Higher Education Day held in Wausau

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster conducted Higher Education Day activities on October 3 in Wausau. The day began with a press conference at North Central Technical College (NCTC) on the importance of higher education and seamless transitions for students between secondary and postsecondary institutions. Joining Burmaster were Lori Weyers, president of NCTC; Linda Bunnell, chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; David Wilson, chancellor of UW-Colleges/Extension; Jim Veninga, dean of UW-Marathon County; Kristine Gilmore, Superintendent of the D. C. Everest School District; and Steve Murley, superintendent of the Wausau School District. Also in attendance were representatives of local public libraries and other educational institutions. Following the press conference, Burmaster visited a welding class at NCTC.

Later that day, Burmaster and other higher education administrators visited Wausau East High School. Principal Bradley Peck spoke about the district’s efforts to keep students in school and encourage them to take rigorous coursework. They joined students to learn about their International Baccalaureate classes and their plans to attend college. The group included students from the DPI’s Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program. Burmaster also visited the UW-Marathon County campus and discussed the college’s efforts to serve as a bridge for secondary students into postsecondary studies. She also met with UW-Marathon County student government representatives and held a discussion with academic advisors.

Higher Education Day, initiated by State Treasurer Jack Voight, is intended to encourage children and adult students to save for higher education and to make them aware of the resources that exist to help fund postsecondary studies.

Last updated on 10/9/2006