A special visitor helped make Monday, Oct. 11, a day to remember in University of Wisconsin-Stout’s fight against COVID-19.
UW System President Tommy Thompson visited Stout to participate in a celebration of the institution reaching its goal of a 70% vaccination rate among the student body. 
UW System President Tommy Thompson visited Stout to participate in a celebration of the institution reaching its goal of a 70% vaccination rate among the student body.
On a mild fall afternoon, students celebrated their 70% vaccination rate with free ice cream during a rally led by UW System President Tommy Thompson outside the Memorial Student Center.
“Thank you to all of you,” said Thompson, the former state governor who flew in from Madison for the day. “I’m dedicated to keeping these campuses stay open and making sure that we would be as safe as possible. I know how important education is. I know how important these schools are.”
Thompson praised students for reaching the 70% goal on Sept. 29 as part of the UW System’s 70 for 70 campaign, but he encouraged them to keep going. The vaccination effort is a major reason why the System has largely returned to normal operations with 75% of classes in person this semester, he said.
“Get vaccinated, stay healthy and enjoy Stout. It’s the finest polytechnic school, in my opinion, in the country,” he said.
Another vaccination clinic will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, on campus.
