UW-Superior: Giving something back

John Bremer, Class of 1965
Aurie Bremer

Yogi Berra has said, "If you don't know where you're going, you'll never know when you get there!" Berra, a favorite quotable philosopher of John Bremer (Class of '65) couldn't have been more introspective to John's success.  "UW-Superior taught me the basics and they have served me well," said Bremer, " I learned the lessons of goal orientation, situational adaptability, clear-text communications and a diverse, global view of life."

John Bremer came to UW-Superior from Colfax, Wis. Like all other freshman at the time, he fulfilled his mandatory participation in Air Force ROTC. "The reason I continued in AFROTC was the really warm woolly bear coat, free underwear and the extra $15 every three months during my junior and senior year. Money was important to students then as it is now." After graduation, Bremer spent almost 23 years as an Air Force fighter pilot and officer. Today his current position is with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, Fla., as Director of Product Development and Special Programs.

Thirty-eight years after graduation, John reflects on the importance of his UW-Superior education, "I can never pay back what UW-Superior gave to me. The Calculus, Sciences, understanding of the Scientific Method and fiscal management are the foundation I gained. They are the underpinnings of my developmental engineering successes and my management and leadership capabilities, which have served me so well. Even in today's mobile and ever changing society, roots are important and UW-Superior holds a special spot for Aurie and I. Life has been superb to us and we want to give back a measure so others can have the opportunities to achieve and be productive participants in the world expansion and the next technology revolution."

Aurie and John Bremer made a significant five-year pledge to support academic programs at UW-Superior. Lockheed Martin Corporation is matching the donation; thus, doubling the contribution to the University. "Many companies and corporations match employees' contributions," said Bremer. "I encourage alumni to visit their Human Resources office to determine if they can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity."