UW System President Thompson visits on Farewell Tour, dessert created in his name

March 11, 2022 - University of Wisconsin-System President Tommy Thompson capped off today’s visit to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a special dessert created by Dairy Pilot Plant Director Michelle Farner called The Tommy Cheesecake Truffle, or “The Tommy” for short. 

Farner later confirmed that the Freddy’s Dairy Bar November special will forever be “The Tommy,” in honor of Thompson’s birthday.

“That’s fantastic,” Thompson exclaimed as he received one of the desserts from Farner, who added whipped topping before handing it to Thompson. The dessert was made with chocolate ice cream, fresh raspberries, cheesecake balls and white chocolate syrup. “I love it. Thank you,” Thompson added.

Thompson visited campus as part of his UW System president Farewell Tour. He also visited UW-Superior today.

“This was an exciting and fun day,” UWRF Chancellor Maria Gallo said. “It was an honor and privilege to share our gratitude for everything President Tommy Thompson has done for UW-River Falls, the UW System and the state of Wisconsin.”

Thompson was greeted on campus by shared governance chairs, city leaders and UWRF administrators who expressed their gratitude for his time as UW System president. Of note was how Thompson’s leadership kept campuses and communities safer in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thompson paved the way for UWRF to offer campus and community testing and vaccinations. The city of River Falls Mayor Dan Toland issued a proclamation of appreciation, and the UW-River Falls Faculty Senate passed a resolution summing up the many ways that Thompson’s brief, but impactful 20-month leadership of the UW System indeed demonstrated how he was the right person for the job at just the right time.

During his visit, Thompson wanted specifically to connect with students and affirm his support of them. 

He toured the campus radio station WRFW-FM in North Hall and was interviewed about his career by Student Program Director Michelle Stangler.

He then traveled to Freddy’s Pantry in Rodli Hall to learn about the new food pantry that opened this semester. 

Thompson even took a little time to recruit students for UWRF doing an impromptu meeting with families taking campus tours in South Hall as part of the UWRF Campus Close Up.

He had lunch with students from different groups including the Chancellor’s Student Ambassadors, Honors Program, Student Government Association and Student Involvement interns.

A video created by University Communications and Marketing showing highlights from Thompson’s visits to campus over the years was gifted to Thompson. Go to YouTube to view it.

Thompson resigned as the interim UW System president effective Friday, March 18. 

Thompson succeeded former UW System President Ray Cross who announced his retirement in October 2019 and retired in June 2020. The former Republican governor has held the role since July 1, 2020, after the UW System conducted a failed presidential search to replace Cross.

Thompson was first elected to public office in 1966 when, at the age of 24, he won election to the State Assembly. The citizens in Thompson’s central Wisconsin district elected him as their representative for 10 consecutive terms. Republican colleagues voted Thompson assistant minority leader in 1973 and minority leader in 1981.

In 1986, Thompson defeated incumbent Tony Earl to become governor of Wisconsin. He won re-election an unprecedented three times in 1990, 1994 and 1998. He also served as the 19th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in the cabinet of U.S. President George W. Bush.

In January, the UW System Board of Regents selected Milwaukee Attorney Jay Rothman to succeed Thompson as UW System president.