Back to Media Home Page

There are two times a year when I am most strongly reminded of the reason our work at the UW-Marshfield/Wood County is meaningful - Commencement in the spring and the start of the school year in September.

We are getting close to the start of the school year, and all of the usual preparations for students coming back to campus are well underway.  New students are coming in the sort out class schedules or buy their books.  There are new students coming in just to learn their way around.  Still others are looking to apply and register for fall classes.  There still time to get in and start classes in the fall.  There is sense of anticipation in the air.  New faces remind us of the opportunity we provide for students to create their future.

Last week, a former student came to campus to say hello to the faculty and staff friends he made while he was a student.  Since leaving UW-M/WC, he has earned his bachelor's degree and is well on his way to a master's degree.  I was struck by his response when I asked him what he going to do when he finished the master’s degree.  He listed four possible jobs for which he was particularly qualified.  All four positions had already been offered and he was deciding which to choose.  He used language like a professional and was analytical in weighing his choices.  He reported the salary ranges for the positions, and said the pay was more than he had ever dreamed of earning. 

Through hard work and focus, this young man has created a fantastic future for himself.  Based on his history, before he came to UW-M/WC, there were no hints that he would someday be considering employment opportunities at national research laboratory.

Opportunity is the key idea.  While I might argue that learning has intrinsic value, I know most of our students are motivated by their future.  They have dreams for their lives.  They imagine their future.  Being a student at the UW-M/WC is the first step in making those dreams, that future, real.  At the most basic level, all education provides opportunity.  With an education you can truly create your own future.

Eighteen or 40-plus, it make no difference.  A college education gives you opportunities.  At the start of every school year, I wonder about the futures of our students, knowing they will create futures I can't imagine.

There is still time to start creating your future.  If you have been thinking about finding a way to a better life for yourself, call or come to campus and let us get you started on making your dreams become reality.

Dr. Andrew Keogh is the dean and campus executive officer of UW-Marshfield/Wood County, a freshmen-sophomore campus of the University of Wisconsin.