Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Wednesday, Nov. 19, will be a special day in the history of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. On that day, the theater in Doudna Hall, currently referred to as the Little Theater, will be named the Thomas B. Lundeen Lecture Hall, in honor of one of the university's most well-known and noteworthy emeriti, Dr. Thomas B. Lundeen.

Dr. Lundeen is a favorite history professor for hundreds of alumni. "Dr. Lundeen's classes were scheduled in the Doudna Theater, when possible, in response to student demand," noted Chancellor David Markee. He continued, "When I meet with alumni, one of the first questions that I often hear is 'How is Dr. Lundeen?' I enjoy hearing the stories that these alumni relate about their remarkable history professor and friend."

Dr. Lundeen is also an avid backer of Pioneer sporting teams; an ardent supporter of the arts; a past advisor to university governance groups, fraternities, and homecoming; and an authority on the history of the university. Among his publications is the book, "Jubilee! A History of the College of Engineering, The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1908-1983." Dr. Lundeen is also an expert on the history of the region. He is an active member of the board of the Grant County Historical Society and has provided service to the Point of Beginnings Heritage Area.

Dr. Lundeen has also been active with the UW-Platteville Foundation, serving on the board of directors for many years. Always an advocate for students, he established a scholarship endowment, which funds competitive scholarships for students majoring in history or social science with a history emphasis.

Dr. Lundeen retired in the spring of 1999, after serving on the faculty at UWP for 40 years. He came to Platteville in 1959, at the invitation of Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology president, Dr. Bjarne Ullsvik. A native of the State of Iowa and the holder of three degrees from the University of Iowa, Dr. Lundeen was President Ullsvik's "first hire." Dr. Lundeen served twice as commencement marshal and is a former homecoming parade marshal. He continues to make daily 'trips to the office' and is a regular attendee at arts, athletic, and alumni events.

The Thomas B. Lundeen Lecture Hall dedication ceremony will be held at 6:15 p.m. A reception will be held in the Doudna west lobby starting at 5:30 p.m. No reservations are required. Guests are encouraged to conclude the evening by attending either the 7 p.m. performance by the Rountree Ensemble, in the Center for the Arts Brodbeck Concert Hall or the 7:30 p.m. theatrical performance, "A Servant of Two Masters", in the Center for the Arts Theatre.