Dr. Wilder Retires
Following
a distinguished 30-year career as a Geography & Earth Science
faculty member, Dr. Dean Wilder
retired at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Since
joining the department in 1978, Dr. Wilder has been instrumental
in engaging students to achieve their full potential through
both classroom and research activities.
Dr. Wilder has been very active in his time here. He served as Geography Department Chair from 1993 to 1996 and contributed to the Department curriculum in developing and teaching new courses in Geoarchaeology, Biogeography, and Soils Morphology and Genesis, as well as developing the Geoarchaeology minor. He has also been the coordinator for the Soils Lab and the UWL Meteorology Station for many years.
Dr. Wilder embraced technology in the classroom and often used it in all of his courses to enhance student understanding of the concepts he taught. From GPS to GIS, from spectrophotometers to hydrometers, from borers to bunsen burners, Dr. Wilder used it all in his teachings.
His research interest has been focused on geoarchaeology; working on several projects over the years with staff at the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center.
While he isn't quite sure what he'll be doing as he heads into retirement or "transition", he does hope to do some traveling this fall with his wife Pat and become involved with community service through volunteer work in the La Crosse area.
Dr. Wilder says he will greatly miss teaching and the immense satisfaction of working with students, especially in his role as advisor for undergraduate research.
On the behalf of all the Geography and Earth Science faculty and staff he has served with both past and present, and the many students whose lives he touched, we would like to thank Dr. Wilder for the countless contributions he has made to the University, congratulate him on his retirement, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors!
On April 26, the Department of Geography & Earth Science hosted a celebration of Dean's career at Hunan's Restaurant in La Crosse. A few pictures of the event are posted below.
 In celebration of his career, Dean was presented with a globe from the Geography Department faculty and staff members |
 Geography & Earth Science Department Chair Greg Chu presents Dean with a gift from the Geography Department members in appreciation for his many years of contributions to the department during his years of service |
 Geography & Earth Science Department Chair Greg Chu presents Dean with a certificate recognizing his years of service |
 Dean recognizes his wife Pat in appreciation for her many years of support |
On May 1, at the Spring GEO Club picnic, the students of the UW-L Geography Club presented Dr. Wilder with a certificate and gift in appreciation and recognition for his many years of service to the Geography Department. Pictures are posted below.
 Geography Club Vice-President Josh Troth presents Dr. Wilder with a certificate signed by many of the Geography majors in appreciation for his years of service and his contributions to student achievement |
 Geography Club President John Lauermann (right) and Vice-President Josh Troth (left) present Dr. Wilder with a gift from the members of the Geography Club |