One program in particular helps UWO alumni achieve professional success—the Master in Public Administration (MPA) program.

“The MPA program’s goal is to create exceptional leaders in public service organizations and communities by helping students gain advanced knowledge and top-notch training—a goal that is more than often achieved, said Karen King, public administration department chair

The careers of MPA grads Joe Krebsbach of Sturgeon Bay, ’11, and David Sakrison of Ripon, ’88, have gotten a boost from the program.

“In 1990, I was hired as the editor of two failing aircraft magazines,” Sakrison said. “The managerial and promotional skills I learned in the MPA program helped me to double the paid circulation, triple renewal rates and put the magazines on very profitable footing in less than four years.”

Sakrison said for the next 18 years, he built a successful career working for businesses, non-profit organizations and healthcare companies, to list a few.

“It was an excellent program,” Sakrison said. “Along with the knowledge and skills I acquired, Stephen Hintz and the MPA program gave me a much greater sense of confidence in my own abilities and potential.”

Kresbach found similar success in his career after earning his MPA degree. He recently was appointed the director of Door County’s Department of Human Services.

“I feel much more prepared for the work I am doing,” Kresbach said. “I also feel confident that the MPA (program) has expanded my options significantly. I continue to use the things that I learned in the program on a daily basis.”

The program has received similar accolades from other graduates, such as Corinne Mc Farlane ‘11, of Green Bay, area administrator of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

“My experience with UW Oshkosh’s MPA program has been incredible,” she said. “I’ve been working in the field of public administration for 17 years, and I thought I was doing a pretty good job. Participating in the MPA program, however, has been eye-opening. It has dramatically broadened by perspective and challenged me to rethink my approach to leadership.”

According to King, roughly 65 to 75 graduate students enroll in the program each year.

“Students from other programs, such as nursing, social work and business administration, also attend our classes,” she said.

King said students often are taught through small, interactive weekend classes, in which they gain the ability to direct their own learning and strengthen their skills. The program also synthesizes coursework with employment experience and is committed to providing professional education to qualified students.

“An MPA degree provides graduates with the opportunity to move into more advanced managerial roles in their public serving organizations,” King said. “Program graduates go on to be successful leaders and lifelong learners.”

The proof lies in the success of UWO alumni who’ve expressed their gratitude toward what they’ve gained from the MPA program.

“The knowledge and skills that I learned in the MPA program gave me a solid foundation and opened countless doors and opportunities to me,” Sakrison said. “I owe much to the MPA program and its instructors.”

Learn more about UW Oshkosh’s MPA program.

Once again this fall, UW Oshkosh will offer an engaging workshop series of classes that will help you develop a talent or explore an area of interest.

UW Oshkosh students and alumni, as well as members of the Evergreen community, qualify for a discounted registration fee.

• Beginner Clogging
  Wednesdays, Oct. 24–Dec. 19 (no class Nov. 21) from 5:30–6:45 p.m.

• Ballroom Dance
  Thursdays, Nov. 1–Dec. 13, 2012 (no class Nov. 22) from 6–7:30 p.m.

• Latin Dance
  Mondays, Nov. 5–Dec. 10, 2012 from 6:30–8 p.m.

• Watercolors
  Tuesdays, Nov. 6–Dec. 4, 2012 from 6–8 p.m.

• Swing Dance
  Wednesdays, Nov. 7–Dec. 5, 2012 (no class Nov. 21) from 6:30–8 p.m.

For course descriptions and to register, visit uwosh.edu/conted/enrich or call (920) 424-1129 or toll-free (800) 633-1442. The Enrich workshop series is presented by the UWO Division of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement.

In the video below, alumni, who have worked for nearly a year on the planning committee, share their excitement about the upcoming event and encourage their fellow Greek “brothers” and “sisters” to join in the fun.

