Select Page

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Association recently welcomed eight new members.

Each month, another of the new members is featured. This month, meet Tom Rath.

Name: Tom Rath

Age: 62

Years of graduation/degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education, 1970, and Master of Science in Teaching, 1976

Hometown: Two Rivers, Wis.

Profession:
Retired educator; employed part-time at the Noel Group of Stevens Point.

Why did you volunteer to serve on the Alumni Board?

I have watched with interest the changes made to the Alumni Association since the 1960s and wish to contribute to the continued change and growth of the organization.

What are you most looking forward to in this role?

Making decisions that allow for the continued growth and success of the organization.

How did UW Oshkosh help you get where you are today?

My teaching degrees from UW Oshkosh led me to have a teaching career in the Stevens Point school district.

Please share a brief description of what you do in your job.

I taught social studies at the junior and senior high schools in Stevens Point and taught “behind the wheel” for the driver education department. I also became involved in a few federally funded programs (Work Experience and Career Exploration Program and Focus on Education). Also, I spent a brief time working in guidance.

What have you been doing since you retired?

I presently work part-time for the Noel Group of Stevens Point, where I oversee motor coach operations for the company.

I also serve on the board of directors for UW Oshkosh’s National O Club and as historian/photographer for the State Driver’s Education Association (WDTSEA).

Any special memories of campus you would like to share?

Just to jog a few memories, a quick look at my UW Oshkosh yearbook — a few pictures brought back memories of the teaching styles of some of the following professors I had: Edward Schwartz, Burton Karges, Roy Robinson, Thomas Madison, Jacob Shapiro, John Bengtson, Warner Geiger and George Sieber, to name a few.

My athletic success while attending UW Oshkosh is another great memory for me, as is my induction into the UW Oshkosh Athletic Hall of Fame for the triple jump and broad jump, now called the long jump. I am fortunate to have enjoyed lifetime friendships with my coaches, Jim Flood and Dave Weidemann, which continue to be a source of satisfaction and enjoyment for me.

Did any of your family members also attend UW Oshkosh?

Yes, two sisters and one brother all attended UW Oshkosh.
Related stories:
Click here for the complete list of board members.

Click here for Walt Busalacchi’s profile.

Click here for Linda Bailey Boilini’s profile.

Click here for Megan Del Debbio’s profile.