UW-Green Bay history professor Craig Lockard has been teaching for longer than many of his students have been alive; and he has the papers to prove it. Last week, after 35 years of faithful service to the university, Lockard gave his heart-felt final lecture in Christie Hall in front of Chancellor Thomas Harden, as well as numerous students, faculty, friends and peers. The audience's cheers quickly turned to laughter as Lockard took the stage in preparation of his speech. "Everybody ready to rock and roll," Lockard said. "Take good notes you students. My main points will be on the exam. You can also buy the 50-page fully-foot-noted hard copy, complete with a hundred item bibliography from Amazon.com or eBay." Lockard arrived to UWGB in 1975 and has touched many lives in his time on campus. The emotion was clear in fellow history professor Kim Nielson's voice as she introduced Lockard to the crowd. "On campus, Lockard has set a standard of service that few of us in this room will ever meet," Nielson said. "[Lockard] has inspired, has challenged and encouraged hordes of students; students who themselves have gone on to have positive impact in greater Green Bay, throughout the United States and throughout the world." Lockard spent 40 years in academics and published numerous works. Most recently, some of these publications include "Southeast Asia in World History" and "Chinese Society and Politics in Sarawak: Historical Essays." Lockard specializes in global, third world and Asian history. He brings first-hand knowledge to UWGB from his vast travel experiences in Africa, Europe, China, Malaysia, Hong-Kong and other Asian countries. To students and faculty alike, it's clear Lockard's lessons transcend textbooks, tests, essays and the classroom. He brings a world of experience, literally, to UWGB and is not bashful in passing his experiences on. Zachary Sutter, a junior history major, has spent many hours in the classrooms of Lockard and feels the impact he has had on him is lasting. "For myself, the most important life lesson he has taught me is the importance of learning about the rest of the world through real life experience and travel," Sutter said. "It seems like Professor Lockard has lived in half of the places on earth and has visited the rest." Shelly Lannoye, a senior history major, had similar experiences in her time with Lockard. "He makes the classes fun and interesting because he shares personal experiences," Lannoye said. "With him you are not just learning dry textbook material, but about the culture of the area and what Professor Lockard has learned by traveling or living in various countries." Lockard realizes his position as a teacher in student lives, and lessons like this are seen as a victory in his book. "What I want to do is give students a sense in understanding the world is important," Lockard said. "I don't care particularly if they remember every detail of a particular course. What I would like to do is give them a sense that they ought to want to try to become more knowledgeable." Lockard does not limit the sharing of his knowledge to those privileged enough to work by his side on campus. His book on popular music and politics in Southeast Asia is for sale at the bookstore in the Smithsonian Museum. Lockard's textbook is used at various universities. While a last lecture may seem like a goodbye, Lockard has no intentions of going anywhere soon. He has been teaching for four decades, and the transition to retirement will be slow, although Lockard was candid when referencing life after UWGB. "If I change my mind and un-retire, I promise not to sign with the Minnesota Vikings if UWGB pledges not to trade me to the Detroit Lions, or, heaven forbid, the Dallas Cowboys," Lockard said.
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye
UW-Green Bay bids adieu to professor Craig Lockard
Published: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Updated: Monday, August 30, 2010 17:08
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