The Rogers Report May 2018

It is already summer in Bowling Green! Since the last time I wrote to you, our students have finished their final exams and concluded their academic year, and more than 2,300 of them graduated. I will always remember my first commencement as president, and I am so inspired by all our students who are prepared to go far in their careers.

I want to thank the thousands of alumni and friends who joined our phone call this month to discuss the direction of BGSU. I enjoyed your live questions and comments, and we are planning to host recurring community conversations in the future. I am counting on your feedback to help move this institution forward and am grateful for your support.

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

Regards,

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

Rogers visits the School of Art to blow glass

Starting this month, we are launching a video series to accompany the Rogers Report. My goal is to highlight various areas of campus that help make BGSU unique. During each video, you will get to see campus and have direct access to our world-class students, faculty and staff. In May, I visited our renowned glass program, where some faculty and students helped me create a glass Falcon. The School of Art is driving cultural and economic vitality in our region, and I had a blast learning from our creative students and faculty.

Watch my experience with our glass faculty and students now →

Hoskins Global Scholars Fund sparks international curiosity

Mike Hoskins ’77 received a remarkable education at Bowling Green State University, and he has learned valuable lessons out in the world. At BGSU, we pride ourselves on creating global citizens of our students. Mike’s transformational gift allows them to experience life-changing experiences, both personally and professionally. In the midst of our comprehensive fundraising campaign, his commitment has exemplified what it means to be a Falcon, and we have honored his legacy with the naming of the Michael E. Hoskins Grand Foyer in University Hall.

Read about Mike’s impact on the future of our students →

BGSU honors achievement at commencement

During May commencement, we celebrated our students officially joining the ranks of BGSU’s 180,000-plus proud alumni. During four ceremonies, we heard from outstanding speakers and honorary degree recipients marking this special occasion. Our 2,300 newest graduates belonged to a premier learning community during their time at BGSU. They took advantage of the many opportunities to stand out through student organizations, undergraduate research projects, study abroad, learning communities and our more than 200 academic majors. Commencement was the starting point from them to go far, and I know that our graduating class will change lives for the world.

Check out the highlights from commencement →

Meg Burrell is a high achiever

Our students continue to amaze me. They are committed, altruistic, resilient and ready to make a difference. I am proud that BGSU helps students achieve their dreams. Meg Burrell is just one example. She is someone who came from a small town in Ohio and took advantage of every opportunity afforded to her. She graduated last month with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in sociology and today is law school-bound. Meg would not have been at BGSU were it not for her scholarship through the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy. In addition, throughout her four years, she served as the undergraduate student representative to the Board of Trustees, was a key leader in our Greek community, was named a Newman Civic Fellow, and held several significant internships, just to name a few of her accomplishments. I cannot wait to see what our new alumni like Meg accomplish next!

Learn about Meg’s inspiring story at BGSU →

University Hall garners LEED gold for renovation

University Hall was the first building on BGSU’s campus in 1911, and now becomes the first renovated building to receive LEED gold awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. University Hall joins a number of other LEED-certified facilities on campus, including the Stroh Center, Greek Village and the Student Recreation Center. This recognition showcases our commitment to doing our part to ensure a healthy, sustainable environment for years to come.

Read about our commitment to sustainability →