Yesterday, I presented the State of the University address to faculty, staff, community members, and students. I noted that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is “on the move,” stressing the accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff.
It is an exciting time to be a Warhawk. With faculty and staff returning to campus this week and with new freshmen moving in today, the campus is coming alive. While construction projects continue, those who have been away will see that progress has been made. The bookstore in Moraine Hall has reopened. The south portion of Wyman Mall is progressing, as is Hyland Hall. The Multisport complex is progressing, with the field turf project nearly complete.
Yesterday, August 6th, was the Chancellor’s Facilities Picnic at the Coulthart Family Pavilion. We enjoyed good food and conversation, as well as some nice door prizes. Thanks to Tara Boyette and the rest of the folks in Human Resources and Diversity for organizing this event. A special thanks to all the folks who work on our facilities. The buildings and grounds continue to look wonderful. When I encounter visitors to the campus, they often comment on the attractiveness of our campus. Even with our construction challenges and our heating plant incident, the campus is beautiful and exceptionally well cared for. Thanks again.
Please note that copies of the UW-Whitewater ”Emergency Procedures Quick-Reference Guide” are being sent to all departments. I encourage you to read through the guide to familiarize yourself with its contents and to keep the guide readily-accessible.
You may also find this information on our website:
http://www.uww.edu/news/emergency/
Thanks for your attention to this important matter.
On Wednesday, July 23rd, I had the privilege of flying on an educator orientation flight with the 128 Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. After a briefing at the Wisconsin Air National Guard at General Mitchell International Airport, we took a three and one half hour flight. During the flight, we watched as the KC-135R Stratotanker refueled two B-2 “Stealth” bombers. I’ve attached several pictures, one inside the plane and three showing the B-2 being refueled.
I just came back from the fourth Plan-It Purple morning session. I was delighted to see our incoming group of freshmen and their families. I am excited about the possibilities that these new students represent. The campus, despite the construction, looks beautiful and is filled with possibilities.
I also received a message from Denise Ehlen, Director of Research and Sponsored Programs, with an announcement about the June 2008 National Endowment for the Humanities awards. In the state of Wisconsin, three awards were made - two to UW-Whitewater faculty. Congratulations to David Cartwright, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Jo Ellen Burkholder, Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, and their colleagues for these awards!
Congratulations graduates! This is a delightful time of the year. On Saturday, May 17th, we will recognize 1,146 individuals receiving bachelor’s degrees and 199 receiving master’s degrees or educational specialist’s degrees. I am proud of your accomplishments and I know the faculty and staff share my pride.
Not only have you earned your diplomas, you have done so in impressive style, with more than 335 of of you earning university honors. You have presented research papers at professional conferences, won national recognition for yourselves and your student organizations, won league championships, appeared in and won national championships, contributed countless hours of community service, and enriched the lives of all of us associated with UW-Whitewater.
Again, congratulations!
Thanks to members of the campus community for their support in the chancellor’s search process. I am truly honored to be chosen. UW-Whitewater is an outstanding university that makes a difference every day in students’ lives. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and students to further enhance our programs and become even more involved in serving the region, state, and nation. I thank you.
I would like to express my thanks to all members of the campus community for their efforts and cooperation during the aftermath of the boiler explosion on the 16th. The efforts of the University Police, Facilities Planning and Management, Residence Life, Chartwells/University Dining Services, the University Center, Recreation Sports and Facilities, and others are appreciated. We also appreciate the efforts of all of those from off campus who helped to contain the problem and work to restore full services to campus.
I am pleased with the way students, faculty, and staff on campus responded. While there clearly were inconveniences, I heard many examples where individuals were able to work together to make the situation better and to keep a positive perspective. The decision by Whitewater Student Government (WSG), Residence Hall Association (RHA, and the Student Entertainment and Awareness League (SEAL) to turn this inconvenience into an opportunity for awareness of water needs in the world by supporting the Rotary India Water Trust is gratifying.
Thanks again, UW-Whitewater.
On Wednesday, April 23rd, the Quick-Reference Guide for Emergency Procedures for the UW-Whitewater Campus was posted. It can be found at http://www.uww.edu/news/emergency/, or by looking at the Quick Links area in left hand column of the Students page or the Faculty/Staff page. The heading is Emergency Procedures.
When you click on Emergency Procedures, the front page of the guide is displayed in the center of the page. The Table of Contents for the Quick-Reference Guide is on the left side of the page. You can then go directly to any specific emergency topic.
I urge you all to locate the Quick-Reference Guide for Emergency Procedures and to familiarize yourself with the first page, the Responsibilities section, and the organization of the guide. Thanks for your help with this.
On Monday evening, UW-Whitewater celebrated the 3rd Annual Chancellor’s Regional Literary Award, and honored Wisconsin author and humorist Michael Perry for his body of work including “Truck” and “Population: 485.” Dinner guests were delighted to have the opportunity to speak with Mike Perry as he made time to visit each table. After dinner, Perry held an amusing, thought-provoking reading in the new Summers Auditorium, and later signed books. I really enjoyed the entire evening, and hope you had the opportunity to attend.
Please watch for the campus announcement of our next literary award recipient, who will be honored this fall!
