Dear Colleagues,
Welcome! The first week of the fall semester is off to an energetic start. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen such a dynamic beginning to an academic year. The air is full of liveliness as returning students and a new cohort of freshmen and transfer students become part of our growing Panther family.
As I often say, students are the primary reason we are here. Helping students grow and achieve their dreams is a calling. Our jobs as educators, researchers, support staff and administrators give us enormous potential to change lives. Whatever your role at UWM, you have tremendous influence on how our students feel on our campuses. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a lifelong impression on a student.
There are many opportunities in the coming weeks to spend time with our new and returning students. I encourage you to take part in the myriad Fall Welcome activities and show our students our care and commitment to helping promote belonging.
Another excellent way to engage is to attend the inaugural Campus Cares Symposium and Wellness Fair for students and employees on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom. Take in one of the TED-style talks from 9 a.m.-noon in the Union’s Alumni Fireside Lounge.
Please join me on Thursday, Sept. 14, for my annual plenary address, where I will talk about our accomplishments, challenges and our responses to them, and the changes ahead. I will deliver my address in person at 2:30 p.m. in the Bader Concert Hall of the Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts. A live webcast of the plenary will be available to those unable to attend in person.
September will fly by and before we know it, the 19th running of the Panther Prowl will be here on Oct. 14, in conjunction with Panther Family weekend. This is a fantastic community event that showcases our campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Perhaps the best part of this 5K Run/Walk is that 100% of the proceeds support student scholarships.
Thank you for everything you do to make UWM such a positive force for thousands of individuals every year. I am deeply grateful for all that you give to our university and its people. Your kindness. Your commitment. Your energy and love of discovery. And your infinite dedication to our students. It is truly an honor to be part of such a remarkable and talented community.
My warmest wishes for an exceptional fall semester.
Mark A. Mone, PhD
Chancellor