To the Editor:

The construction cranes reaching toward the sky at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) are a sign of hope for the future and a reminder of how important the university is to our community and the world.

The new Chemistry Biology Building under construction now is creating hundreds of good construction jobs. When completed, the building will serve tens of thousands of students for decades to come. It will outlive many of us as it provides opportunities to kids from all across Wisconsin and beyond. Who knows, perhaps the new building will give the world the next E.O. Wilson or Jonas Salk. It’s not too much of a stretch to hope for that.

The fates of UWSP and this community are entwined in many ways. It is a major economic driver for the community and the region. We who live here enjoy sports, the arts, educational programs and an array of other gifts the university offers.

Most importantly, UWSP offers quality, affordable education to young adults who are our best hope for the future. Many of them, around 50 percent, are first-generation university students. Their families know that a university education is a ticket to success in life. That’s why those young folks are here.

College kids will be college kids, and some of them have some growing pains now and then, as do all young adults. But a huge majority of them enrich our community in so many ways. They also keep us young. They deserve the best education the state of Wisconsin can provide. And the people who serve them – the faculty and staff – give back to the community immeasurably as they go about their important work.

UWSP has to be in the top 10 on any list of reasons why Stevens Point is special. The new Chemistry Biology Building will add to the university’s luster. It is truly an investment in the future. If you’re looking for a positive sign about the future out there on these winter days, take a walk past the construction site.

Bill Berry

Stevens Point