Dear colleagues,
I was so proud to share this message with UW Oshkosh employees today at this morning’s breakfast forum. No volunteers: No commencement. They really helped demonstrate what the notion of “workplace joy” represents.
As you may know, I am very passionate about the notion of “workplace joy.” I admit it is often a difficult concept to explain. However, it is something deeply engrained into work and life at UW Oshkosh. I saw more evidence of it on Jan. 18.
That night, following a Titan men’s basketball game in Kolf Sports Center, our team of caring, committed facilities staff members, joined by UW Oshkosh volunteers, began cleaning up and setting up for the rescheduled, Jan. 21 Midyear Commencement ceremony. Over the next several days, through Commencement and two additional ceremonies, 120 UW Oshkosh faculty and staff members who raised their hands when the call for help went out stepped up. They hauled equipment, set up chairs, mopped floors, set out programs, hung signs, registered graduates, greeted and seated guests, parked cars, marshaled students, cleaned bleachers, swept floors and rolled tarps. They gave our graduates and their families the recognition and experiences they deserved. I particularly want to acknowledge Laura Rommelfanger and the Alumni Welcome and Conference Center staff for their critical leadership and coordination in planning and producing the rescheduled Commencement ceremony and the two alternative, never-before-staged graduate recognition events.
Please click the links below to see time lapse video capturing the effort, the spirit and the results that, for me, demonstrate what workplace joy is really all about.
Thank you to everyone who altered their schedules and gave time and talent to help hundreds of students and families feel celebrated. I am proud to work alongside all of you.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Andy Leavitt