The last year has been one of big wins, bold moves and unforgettable experiences at UW-Green Bay. From launching innovative programs serving our students and the community to celebrating athletic triumphs, this year was all about momentum and impact. We welcomed record-breaking enrollment and our largest graduating class, witnessed the rise of new partnerships and philanthropy, and even rocked out to a surprise pop-up concert. Join us as we look back at the top moments that made 2025 a year to remember for the Phoenix family.
1. Launch of new programs supports career opportunities for students
UW-Green Bay introduced two impactful initiatives in 2025 designed to help students gain career-ready experience and prepare for successful futures.
- Future Leaders in Manufacturing, launched in January of 2025, connects students with regional employers like Sargento and Johnsonville, offering competitive wages, tuition reimbursement and hands-on roles in areas such as production, supply chain, research and more. Participants also benefit from leadership workshops, career coaching and networking opportunities, positioning them for success in manufacturing and beyond.
- Community Impact Internship Program, launched in fall of 2025, provides funding to make unpaid internships at nonprofit and government organizations paid at a competitive wage for students with financial need, ensuring all students can access meaningful, career-building experiences and serve the community.
Together, these programs open doors for students to earn, learn and lead—strengthening both their futures and the region’s workforce.
2. GB Phoenix is Horizon League champ, times two
Green Bay Phoenix Athletics took the top place in the Horizon league in two different sports this year:
- Women’s Basketball once again clinched the position as Horizon League Champions, heading to the first round of the March Madness tournament in March of 2025.
- In October, Noah Jahnke created program history for the Green Bay Cross Country program as the first individual Phoenix men’s runner to win the Horizon League Championships.
Go Phoenix!
3. Building pathways through partnerships with local higher education Institutions
In 2025, UW-Green Bay strengthened its commitment to student success and workforce development through two transformative partnerships with local higher education institutions.
- FORWARD Program with Lakeshore College: Launched in April, the FORWARD Program was designed to meet critical workforce needs in Sheboygan County by creating affordable, local pathways for students pursuing teaching and nursing degrees. By sharing resources and offering classes at both institutions, FORWARD removes barriers and keeps talent in the region.
- Fox Valley Technical College Transfer Agreements: In October, New pathways in Criminal Justice and Business were announced, allowing FVTC students to seamlessly transfer into UW-Green Bay bachelor’s programs, saving time and money while accelerating their career goals.
Together, these partnerships make higher education more accessible, affordable, and aligned with the needs of Northeast Wisconsin—helping students move forward faster.
4. Honoring the Earth and beginning construction on the CTEC
In 2025, UW-Green Bay marked a historic moment with an Earth Honoring ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the Cofrin Technology and Education Center (CTEC). More than 100 people gathered as Menominee and Ho-Chunk elders offered words of recognition for the land, and the Wisconsin Dells drum group shared honor songs for the Earth.
The new CTEC will replace the 52-year-old Cofrin Library and become a vibrant hub for collaboration, innovation, and community connection. Designed to reflect UW-Green Bay’s interdisciplinary spirit and honor First Nations culture, the five-story, $101 million building will feature flexible learning spaces, an entrepreneur center, the Three Sisters Café and stunning campus views.
Set to open in 2027, CTEC represents more than a building—it’s a commitment to student success, environmental stewardship, and the future of Northeast Wisconsin.
5. Pop-up concert featuring All-American Rejects takes over Phoenix Park
Students wrapped up the spring 2025 semester with an unforgettable surprise! On May 13, Student radio station Radio GBX announced live on-air that in just over 24 hours, the All-American Rejects would perform a pop-up concert at Phoenix Park. Students and community members gathered for an incredible night of music including opening acts and a high-energy performance from AAR—turning an ordinary day during finals week into an extraordinary event.
6.The Phoenix Sculpture finds a new nest
In true Phoenix fashion, our iconic sculpture took flight to make way for construction of the Cofrin Technology and Education Center. The Phoenix migrated from its longtime perch on the Library Circle to a new home on the south side of the Kress Events Center
The move was commemorated with a tongue-in-cheek “mockumentary” featuring Associate Director for the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Erin Giese, who tracked this rare “mythological migration.” The conclusion? Migration isn’t always about distance—it’s about finding the perfect place to land. Update your field notes: the Phoenix has a new nest! Watch the video.
7. Major milestones
The last year was a banner year for milestones. UW-Green Bay’s place as the fastest growing UW was apparent. In 2025, UW-Green Bay marked:
- The largest graduating class yet at commencement on May, 17 with 1,338 eligible graduates particpating two ceremonies.
- Once again, in fall 2025, UW-Green Bay enrollment hit a record high of 11,500 students, sustaining a trajectory of growth of 28% over the last 5 years.
- Record-breaking participation in UW-Green Bay’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT) programs. CEWT programs supported 101,617 learners committed to furthering their education in the ’24-’25 year.
8. GB Phoenix Athletics welcomes an Executive-in-Residence
In August, Green Bay Phoenix Athletics welcomed former Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy to the GB Phoenix team as its inaugural Executive-in-Residence. Murphy has an office in the Kress Events Center Athletics offices on the UW-Green Bay campus and has been focusing on on elevating the profile and strength of Phoenix Athletics’ D1 programs and building partnerships throughout the region with individuals and businesses, as well as, mentorship of coaches and staff and special initiatives for the Chancellor, including Phoenix Innovation Park.
9. Renewing Partnerships and Honoring Heritage
In 2025, UW-Green Bay and the Oneida Nation strengthened their long-standing relationship through two powerful events during Native American Heritage Month.
The Phoenix men’s basketball team unveiled a special jersey designed by Oneida Nation citizen and UW-Green Bay student Jossalyn Metoxen, celebrating Indigenous culture and creativity. Later in the month, UW-Green Bay hosted Haskell Indian Nations University for a historic matchup at the Kress Center, creating a space for cultural exchange and community connection.
These events reflect a shared commitment to honoring Indigenous traditions, supporting student success, and building educational opportunities that empower future generations.
10. $1 Million Gift Opens Doors for STEM Students
In November, UW-Green Bay was proud to announce a transformative $1 million scholarship gift from alumnus Dr. Paul J. Schilling ’82, aimed at expanding access to STEM degrees for high-achieving students with financial need. The newly established “Dr. Charles Ihrke Scholarship Fund” will support incoming undergraduate students pursuing STEM majors—empowering the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and community leaders.
Dr. Schilling created the scholarship to honor his former faculty advisor, Professor Emeritus Dr. Charles “Chuck” Ihrke, whose guidance helped shape his academic and professional journey. Dr. Ihrke, a founding faculty member in Human Biology at UW-Green Bay, was known for his unwavering dedication to students and was recognized with the university’s Founders Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1984.
This year reminded us what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. UW-Green Bay’s achievements in 2025—record enrollment, groundbreaking programs, cultural celebrations, and more—are just the beginning. With momentum on our side, we’re ready to Rise even higher in 2026. Go Phoenix!
Photos by Sue Pischke, Marketing and University Communications Photographer/Videographer; Horizon Leauge; Josh Buntin, Marketing and University Communications Photographer/Videographer, Carol Longton, Green Bay Phoenix Photographer; and Dan Moore, Marketing and University Communications Photographer/Videographer