Prairie Springs Science Center Completion Project
The Universities of Wisconsin's top capital priority
It all starts here.
Then, Wisconsin benefits.
Support the Prairie Springs Science Center Completion/Cowley Hall Demolition Project
The issue.
Completion of the Prairie Springs Science Center is critically needed now. Cowley Hall has worse learning spaces than almost all of the state’s high schools. The project provides 30 innovative science learning spaces for our quality faculty to mold in-demand Wisconsin STEM and health workers — helping Wisconsin’s economy grow.
Tim Kabat
La Crosse Area Development Corp.
"Building Prairie Springs II will increase UWL’s capacity for educating top-flight science students. That means our region can better attract and retain businesses and industry in an increasingly science-based economy that includes all types of manufacturing, health care, and food production and processing."
It’s the perfect prescription for success.
UWL’s faculty continue to earn state and national teaching awards. Let’s increase the capacity for educating Wisconsin’s brightest!
Chris Hardie
"Graduates from UWL fill desperately needed jobs — not only in our region but across the state. We need graduates who approach problems from all contexts, using quantitative, collaborative, innovative and logical analysis rooted in STEM. The completion of the Prairie Springs Science Center is an investment that makes sense now and in the future."
Working to make Wisconsin work.
UWL continues to expand partnerships with state businesses and other UW campuses through the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. We’re also helping K-12 teachers get innovative, hands-on science experiences to inspire and prepare Wisconsin’s next generation!
Liz Filter
Chair of the Board, La Crosse Chamber of Commerce
"The completion of the Prairie Springs Science Center is essential for driving the local business economy and supporting science-based industries in the region. By enhancing UWL’s STEM programs, the center will produce a steady pipeline of skilled workers, helping local businesses meet their current and future workforce needs."
Partnerships back it up. Graduates provide workers statewide.
UWL students contribute to the state’s vast health economy with hundreds of internships and preceptorships.
Other science and health graduates are helping Wisconsin prosper. A few partners:
- Advocate Aurora Health
- American Family
- Brennan
- EPIC
- Gundersen Health System
- Kwik Trip
- Marshfield Clinic
- Mayo Clinic Health System
- Northwestern Mutual
- Trane
Heather Schimmers
Gundersen Region President, Bellin and Gundersen Health System
"A modern science building will attract students to UWL who are interested in the science and medical fields, and it will ensure the strong position of the university in an increasingly important healthcare workforce pipeline in our region."
Strong enrollment is answering the call.
UWL — one of only two UW System campuses with consistent growth in the past decade — continues to help the state meet demand for health and science majors. Our grads are helping to fill STEM workforce needs as Wisconsin science jobs grow a projected 37% this decade
Dr. Richard Helmers
Regional Vice President for NW and SW Wisconsin, Mayo Clinic Health System
"The Prairie Springs Science Center is more than just a building; it's a catalyst for healthcare innovation and workforce development in our region. As an organization that has worked closely with UWL, Mayo Clinic Health System recognizes the critical role this project plays in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals."
We’ve heard the arguments against the building. Here are the facts.
“It’s just another office building.”
Wrong. The Prairie Springs Science Center Completion/Cowley Hall Demolition Project provides a range of instructional spaces — from 25 seats to 150 — designed for active learning and innovation. We need classrooms for group collaboration where tables or desks can move and not be, literally, bolted to the floor. Let’s get more STEM students trained now!
“It’s hard for universities to adjust to today’s business needs.”
Not so. UWL is working directly with regional business owners — like the new Memorandum of Understanding with J.F. Brennan. It’s getting student researchers on the Mississippi to shape their studies for Brennan and other businesses — keeping Wisconsin’s economy strong.
“The project lacks skin-in-the-game.”
Not true. There isn’t private money for bricks and mortar, but there is for student learning and research. More than $5 million in private funding has been given for innovation learning since the initial phase of the project opened. That’s just the start! The funds allow both students and faculty opportunities to conduct innovative science and health research to make Wisconsin better and more productive.
Did you know?
UWL science grads stay in Wisconsin and support the state’s economy
Just under 87% of College of Science and Health 2010 and 2015 graduates reported to live in Wisconsin at least one year after graduation.
UWL College of Science and Health students graduate in an average of 4.1 years
This means they're getting out into Wisconsin’s workforce to address the state’s much-needed STEM and health workers.
Phase II promises to generate more private funding and partnerships
New classrooms and lab areas promise to inspire additional private research and experiential learning funding, along with additional partnerships to help local business prosper.
Strong support from community businesses
Among the supporting organizations
- Gundersen Health System
- Kwik Trip
- La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce
- Mayo Health System
- 7Rivers Alliance
- Xcel Energy
Hear from alumni in the workforce
Ryan Sands
Geography, environmental science concentration/Earth Science
"This should build networking with local employers and provide training on potential career fields for future students."
Maureen Vorwald
Physical education/corporate fitness
"While at UW-La Crosse, I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic, good time management skills, and being a positive and clear communicator."
Jenna DeShaney
Geography, environmental Science concentration
"UWL prepared me for the workforce by incorporating appropriate lessons, skills and technology to the classes."
Emily Botten
"Today, I work with research that is critical to Wisconsin residents’ health and safety, and I could not be prouder to be doing so. Not only do I get to have a positive impact on the global pandemic, but also on issues that are hyper endemic to my community such as Blastomycosis and Lyme disease."
Carl Klubertanz
"If you want a good experience with faculty that have those connections to those working within your field, I would take a look at what UWL has to offer."
