A thank-you for outgoing Regent

Chancellor Thomas K. Harden made a special presentation — a crystal bowl — to former University of Wisconsin System Regent Judy Crain of Green Bay at the May 12 commencement on campus.

Crain, whose seven-year term as a Regent recently concluded, briefly addressed the graduates and Kress Center audience of about 5,000 during the opening minutes of the ceremony.

She reflected on her nearly lifelong relationship with UW-Green Bay, and the fact that much has changed over the last decade with respect to state funding of public higher education. Reduced funding has made things difficult for students — “rising tuition and the threat of long-term debt are troubling,” she said — and for the institution, as well, because the University is challenged to retain top faculty and staff members following at least five years of pay freezes and givebacks.

Former UW System Regent Judy Crain

Serious change is coming to American higher education, she advised her audience, and solutions will require that eyes and minds be open to new opportunities and efficiencies. She praised the leadership of Harden, the UW-Green Bay chancellor.

Crain asked the newest class of UW-Green Bay alumni to support their alma mater not only through financial and volunteer contributions but also through energetic advocacy.

Harden announced after Crain had concluded her remarks that the Regent Emerita would also be receiving emerita recognition from UW-Green Bay’s Council of Trustees/Foundation Board of Directors. Board members voted unanimously at their most recent meeting to recognize Crain’s lengthy service to the institution. She had served on the UW-Green Bay Council from 2002 until 2005 and her appointment to the statewide Board of Regents.