The Rogers Report January 2019

I hope you enjoyed the holiday season. The New Year is already showing great promise at Bowling Green State University. Our students are in the midst of Winter Session, a newly developed opportunity for them to catch up on classes, study abroad or participate in meaningful experiences like service-learning and internships, even before spring semester kicks off at the end of January. We are looking forward to all that lies ahead for BGSU in 2019.

Enjoy some of my favorite stories and highlights from this past month!

Regards,

Rodney K. Rogers, Ph.D. '81
President
Bowling Green State University

1,001 students graduate, prepared to create public good

In December, we celebrated commencement, the culminating academic experience for our undergraduate and graduate students. I had a chance to catch up with some of them to learn about their plans after BGSU and their favorite memories here. The Class of 2018 is the next generation of thought leaders, risk takers, visionaries and big dreamers. They have been educated to solve the world's complex problems and create public good. Our commencement speakers, Jan Heppe '74, former president of the Americas Region for Burberry Ltd., the iconic British international luxury brand, and Maryrose Sylvester '88, president and CEO of Current, a first-of-its-kind startup within the walls of GE, shared powerful messages with our students, and served as extraordinary examples of what can be accomplished with a BGSU degree.

Go behind the scenes with me as I talk with our graduates about their BGSU memories →

Jerry Anderson voices his love for BGSU, community

Jerry Anderson is an icon of our region. He recently retired from the anchor desk after a long career at WTOL-TV, Channel 11, in Toledo. His love for broadcasting began at Bowling Green State University, and he continues his involvement with us and the community. Whether it's driving the bus for Bowling Green City Schools or announcing our football and basketball home games, Jerry's passion for our learning community does not go unnoticed.

Learn more about Jerry's story →

BGSU to host "Beyond The Dream" speaker series

In honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., BGSU is hosting a slate of events and programs that include brining four extraordinary speakers to campus: Opal Tometi, social activist and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter; Shaun King, journalist, humanitarian and activist; Ariana Brown, poet, performer and facilitator; and Tarana Burke, social justice activist and founder of the "Me Too" movement. These learning opportunities promote dialogue about important community issues and support our work in making a more just society as envisioned by Dr. King.

2018 BGSU Year in Review

As we close another memorable year, I've been reflecting on Bowling Green State University and all we experienced in 2018. Our learning community welcomed new students, created new academic programs, broke ground on new facilities and developed new partnerships. As a public university for the public good, we are preparing our students to live meaningful and productive lives, helping them create a life on their own terms. Our Year in Review shows just how we are achieving that mission.

Take a look back through the moments that defined 2018 →

BGSU Rugby celebrates 50 years by winning national championship

BGSU Rugby won the fall 2018 men's DIAA national championship by defeating St. Joseph's University 26-7 in December! For 50 years, students have participated in our rugby program, and this accomplishment is the sum of their hard work and commitment. They join our women's bowling team as BGSU club sports clinching national titles in 2018 – an amazing feat for our students.

Check out highlights from the players and coaches of BGSU Rugby →