Video: First steps are big ones, at Commencement

For new UW-Green Bay alumna Jennifer Ulrich, crossing the stage during spring commencement ceremonies was doubly meaningful. There was the achievement of earning her degree in Psychology, something for which she’d worked long and hard. Then there was the way she physically accepted her diploma, standing — and walking — her way across the Kress Events Center stage. Ulrich has spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and has used a wheelchair since childhood. But after some serious goal-setting with roommates — and some even more serious hard work, exercise and physical therapy — Ulrich walked the walk during Saturday’s event. She walked for the first time, publicly, after much struggle and practice. To a standing ovation.