who makes the world, this state, and especially this community, a better place — get his or her start right here at the Austin E. Cofrin school of business.”
Lucy A. Arendt, director, Austin E. Cofrin School of Business:
“It’s sort of shouting out to the world that, ‘Hey we’ve been here forever, but now we’re going to be even better than we have been in the past.’ It’s that opportunity to formally thank the Cofrins … We’re in the newly remodeled building, we’re in the newly remodeled suite, people are settled in — they’re thinking of this as home. And now we have sort of that formal recognition of that fact — and of course, the portrait of Austin E. Cofrin — to sort of remind people on a daily basis about the excellence that he stood for, the innovation that he stood for. And it’s not just about the faculty here, but really about students and guests that come to visit us. And they can see what we stand for. We stand for the values that he espoused.”
Lindsey Marshall, Accounting and Business Administration major:
“It was actually incredible to see, (to) walk in here the first time after the remodel just to see the transformation. I think the classrooms are much more accommodating. Wood Hall used to be a little retro style, kind of feel and look … so just the way it transformed into a more professional environment was nice to see.”
Arendt:
“When students come into this building, they see that we’ve got a modern aesthetic — that everything they could possibly need in order to learn, well, it’s here. It just says that the institution really cares about the students and their learning. … For us, (the Cofrin Gift is) really a game-changer. It was that moment where, we were good and now — wow — now we can really be spectacular and just make a huge impact in this New North region”
Enjoy a photo gallery of the Cofrin Open House and other events featured during 2012 Business Week: Partnering for Success.
