This year, the University of Wisconsin’s biggest changes featured more than a talented running back and large construction projects.

Taking the reins as Interim Dean of Students this year, Lori Berquam assumed the temporary position with the same passion and dedication she has provided to the university in past years.

Appointed over the summer, Berquam fills the void left by the university's previous Dean of Students, LuoLuo Hong.

As UW's former Associate Dean of Students, Berquam said she is no stranger to the many responsibilities she now possesses.

"I'm going to work hard and do the best job I can," Berquam said. "It's not about me, not about what I can do or can't do; it's about creating a solid team."

Berquam said her concept of a "solid team" pertains to UW students' education as well as the faculty's focus on them, adding that bridging the gap between academic and out-of-the-classroom learning is one of the top priorities for her interim tenure.

With over 15 years of experience at various campuses including University of California-Los Angeles, James Madison University and UW, Berquam comes to the job with an enthusiastic understanding of prominent universities.

"UW-Madison students are definitely my favorite," she said. "It's the pride. There's a pride here that's incredible — absolutely incredible."

In the course of their cooperative two-year working period, Hong and Berquam acted to bring accountability and visibility to the Office of Dean of Students.

Hong, who currently serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at Arizona State University's West Campus, worked closely with Berquam while at UW and expressed confidence in her interim successor's abilities.

"[Berquam] was a trusted colleague, a reliable deputy and a source of tremendous personal and professional support," Hong said in e-mail correspondence. "Her commitment to students is unwavering, and she is a very dedicated student affairs professional with many years of experience."

At UW, Berquam has been behind the scenes planning, organizing and regulating many student-related events over the years, including Madison's infamous Halloween festivities and past three years of resulting disturbances.

As the school year progresses and the first few weeks of instruction pass, Berquam said she hopes for the best as the Halloween celebrations approach.

"I hope for the same pride we see at our football games and Homecoming to come through on Halloween," Berquam said. "I look to our Wisconsin students to really be good role models — [We need to] save Halloween for our students."

Serving an interim term, Berquam said she does not intend to initiate extensive changes at the university, but rather, "put the Dean's Office in a good place for the next Dean."

Berquam said she did not know what her plans would be following the expiration of her interim period, but instead will leave it to fate.

"Whatever happens is supposed to happen," Berquam said. "I will be ready for whatever that is when it happens. It's really having an open mind, having an open heart and leading with my soul."