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Council recognizes UW‑Eau Claire chancellor, proclaims June Pride Month; Pablo Center director introduces new leadership
Summary
The City Council presented a certificate recognizing Chancellor James Schmidt for his leadership at UW‑Eau Claire, issued a proclamation designating June as Pride Month, and heard public comment from Pablo Center Executive Director Monica Frederick introducing her agenda for arts and downtown vitality.
The Eau Claire City Council used part of its May 27 meeting for ceremonial recognitions and public comment. The council presented a certificate of recognition to University of Wisconsin‑Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt for his tenure and community partnership and unanimously adopted a proclamation designating June as Pride Month in the city. The council also heard a public comment from Monica Frederick, who introduced herself as the new executive director of the Pablo Center at the Confluence.
Chancellor recognition
Council President Emily Bergey read a certificate thanking Chancellor James Schmidt for leadership at UW‑Eau Claire and for partnerships with local institutions. Chancellor Schmidt thanked the council and local partners and described the university’s role in downtown revitalization, noting investments and an increase in downtown housing that he said followed campus and cultural investments.
June Pride Month proclamation
The council unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month. Representative Christian Phelps (state legislature) accepted the proclamation and spoke about the local importance of public statements of inclusion, the work of the Wisconsin Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and concerns about recent negative federal rhetoric toward LGBTQ+ people. Phelps urged continued collaboration between the city and state officials to support inclusion for young people and other community members.
Pablo Center public comment
Monica Frederick, identified as the new executive director of the Pablo Center at the Confluence, addressed council during the public comment period. Frederick described downtown’s transformation over the last decade, summarized Pablo Center’s role in arts education, community programs and downtown vitality, and outlined a vision of collaboration with schools, nonprofits and businesses to expand cultural and STEAM learning opportunities. Frederick thanked the council for past support and asked for continued collaboration.
Ending
All recognition and proclamation items passed or were presented by unanimous voice/roll call. Council members offered personal remarks in thanks to Chancellor Schmidt and endorsements of the Pride proclamation; no formal policy actions followed the recognitions.
