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Welcome > Your impact

Donors to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse make an impact in the lives of students and the faculty and staff who support them. Gifts from alumni and friends work together to increase opportunities for students and support their success.

 

View another face of philanthropy:

Jim Paulson '82

Jim Paulson '82

B.S. Business Administration | CEO of Health Co | Portland, OR
  • UWL helped shape me into the person and professional I am today. My parents had very limited means so I worked both in the summer and during college to make ends meet. I believe strongly in college education and the entire college experience.

  • There are so many but I’ll go with the honor of being on UWL’s first NAIA World Series baseball team in 1979, RA training & indoctrination,  and celebrating at Oktoberfest with close, college friends.

  • Don’t sit back – get involved.  Join clubs, social activities, and intramural sports so you can meet more people and develop life-long friendships and networks. 

     

Brian '73 and Barb '71 Benson

Brian '73 and Barb '71 Benson

Brian: B.S. Physical Education, Barb: B.S. Education | La Crosse, WI * Benson Management, owners

  • We both very much appreciate the education, opportunities, and experiences we had at UWL; and for the last 45 years, the major part of our business is renting apartments to UWL students. We want to give back.

  • The many good times and good friends we made then and continue to have up to this day.
  • Work hard and have fun!
Eric Bakke '10

Eric Bakke '10

B.S. International Business and Finance | Minneapolis, MN * Loan Officer
  • UWL is where I met my closest friends. Even though I moved back to Minnesota after graduating, I remain connected to the friends I made on campus. My hope is that my donations allow students to focus on building relationships they will have long past graduation.
  • Snow Day 2010 (yes they do exist)! We all bundled up, walked the two blocks to collect each other and spent the day outside in the snow. 
  • It’s never too early to start networking! You never know where you will be in 10 years and having a great network is the key both professionally and personally. 
Steven L. Tietz '82

Steven L. Tietz '82

B.A. History | Milwaukee, WI * Journalism
  • The school gave me so much, it opened so many doors for me. It made me reach beyond myself, think hard of what I could do with my life and really broadened my mind. I do not believe I would have accomplished nearly as much with my life without my experience at UWL. 
  • History classes with Professor Parker, working on the Blue Wing Indian Tutorial project in Tomah and serving as the sports editor for The Racquet for 1 ½ years.
  • When given an opportunity to expand your mind and your horizons, always say “Yes!” Don’t live in your own little box, take advantage of everything the university has to offer you, and then remember that when you are done, be generous with your time and treasure, be sure to give back often. 
Jenny (Sumter) Staniec '00

Jenny (Sumter) Staniec '00

B.S. Accountancy | Oak Grove, MN * Lead Tax Analyst at Deluxe Corporation
  • I firmly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without UWL.  Giving is my way of saying “Thanks!”   I contribute to alleviate students’ financial burdens and allow them to focus on their studies.

  • La Crosse is a beautiful area, and attending UWL allowed me to enjoy the surroundings, like Grandad’s Bluff, and quick walks in the marsh between classes.

  • Stay focused on your goals, but also take time to enjoy where you are.

John '82 and Laurie Andreoni * Diekhoff '83

John '82 and Laurie Andreoni * Diekhoff '83

John: B.S. Computer Science, Laurie: B.S. Psychology | Bloomington, IL * John: State Farm (IT), retired; Laurie: Illinois Wesleyan (Career Center), retired

  •  Our time at UWL helped us to find our passions -- and each other! UWL gave us the knowledge, experience, foundation and confidence to be successful. We give to say thank you - and to help support both current students, and the university’s great work. 

