Letters

The editors reserve the right to condense and edit all submissions. Entries should be submitted to Natalie Johnson, Dempsey Hall, 800 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI 54901-8614, or johnsonn@uwosh.edu.

Small business vs. entrepreneurship

I read with interest the articles on entrepreneurship that were in the latest issue of Engage magazine, but take issue with some of the comments of Paul Jones, the campus entrepreneur in residence. Small business and entrepreneurship are not mutually exclusive as the work of the UW Oshkosh office of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center Network has proven for more than 30 years.

Over those years, the UW Oshkosh SBDC has provided the creative insight into marketing, operations, financing and management that has allowed thousands of people throughout the region we serve to successfully achieve their business goals and dreams. And through the work of 11 other campus service centers like ours, the WSBDC Network ensures that such assistance helps people throughout the state, in keeping with the Wisconsin Idea.

We also were the driving force behind the creation of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Network several years ago. By forging a partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and other economic development agencies, we were able to create a powerful portal to the many and varied resources available to those with the drive and passion to start their own businesses and take on the world.

And, in talking about the dreams of those individuals, hopefully no one will ever be dismissive of their potential to succeed, despite humble beginnings, by remembering the old adage — “mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”

— Bob O’Donnel , director
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center Network
UW Oshkosh Center

Campus memories

I received my bachelor’s degree from UW Oshkosh in January 1963. Since I was a midterm graduate and there were no graduation exercises at the time, I returned to campus in June 1963 to walk across the stage at the Kolf to obtain my diploma.

I have so many happy memories of my four years at UW Oshkosh. I wouldn’t even know where to begin a list of my top 10 memories. I carried a double major and a double minor and was certified to teach high school English and social studies.

I would like to continue receiving Engage in hard copy form. I don’t believe that the beautiful artwork (for example the cover) would be as effective on a computer monitor.

— Alvan C. Bachtell ’63
Whitefish Bay

Engage online only

I really enjoyed the magazine and would like to receive it online from now on. Thank you.

— Jeanne Newport ’73 and ’89 MSE
Berlin

Please sign me up for receipt of all alumni communication over e-mail only, not just the Engage magazine. I fully support the University’s sustainability efforts.

— Erick Staley ’96
Hartland

Awesome work. I don’t need the actual magazine. I can check it out online. Go green!

— Andew Stendahl ’08
Cottage Grove

Kudos for Engage

Just wanted to drop a note to say “hello” and share that the Engage publication is fantastic-top-notch look and very well done.

— Sheri (Theisen) Amidon ’89
Campbellsport