On the 70th anniversary of its founding, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee inaugurated its 10th chancellor, Thomas Gibson, on Friday in front of a full house seated under the stained glass windows of the Zelazo Center on campus.
Gibson acknowledged the honor and the responsibility of the position with a clarion call to Always Dream Bigger, the theme of his inauguration.
“This university was formed in response to what our city and our state needed at the time,” Gibson said in his inaugural address. “And 70 years later, UWM is still a resource that our community depends on.”
In his speech, Gibson told his personal story of being a first-generation college student and of how his dreams grew as his career developed. He also spoke of his vision for UWM’s future, announcing three imperatives to guide the university forward:
- Advancing student success and opportunity
- Elevating innovation, discovery and problem solving
- Deepening community engagement and impact
Gibson talked about making his vision real, declaring: “UWM must see more students staying in school and completing their dream of a college education. Full stop. If we do nothing else, we must do this.”
‘A healthy dose of Panther pride’
He encouraged the audience to be bold in sharing UWM’s achievements, replacing “our Midwest humility with a healthy dose of Panther pride.”
As he called on listeners to consider their own role in UWM’s future, he announced he was establishing the Gibson Family Scholarship to encourage students to engage in experiential learning opportunities, such as study abroad, undergraduate research, internships and service-learning.
Gibson ended his speech with a call to action: “Seventy years ago, this university began with a big dream. Now it is our turn. Together, let us make room for what comes next. Let us make room for one another. And let us always, always dream bigger.”
Alumna Peggy Williams-Smith, the president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee and a member of the UWM Foundation Board, served as emcee of the inauguration.
Mentors speak
Speakers included Gibson’s mentor Chris Howard, who is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Arizona State University, and Jessica B. Harris, who was instrumental in Gibson being hired at Queens College in New York City more than 20 years ago.
“I vividly recall the round-faced young man who was very nervous at the interview,” Harris said. “He impressed me with his professionalism, his quiet demeanor, and what I saw as his sincerity. He was asked back for a second interview and in the interim sent the committee a Hallmark thank you card that was most assuredly the only one that the search committee had ever received. Once again, he got my vote. It turned out to be the tie-breaking one that garnered him the job. My vote was not displaced.”
Other speakers included Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter, Regent President Kyle Weatherly and Regent Joan Prince, who is also a four-time UWM alumna and former vice chancellor. Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Amy Pechacek and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brother Elliott Anderson also offered remarks.
Community and students participate
Several members of the UWM community, including many students, participated in the ceremony.
Governance chairs Anna Dempsey-Fischer of the University Staff Committee, Nicole Oswald of the Academic Staff Committee, and Wilkistar Otieno of the University Committee gave greetings.
Student Government President Sierra (SiSi) Lee introduced Gibson, the Concert Chorale and Wind Ensemble performed, Fred Ramsey Jr. and Akira Harris sang solos, and Ryan Kane accompanied.
Professor Derrick Harriell, who is also a two-time alumnus, recited an original poem he wrote for the occasion. Entitled “Dear UWM,” the poem highlights the impact UWM has on lives, including his own, and the mark the university’s students and faculty make on the world.
Jewelry and Metalsmithing faculty member Erica Meier, along with students Abraham Anderson and Marlena Weghorn, fashioned the one-of-a-kind medallion created specifically for Gibson.
As the students placed the medallion around Gibson’s neck, Wachter read these words: “Every time you put it on, may it remind you of the many ways you can channel your talents and gifts to serve the people and partners of this great university. May it also serve to help inspire you as you lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in its mission of teaching, research and public service during what promises to be a positive, productive and exciting term as its chancellor.”
The ceremony concluded with a reception held in the UWM Student Union.
