I am a second generation alumnus of UWM. My connection with the university is a deep one, and one that has deepened with every passing year.

As a proud alumnus, I have a strong desire for UWM to reach ever greater heights in all areas.

I am proud of the growth of the academic reputation of the university in the recent years, and as students who soon will be graduates, you should be too. Your education will be seen as an asset to you, and your degree will be viewed with ever greater respect in the business world.

I am equally proud of the growth of the athletics programs.

The Milwaukee Panthers teams are, in very many ways, the most public face of the university. As such, they deserve the full support of alumni, faculty and students alike.

To that end, I would like to express my very real and serious concern over the seeming sense of apathy from the students of my fine alma mater.

Recently I have noticed the almost total absence of the students at several men’s basketball games. When there are less than a handful of students on hand for the conference opener despite free admission and travel accommodations, I am forced to conclude that the students just don’t care much about their university.

When I walk the campus, and see far more Wisconsin Badgers and Marquette Golden Eagles gear on students than I do Panthers gear, I am saddened and, quite frankly, disgusted.

I cannot understand the mindset that tells one that rooting for a school other than your own is acceptable.

Would you feel just as comfortable having a picture of a former significant other on your nightstand where your current significant other will be sure to see it?

I am calling the students out. None of you are at UWM against your will. To my knowledge, no students have been sentenced to do hard time at UWM.

You chose to be at UWM, for one reason or another. It’s time to show some pride in that decision and in your school.

If you see a friend wearing colors of another school, take issue with it. Stop wearing the red and white or the blue and gold. Be proud to don the black and gold.

Show up for games, all the games, and bring your friends. Don’t make excuses why you can’t go — find a way to go.

Make the alumni proud to see your faces and hear your voices. You are the standard bearers now. The torch was passed to you.

Please don’t let that torch go out, make it burn even brighter.

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