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Inauguration of UW-Stout Chancellor Robert Meyer
April 2, 2015
Remarks by Tom Kornegor, Foundation Board President
When I told my Wife that they asked speak on behalf of the foundation at
Bob Meyers Inaugural ceremony she immediately told me that I had to be
serious … no joking around … I told her you know Honey, any time a man who
has been retired for ten years puts on a suit it is always something serious and
it usually means a funeral … but after listening to Bob I think this time it means
new life … new life for UW-Stout ….
Bob, thank you for your remarks … but in addition to your remarks I think
we would all like to thank you for “stepping up” and accepting the enormous
challenges that go with the position of Chancellor in today’s reduced budget
atmosphere. I have been around for a long time now and even I know “it aint
going to be easy my friend” but I think we have the right man and a very
supportive group behind you that can get it done.
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When Bob introduced himself at our Board of Directors board meeting last
September he stood up and said “I am Bob Myer the new Chancellor for
UW_Stout and I challenge you to double the size of the foundation’s assets in
the next five years” Well Mark Parsons fell out of his chair, three board
members said they felt sick and left the room and we are still trying to find two
of the foundation staff members. But, now knowing the financial challenges
that face UW-Stout and all Wisconsin Universities the challenge makes perfect
sense. I not saying it will be easy but I do like stretch goals and at our January
board meeting Mark is now back in his chair, the board is all feeling well again
and we found the two missing foundation staff members so we are now again
one unit already working to prove that maybe you did not set the goal high
enough …
I truly believe that UW Systems has picked the perfect new leader for UWStout. Your 25 years of history with UW-Stout along with the right blend of
education, experience and personally can lead us into the future. We expect to
see great things from your administration and I, the Foundation staff and the
Foundation Board of Directors stand ready to do everything we can to make
your tenure a tremendous success …
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Bob, thank you and I wish you only great successes as you take on the
challenges of Chancellor for UW-Stout ….