UW-Parkside Gala Celebrates Forty Years

My wife and I were privileged to attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside's 40th Anniversary Gala held Saturday, November 7th. The theme was aptly titled “Celebrate the Past--Embrace the Future.” Both were done to perfection thanks to Vice Chancellor Lenny Klaver and many others, both on and behind the scene.

Certainly the highlight of the evening dealt with “embracing the future” in the person of Dr. Deborah L. Ford, our new Chancellor-- smart, friendly, confident, genuine--she has it all. As if to maintain the momentum of the festivities, she employed a very few, well-chosen words, managing to introduce John, her husband, then demonstrate unabashed enthusiasm for her new role as Chancellor, and finally make every person in the crowded ballroom completely confident that she can and will deal effectively with whatever comes her way. The future of our young university appears to be in strong, capable, yet nurturing hands.

Now, for the first of my public 'Mea culpas'. You see, I energetically, by voice and print, supported one of the other candidates for Chancellor. He lost; she won and it didn't take long to realize and admit my mistake—not because my choice was so bad, but because Dr. Ford is appearing to be so good. I'd understand if she decided to exile me to one of those other schools, but she doesn't seem to have a vindictive bone in her body. What's more... 'expelling' an indigent, senior citizen could become a public relations nightmare. She now has my eternal loyalty and support.

Another exceptional lady at the Gala was Frances Jaeschke, who had the room roaring with her clever oratory. She covered Parkside's “past” in a most entertaining way; however, the rousing cheer she made us all join in had “future” written all over it. After this perky, 90 year old 'beauty queen' finished speaking to a thunderous ovation, emcee, Lenny Klaver, probably for the first time in his life, seemed at a loss for words—but only momentarily. I learned from a couple of old friends of hers, Harlan and Rita Draeger, that she and her sister were a very popular song and dance team around the Chicago area during their high school years. No wonder she seemed so 'at home' up there on the dais. Harriet Wyllie and Rita Tallent Picken were also honored for their service over these many years. Kitty Picken spoke on behalf of her step mother, Rita, who was home convalescing from an injury. In spite of having to follow the aforementioned 'cheerleader,' Kitty gave us a Parkside history lesson that I found to be most interesting. She is also a very capable speaker.

Professor Ami Bouterse's vocal students, Timothy Griffin, Jr., Jennifer Hansen, Kaytlyn Johnson, and Jordan Miller gave stellar performances with the talented pianist, Alejandro Alumbreros, getting some attention with a very witty ad lib. I am frequently in awe of the quality music and singing our Music School students deliver. They don't get paid, but that doesn't make them any less 'professional.'

Finally, kudos to Joe Tominaro, Parkside's Director of Catering and Events. Every dinner I attend, I gain more respect for this man's uncanny ability to run a party. It is no easy task to serve so many people hot food almost simultaneously, but Joe pulls it off every time. Watching him fluidly glide around the tables, constantly, quietly, directing his staff of very talented servers with elaborate gestures, suggests a combined image of: adagio dancer, symphony conductor, third base coach and Italian traffic cop—it truly is 'poetry in motion.' I've been trying to persuade him to cater the brunch at my funeral, but he adamantly insists on a 20 person minimum. Why do New Yorkers always have to 'have the edge?'

Terry Tynan