A Letter from the Director

Dear Friends of the School of Education,

My name is Katie Sparks and I am one of the newest staff members in the School of Education. I will work closely with you, other alumni and community members who wish to support the School through philanthropic partnerships. 

The School of Education offers many ways to contribute to what is most important to you, including undergraduate student scholarships, graduate student fellowships, faculty research support and endowed professorships.

I come to UWM as a development professional from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Being able to connect alumni and their alma mater is the most enjoyable part of what I do. I take pleasure in the stories from alumni and their reactions when I tell them what is different about the University since they graduated.

As a UWM alumna myself, I remember fondly many of my professors. Being a long-time Milwaukeean, I have seen the impact UWM has had on our community. It gives me even greater pride to be working with your School -- the School that started it all. You are the educators who planted the roots of this University. I have provided some important moments in our history below; you are part of our history even if you were not here to celebrate each event:

• 1905 - Milwaukee Normal School opens to train teachers in downtown Milwaukee at 18th and Wells.
• 1909 - With the completion of a new Milwaukee Normal School building (today's Mitchell Hall), the campus moves to its present location.
• 1927 - Normal school becomes Milwaukee State Teachers College with four-year degree.
• 1951 -Milwaukee State Teachers College becomes Wisconsin State College, Milwaukee, with liberal arts degrees.
• 1963 - UWM offers first Ph.D. degree (mathematics)
• 1970 - Three towers, collectively called Sandburg Residence Halls, open for student housing.
• 1988 - UW System designates eight Centers of Excellence at UWM.
• 2000 -Carnegie Foundation names UWM to top tier of research universities.
• 2002 - UWM opens Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts. Fourth tower added to Sandburg Residence Halls.
• 2005 - Men's basketball team advances to Sweet 16 in NCAA Tournament.
• 2006 - $100-million Campaign for UWM announced. Pavilion athletics complex and Kenilworth Square mixed-use student housing facility open. Men's and women's basketball teams both advance to NCAA Tournament.

*All information was obtained from www.uwm.edu (http://www4.uwm.edu/about_uwm/uwm_glance/key_dates.cfm)

I hope highlighting the history of your alma mater helps you reminisce about your time here. You are a valued member of the UWM community and we want you know to how much you are appreciated. Thank you!

My goal is to listen to and meet with many of you. With more than 22,000 alumni, this is not a small task. If you would like to share some of your memories with me or have any ideas on how to stay connected with UWM or the School of Education, please contact me at (414)229-3291 and kasparks@uwm.edu.

I hope to talk with you soon or see you at an event.

I am looking forward to partnering with you as we all help the next generation of UWM students.

Katie Sparks