Commencement: Pomp and laurels
You almost couldn’t swing a mortarboard tassel without hitting an award-winning scholar, student or VIP visitor on stage at the Dec. 20 mid-year commencement ceremony at UW-Green Bay. Here’s a photo gallery of the proceedings.
The stage of the Weidner Center was filled Dec. 20 with visiting dignitaries, award recipients, UW-Green Bay faculty, staff and administration for the 39th mid-year commencement. Student speaker Jenna Neumann is at the lectern.
Veterans and newcomers alike march in the faculty processional at Commencement. At left is Al Loomer, who at age 95 still doesn’t miss a ceremony. (Loomer began teaching college-level mathematics at the old UW Center in Green Bay in 1955 and retired as a professor 25 years ago, at age 70.) Among those marching in their first Commencement was Mussie Teclezion, a new assistant professor of Business Administration (finance).
Retiring faculty member David Damkoehler received professor emeritus recognition.
Four UW-Green Bay faculty members were honored with appointments to named professorships. Prof. Clifford Abbott, in blue robe, stepped forward to receive his medallion as first recipient of the Patricia Wood Baer Professorship in Education. Congratulating Abbott are Interim Chancellor David Ward and Mrs. Baer’s son, Rick.
Prof. John Stoll pauses to look at the certificate presented him as inaugural recipient of the new Austin E. Cofrin Professorship in Management. With Stoll, left, is Interim Provost William Laatsch.
Prof. Denise Scheberle accepted congratulations upon formal announcement she is the new holder of the University’s Herbert Fisk Johnson Professorship in Environmental Studies.
Prof. Phillip Clampitt took center stage to receive a certificate and second medallion with reappointment as the Philip J. and Elizabeth B. Hendrickson Professor for Business.
Former Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan was called to the stage to receive the UW-Green Bay Chancellor’s Award in recognition of contributions to campus and community. Harlan is flanked by Laatsch and Ward.
Harlan poses prior to the ceremony. In the mid-1980s, he was instrumental in rallying community support for Division I athletics at UW-Green Bay, serving as first chairman of the Phoenix Fund.
Two top students pose with Kelly Ruh, president of the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association. Stacey Frey, left, received the Association’s Outstanding Student Award. Jenna Neumann, right, was class speaker.
Laura Hollingsworth, president and publisher of The Des Moines Register newspaper and a 1989 UW-Green Bay graduate, shared a topical message with the December graduating class.
Hollingsworth, a Communication Processes graduate, posed pre-ceremony with longtime faculty members Phil Clampitt and Tim Meyer.
Graduating senior Shannon Kelly sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Standing next to Kelly is Steve Swan, former assistant chancellor for advancement.
Regent Judy Crain of Green Bay delivered greetings from the UW System and urged the graduating class to be active advocates for their alma mater.
Prof. Steven Meyer, chairperson of the University Committee, spoke on behalf of UW-Green Bay’s faculty.
Kelly Ruh of the Alumni Association presents her group’s award to the top graduating senior, Stacey Frey.