  • Being RA’s in Laux Hall, warm Mr. D’s donuts, the view from Grandad’s Bluff, taco pizza at Big Al’s - good times with great friends.
  •  Everyone at the university wants you to succeed – reach out and ask for help! Stretch yourself and take advantage of the amazing opportunities that UWL provides – get involved through leadership programs, undergraduate research, study abroad experiences, and internships!
Cecilia G. Manrique

Cecilia G. Manrique

PH.D. Political Science from University of Notre Dame| Winona, MN * Emerita UWL faculty, Political Science/Public Administration Department
  • My husband and I endowed a scholarship that would benefit members of the Golden Key International Honour Society chapter at UWL and students from the Political Science/Public Administration department.  These are students closest to our hearts and we hope they benefit from such funding.   
  • There are many great memories at UWL.  From being in the classroom with brilliant students to serving as advisor to Golden Key and going to conferences with our officers.
  • As an alumna at Notre Dame we visit the campus often. We have contributed to scholarships there.  That attachment to one's alma mater is enduring.  I advise our UWL alumni to do the same - give your time, talent and treasure to your alma mater after the four years of being on campus.

Deserving students

Each year, through the generosity of alumni and friends, the UWL Foundation provides over $1.2 million in student scholarships. See how gifts have given responsibility, encouragement and opportunities for UWL students to grow and achieve their dreams.

Student stories

Michele Thorman, retired director of UWL’s Physical Therapy program, started the Thorman Family Pay It Forward Scholarship supporting PT students who have overcome adversity. Thorman also served on the UWL Foundation Board of Directors for nine years and chaired its scholarship. PT shot in the arm Posted 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 Leaving a Legacy: Family scholarship supports students overcoming adversity Read more about PT shot in the arm Read more → Scholarships awarded Posted 9:54 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 UWL Foundation allocates more than $1.2 million. Read more about Scholarships awarded Mattie Mae Krause, a biomedical major on the pre-med track, has received the inaugural scholarship from the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership. Krause was named Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest in 2016 and has been active in numerous campus and community organizations. Read more → A scholar leader Posted 4:10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Student earns scholarship from Thompson Center on Public Leadership. Read more about A scholar leader The Applied HRM Service Learning Externship Team with its advisor. The team continues HR management outreach to non-profit organizations this semester. From left: Alexa Thurmes; Advisor Christa Kiersch; Ashley Smits; Kaitlyn Robbeloth; Jenna Lee and Morgan Brzank. The team earned an undergraduate research grant to continue their work during the spring 2020 semester. Read more → Connecting research to practice Posted 4:11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Students work on solutions to regional, non-profit human resources management challenges. Read more about Connecting research to practice Ethan Lucas, who plans to major in geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems, shares his personal and academic interests is in his scholarship applications, including his love of upper-level geography courses and his excitement about the potential of a GIS career path that will provide opportunities in diverse fields. Read more → UWL celebrates Maroon Tycoons Posted 1:53 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 Group of 53 students earned $10,000 or more during the past year in scholarships. Read more about UWL celebrates Maroon Tycoons Carlos Galvez, Club Rotario Guatemala del Este member, and founder of La Chapina Bonita Stove Project stands with UWL student Kitt Drewiske. Read more → Opening hearts, improving homes Posted 4:12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Senior leads spring break service trip to Guatemala, receives $2,000 from Rada Award recipient. Read more about Opening hearts, improving homes Read more → Top students Posted 4:12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Top seniors named; more than $1 million being awarded in scholarships. Read more about Top students Read more → Macbeth Posted 4:12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 UWL's actor-collaborated production offers a new take. Read more about Macbeth From left, Michael Szeszol, double major in psychology and English; and Joshua Barbara, biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology, both aim to continue research in graduate school. They prepare for that by conducting undergraduate research. Their project is related to a rare condition that affects how people perceive the world. Read more → Sensory experiment Posted 4:12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Undergraduate researchers develop test for rare condition where colors overlap with text, numbers. Read more about Sensory experiment UWL senior Rebekah Bain, who also works in Special Collections in UWL’s Murphy Library, developed a love for history at an early age. Now she is sharing that with those who ride La Crosse MTU. “I love history because everything that is happening today reflects what happened in the past,” she says. “I like learning about history and applying it to today.” Read more → ‘History on the Go’ Posted 4:12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 UWL senior brings La Crosse history trivia to city bus riders. Read more about ‘History on the Go’
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Generous donors

Every gift, whether large or small, has an impact on UWL. The power of donors' gifts make it possible to award over 900 students scholarships each spring, support undergraduate research, study abroad opportunities, and other unique campus programs that distinguish UWL. Read, hear and see below why donors have chosen to give and what they gained with their UWL experience.

