Foundation President's Letter

Arthur H. Rathjen

As I reflect on the past year, it is hard not to dwell on how the worldwide financial crisis is affecting higher education.  Battered stock markets and endowment portfolios, rising energy costs, the banking credit crunch and uncertain financial forecasts plague all of us in the academic community, as we struggle to maintain a dynamic educational experience for our students.

But the new economic climate can yield unanticipated opportunities for institutions as well. Educators are compelled to review University operations and enhance efficiency. Advancement officers are motivated to reestablish relationships with alumni, parents and friends and to share exciting accomplishments within the University community. Donors have the opportunity to make an even greater impact on the lives of our students.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has much to be proud of:

• UW Oshkosh senior business majors rank in the top 5-percent nationwide on the ETS business knowledge assessment exam.
• The UW Oshkosh College of Nursing currently celebrates a 100-percent pass rate on the Family Nurse Practitioner exam.
• The University community leads the way in Wisconsin with a campuswide commitment to sustainability principles and conservation efforts.
• UW Oshkosh has won more Teaching Excellence Awards than any other UW System comprehensive institution.
• The successful completion of building enhancements across campus (including the Oshkosh Sports Complex, Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and Library Reference Room renovation) has made this a vibrant campus community.

Furthermore, we eagerly await the construction of the new academic center housing the College of Business and social science departments from the College of Letters and Science, with groundbreaking scheduled for fall 2009.

UW Oshkosh is a strong and healthy academic community. If there is a common denominator to our success, it is our reputation for sound leadership and a collaborative spirit. With our focus fixed on students — and our commitment to making sound financial decisions — I am confident our campus community can withstand the current economic crisis.

The 7,124 donors who contributed to the UW Oshkosh Foundation in 2008 have entrusted us with their financial resources and extended their confidence in our mission. We are grateful for their investment in the University and offer them our sincere appreciation.