Ovation for soldier-turned-Outstanding-Student
Jared J. Spude of Sturgeon Bay, the May 2015 recipient of the Outstanding Student Award presented by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Alumni Association, received an extended ovation from an audience of nearly 5,000 at spring commencement at the Kress Events Center.
Spude earned his bachelor of science degree with a near-perfect gradepoint average and summa cum laude, or highest honors, having completed majors in Political Science and Public Administration.
Before the bachelor’s degree was awarded, Spude, seated with his classmates, was asked to stand as Chancellor Gary L. Miller acknowledged the honor from the platform, reading:
Political Science and Public Administration graduate Jared Spude of Brussels, Wisconsin, has been honored by our Alumni Association as the Outstanding Student of this semester’s graduating class.
Just four years ago at this time, Jared was on the ground — active duty — in Nangahar Province, Afghanistan… serving as a “joint forward observer” with the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division.
In November of that year, he returned to his hometown in Northeastern Wisconsin. He enrolled at UW-Green Bay, and devoted himself to excellence in the classroom… in a variety of student leadership positions…. and in a range of service projects across campus and in the community.
Today, Jared continues his military service as a training instructor with the National Guard at Fort McCoy. It is also my understanding that he is delighted to have recently been offered a position with Breakthrough Fuel.
Ladies and Gentleman, please join me in congratulating Jared for being chosen as the outstanding student of this semester’s graduating class.
