Conversations of the Valley - A Public Affairs Luncheon

Description

Conversations of the Valley

A public affairs luncheon series sponsored by the St. Croix Valley Foundation

‘A Good Investment, or No Longer Worth the Cost’?”
with guest speaker UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen

The nation’s public universities have long been viewed as important places for teaching, research, and service.  Historically, the American public has supported these institutions, believing that education is key to developing informed leaders and well-rounded citizens, which contribute to stronger communities and a better life.  That is, the public has valued a college education as a “public, societal good,” as well as a benefit to the individual receiving the education.  That view has been changing, as public universities are experiencing declining state support, rising student debt, and pressures to prepare students for jobs and be responsive to state workforce and economic development needs.  Long-standing pillars of the academy such as academic freedom, tenure, and the value of the liberal arts are facing serious questioning from elected officials and the public.

Join Chancellor Van Galen for a conversation about these issues, and to learn how the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is responding to these challenges and opportunities. 

Dean Van Galen has served as the chancellor of UW-River Falls since 2009.  A first-generation college student and a Wisconsin native, he graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1982. Prior to serving as a chemistry professor and university administrator, he earned a Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry from Kansas State University and conducted post-doctoral research at the University of California at Berkeley. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2016
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Grand Banquet Center
301 South 2nd Street, Stillwater MN

The cost of the lunch and program is $17 and must be paid in advance to guarantee your reservation. (Any payments received on the day of the event will be charged $20 a ticket, if seats available.)

To make a reservation (due in SCVF offices by noon prior to the day of luncheon):

• mail your check to:      SCVF, 516 Second St. #214, Hudson, WI 54016, or
• make your reservation by credit card online at: www.scvfoundation.org/conversations-of-the-valley, using the PayPal system.  There is a $1.00 processing fee per person using PayPal. 

Supported with a generous contribution from First State Bank and Trust