Office of the Dean
College of Letters and Science
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
“…I, a wandering student, seeking knowledge, came knocking at the gates of the great University of Wisconsin , and it took me in, filled me with inspiration…”
James McCarthy, 1912, “The Wisconsin Idea”
The College of Letters and Science is thoroughly committed to carrying out the Wisconsin Idea, inspiring students and faculty to pursue “the idealistic and humane concern that knowledge could and should have practical impact on the needs, problems and aspirations of the people.” (James McCarthy, first head of the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library)
You must know that budget cuts are challenging our ability to further this mission. But thankfully, with the support of good friends, the College of Letters and Science has continued to nurture the Wisconsin Idea, inspiring our students with successes such as these:
Award-Winning Scholarship
Our Department of Biology and Microbiology received the 13 th annual Regents Teaching Excellence Award for Academic Departments and Programs this past August. We received this prestigious award because of our program’s dedication to inspiring in students an enthusiasm for learning, both in and beyond the classroom, as well as for the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that lie at the heart of our program. Two of our other College of Letters & Science departments, Chemistry and English, have also received this prestigious award in past years, and faculty members Ken Grieb (International Studies), Jim Grunloh (Economics) and Susan McFadden (Psychology) were similarly awarded the Regents’ Prize for Individual Teaching Excellence. No other College in the UW System has garnered as many such honors.
College/Community Collaboration
Our newest collaboration between the College of Letters & Science and the Fox Valley ,Shakespeare on the Fox,brought internationally acclaimed performers to the Fox Valley while providing an interactive Shakespearean experience for our students and area schoolchildren. The Departments of English and Theatre partnered with the Oshkosh Grand Opera House and the Appleton Performing Arts Center to bring, among others, the St. Petersburg Ballet and Claire Bloom to the Fox Valley . In addition to giving our students the opportunity to perform at these venues, this event also allowed them to interact with renowned artists. Now in its second year, additional area communities have asked to become involved in this enriching experience.
Fieldwork
The Department of Anthropology’s Fieldwork course has enabled our students to participate in research opportunities, contributing to their understanding of earlier human populations and to our understanding, as well. In addition, the UW Oshkosh Archaeology Field School has been focusing on the early historic periods in Wisconsin by examining a number of Meskwaki (Fox Indian) villages in Winnebago and Waupaca Counties .
Outreach
Our Science Outreach program offered an educational program for middle school students this past summer called “Gauging the Health of the Fox River .” Students learned to use state-of-the-art water monitoring equipment to test the Fox River and its tributaries in addition to learning the importance of the parameters they tested. The program equipment was purchased through grand funding from the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board.
These are just a few examples of the good things happening in the College of Letters and Science – programs, opportunities and recognition of which I am quite proud. As a past donor to the College, you certainly have a share in this pride as well.
But there is more success to be had, and so I am writing now to ask that you consider renewing your support for our mission. I am asking you once again to help us continue inspiring our students, staff and community with your support of one or more of the following programs:
College of Letters and Science Endowment Fund – This fund is the College’s area of greatest need. Proceeds will be used to fund various activities including
Thanks to previous donations to this fund, the College awarded the second Liberal Arts Scholarship of $1000 to Andrew Osborne, a senior History student from Stevens Point .
Roseanne Hoefel Multicultural Endowment – Named in memory of Roseanne Hoefel, former Associate Dean for the College of Letters and Science, this endowment continues to honor her memory and her cause by providing speakers and programs that enlighten and educate our students on diversity. Dr. Hoefel embraced the literature of other cultures and worked to create comfortable learning environments for all. As a result of her specialized interest in American Indian studies, we are proud to host the UW-Oshkosh American Indian Inter-Tribal Pow-wow this coming October.
Student/Faculty Collaborative Endowed Research Fund – This fund provides financial backing to talented students who team with faculty to conduct high-level research. These collaborative endeavors not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience, but also offer the opportunity to publish articles in academic and professional journals, present research results at regional, national and international conferences, and share findings with service groups and other interested parties. These experiences help to develop skills and confidence in unparalleled ways. As a direct result, participating students are clearly more competitive and better prepared for graduate and professional schools.
Each of these funds is a worthy investment and the results are truly inspirational!
Thank you so much for your past support and for considering making a new gift.
Sincerely,
John Koker
Dean of the College of Letters and Science
Click here to make an on-line donation
Use the form linked here to mail your donation - The form can be printed, completed by hand and mailed with your check. Please be sure to specify that your gift is for the College of Letters and Science. Indicate, also, the fund to which you are contributing.
Thank you!
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