Dear Division of Student Life staff,
Greetings! I hope you had a restful weekend! SOAR will begin soon, and the cycle of student life will swing into motion. Before that happens, I wanted to take this opportunity to give you an update on where things are at for me and my career.
The ACE Fellowship has been rewarding and eye-opening. Being in Arizona, I was able to see first-hand some of the border issues that impact our nation. One thing I have learned is how valuable it is for people to obtain an education. A two-year degree can mean increased income, health care and security for a family.
Although I was placed at the University of Arizona in Tucson, I had the opportunity to work with many local community colleges in building 2 + 2 programs for learners to obtain a bachelor’s degree after getting their associate’s degree at a local community college. This ignited a new passion in me, one of greater access to higher education. My time in Arizona has essentially laid the groundwork for a new direction!
I am excited to announce that I have accepted a new position as the Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Mesa Community College (MCC) in Mesa, Arizona! MCC is one of ten community colleges in the transformative Maricopa Community College District, serving over 100,000 learners annually. It is a big change. One that I’m excited to embark upon. It is important for me to put good into the world and offer access to those who want to obtain additional education. I am passionate about the mission of the college and the impact we can have in the community. Officially – I will be retiring from UW-Madison as of July 1, and I will begin at MCC on July 29.
UW-Madison and Division of Student Life will always hold a space in my heart, my Badger spirit will shine bright in the new role at MCC. The lessons I have learned from many of you on this journey will remain with me as I embark on the next chapter in my life. I am so grateful to have walked this earth with you, and I am a better person for having known you all.
I am one less day from dying young and I have more to give. I’ve appreciated our time together, whether it was for 10 years or 10 minutes.
Please keep in touch; my email address is: lori.berquam@wisc.edu
Finally, thank you. The past 14 years have been nothing short of amazing and it is because of you. The care and compassion you demonstrate has an impact on students and I could not have done this without you. Together, we will continue to make a difference.
On, Wisconsin!
Lori