University of Wisconsin System Interim President Tommy Thompson visited the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Oct. 18 to help kick off Homecoming week and encourage students to get the COVID-19 vaccination. More than 200 students gathered in the Markee Pioneer Student Center to hear Thompson, who is also the former governor of Wisconsin, as well as celebrate the grand opening of Pioneer Sweets – UW-Platteville’s newest on-campus, student-run ice cream production business.
Thompson began by thanking faculty for their hard work during the past unprecedented year.
“I thank the faculty for the great job they did last year and they continue to do this year,” said Thompson. “Whether it be in engineering or agriculture, business or education, the faculty have just done an outstanding job. It is more important than ever, right now in America, to get a college degree. A college degree is so important. It’s your path toward anything you want to accomplish.”
Thompson emphasized the importance of not letting the COVID-19 pandemic stand in the way of a college education and promoted the UW System’s 70 for 70 campaign. Fully vaccinated students at any UW System institution that reaches a 70% student vaccination rate are eligible to win a $7,000 scholarship.
“You’re helping yourself, you are helping your fellow colleagues and students so they don’t get sick, and you’re helping your professors,” said Thompson. “Let’s go forward, let’s get vaccinated, let’s have a great Homecoming, and let’s do it the Pioneer way.”
View a video of the events at https://youtu.be/yW-oPW-rA1Y.