Campus mourns passing of alumnus and former employee Jason Blohm

Campus learned of the passing of Jason Blohm, a towering figure with a gigantic personality to match. Blohm ’01 (Geography, Urban and Regional Analysis) became a campus celebrity during his time as the student mascot Phlash the Phoenix from 1997 to 2001, not just because of his stature as the tallest (6-7) Phlash in the history of the program, but because he embraced what it meant to represent the University. In back-to-back years he was voted “best mascot” at national camps and competitions by his cheer team peers from across the country.

Blohm is also credited with naming the mascot “Phlash” — which was simply known in previous years as “The Bird.” In a UW-Green Bay 50th anniversary special edition of Inside Magazine, Blohm said, “I absolutely cherished my time as Phlash… becoming friends with the student-athletes, traveling to NCAA tournament games and really feeling like I was a part of UWGB.”

Blohm also worked as a career counselor in UW-Green Bay’s Career Services office from 2002-2003 before a long career in student services and most recently in private business.

He passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021 at the Nebraska Medical Center.

Jason Blohm
Jason Blohm

According to his obituary, “Jason was larger than life itself, a self-proclaimed ‘life enthusiast,’ he brought joy everywhere he went. Jason will be remembered by many for his devotion to his faith, unconditional love of his family and friends, his years of mascot fame as Phlash the Phoenix of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Woody the Woodchuck of the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Anyone who has met Jason will forever recall his big heart and remember a gentleman who was generous with compliments.”

Mass of Christian Burial rites will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhorn. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with a vigil service beginning at 7 p.m. Prayer Service and Burial will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Necedah, Wisconsin at a future date.

Friends are sharing stories and condolences at the Jason’s Virtual Waiting Room Facebook page.

Please see the full obituary.

 

Thank you! PHLASH Meals program making a difference

The PHLASH Meals Program provides up to five meals per month to students in need. Students can request the meals using an online form submission here. In the Fall 2018 semester, PHLASH Meals provided 255 meals to 40 unique students. The Fall 2018 PHLASH Meals Drive held December 4-6, raised $411 Dining Points, $40 in Pass Points and 271 meals toward the program; a total of 66 UW-Green Bay Phoenix donated to the cause.  Look for a Spring 2019 PHLASH Meals Drive near the end of the semester.

Close-ups: Spreading the #uwgblove

top-story-loveThere’s a lot to love about UW-Green Bay, and it’s easier to see this week, leading up to Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ve seen the window art and messages across campus. Or the decorated “Tunnel of #uwgblove… the golf cart rides between the Union and Residence Life… the free hot chocolate/hot cider and chocolates… the free hugs from Phlash Phoenix… and more. Student photographer Sam Zingsheim captures the spirit of the week.

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Photos by Sam Zingsheim, photo intern, Marketing and University Communication

| Video

Dance of the Sugar Plum Phoenix: Happy Holidays, UW-Green Bay!

Twas the end of the term, and away at the Kress,
Four gentle, fine dance students practiced their best.
They pliéd, chasséd and developéd with such grace,
That Phlash the Phoenix could not believe his big face.

’Twas too little to admire the scene from afar,
So he snuck up upon them to join in at the barre.
Despite how he tiptoed and crept with such care,
His ungainly footfalls, announced he was there.

To his delight and surprise, the dancers made way,
For furry Phlash Phoenix, to join in that day.
This really did happen, we swear it’s the truth,
And if you’re a skeptic, we have video proof!

So with this message, festive greetings we spread,
In hopes visions of Phoenix will dance in your head.

In the News: Undercover with Phlash Phoenix

Green Bay Press-Gazette writer Patti Zarling got a bird’s-eye view of the molting process last week as she transformed from reporter into Phlash Phoenix. Zarling traded her human attire for a suit of bright green feathers and a once-in-a-lifetime experience of portraying a mascot. Zarling learned that being Phlash the Phoenix is no easy feet (or beak) as she flocked to the Student Union Wednesday to interact with students during the lunch hour. There’s a nice photo of Zarling… er, Phlash… interacting with Chancellor Gary L. Miller. Also, good quotes from her “consultant,” the Glory Years Phlash Mike Pritzl. See Zarling’s article, “Taking Turn as UWGB’s Phlash was one Hot Experience.”