When members of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Class of 1964 return to campus Saturday, May 17, for their 50-year reunion, they’ll be sharing more than their college memories.
They also will be awarding the first Golden Titan Endowed Scholarship to Samuel Mehlberg, a first-generation college student from De Pere, at a luncheon at the new Alumni Welcome and Conference Center.
The scholarship was developed to support future generations of UW Oshkosh students.
Class of 1964 representative Russ Hutchison said, “My wife, Jean, and I are very committed to helping students, and we feel it is important to share the rewards we have gained as a result of our education with current students who, without help, might not be able to get through school.”
Mehlberg, a double major in economics and supply chain/operation management, recently had to step back from his involvement in student organizations on campus, in order to pick up a second job to cover tuition.
“Paying for school is a necessary burden, in my opinion,” Mehlberg said. “I am a very determined individual, and as a college student, I try my best to pay for all of my expenses. Lately, it has seemed like I have bit off more than I can chew.”
The Golden Titan scholarship will alleviate some of Mehlberg’s financial stress.
“This scholarship, to me, means the past, present and future of UWO has my back,” he said. “To have our Golden Titan alumni aid me in such a way is seriously a huge honor. These are the individuals I can look up to and aspire to be for years to come.”
Since 2009, the UWO Alumni Association has welcomed back to campus members of the 50th reunion class as Golden Titans. Members of the class and alumni who have already reached the Golden Titan milestone are honored as guests at the luncheon.
Members of the Class of 1964 also will don gold caps and gowns and lead the newest UWO graduates into their future during the afternoon commencement ceremony. Golden Titan activities also include a dinner on the eve of commencement, a bus tour of campus and a class photo.
Hutchison is most looking forward to catching up with fellow classmates he hasn’t seen in decades.
“I stayed in touch with two friends, and we are coming to celebrate what happened 50 years ago and share what we did in between,” he said. “It will also be exciting to celebrate the new graduates at commencement as they are just beginning their adventure.”
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