Titans X 2 thankful to contribute to the success of their alma mater

Some Titans just can’t get enough of their alma mater.

Nearly 500 alumni return to work as faculty or staff at one of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s three campuses.

“Each year, hundreds of successful Titans earn their degrees and enter the workforce. Among them are the Titans who jump at the chance to become faculty and staff members at our three UWO campuses.” UWO Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said. “Having experienced this institution’s power to transform lives, they want to continue to be a part of its purpose. They channel their knowledge, skill and passion back into the university and communities that shaped them, and we are so grateful for their reinvestment in our mission.”

Last week, the UW Oshkosh Alumni Relations office held its annual Titans X 2 breakfast, a gathering that allows the campus to show gratitude to its UWO alumni-employees. Turns out the feeling is mutual.

“UW Oshkosh gave me the grounding I needed, provided a supportive and safe place for me to grow, learn and find out who I am,” said Jenni Monroe, marketing director in University Marketing and Communications.

Click through the photo slider below to learn what employees are most thankful for at UW Oshkosh.

What are you most thankful for at UW Oshkosh?

Michelle Bogden

Program Manager, Office of Sponsored Programs (’08 Individually Planned Major)

“The connection it gave me to this place through its inspiring instructors who are active in the community, as well as the seriousness with which UW Oshkosh handles the environmental concerns of its students. I’ve been proud to see sustainability grow in importance to the campus, and become more integrated into its culture, and have a positive effect on the greater Oshkosh community.”

Drew Kopitzke

Admission Counselor, Admissions Office (’12 MS, Educational Leadership)

“The students! This is my 10th year at UW Oshkosh. In my admissions role over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting around 1,000 high schools. I get to see the students in high school, then at UW Oshkosh and I get to watch them “grow up” right before my eyes all the way to graduation where they go on to bigger and better things.”

Elizabeth Alderton

Associate Dean, College of Education and Human Services (’95, MSE Reading)

“The knowledge and hands-on experiences I gained while I was a student that helped me grow and develop as an educator were outstanding!”

Marc Nylen

Director of Residence Life Conference Services, Gruenhagen Conference Center (’91 Spanish, ’93 MSE)

“Professors and their love of teaching. I had incredible professors who truly impacted my life. Friendships with fellow students. I made outstanding friends at UW Oshkosh, and stay in contact with so many of these friends nearly 30 years later.”

Lisa Goetsch

Reservations Coordinator, Reeve Memorial Union (’04 Associates Degree, ’10 Liberal Studies)

“A community that feels like working with friends.”

Jon Ellmann

Head women’s volleyball coach, Department of Athletics (’12 Art 3D Studio, ’14 MS Educational Leadership)

“I am grateful that UW Oshkosh provided freedom, discipline, guidance, and support throughout my time as a an undergraduate and graduate student. UW Oshkosh helped me transition out of a linear way of thinking about my life and that new perspective helped me identify my true passions and strengths. I took a very non-traditional path but if I had a chance to go back and do it again, I’m not sure that I would change a thing!”

Donna Steinke

Clinical Placement Coordinator, Accelerated BSN Program, College of Nursing (’12 Nursing)

“You can love what you do for a job, yet if the individuals you work with don’t bring out the best version of yourself, that diminishes the joy and fulfillment of the job. I’m blessed with incredible coworkers and colleagues that are supportive, encouraging and understanding! I am thankful to be working with such scholarly, talented, and personable individuals!”

Esmeralda Delgado

Admissions Counselor, Admissions Office (’13 Spanish)

“The support during my time as a student and the mentors I gained as a professional on campus.”

Gena Frey

Lecturer, College of Education and Human Services (’98 History, ’06 MS Educational Leadership)

“I am most thankful that UW Oshkosh allowed me the opportunity to define who I am and be the best that I can be. I felt I had finally found a place that allowed me to flourish and grow.”

UW Oshkosh Today