Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee members support Blugold Beginnings by participating with program events, advising program efforts, and contributing a membership fee to help sustain program funds.

Advisory Committee members are also a resource for students to access concerning the college experience and career/professional planning.  Questions are welcome. 

Name:  Linda Ghelfi
Email Address:  linda.ghelfi@verizon.net
Employment:  I took early retirement from the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service in 2005.
How did your college education help prepare you for your career?
I majored in Political Science and Spanish with an English minor at UWEC. That social science background qualified me for an entry-level professional job with the federal government, and allowed me to move to Washington DC. I continued my education at George Washington University, obtaining an MA in Public Affairs, a mix of economics and political science. That degree and experience gained on the job allowed me to advance to a senior research position.
What do you consider to be the greatest value of your college education?
The greatest value of my undergraduate years at Eau Claire is a combination of a broader world view, the making of lifelong friendships with classmates, and the ability to get into a job that allowed professional growth and advancement.
What advice would you give someone in secondary school about going to college?  I would advise middle and high school students to plan on getting a college degree and work hard to attain that goal.

Name:  Jim Sorenson
Email Address:  Jpsorensen@sbcglobal.net
Employment:  Retired Superintendent of Schools, Delavan-Darien School District, Delevan, WI
How did your college education help prepare you for your career?
College taught me to be curious, self-reliant, and a commitment to serve others.
What do you consider to be the greatest value of your college education?
I learned my strengths and to build a team where others strengths supplemented my weaknesses.
What advice would you give someone in secondary school about going to college?  Everything is a choice and each choice needs to be followed with desire.

Name:  Gail M. Halmstad
Email Address:  gailhalmstad@gmail.com
Employment:  Associate Instructor - UWEC
How did your college education help prepare you for your career?
I think I first realized that I had received a solid education at UW-Eau Claire and that I was well prepared for my career in teaching when I began applying for jobs.  I had several offers for jobs in the area and when I finally accepted a position in the Twin Cities, I fit in well and could confidently teach the curricula.  Upon my return to the area I returned to the university and obtained my Masters and certification as a reading specialist.  Again, as a reading teacher I found that I was well prepared to teach reading.  I was informed of the current research and of course, best practices.
What do you consider to be the greatest value of your college education?
I consider the liberal arts education I received, prepared me well for my career.  And secondly, I was able to become an engaged member of the community.
What advice would you give someone in secondary school about going to college?  
I would suggest that students start in middle school to think seriously about the courses they plan to take in high school.  I would also recommend that they find someone who is knowledgeable about the expectations/requirements of local universities.