UW Oshkosh receives largest gift in its history
The Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau has committed to the single largest pledge in University of Wisconsin Oshkosh history — $1.5 million earmarked to complete the Oshkosh Sports Complex, a project valued for its potential to attract visitors to the area, provide a first-rate athletic facility for students throughout the community and significantly impact the region’s economy.
The pledge, announced in October, will be funded over seven to 10 years. The gift kicks off fundraising for the $4.4-million second phase of renovation.
The sports complex’s ability to serve as an economic engine was a major factor in the bureau’s decision to commit to the project. The $5.5-million, first renovation phase increased use of the facility from 30 events to approximately 120 events annually.
“The Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to support this project,” said Wendy Hielsberg, executive director. “We have analyzed past attributes in the community and determined no single project would have the ability to impact tourism the way the Oshkosh Sports Complex would.”
Scholarship honors mother’s commitment to education
When the family of Anne Burns Hillenbrand considered a unique and lasting way to honor her, they immediately thought about her dedication to higher education. A mother of six children, Anne was widowed at age 37. Her strong educational background – including a bachelor’s degree earned at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. – proved to be a wise investment in meeting the challenges she faced as a young widow.
“Our mother is one of the most well-rounded, educated women of her time,” said Karola Jungbacker, Anne’s daughter. “She taught us the value of an education, but more importantly, she taught us the value of using it in varying contexts and using it often, conventionally or not.”
To honor their mother, Anne’s six children and all of her 16 grandchildren created the Anne Burns Hillenbrand Family Endowed Scholarship Program. The $600,000 endowment provides a four-year, full-tuition scholarship and fellowship each year for one student. By 2010, four students will be studying at UW Oshkosh thanks to the scholarship, which is one of the largest scholarship endowments in the University’s history.
“This gift makes a significant impact in the lives of many deserving students,” said Chancellor Richard H. Wells. “It is also another exciting step forward for our pride.purpose.promise. campaign, which seeks to raise $2.2 million in endowed scholarships, affording more students the opportunity to attend college and earn a valuable degree.”
To complement the full-tuition scholarship, the endowment provides paid fellowship opportunities through the University’s Center for Community Partnerships (CCP). Hillenbrand Fellows will work a minimum of 10 hours per week in professional experiences that enhance their academic preparation. Combined with the scholarship, the fellowship provides recipients with the opportunity to earn four-year degrees at no cost to the student as well as gain valuable practical experience through the fellowship experience — a $50,000 value.
The first scholarship was awarded in fall 2007 to freshman Rochelle Choudoir of Winneconne.
“It is really amazing how Anne’s family came together to create something so life changing for a student like myself in honor of her,” Choudoir said. “The enormous weight of having to deal with college loans and financial aid has been lifted from my shoulders by receiving this scholarship.”
New grad creates single parents scholarship
The Carla Roberts Special Education Teaching Scholarship was created by the January 2008 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduate, in gratitude for assistance she received as a nontraditional student. Recipients must be single parents with financial need majoring in special education. Roberts was class speaker for the December 2007 Commencement ceremony. In her address, she spoke about the ripple effect caused by pebbles tossed in water and challenged her fellow graduates “to give back, to toss your pebbles of kindness. Any pebble you reach down and grab from your path in life and toss to someone else will make a difference.”
Read more about new funds at http://www.uwosh.edu/engage/bonuscontent/funds.php.
Video of Carla Roberts’ commencement speech.
New Foundation board members
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Foundation welcomes three new members to its board of directors. With more than 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Gary A. Brukardt ’71, of Nashville, Tenn., is chairman and CEO of Specialty Care Services Group. Oshkosh resident Karola Jungbacker, a licensed real estate broker, is a principal in Alexander and Bishop, a real estate and development firm. Traci L. (Hanson) Raether ’87 BSN, ’95 MSN, of Oshkosh is the vice president for quality and organization development at Evergreen Retirement Community. She also serves as president of the UW Oshkosh Alumni Association Board of Directors.
The Foundation acknowledges the service of board members who have completed their terms: Michelle (Janik) Hammett ’81, Kathy Reff ’76, Charles Savino ’67, and William Whitlock. View a complete list of board members at www.uwosh.edu/foundation/about/board.php.
The board serves to position the University as an educational institution dedicated to the success of its students and manages the Foundation’s business affairs, including the administration of more than $24 million in assets.
J. J. Keller honored for regional collaboration
J. J. Keller and Associates’ longtime commitment to University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and the northeastern Wisconsin community was recognized Sept. 18 with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Foundation’s first Collaboration in Action Leadership Award.
The honor acknowledged the company’s commitment to collaboration with higher education, business and community in northeastern Wisconsin. The award was presented during the Foundation’s Community Breakfast, which drew more than 200 people to campus.
“J. J. Keller believes collaboration between business, education and the community is vital,” said Jim Keller, president and chief operating officer of J. J. Keller and Associates.
John Wollner ’95 MBA, Foundation Outreach Committee chair, praised J. J. Keller and Associates’ commitment to collaboration.
“Their efforts to promote the University extend well beyond financial support,” Wollner said. “They recognize the crucial need for collaboration between business and education. I can’t think of a better example of collaboration in action.”
In addition to the award presentation, the event featured a keynote address by Kevin P. Reilly, president of the UW System.
Reilly shared some of the trends in higher education and how the system is working effectively and efficiently to move the state forward. Reilly outlined how the UW System’s Wisconsin Growth Agenda will aim to increase the number of Wisconsin residents who earn a bachelor’s degree; attract more college graduates to the state; and use university resources to grow employment opportunities.
“Each campus is stepping forward with the Growth Agenda,” he said. “Here at UW Oshkosh, you have thoughtful, innovative new programming, and you should be proud of the work you have done.”