“I truly think this is going to be our biggest Homecoming to date,” said UW Oshkosh Alumni Relations Director Christine Gantner. “We have an incredible number of student/campus as well as alumni-related events planned for this year, including our first-ever, All-Greek Reunion with more than 200 alumni registered to take part.”

Kicking off the retro week is the annual volunteerism event, Hands on Oshkosh, which begins Saturday, Oct. 6, in Reeve Memorial Union Ballroom at 8:30 a.m. Students, faculty and staff will come together to volunteer and make a difference in the community.

Homecoming week continues with a variety of fun campus events, including:

•  Monday, window painting in Reeve and office decoration judging on campus, 2-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, residence hall/ house decorations judging, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; talent show in Reeve Ballroom starts at 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, comedian, singer, songwriter and Internet celebrity Bo Burnham performs at 8 p.m., Albee Hall gym. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Leadership and Involvement front desk in Reeve; prices are $10 for students and $15 for the general public.
• Thursday, Spoons Tournament, 4 p.m., and first-ever Powder Puff Flag Football game, 6-9 p.m., both at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
• Friday, Campus Food Drive, 3:30-5 p.m., Blackhawk Commons Receiving Dock; Yell like Hell rally and a Lip Sync event, both at 7 p.m., Albee Hall Gym.

“Throughout the week, we also are proud to welcome back noted alumni to UW Oshkosh to share their expertise with students and the entire campus community,” Gantner said.

These events include a piano performance by alumna Janice Meyer ’71, as part of the Transcontinental Piano Duo at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Music Hall; a panel discussion with Radio-TV-Film alumni, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Friday in the broadcast studio, Arts and Communication west building; and a lecture about hydrogeology by alumna Beverly Herzog ’76, 4:10 p.m., Reeve Union Theater.

Nine top alumni will be honored by the UWO Alumni Association at the Alumni Awards Dinner Friday at 5 p.m., in Reeve 227. A multimedia presentation of the Alumni Memories Project will be unveiled at the event. Reservations required.

Homecoming Saturday

Saturday, Oct. 13 kicks off with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Alumni Welcome and Conference Center at 9 a.m. at the northwest corner of Peal Avenue and Wisconsin Street. From 9:30 to 11 a.m., a Continental Breakfast and Open House will take place at Pollock Alumni House, located at 765 Algoma Blvd, followed by a campus highlights tour, departing at 10 a.m.

Registration for the family-friendly Tour de Titan Bike Ride begins at 9:30 a.m. at Pollock. At 11 a.m., the bikes will line up and depart from Pollock and end at Tent City, on Josslyn Street at the Oshkosh Sports Complex.

The pregame celebration at Tent City with free food and music will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m. This event provides a perfect opportunity for students and alumni to socialize, network and build their UWO pride in a fun, interactive setting.

UWO senior Amy Will, a community development specialist for Residence Life, is helping to coordinate the tent site for the department.

“Coordinating with the awesome Homecoming team has been an amazing experience,” Will said. “I cannot wait for Tent City to arrive and to see all the fun events, especially the caricature artist in the Residence Life tent.”

UW Oshkosh takes on UW-Platteville for the Homecoming football game at J. J. Keller Field at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors, $4 for K-12 students. Admission is free to all UW Oshkosh students with a valid Titan ID card.

At the start of the game, the 1972 championship football team will be honored during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Wisconsin State University Conference championship game. The team will be presented with plaques by the Titan Touchdown Club—an alumni organization that provides services throughout the football season.

The All-Greek Reunion Celebration will get underway in the Reeve Union Ballroom at 7 p.m., with an hors d’oeuvres buffet and cash bar. An All-Greek Continental Breakfast will be held Sunday morning, Oct. 14, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at George’s Gaslight Inn, located at 1903 Harrison St. Preregistration is required for these events.

by Lori Ligocki

Learn more:

• www.uwosh.edu/homecoming

• www.uwosh.edu/go/greek

• reeve.uwosh.edu/