Donor stories

Michele Thorman, retired director of UWL’s Physical Therapy program, started the Thorman Family Pay It Forward Scholarship supporting PT students who have overcome adversity. Thorman also served on the UWL Foundation Board of Directors for nine years and chaired its scholarship. PT shot in the arm Posted 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 Leaving a Legacy: Family scholarship supports students overcoming adversity Read more about PT shot in the arm UWL alums Jerrilyn (Jerri) and Bruce Brewer are retired educators from Western Technical College and the Bangor School District, respectively. Their gift to the UWL Foundation supports their value of education. Bruce earned a Bachelor of Science in 1978 and a Master of Education in Professional Development in 1990. Jerrilyn earned a Bachelor of Education in 1970 and a Master of Science in Reading in 1986 and a Doctorate in Education in 1995. Read more → Apprentice awarded Posted 3:08 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 Leaving a Legacy: Gift supports student dreams, recruitment of top students Read more about Apprentice awarded Mary Hamman, an associate professor in the UW-La Crosse Economics Department, has been named the first UWL College of Business Administration Swenson Baier Engaged Faculty Fellow. The fellowship, funded by 1985 CBA graduate Scott Swenson and his spouse, Cynthia Baier, is UWL’s first philanthropically-funded faculty fellowship supporting the vision and recognition of business faculty who are industry-engaged. Read more → Faculty fellow Posted 3:07 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 College of Business Administration names Hamman first campus fellow. Read more about Faculty fellow Read more → UWL Cares Posted 4:13 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Alumni, faculty, staff and community support students through campaign. Read more about UWL Cares Read more → Scholarships awarded Posted 9:54 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 UWL Foundation allocates more than $1.2 million. Read more about Scholarships awarded Mark Moralez, political science and public administration major, aims to pursue graduate school in public affairs with the goal of becoming a professor or administrator in higher education. Read more → A shared experience Posted 4:13 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Donor, recipient share similar path into leadership in advocating for social justice in higher education. Read more about A shared experience Kathleen Hawkes, assistant professor of art, smiles as she sees the original print “Moon and Half Dome, Yosemite National Park” by Photographer Ansel Adams. Read more → Art donation is inspiring Posted 2:02 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 Alumna’s collection of prints, financial gifts to change student lives Read more about Art donation is inspiring Ron and Jane Rada will receive honorary doctorates during UWL’s Winter Commencement Sunday, Dec.15. Read more → Honorary doctorates Posted 4:13 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Ron and Jane Rada to receive UWL honors. Read more about Honorary doctorates Alice Svec, ’59, is giving back in her field of elementary education. She taught third and fourth grade in Janesville, Wisconsin, and South St. Paul, before becoming a nurses aide for 51 years. Read more → A woman of many hats Posted 4:13 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Alumna's estate gift will support future educators forever. Read more about A woman of many hats Kay Taylor, Rollo’s wife presented UWL Men’s Basketball Coach Kent Dernbach with a plaque that will list freshman award recipients. Read more → He loved UWL Posted 4:14 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 Coach Taylor being remembered for his impact on many. Read more about He loved UWL
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Every gift to UWL
no matter how large or small
is important.

Many small gifts, when combined, can provide a scholarship, support a program, or fund an undergraduate research experience.

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Leaving their legacy

There are many ways to create a scholarship fund to help future generations of UWL students. Read more about how UWL alumni and friends are leaving their legacy by clicking the links below.

  • https://issuu.com/uw-lacrosse/docs/uwl_lantern_summer_2018-web
  • https://issuu.com/uw-lacrosse/docs/uwl_lantern_winter_2017-18-web
  • https://issuu.com/uw-lacrosse/docs/uwl_lantern_summer_2017-web
  • https://issuu.com/uw-lacrosse/docs/uwl_lantern_winter_2016-17_web
  • https://issuu.com/uw-lacrosse/docs/lantern_winter_2015-16-web
  • https://issuu.com/uw-lacrosse/docs/lantern_summer_2015_web