Chippewa Valley Times

As spring unfolds, campuses across the Midwest are blooming into vibrant landscapes. The shift in weather not only brings warmth but also ushers in a palpable change in energy levels. Trees start to bud, grass turns green, and students find themselves irresistibly drawn outdoors.

Among these institutions is our campus, which boasts numerous locations that can accommodate outdoor class sessions. Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Adam Kunz recently took advantage of the fine weather to hold an outdoor class.

The campus offers more than just academic spaces; it also provides natural landscapes for learning geographical survey and mapping procedures and techniques. Moreover, it serves as a venue for various spring sports events. From baseball and softball to tennis, golf, and lacrosse, the athletic season has been action-packed.

Associate Professor of Geology and Environmental Science Dr. Robert Lodge relishes the opportunity to utilize the extended geology classroom — literally the entire campus backyard.

The Bark Break event at UWEC is always a student favorite, especially on sunny Fridays. Certain spots on campus were specifically designed as outdoor classrooms along the Garfield Avenue pedestrian walk. However, smaller groups have found that locations like Riverview Terrace work just as well for Latin American Studies with Dr. Manny Fernandez.

Students at UW-Eau Claire – Barron County campus are also taking full advantage of the pleasant spring weather. The peak of spring tree budding gives a whole new meaning to rolling through campus.

A Mathematics 202 class recently decided to take their learning outside to enjoy the spring warmth and sunshine.

In other news from the university community, Heinselman, who has over 30 years of higher education experience in student affairs, has been serving as interim dean since August 2022.

Zachary May, who graduated in December 2023, will participate in an English teaching assistantship in Argentina while Anna Wendorff, a May 2023 graduate will serve as an English teaching assistant in South Korea.

Teagan Jones, who had never heard of Eau Claire before visiting UW-Eau Claire as a high school student in Illinois, is now preparing to graduate. She couldn't imagine being anywhere else.