The season of thanks kicked off last week as dozens of alumni who also work at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh enjoyed a special appreciation breakfast.
Chancellor Andrew Leavitt and Alumni Director Christine Gantner praised the Titans X 2 alumni-employees for their dedication to UW Oshkosh at the Friday event, sponsored by Alumni Relations, University Books & More and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Leavitt said that UWO is strengthened through this core group of alumni-employees who have the university’s pride and traditions “incorporated into their DNA,” while Gantner added that more than 500 of UWO’s dedicated employees have degrees from the institution.
Ahead of the breakfast, a number of Titans X 2s shared what they are most thankful for at UW Oshkosh. Many mentioned the “opportunity” to learn, grow and succeed.
“I’m thankful that when I was a student there were many faculty and staff who truly cared about my success,” said Wayne Abler ’83, instructional television services in Learning Technologies. “They provided help beyond the walls of the classroom and served as great mentors and role models. Now that I’m an employee at UW Oshkosh, I’m thankful to see that there are still many staff and faculty with the same dedication and passion for our mission. I feel privileged to work with a group of colleagues who demonstrate unwavering dedication in the face of many challenges.”
Karen Gibson ’86 and MA ’90, an assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Services, said she received a solid education that served as the basis for her continued academic success.
“As a tenured faculty member here at UW Oshkosh, I take great pride in calling this campus my home as an undergraduate and graduate student. I am thankful for the academic, creative and social avenues this campus provided me,” she said.
Others also noted the excellent education and support they received as students at UW Oshkosh.
Byron Adams ’02 and MS ’13, a counselor/adviser of first-year students with the Division of Academic Support of Inclusive Excellence (ASIE), said he is grateful for the “multicultural support programs that helped me stay in school as an undergrad.”
Kelsey McDaniels ’12, an associate adviser in International Education, appreciates the quality professors, small-class sizes and study-abroad opportunities she experienced as a French major at UW Oshkosh.
The welcoming campus community also impresses UWO’s alumni-employees with its numerous resources and supportive colleagues.
Michael Flanagan ’71, a math skills specialist with ASIE, said “I am most thankful for the spirit of sharing ideas and the compassion that we as faculty, staff and students have for each other.”
Marci Hoffman ’05 and MS ’08, student services coordinator in Graduate Studies, said “I’ve been on campus for so many years, it feels like home.”
UW Oshkosh continues its #uwothanks social media campaign throughout November. Please share you comments below or use the hashtag to tell us what you are most thankful for at UWO.