UW-Fond du Lac is celebrating 50 years of simultaneous stability and change. 

Since its founding in 1968, the location has been a solid resource for higher education, leading generations of students to develop in knowledge, ability and character while earning a college degree. The campus itself has gone through changes in administrative and leadership structure, culminating this year in rejoining the nearby comprehensive university it originally hailed from, as the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac, a UW Oshkosh campus.

The mission of providing local access to higher education remains unchanged.

Golden Campus
Almost two hundred people—alumni and current students, retired and current faculty, administrators, county board members, and appreciative community citizens—gathered in the University Center Commons to officially celebrate the golden anniversary of the university on the evening of Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. The Commons was encircled in memorabilia from five decades of academics and student life. Alumni who began their music education on the UW-Fond du Lac campus—Eddie Uttendorfer, Victoria Mayes and members of the performing Thelen family—provided musical entertainment before and during a program that featured remarks from education and community leaders, all in a celebratory atmosphere of food and conversation.

“Our 50th anniversary represents 50 years of forward thinking, 50 years of constantly imagining and realizing the future of an education in our community,” said UW Oshkosh Assistant Chancellor for Access Campuses Martin Rudd. “The presence of the university, housed in this campus district, has had a major effect on the quality of life in our county, and beyond, but as with many projects, it started with humble beginnings and the ironclad will of determined local individuals who clamored for a new University of Wisconsin campus to be built here….it is a testament to the incredible leaders who came before me that we have thrived in our open access, locally based, community serving role.”

Community Connection
Rudd outlined the unique and strong relationship of the university and the local community: while the university faculty and staff are supported by the state of Wisconsin, the buildings are owned and maintained by Fond du Lac County through the continuing support of County Executive Allen Buechel and the elected Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors. Buechel noted to the group that the county has invested more money in education than in jails.

UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt reminded attendees of the long-standing relationship between Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, including founding Dean Willard (Bill) Henken’s Oshkosh alumnus and faculty status. “Here is what is still the strongest connection between then and now,” Leavitt said. “Back then the idea, the spirit was ‘local.’ Today, it’s ‘local’ once again…a half century ago, leaders pondered the question, ‘What kind of university does this community need and deserve?’ Fifty years later, I challenge us all to consider that same question. The timing is poetic; in fact, it’s perfect….We commit to help transform more lives. And, once again, we will do it together.”

UW-Fond du Lac Foundation Executive Director Barb Senn did a quick tally of the near-dozen personal family members and friends who began their education on the campus. She scanned the room and noted Distinguished Alumni Award winners in attendance, and asked all current and former students to raise their hands: Arms throughout the room shot skyward. Senn noted that Foundation donations go directly back into the university through scholarships for students and support of faculty professional development. She encouraged all those with a connection to the campus to consider a simple gift this year: $50 for 50 years, to continue supporting a local campus with local dollars.

UW-Fond du Lac 50th Anniversary Photo Gallery

Contact

Laurie Krasin
920-929-1108
laurie.krasin@uwc.edu