Student speaker: See the magic, seize the adventure

Graduating class speaker Andrea Reisenaur of Sheboygan — posing above with Chancellor Tom Harden before the ceremony — used the theme “magic and adventure” for her brief remarks Saturday (Dec. 13) at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s mid-year commencement.

Basically, she told her classmates, their UW-Green Bay years were filled with hard work, challenging exams and important academic achievements… but with all the stress of finals weeks and job-hunting, she hoped they didn’t miss a chance to celebrate life’s little joys.

“It can be as simple as looking out and appreciating the beauty of the frozen bay… saying thank-you to a stranger opening the door for you… even ordering a new panini at the Garden Café instead of ‘the usual,’… See the (everyday) magic and seize the adventure,” she said.

Reisenauer, in addition to being selected graduating class speaker by a faculty committee, was also chosen by the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association to receive the Outstanding Student Award. At Saturday’s commencement she received her bachelor’s degree with summa cum laude, or highest, honors, and distinction in the major. She completed double majors in English and Spanish, a minor in Humanistic Studies, and an emphasis in linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language.

A published poet, she has had her work appear in regional literary journals. As a student of Spanish, she served as principal translator for a book of fiction soon to be published, in English, by a novelist from Peru.

On behalf of her fellow graduates, she thanked the University’s faculty and staff for their efforts on behalf of students.

Reisenauer says she intents to enroll at a university in Spain to pursue a master’s degree in Spanish translation, attending either Pompeu Fabra University in Barcalona or the University of Valencia, in Valencia. Her goals include working as a writer and translator, and possible Ph.D. studies leading to a career in higher education.