Last one out, turn off the lights

Wednesday night, I got to be part of the last class ever taught at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus.

The name’s a mouthful. Until recently, we called that school UW Fox, a simpler name for a simpler time, and we recognized it was a gem.

If you lived in the Fox Cities, you probably took a field trip to the Barlow Planetarium, and marveled at the unfathomable reach of this old world. I loved hearing the children gasp in delight as the stars danced across that curved ceiling.

Maybe, you took a class at UW Fox, or taught a class, or attended a summer school course. In its heyday, UW Fox was a thriving hub for students looking to save some money and ease their transition into a four-year university, and for adults wanting to sharpen their skills.

Maybe you, or your kids, hooped it up in the field house, either during a formal game or sports camp.

You probably attended a play in Perry Hall or the Lucia Baehman Theater. I know I did. In fact, I heard the voices of all the talented actors I saw in those gorgeous spaces as I strolled alone through the empty reception area Wednesday night. The squeakiest voices I remember on those stages have all grown up now; some of the deeper voices have passed away. That’s the thing about theater, though, strike the set, remove the makeup, retire the actor, store the costume and the essence of the play remains.

I saw so many great productions at UW Fox over the years that I had to caution all those memories cramming their way into my head to slow down! Wait your turn! There’s plenty of time to savor memories.

Time, space and memories can be infinite, not so the structures that introduce them. The University of Wisconsin system announced last June that it would close the campus, due to rising costs and declining enrollment. Its unique structure, wherein both Outagamie County and Winnebago County share ownership, makes it difficult to repurpose.

I’d love to see it become a premiere community center, with both senior and child daycare options. How cool would it be to see friendships form among members of those two groups, to see them settle into seats at the Barlow Planetarium, look up and ponder all the possibilities that lie ahead.

As the sun set Wednesday night, we closed the classroom door and made our way through empty hallways. Naked patches scarred the walls where cheerful billboards once hung, giant cardboard boxes full of discarded books lined the way.

Time marches forward, institutions evolve and even the coolest buildings can become obsolete.

I’m glad I got a chance to say good-bye, though.

And I hope I get to say hello again soon.