A look at the good and the bad of Spring 2010

The end of the semester is nearly here.

And with summer beckoning us like a cold cocktail on a Friday night we thought now was as good a time as any to take stock of what happened this year and then look forward to the summer and beyond.

Looking back, we will remember the good and the bad, because, as some would say, good can only be ascertained if bad things happen, because one needs a reference point to quantify such things.

Now to consider the order as we all know the burning question is always: Do you want the good news first or the bad? Taking the stance that the last thing you read is the one you remember, we will start with the bad.

The economy was definitely the worst thing to happen to the University, as well as the nation as a whole.

Not only did many students find it harder to find a job because of the poor economy, the downturn affected those who have the most need and those deserving of funds to help pay for college.

The Wisconsin Higher Education Grant ran out of money, which is normally given to students who demonstrate the most need based on FAFSA, and UW-Oshkosh endowed scholarships were underwater because of the stock market crash. 

Nearly $80,000 less was handed out in endowed scholarships this year as opposed to the average of the last two years.

On par with the economic downturn were the racist fliers distributed on campus earlier this spring.

Last fall, the controversy that rocked the campus radio station, WRST, over Station Manager Dan VanDenEng and the possible misappropriation of funds was a black eye on an organization that has done great work over the years.

Now that that's over with, let us take a look at the good things that happened on campus this year.

The University's administrators' response to the budget shortage and approving $500,000 in STEP funds definitely softened the blow caused by the poor economy.

The students who organized a protest about the racist fliers were a positive outcome. To see students take up a cause and act was a pleasant surprise.

This past fall the volleyball team achieved the No. 1 ranking in Division III and made it all the way to the final four before losing in the NCAA Tournament.

UW-Oshkosh has also seen three student athletes win a national championship. Phil Devine won the 3-meter diving competition, Holly Ozanich won the indoor weight throw and Ben Zill won the 400-meter dash.

Looking beyond the summer and onto next fall we are eagerly anticipating e-textbooks and the completion of some of the construction.

Also, we will be keeping our eyes on Willy Kaul, Whitney Tornow and D.J. Marsh, whom all have a chance to continue playing their respective sports at the next level.

To close out this school year the Advance-Titan would like to thank you, our readers, for your patronage. Have a nice summer.