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Once an at-risk student himself, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus Ron Schreier ’68, MSE ’70,  has spent a large portion of his career helping at-risk teens gain their confidence, overcome life’s obstacles, complete their education and live up to their full potential.

The 43-year education veteran is one of five UW Oshkosh alumni who will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award at an open-to-the-public reception and dinner Oct. 12, at Reeve Memorial Union.

During his 32-year tenure at Appleton West High School, Schreier was instrumental in starting many successful programs, including the Student Council, Golden Tassel Awards and the Post-Graduation Party.

He also established “Chance II,” a program that gives failing second-semester freshmen and sophomores an opportunity to recover core graduation credits, maintain academic progress toward graduating with their class and develop communication, problem-solving and self-advocacy skills to be successful in school and later in life.

“I am deeply proud of the program and what so many of my at-risk students have accomplished,” Schreier said. And Chance II students are equally as proud—of themselves and him.

“Mr. Schreier has had an impact on my life, being the closest father figure I have had. He saw me through all my struggles as a rebellious teenager. He never quit on me. He has impacted a lot of students and is a great principal, teacher and person,” said one anonymous program graduate.

Although retired, Schreier is still working with students, serving as a mentor for at-risk youth enrolled at Fort McCoy’s Challenge Academy, which offers habitual high school truants an opportunity to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, and as a writing development coordinator at Appleton West, where he shares his love of writing with students two days a week. He also serves as a student teacher supervisor for Concordia University

Schreier has a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degrees in both counseling and school administration from UWO and has earned multiple awards throughout his career, including the National At-Risk Educators’ Network’s (NAREN) 2011 Award for outstanding contributions, benefiting the plight of at-risk youth and their teachers and Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year.

Schreier’s many professional and community service activities include more than 30 years as a member of the Phi Delta Kappa and 25 years as the UW Oshkosh Alumni Association president. He credits UWO with helping him succeed in his career.

“I have been able to become who I am today in large part through my campus involvement. I also benefited greatly from many very talented University teachers in my bachelor’s, as well as, my master’s degree programs,” Schreier said.

He encourages current and future education majors to get involved and to be all that they can in and outside of the classroom. “Be an educated ‘force’ that creates and implements positive change that benefits all people you encounter,” Schreier said.

For more information about the alumni awards dinner or Homecoming 2012, please contact the Alumni Relations office at (920) 424-3449 or email alumni@uwosh.edu for information.

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