Year 2021 at UW-Eau Claire

Year 2021 at UW-Eau Claire

Make way — 2022 is here and we’re ready to see what’s next! But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look back at a few of the events and achievements that occurred in 2021….

January ❄

Antigen testing continued in Zorn Arena while students were on winter break. UW-Eau Claire worked hard to ensure that campus remained safe during Winterim.

A fresh snow dusted campus making it feel like a real winter wonderland.

Amidst everything happening in the world, our campus reminded us to slow down and admire the natural beauty that exists. #MostBeautifulCampus

February ❄

Students remain physically distanced while on-campus for class.

In February, students returned for spring semester. Many students experienced a mix of in-person and virtual classes during 2021. In-person classes were organized so that students would be physically distanced and follow mask protocols.

March ❄

Vaccine clinics begin in Zorn Arena.

With the help of UW-Eau Claire nursing students, COVID-19 vaccine clinics began in Zorn Arena. It was an exciting time for the campus and community!

Chancellor Jim receives his COVID-19 vaccination.

Women’s Lacrosse made its debut at the end of March 2021 under the direction of Coach Aubrianne Hilton Neubert.

Anna Ziebell (Student Body President), Chancellor Jim, and Kimera Way (Foundation President) join Coach Aubrianne Hilton Neubert for the Lacrosse home opener.

April

Chancellor Jim throws out the first pitch at the Blugold Baseball home opener.

UW-Eau Claire Baseball is BACK! The team had its home opener in April 2021 under the direction of Coach Charles Bolden.

The Singing Statesmen record a virtual performance for the 2021 Viennese Ball.

Music students gathered to record performances for a virtual version of the annual Viennese Ball. Blugolds were invited to tune in for the virtual event in April.

Students gather on the campus mall for some stress-free fun.

Blugolds took a Wellness Day towards the end of the semester. They gathered on the campus mall and enjoyed therapy dogs and other stress-free activities while following mask protocols.

May

While large in-person gatherings were still on hold due to COVID-19, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Eau Claire-Barron County were able to host small outdoor commencement ceremonies for 2021 grads.

A 2021 grad poses by an outdoor sign on the UW-Eau Claire campus.

Grads from UW-Eau Claire-Barron County gather for their commencement ceremonies.

A UW-Eau Claire student walks by after receiving their diploma.

June

In-person tours of campus continued into the summer months.

Showing off Wisconsin’s #MostBeautifulCampus.

Members of various UW-Eau Claire sports teams gathered to help host community summer camps in McPhee Physical Education Center.

Community children participate in the UW-Eau Claire Girls Basketball Summer Camp.

July

High school students from across the U.S. visited UW-Eau Claire for the first-ever Midwest Arts Academy. They took classes in various disciplines including music, theatre, art and dance.

August

The Campus Grounds Crew worked hard to keep everything looking beautiful during the summer months.

Time for Move-In Day.

Blugolds made their way back for fall semester on Move-In Day! It was great to see campus buzzing with action again.

The BMB practices on lower campus.

The Blugold Marching Band was able to gather for summer rehearsals and prepare for a fresh season after missing out during 2020.

UW-Eau Claire Recreation hosts Tour de Rec to welcome students back to campus.

The fall semester kicked off with Tour De Rec, one of the many activities planned to welcome students back to campus.

September

Freshman from 2020 and 2021 gathered for their class photo with Chancellor Jim on the Campus Mall.

Students took time to explore Downtown Eau Claire during the UW Meets EC event, which was postponed in 2020.

Students pose in front of a colorful mural in Downtown Eau Claire.

Men’s Soccer made its debut during fall semester under the direction of Coach Casey Holm.

Head Coach Casey Holm watches players during a Men’s Soccer game.

Interim President of the UW System, Tommy Thompson, visited campus to celebrate UW-Eau Claire’s vaccination status and encourage students to get vaccinated.

Chancellor Jim looks on as Tommy Thompson addresses students on the Campus Mall.

October

UW-Eau Claire hosted the first-ever Bark Break, giving Blugolds a chance to interact with dogs belonging to faculty and staff members.

Bark Break was a massive success!

Families joined their Blugolds on-campus for Family Weekend after it had been postponed in 2020. It was exciting to see in-person events returning in 2021.

Students enjoy hanging out with their families on-campus.

Superstar Tai Verdes performed for Blugolds in the Ojibwe Ballroom. It was the first in-person concert since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Homecoming returned after being held virtually in 2020! Blugold students and alums gathered for the parade and football game at Carson Park.

Blugolds gather excitedly for the Homecoming parade, football game and BMB performance.

November

Faculty and staff members wore special t-shirts on November 8 to commemorate National First-Generation College Celebration Day.

Chancellor Jim received his COVID-19 booster in Zorn Arena.

Chancellor Jim receives his booster from a UW-Eau Claire nursing student.

Members of the Blugold Women’s Volleyball team celebrate their massive accomplishment.

The Blugold Women’s Volleyball team won the program’s first-ever NCAA Division III National Title. They celebrated their win after a 3–0 sweep over Calvin.

December

The annual UW-Eau Claire Holiday Concert made its return in early December at Pablo Center at the Confluence.

Blugolds from a variety of student music groups perform for the community.

John and Carolyn Sonnentag joined Chancellor Jim and UW-Eau Claire Foundation President Kim Way, as well as Interim UW System President Tommy Thompson to unveil their gift of $70 million for the construction of the Sonnentag Event Center and the John and Carolyn Sonnentag Fieldhouse.

Blugold alums, John and Carolyn Sonnentag, unveil their generous gift to UW-Eau Claire.

Grads gather together (wearing masks) in Zorn Arena.

The fall semester concluded with commencement, which was held in Zorn Arena for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020.

Grads celebrate with their loved ones outside of Zorn Arena following the commencement ceremonies.

2021 was a year filled with new and exciting memories. We stayed resilient and adapted as things continued to change around the world while carrying on with campus events and classes. Thank you to all of our Blugolds for coming together and working hard to keep each other safe. We look forward to a new year filled with even more excitement in 2022!