UW-La Crosse Graduation 2012

 UW-La Crosse Graduation 2012

The real reason for the visit to the state was for the 2012 UWL-L graduation.   Congratulations Leroy!  I am very proud of this great accomplishment!

“The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was founded in 1909 as the La Crosse Normal School.  Today, it is one of the 13 four-year campuses in the University of Wisconsin System.  Originally known for its nationally recognized physical education program, UW-La Crosse now offers 85 undergraduate programs in 30 disciplines, and 21 graduate programs and emphases in eight disciplines.”

“The compact 119-acre campus located in a residential section of La Crosse provides a vibrant place to live and learn.  Enrollment has grown from 176 when the doors opened to more than 9,000.  Statewide, freshman credentials are second only to UW-Madison, and showed the most improvement in ACT scores and class rank during the past decade, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.  The campus embraces diversity, a commitment that has increased minority and international students, faculty and staff.  Students take part in an array of organizations and community service.  Intercollegiate teams compete in 19 sports and have produced 21 national championships since 1990.”

“The university offers much to the region - cultural events, regional and national conferences, prominent speakers, applied research, professionals with varying expertise, a large workforce, and numerous faculty, staff and student community volunteers.  UW-La Crosse works cooperatively with the city's other higher education institutions and area elementary and secondary schools.  Also, the university led development of a consortium among the city's higher education institutions and major health care organizations to bring cutting-edge health care to the region, along with a state-of-the-art health research and education facility.”

“For more than 90 years UW-La Crosse has been the prominent intellectual engine that educates a high quality workforce for the region.  The university remains proud of its regional heritage and looks forward to retaining its prominence in the area's economic vitality.”

For more information on the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse go to:

http://www.uwlax.edu/

A video of the commencement can be viewed at:

http://mediastream.uwlax.edu/UWLMediaSite5/Viewer/?peid=041246ddf5754fcdb8869619734aca001d

You will find Leroy crossing the stage in the area of 1:30 on the video.  

Congratulations Leroy Dale Brown II !!!

 

Exploring Wisconsin La Crosse Area 2012

Exploring Wisconsin La Crosse Area 2012

Mississippi Explorer Wildlife Cruise

“Come and explore the Mississippi River as you never have before, from the decks of our Mississippi Explorer riverboats. Our cruises are centered around the amazing diversity and ecology that the Upper Mississippi Nat'l Wildlife and Fish Refuge offers. We take our passengers off the beaten track of the river's main-channel and into the backwaters of the Mississippi - much like a relaxing drive down a scenic country road! Come explore with us and see more than what the main-channel restricted competitors could ever hope to show you.

Jump onboard the Mississippi Explorer riverboat and explore scenic backwater wetland areas away from the busy main-channel of the river. Unreachable by other passenger vessels, we venture into seldom seen side-channels such as: Broken Arrow, Swift Creek, Mormon, and Running Sloughs. We'll explore the outskirts of Goose Island and Target Lake, stop at beaver lodges, lotus fields, and even active bald eagle nests. Now's the time to get outside and see the wide variety of plants and animals that live in the "Upper Miss" wildlife refuge! Our cruises are professionally guided and narrated by qualified and experienced wildlife naturalists and licensed captains. Last, but certainly not least, the boat has an onboard restroom, comfortable seating, a weather-protected cabin, and a very friendly and professional crew!”  We had a great time with the crew out of La Crosse.  They were friendly and knowledgeable.

http://www.mississippiexplorer.com/ports/port-la-crosse.php

Grandad Bluff

“City park located by following Main Street east which becomes Bliss Road as you ascend the bluff. At the top, the entrance is found by turning right on Grandad Bluff Road. The 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Wisconsin Trails readers voted this “the most scenic view in the state”. Features a shelter house, coin-operated binoculars, picnic areas and is the site of the annual Skyrocker`s New Year`s Eve Fireworks Show.”  Go for the incredible view of the Mississippi River Valley and La Crosse.

http://www.explorelacrosse.com/grandad-bluff-la-crosse/

Mary of Angels Chapel

“The Mother House of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the Chapel of Angels is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the United States. Since August 1st, 1878, at least two Franciscan Sisters have maintained a 24-hour prayer vigil for the Church, community and the world. Featured on Charles Kuralt’s On The Road in 1978.”  This place was incredible to tour!  Well worth the time and quite an experience.

http://www.explorelacrosse.com/saint-rose-convent/

"The interior of the chapel is an architectural and artistic treasure. It is Romanesque in style, with Corinthian pillars and windows of Bavarian stained glass. Altars of Italian marble are decorated with gold bronze, onyx pillars, and inlaid mosaics of Venetian glass and mother of pearl. Visitors will receive a guided tour which highlights the unique features of this exquisite chapel."  It is awe inspiring!

http://www.fspa.org/prayer/maryofangelschapel/index.html

Myrick Hixon EcoPark

“The park’s many acres include or are surrounded by the La Crosse River Marsh, grass prairies, towering limestone bluffs, and the La Crosse River near where it converges with both the Black and Mighty Mississippi Rivers. The EcoPark is a center for education, entertainment, events, and exploration plus serves as a trailhead to hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, running, skiing, and snowshoeing trails.”  Myrick Park is a real jewel in the city!  You never know what you will see as you explore the trails!

http://www.mhecopark.org/

http://www.cityoflacrosse.org/index.aspx?NID=1697

La Crosse Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

http://www.explorelacrosse.com/