Provost Mun Choi hosted a reception to honor Dean Gregory J. Weidemann in December for his nine years of service to the College. In his remarks, the provost cited advancements achieved during Weidemann’s tenure, including an 80 percent increase in undergraduate enroll- ment, increases in grants and contracts to a record high of $20 million, development of programs with top universities in Asia and South America, development of a culture of philanthropy with alumni and stakeholders to establish several endowed professorships and centers of excellence, and the creation of a sense of community among faculty, staff and students. Choi continued, “When asked about his most prized accomplishment, Dean Weidemann points to the growth in the number of scholarships for needy students.” Interim Dean Cameron Faustman described Dean Weidemann’s deep commitment to the land-grant system and spoke about his roles outside and within the College. Within the College, Weidemann worked to enhance develop- ment activities, with nearly $24 million raised under his leadership. In addition, he accepted the appointment as dean with the proviso that the W.B. Young Building be renovated and modernized during his term. Faustman continued, “In addition, Charles Zwick, a college alum and President Lyndon Johnson’s budget director, endowed support for the Zwick Center for Food and Resource Policy. Greg’s efforts were critical in securing this gift and he continues to have an excellent relationship with Charlie Zwick. He also worked with the owners of Arethusa Farm in Litchfield to secure a gift of $200,000 for scholarships in dairy science. The donors intend to grow the endowment to $1 million.” Faustman revealed that Dean Weidemann and his wife, Rozanne, have established an endowed fund to assist students who, through unexpected circum- stances, find themselves in financial trouble sufficient to impede their progress. Said Faustman, “We made the first award from this fund last week to a student whose experience with a health condition and job loss was going to prevent her from returning to school next semester. I’m pleased to report that she will be back in Storrs in 2017 thanks to these funds made possible through the Weidemanns’ generosity.” At the conclusion of the program, Dean Weidemann described the joy he has found in his career and his time as dean, saying, “In what other job can you hang out with really smart people and do so much interesting stuff?” He gave credit for his accomplishments to staff and co-workers and thanked members of the College and University for their support during his tenure. He noted how his appreciation for the land-grant system has continued to grow over time: “Seeing the value of the system to individuals and families for solving problems across the state and country has been one of the highlights of my career.” Honoring Dean Weidemann “Seeing the value of the system to individuals and families for solving problems across the state and country has been one of the high- lights of my career.” Interim Dean Faustman, Governor Dannel Malloy and retiring Dean Weidemann at the governor’s residence in November 2016. Article by Sara Putnam. Originally Published by Naturally.UConn.edu 4 2016 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION