Spring Break
Group aims to improve university, city ties
Alex Koldeway
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The UW-Whitewater/City of Whitewater Liaison Committee met for the first time Friday to discuss ways to maintain and improve the relationship between the campus and city.
The committee aims to achieve their goals by identifying opportunities for increased and improved interaction between the members of both communities, facilitating one joint community service project and supporting at least one cultural or educational event each year.
Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer said the committee could eventually reach beyond those three goals.
"I don't want to limit it to those," he said.
The committee is comprised of ten individuals. Ryan Garcia, Stacey Lunsford, Steve Ridenour, Max Taylor and Kristine Zaballos represent the city, while Susan Johnson, Renee Pfeifer-Luckett, Sandi Scott-Deux, Greg Swanson and Jim Winship represent the university. Telfer and City Manager Kevin Brunner charged the committee.
"This is not a committee intended to deal with all the concerns of the community," he said. "We expect this group to do some greasing of the skids."
Telfer said the city and university have already taken some steps to improve relations and cited Taste of Whitewater as an example. He said the committee can do even more.
"What are some ways to build on the positive things we've done?" Telfer asked.
Brunner said the formation of the committee was about trying to open communication lines as much as we can.
The committee will have the ability to influence the community in a positive way in the future, he said.
"We're asking you to look at opportunities that may be coming," Brunner said.
Brunner said the city's vision statement was appropriate for the new committee.
"Building upon our rich history, we will continue to be a welcoming, safe and dynamic community," he said. "We will embrace the cultural and educational opportunities that the presence of a thriving university and an increasingly diverse population offers."
The committee aims to achieve their goals by identifying opportunities for increased and improved interaction between the members of both communities, facilitating one joint community service project and supporting at least one cultural or educational event each year.
Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer said the committee could eventually reach beyond those three goals.
"I don't want to limit it to those," he said.
The committee is comprised of ten individuals. Ryan Garcia, Stacey Lunsford, Steve Ridenour, Max Taylor and Kristine Zaballos represent the city, while Susan Johnson, Renee Pfeifer-Luckett, Sandi Scott-Deux, Greg Swanson and Jim Winship represent the university. Telfer and City Manager Kevin Brunner charged the committee.
"This is not a committee intended to deal with all the concerns of the community," he said. "We expect this group to do some greasing of the skids."
Telfer said the city and university have already taken some steps to improve relations and cited Taste of Whitewater as an example. He said the committee can do even more.
"What are some ways to build on the positive things we've done?" Telfer asked.
Brunner said the formation of the committee was about trying to open communication lines as much as we can.
The committee will have the ability to influence the community in a positive way in the future, he said.
"We're asking you to look at opportunities that may be coming," Brunner said.
Brunner said the city's vision statement was appropriate for the new committee.
"Building upon our rich history, we will continue to be a welcoming, safe and dynamic community," he said. "We will embrace the cultural and educational opportunities that the presence of a thriving university and an increasingly diverse population offers."
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