FULLNAME: John E. "Gene" O'Connell CITYSTATEZIP: Big Bend, WI 53103-9717 EDUCATION: AB Loras College, Dubuque, IA. BS University of Notre Dame. MEd Marquette University. Post masters work at UW-Madison and Milwaukee OCCUPATION: Accepted for a Navy Officer training program in 1943 and served as an Ensign on Atlantic and Pacific fleet ships until 1947. Employed by CRI&P, CNW & UP railroads in ROW, freight and passenger deoartments, 1947-1951. Began teacher, and later principal, assignments in Muskego and Hales Corners schools from 1951 until 1984. Remained active in the Naval Reserve until retirement in 1972 as Commander with some limited active shore duty during both Korea and Vietnam. INVOLVEMENT: Public radio was an early influence when my mother listened to Iowa Public Radio AM station WOI, Ames in the 1930's. I discovered WPR when I enrolled at Marquette in 1949 and used "School of the Air" programs in my elementary classrooms in Muskego and Hales Corners in the 1950's. WHAD is a daily companion. When we're lucky, we have music from the Gateway Tech station and always hope that signal can be improved. WHYSERVE: Being a satisfied listener, I feel what I have gained has provided me with a great deal to share. I was not discouraged at not becoming a Board member a few years ago, so another try seems worthwhile. REPRESENTATION: If such assignments would be requested, I feel that I could be comfortable in being effective in any of these roles. FUNDRAISING: My wife and I have been regular contributors for as long as fund raising has been needed to maintain WPR's goals. Our experiences include taking pledge calls during drives at both Madison and Milwaukee studios and visiting with fairgoers during stints as State Fair booth helpers in years past. FEEDBACK: Many years of listening and participating as a caller with most of WPR's talk programs gives me some insights into listeners' views and interests. We travel frequently around the US and have personal knowledge of how favorable WPR compares with what we hear elsewhere. RESPONSIBILITY: My intent would be to act in a prudent manner when circumstances would require careful study prior to assisting with decisions or becoming part of a consensus. AFFILIATIONS: Since my retirement in the mid-80s, I have been active member of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association (WREA) and served as the State President 1995-1997. I also participate with local WREA affiliates in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. During my career I was active with both WEAC and AWSA (Association of Wisconsin School Administors) partcularly with legislative issues. Membership is maintained in both Veterans and Military Officers organizations at both the local and nation level. My wife and I have been active with our Big Bend parish since 1951 and have served both Girl and Boy Scout troops in adult roles. I served as an elected Common School Board for 2 years in the 50s and as Big Bend Municipal Court Judge from 1961 to 1977. REGION: Southeastern

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