University Communications

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Fall UWRF Commencement is Dec. 20

DEC. 12, 2008--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will hold its fall commencement at 2 p.m. on Dec. 20 in the Robert P. Knowles Physical Education and Recreation Center.The ceremonies will again be broadcast live via the Internet.

Some 329 bachelor's and master's degree recipients are expected to participate in the commencement ceremonies. A commencement concert by the River Falls Brass begins at 1:30 p.m.

Commencement speakers include Travis Tubré, 2008 UWRF Distinguished Teacher. Tubré, an associate professor of psychology, was awarded the highest award a faculty member can receive. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and master’s and doctorate degrees in industrial and organizational psychology from Texas A&M University. He has been an active consultant and researcher, contribution numerous conference presentations, scholarly journal articles, and book chapters.

Also recognized at the ceremony are the recipients of the Outstanding Service Award, the highest honor given to an individual or organization outside of UWRF. Bailey Nurseries and Michael Beyer, of the Eaton Corp., will receive the service awards at the commencement ceremony. The St. Paul-based fourth-generation family-owned nursery has supported the UWRF Horticulture program and its students for more than 30 years. Beyer, an engineer, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from UWRF in 1993, is a regular guest lecturer, student mentor and philanthropist to UWRF and has contributed funding and expertise to student members of the American Society of Agricultural Engineering Technology.

Sang Hahn, who graduated from UWRF with a master’s degree in agricultural economics in 1975, will be honored as the Distinguished Alumnus. Hahn has given generously to UWRF and to a host of international efforts, including helping to feed and clothe the “street boys” of Manila and to educate hundreds of orphans in Papua New Guinea. Chancellor Connie Foster—based on the recommendations of the Faculty Senate External Relations Committee—will present the honor.

Congratulatory messages to the new UWRF alumni will also be given by David Rainville, chair of the Faculty Senate, and Cindy Bendix, a sophomore majoring in communication studies from Sturtevant and president of the Student Senate. The graduates will be welcomed into the UWRF Alumni Association by, Charles D. Palmer, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors.

Degrees will be conferred by Chancellor Connie Foster and presentation of the candidates will be from: Terry Brown, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; Bradley J. Caskey, dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Dale Gallenberg, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; Brian L. Schultz, dean of the College of Business and Economics; Faye J. Perkins, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies; and Douglas Johnson, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and director of graduate studies.

Scott Perau, a graduating senior and music education major from Dodge Center, Minn., will sing the "Star Spangled Banner" and the "UWRF Pledge Song" accompanied by the River Falls Brass. The ceremony can be viewed on the Internet at: http://www.uwrf.edu/commencement/ and click on "view this event live online."

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