CITY OF STEVENS POINT: Mayor Declares December 8 Bernie Patterson Day

By Press release submission

Dec 7, 2020

City of Stevens Point issued the following on Dec. 6

Mayor Declares December 8 Bernie Patterson Day

Mayor Mike Wiza has declared Tuesday, Dec. 8, Bernie Patterson Day in Stevens Point, in recognition of Mr. Patterson's decade of service as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

In a proclamation to the Chancellor on December 4, Wiza said Bernie Patterson Day is to show appreciation for the Chancellor’s work, vision, and dedication to the community. Patterson led through challenging times with wisdom and compassion, Wiza said.

Patterson retires in early January after 10 1/2 years as chancellor. “He introduced a vision to become a new kind of public university, more responsible to local needs and more relevant to solving regional problems,” Wiza said. “Patterson built relationships with numerous businesses, creating internships and job opportunities for students and a professional talent pipeline for the state and region's employers.”

“Bernie has become an icon in our community, a familiar face who was always promoting UWSP and the City. He is a friend to many, and we’ll miss him dearly,” Wiza said.

Patterson served on numerous boards in the community, including Portage County Business Council, United Way of Portage County, Rotary, Worzalla Publishing, and Marshfield Clinic, and supported many nonprofit organizations, Wiza noted.

Wiza encouraged community residents to wear purple and gold or Pointer apparel on Dec. 8. He suggested businesses or individuals consider:

Changing business marquees/signs to congratulate the Chancellor on his retirement
Naming an entrée, beverage, or soup after the 14th Chancellor (Bernie Burger, for example)
Making a donation in Chancellor Patterson's honor:
- Canned goods to a community food pantry, including The Cupboard student pantry in the Dreyfus University Center
- Boys and Girls Club of Portage County (the chancellor was involved in this organization as a boy)
- Dog (Pointer) toy or new book for child learning to a Toys for Tots collection site.

The cupola atop Old Main at UW-Stevens Point, which was refurbished during Patterson’s era, will be lit in purple Tuesday night.

Chancellor Paterson instituted a tradition where students touch a replica of the cupola during ceremonies when they begin their college education and when they graduate.

Original source can be found here