Chancellor’s club welcomes newest member
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay formally welcomed Gary L. Miller — the sixth chancellor in the institution’s five-decade history — in a ceremony Friday afternoon, Nov. 14, and each of the three living former chancellors had a front-row seat for Miller’s installation.
Posing with Miller (second from left, above) were Tom Harden, Bruce Shepard and Mark Perkins. The three served as witnesses when, as part of the ceremony, the newest chancellor signed a parchment document signifying his acceptance of the UW-Green Bay chancellorship and his promise to lead the University in accordance with its mission and calling.
Harden stepped down as chancellor this summer after serving as UW-Green Bay’s chief executive officer since 2009. He continues to reside in Green Bay and is preparing to return to teaching. Shepard, chancellor from 2001-2008, traveled to Green Bay for the installation from Bellingham, Wash., where he is president of Western Washington University. He was accompanied on his return to campus by his wife, Cyndie Shepard, co-founder of the Phuture Phoenix Program. Perkins, UW-Green Bay chancellor from 1994 through 2001, made the trip from his home in Greensboro, N.C.
The University’s founding chancellor, Edward W. Weidner, who led the new university from 1966 to 1986, passed away on June 6, 2007. His successor, David L. Outcalt, served from 1986 until December 1993. He died Nov. 7, 2013.
The three former chancellors were seated next to Miller as part of the platform party on the stage of the Weidner Center. Along with participating as witnesses to the signing ceremony, they were the first to congratulate the new chancellor at the conclusion of his installation address, titled “The Powers of the Phoenix: Transformation, Innovation and Place.” Miller acknowledged Harden, Shepard and Perkins at the outset of his remarks.
“These creative and pioneering leaders set the University on a trajectory of excellence, and they continue their support from afar,” Miller said. “I want to thank them for their great leadership of this University and for being here to celebrate with us today.”
Lou LeCalsey, longtime chairman of the UW-Green Bay Foundation and the Chancellor’s Council of Trustees, called upon Miller to build upon the strong legacy of the institution’s previous leaders. LeCalsey paused to greet each of the four chancellors (above) at the conclusion of his remarks.
Both Miller and emcee Prof. Clifford Abbott additionally acknowledged the presence of Weidner’s widow, Marge Weidner, who attended the ceremony.
