The University of Wisconsin-Marathon County Foundation presented the 6th Annual Spirit of Excellence Award to Professor Emerita Linda Ware during a special awards program on May 16 at the UW Center for Civic Engagement on the UWMC campus. Ware taught English for 40 years at UWMC and has led major initiatives to help the campus.
The Spirit of Excellence Award is presented to an individual who has been a strong supporter of UWMC students and faculty over a long time.
“Linda Ware has been a tireless supporter of our campus,” said Keith Montgomery, UWMC dean and campus executive officer. “We are delighted that she is being recognized with this important honor.”
More than 70 people attended the awards program, which featured a keynote address by Jon Greendeer, president of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a UWMC alumnus.
Ware began her career at UWMC in 1964 as an instructor, one of three women on the faculty. In 1973, she was promoted to assistant professor, and two years later, promoted again to associate professor. During her UWMC career, Ware presented numerous professional speeches, lectures and papers and was the recipient of awards, grants and honors for distinguished achievement. In addition to her academic work, Ware played many state and community service roles over the years.
“Linda has had a significant positive impact on the UWMC campus for 50 years,” said Hooshang Zeyghami, president of Central Wisconsin Engineers Inc. and current UWMC Foundation president. “Her impact on this campus has extended well beyond her retirement a decade ago.”
Five distinguished local alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County (UWMC) will be featured in a new billboard campaign in Wausau designed to inspire support for students and the campus.
The campaign is a partnership among the UWMC Foundation and three prominent local businesses: EO Johnson Office Technologies, Ministry Health Care and Wipfli LLP.
“The purpose of the campaign is to highlight successful local professionals who got their start in higher education at UWMC,” said Keith Montgomery, dean and campus executive officer at UWMC. “They are just a few current examples. In reality, there have been thousands of UWMC alumni who have made a big difference as professionals in our local economy over many decades. We want to celebrate that fact!”
Three billboards in the greater Wausau area will highlight these individuals and their companies:
• Mary Jo Johnson, chief executive officer and owner of E.O. Johnson Office Technologies;
• Ana Holliday, physician assistant with Ministry Health Care at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston;
• Tom Krieg, Tami McCann and Jeff Stubbe, partners and certified public accountants (CPAs) with Wipfli LLP.
The campaign, which was created for the foundation by Creative Communication and Design Inc. of Wausau, will feature billboards at these locations:
• Schofield Avenue near Depot Street in Schofield;
• Bridge Street near Third Street in Wausau;
• Stewart Avenue near downtown Wausau.
The UWMC Foundation, founded in 1961, is a nonprofit organization led by local community leaders who are dedicated to helping UWMC students, faculty and staff excel.
Brian Becker
Office:
(715) 261-6296
Fax: (715) 261-6333
E-mail: brian.becker@uwc.edu
