University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt and university mascot, Clash the Titan, recently visited E-Power Marketing and Fifth Ward Brewing Co. as part of the Universities of Wisconsin’s “Mascots on Main” campaign, highlighting the mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to regional economic development.
The “Mascots on Main” initiative highlights the collaborative engagements between the Universities of Wisconsin and businesses across the state. UW-Oshkosh’s participation focused on demonstrating the tangible connections and contributions within the Fox Valley region.
During the visit to E-Power Marketing, Chancellor Leavitt and Clash the Titan met with company leadership and personnel. E-Power Marketing maintains a significant connection with UW-Oshkosh, with the company being led by a university alumnus and UWO graduates making up half of its employees. Discussions during the visit centered an internship program, which provides students with practical industry experience and offers E-Power Marketing access to a skilled talent pool.
“E-Power is another example of a business thriving thanks to Titan talent,” Chancellor Leavitt said. “Located just blocks from the UWO campus, the company has maintained a strong relationship with the College of Business knowing that it can continue to rely on well-prepared students and dedicated and creative faculty and staff to continue its growth. It’s good for E-Power and the city and region it calls home.”
The visit to Fifth Ward Brewing Co. further illustrates the university’s role in fostering entrepreneurship. The brewery was founded by a UW-Oshkosh alumnus who initiated the business as a student, using the university’s Small Business Development Center. The visit by Chancellor Leavitt and Clash the Titan involved a tour of the facility and a discussion on the university’s capacity to cultivate entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to the local economy.
“Fifth Ward Brewing Company is one not only UWO’s but the city of Oshkosh’s brightest entrepreneurial success stories of the last decade,” Chancellor Leavitt said. “UWO is a foundry and proving ground for amazing business concepts. Fifth Ward’s growth is a testament to the power of helping identify and support UWO students who have a dream of and a passion for launching a business and helping turn their ideas into realities that can truly boost a neighborhood, a city and an entire local economy.”
As a symbol of their commitment to supporting the Universities of Wisconsin, Chancellor Leavitt and Clash the Titan presented both E-Power Marketing and Fifth Ward Brewing Co. with “We Support the Universities of Wisconsin” window clings. This gesture formally acknowledged the collaborative relationship between the university and these key partners.
The Mascots on Main videos are disseminated via the Universities of Wisconsin’s social media platforms.