Regent president tells UW-River Falls graduates their experiences have prepared them for success

 

High-level education, resilience will help overcome challenges, Walsh says

May 4, 2024 – University of Wisconsin-River Falls students are graduating at a time filled with both daunting challenges and exciting opportunities, and their college experiences have prepared them well for their future, Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents President Karen Walsh told attendees of the university’s spring graduation ceremonies Saturday. 

“You begin your life as UW-River Falls alumni in exciting and challenging times,” Walsh said to graduates. “Incredible opportunities lie ahead. And I’ve never seen a generation more ready to challenge us to do better.” 

Walsh addressed graduates at three separate commencement ceremonies in Page Arena at the Falcon Center on campus. A total of 712 students graduated, with 617 receiving bachelor’s degrees, 94 master’s degrees and one associate degree.

When these graduates enrolled at UWRF back in fall 2020, many chose to attend classes virtually because of the pandemic, UWRF Chancellor Maria Gallo told those in attendance. She praised students for their resilience and described numerous highlights on campus during their four years, ranging from the ongoing construction of the Science and Technology Innovation Center to the women’s hockey team winning the 2023-24 NCAA Division III national championship.  

Gallo urged graduates to follow their passion and to work to make the world a better place.

“On this commencement day, as the name indicates, this is not the end but only the beginning for you as you leave with your UW-River Falls education and use it to fulfill our mission of being productive, creative, ethical, and engaged citizens with an informed global perspective,” Gallo said. 

During her keynote address, Walsh urged graduates to remember lessons learned during their time as UWRF students. She credited them with graduating despite difficulties that included beginning their higher education academic careers during the coronavirus pandemic. 

“The fact that you have persevered through life’s ups and downs and are graduating tells me that not only are you smart, you are also resilient and determined,” Walsh said. 

Walsh told graduates they should learn from the past as they make their way into the future. Combining education and service to community will enable them to make positive impacts wherever they go, she said. Graduates should look for needs in their communities and then find solutions to those issues. 

“The Universities of Wisconsin have always believed, as I do, that we should benefit and learn from the past and think and train for the future,” she said.

Walsh praised the value of a degree from Universities of Wisconsin schools. A Columbus native, she graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in journalism before working for several news outlets. She then worked for 23 years at UW-Madison in a variety of public relations jobs. She retired from UW-Madison in 2005 and is director of the BerbeeWalsh Foundation, a family foundation dedicated to human and animal health and welfare. 

UWRF graduates will find their own achievements, Walsh said. Their time and experiences as Falcons have set them up for success.

“As you leave for your future, I can’t help but feel optimistic about the impact you will have on our society,” she said. “We are in good hands.”