The Rogers Report October 2018

The month of October has been a busy one. It was great to see many alumni back on campus for Homecoming. And just yesterday we announced a significant research initiative on understanding and preventing toxic algal blooms that plague portions of the Great Lakes and impact freshwater sources around the world.

Save the date on Tuesday, December 4, for a phone call from BGSU! That evening, I am hopping on the line to talk with our alumni, friends and supporters about the direction of BGSU, and I look forward to taking live questions. If you don't receive a call from us, you can dial in at 866-478-3358. You can also participate on Twitter by submitting your question using #BGSUCall.

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

Regards,

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

Lake Erie Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health

Bowling Green State University is proud to announce that our faculty received a $5.2 million, five-year grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Science Foundation to establish the Lake Erie Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health. This research center will increase the scientific capacity to investigate harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes and other freshwater sources around the world. I believe this Center is a great example of public universities and public organizations coming together to address a public issue – ultimately creating public good.

I visited the lab of biologist Dr. George Bullerjahn, professor of research excellence and the Lake Erie Center's director. Along with his team of undergraduate and graduate students, he was working through a series of experiments exploring the harmful algal blooms affecting fresh waters including Lake Erie, in our own backyard.

Go behind the scenes with the team driving the algal research →

Focus on the Future: BGSU plans for the next five years

Last spring, we focused on the future of Bowling Green State University and began the process of reimagining our strategic plan. Hundreds of students, faculty and staff participated and gave important feedback that led to six new objectives. As our alumni and donors, your support is essential if we are to accomplish this bold plan. Please explore the new website that includes a draft of the build-out of the various initiatives we will focus on to ensure student success. I am counting on your voice and look forward to reviewing your input. Together, we are positioning our University for continued success.

Provide feedback on our draft of the strategic plan →

BGSU breaks ground for Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center

This past Homecoming, we officially broke ground on the Maurer Center, the new home of the College of Business. Set to open in fall 2020, the facility propels BGSU to be a leader in business education. The Maurer Center will help recruit faculty and prepare current and future students. This important renovation could not have been made possible without the transformational support of our alumni and donors, including Robert ’65 and Patricia Maurer; Peggy Schmeltz ’50, ’70; Paul ’75 and Margo ’74 Hooker; Michael ’80 and Mary Lee ’80 McGranaghan, and John ’65 and Ruth Riedl.

Check out a recap of the groundbreaking →

BGSU women’s soccer is regular-season MAC champion

In only the second year for head coach Matt Fannon, our women’s soccer program has won the Mid-American Conference regular-season title for just the second time in its 22-year history. Earning the top seed in the conference tournament, the team beat Eastern Michigan University in the quarterfinal match this past week and is preparing for a semifinal match against Ohio University. Plan to cheer on the Falcons this weekend – it’s an exciting time for BGSU Athletics!

Read about how the Falcons clinched their second title in 22 years →

Love of voice lands Lauren Riggleman at BGSU

First-year student Lauren Riggleman has found BGSU to be a community where she can belong. In her first semester on campus, she's explored opportunities to stand out both inside and out of the classroom. Her story represents our commitment to preparing students to live meaningful and productive lives. BGSU graduates go far and make a positive difference in the world.

Learn more about Lauren's student experience →