Silver Lake College to Host Alumni Weekend

Silver Lake College, as part of its 75^th Anniversary Celebration, will host its  Alumni Weekend, June 11 – June 13.  Alumni Weekend is designed to give alumni, friends, current and retired faculty and staff a chance to gather at the campus, reminiscence about their college memories and participate in a variety of activities designed specifically with their interests in mind. 

The schedule of events features many activities including an Alumni Choir, an Alumni Art Exhibit, Historical Campus Walk, Clare Hall Tours, Holy Family Convent Tours, Awards Dinner, and a special feature called “Alumni College”.

The Alumni College is a series of 1 hour classes held on Saturday, June 12^th taught by Silver Lake College Faculty and Alumni.  These classes are designed with Life-Long Learners in mind and are free and open to the public. 

Topics Include:

• Hey – Are You Going to Eat That?

If you have ever wanted to learn about which mushrooms in the woods are delicious and which are destructive (to your kidneys), come see this multimedia presentation where there will be works of art and poetry, mushrooms to taste, and delightful prizes.

• Understanding the Bible

How do you reconcile the contradictions in the Bible? Is Scripture meant to be read literally? Learn how to read Scripture with Sister Francette.

• Your Family Kneads Bread

Making bread is easier than you think, and it’s a great way to spend time with your children or grandchildren. Come learn how!

• Digital Photo Editing

Experiment with free photo-editing software so that you can enhance your pictures without paying for expensive software. (limit 12 participants)

• Discrepant Events

Put on your lab coat, and predict what you think will happen in this scientific experiment!

• Living in the Solar and Sustainable Home You Already Own

Learn how you can adapt and adjust your home and lifestyle to living more sustainably and economically. Julie Mayrose and Peter Brockhaus will share many of the ideas and technologies they use at their off-grid solar home in northern Wisconsin.

• Question Everything

No belief can be taken for granted in one’s quest to be fully authentic and authentically free.

All events will be held on the Silver Lake College campus located at 2406 S. Alverno Road in Manitowoc.  A complete listing of events is available at www.sl.edu. For more information about Alumni Weekend, or to register for an event, please contact Rachel Gretzinger at 920-686-6280.

Silver Lake College to Host Summer Spirituality Series

Silver Lake College’s 2010 Summer Spirituality Series, hosted by the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, will present a series of four lectures entitled “World Religions.”  This Summer Spirituality Series will take place on four consecutive Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm beginning June 9, 2010. The Lectures are presented free of charge and will be held in the Generose Enrichment Center located at 2406 South Alverno Road in Manitowoc.

The series will highlight four different world religions including: “Judaism”, presented by David Gilboa, Ph.D., “Islam”, presented by Rev. David Beaudry, M.A., “Hinduism”, presented by Brad McIntyre and “Buddhism”, presented by Rev. David Beaudry, M.A. 

For more information on the 2010 Summer Spirituality Series or to request a brochure, please contact Sister Judanne Stratman at 920-686-6228 or jstratman@silver.sl.edu.

Silver Lake College Awards Honorary Degree

Robert and Pat Endries along with Sister Laura Wolf, Chair of the Board of Trustees and President George Arnold

As part of Silver Lake College’s 72nd Commencement Ceremonies that took place at the Capitol Civic Center on Sunday May 9th, an honorary degree was awarded for the first time by Silver Lake College.  The recipient, Mr. Robert E. Endries, is a former Board Chair and long time supporter of the college.  The citation that was presented by Dr. George Grinde, Vice President of Academic Affairs, is as follows:  

It is fitting in a year in which Silver Lake College celebrates its educational legacy of 75 years that we have the opportunity to recognize an individual who has been instrumental in the life of the college for almost 25 years.  

Robert Endries, and his wife Pat, began a business in the basement of their home in Brillion, Wisconsin in 1970 with little more than $5,000 in capital, a hope and a prayer.  From there, thanks to hard work and perseverance, they created an international corporation that today operates in over 70 locations throughout North America, Asia and Europe.

Throughout his distinguished career, Bob has received multiple awards and recognitions.  In 1986, he was recognized as the Wisconsin Small Business person of the Year, which ultimately led to being ranked 4^th in the nation among small business owners, in 2000 he was a Finalist for the State Division of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and in 2007 he was inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame.

In addition to his professional successes, Bob has given tremendously of his time and resources to better the community around him.  His work, both in his career and philanthropy, has distinguished him as an individual who has lived his life embracing the Franciscan Values. He has been an integral part of enhancing many community organizations including: 

• Serving as the President of the Board for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay
• Being a member of the Board of Directors for the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Health Care Ministry
• Serving as the Campaign Chair for the New Hope Center of Chilton’s Project Independence, a $1 million fund drive to aid the mentally and physically handicapped
• Being a member of the Board of Directors of Manitowoc’s Capitol Civic Center

Throughout his 25 years with Silver Lake College he has served as the Chair of Board of Trustees and is currently the Honorary Chair of the imagine.build.connect Capital Campaign.  He has provided valuable insight and wisdom to the past 4 presidents, he has helped to reach out to other businesses in the area and share the story of Silver Lake, and he has offered countless hours of time and resources in order to further the opportunities for the students of Silver Lake College.

Therefore, for his leadership, his example, his enduring commitment, and his invaluable contributions both to Silver Lake College and the community in which we live, Dr. Arnold, it is my pleasure to present to you Mr. Robert E. Endries for the degree Doctor of Humane Letters.