Outlook Magazine - Fall 2018

ON CAMPUS

During my campus presentation in 2014 as part of the chancellor interview process, I made the case for dramatically increasing the size of the assets held by the Stout University Foundation. It was clear to me, even before I became chancellor, that foundation support would be essential to maintaining the quality of education at UW-Stout. I am ecstatic that now, four years later, we are at the dawn of the public phase of the first comprehensive campaign in UW-Stout’s history. While the Stout University Foundation steadily has increased its fundraising, this phase will provide the essential boost every comprehensive campaign needs. You can read elsewhere in this publication about the details of the campaign, but I want to publicly thank the co-chairs, Debbie Cervenka and Joe Rossmeier, for their hard work in moving it to this point, as well as the other members of the steering committee: Bill Flesch, Craig Yolitz, Kim Polzin, Barb Steinhilber and Bill Hendricksen. I also want to thank Vice Chancellor Mark Parsons and his entire staff for their efforts. This campaign has been fashioned to allow everyone who cares about the future of UW-Stout to become involved. The pathways that have been selected for emphasis — student experience, learning environments and program innovation — will be critical areas for UW-Stout’s future. While we have made significant progress toward achieving our goal, much work remains. I intend to devote my time and resources to this important and exciting effort, and I hope you decide to join me as well. Employment rate for graduates up again One of the top selling points at UW-Stout is our traditionally impressive employment rate for new graduates. I’m pleased to report that the 2016-17 employment rate hit 98.2 percent, up from 97.4 percent a year before. Because the average starting salary of our recent graduates has climbed to $43,000, we estimate that our graduates will contribute nearly $69 million to the economy in their first year. I’m also happy to share that the employment rate has increased every year since I became chancellor in 2014. This rate positively reflects on the hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff, as well as our employer partners who serve on our program advisory committees.  Thanks to all of you for helping make our graduates so successful and valuable in the workplace. Remembering Chancellor Emeritus Sorensen Finally, there is a story in the Class Notes, but I wanted to express my sorrow and condolences at the February passing of Chancellor Emeritus Charles W. Sorensen, who died in Florida from complications of a stroke. I had the privilege of working with this education visionary as a faculty member, program director, college dean and special assistant to the chancellor. I marvel at his dedication to innovation and his passion for UW-Stout.

Message from the Chancellor BOB MEYER

He is missed by all who knew him.

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