Remarks prepared for the Weidner Memorial Carillon

by Office of the Chancellor | June 11, 2009

Excerpts from Dr. Harden’s remarks prepared for the Weidner Memorial Carillon dedication, June 6, 2009

Today is indeed a special day… for our University, for the family and for future generations who will enjoy this campus, and its Carillon.

It’s a special day for me, too.

This past Monday, I began a new chapter in my life, entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the fifth chancellor in the history of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. How appropriate, I think, that my first major event happens to be this particular “Communiversity” celebration, honoring our first chancellor.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Weidner. In that regard, I very much envy my predecessors, Chancellors David Outcalt, Mark Perkins and Bruce Shepard. Dr. Shepard, especially, spoke highly of Ed’s friendship and wise counsel.

While I didn’t know Ed personally, I certainly knew of his University.
Dr. Weidner was nationally known — and rightfully so — as an academic leader and innovator in higher education.

In a way, the product of his work was not unlike that of a bell tower.

• The academic philosophy he shaped here… rang true.
• His University sounded a clear, bright call for problem-focused education… for interdisciplinary education… for environmental awareness.
• This song of change reverberated, far and wide.

So, I do know Dr. Edward Weidner. I know him through this exceptional institution — a gift to this and future generations.

Today, UW-Green Bay accepts yet another gift — this one made possible by the generosity of Ed’s family, friends and admirers.

It is my observation that music creates a sense of place, a sense of community. The Weidner Carillon, then, will be a memory-maker for all who learn, work and visit here.

One of the reasons my own family was so excited about UW-Green Bay was the level of visibility for music and the performing arts.

We had seen what this could mean — for both campus and community — at our previous institution, where we enjoyed a remarkable concert venue, Spivey Hall.

Certainly, I recognize that same energy, and more, here in Green Bay. I recognize it in: our exceptional theatre, music and art programs; the magnificent Weidner Center for the Performing Arts; and the superb Jean Weidner Theatre — such a fine teaching and performance space for students and, as such, a perfect memorial for our first, “First Lady”.

With the new Weidner Carillon, creativity is in the air. Literally.

Prof. Cheryl Grosso, a nationally known percussionist and graduate of this institution, is the composer of the chime melodies heard on the hour and quarter hours.

There is an appealing symmetry here. When Cheryl graduated, Dr. Weidner’s signature was on her diploma… She now returns the favor by lending her musical signature to the Weidner Carillon.

Although Prof. Grosso is unable to be with us, please join me in applauding her work.

Also, we should acknowledge two dear friends of this University and of Dr. Weidner: Dr. David and Mary Ann Cofrin.

The bond they formed with this new University and its first Chancellor — a relationship that started with the Arboretum and continued through scholarships, professorships, the Weidner Center, and Mary Ann Cofrin Hall — is a story truly remarkable in American higher education.

We are videotaping today’s ceremony, and will share a copy with the Cofrins. While they are at home in Florida today, we know they are here in spirit.

Please join me with your applause, then, as we express our appreciation for what the Cofrins mean to this campus…

In closing, I will quote not one, but two former chancellors.

The first is Bruce Shepard.

Upon the passing of Dr. Weidner – two years ago to the day, on June 6th, 2007 – Dr. Shepard shared the following:

“We are, in so many ways, Dr. Weidner’s University of Wisconsin: as the direct expression of his revolutionary vision for higher education, as the product of his tireless hard work, and, even after his retirement, as the focus of his caring, concern, and commitment.”

What a wonderful — and wonderfully accurate — tribute.

My second quote is from Ed Weidner himself, from 42 years ago, this fall.

In preparation for today, I revisited the University history book, “From the Beginning,” and spent time with the chapters describing how Ed Weidner succeeded in creating a new university.

The book tells the story of one particularly cold and windy day, in November 1967. It was the initial groundbreaking, which I’m told took place a few hundred yards away, on what was then an open field.

I’ll read a very short passage from an account of Ed’s speech that day:

“Dr. Weidner pointed to the open spaces behind him. He said, “I don’t know if you can see the buildings out there, but I can.” Then he and (UW President) Harrington climbed aboard a bulldozer to break ground for the College of Environmental Sciences complex

Edward Weidner, a man of vision and imagination — knew what a campus was supposed to look like.

Happily, for us, today, he also knew what a campus was supposed to sound like.

Thank you, all, for being with us today… as yet another part of Dr. Edward Weidner’s vision for this University is fulfilled.

Thank you.

Related Links

Photo gallery: Sweet Carillon: A homecoming for Weidners, a bell tower for campus