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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

UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow gives his opening remarks for the spring semester Wednesday, Jan. 19, in the Bluffs room of the Student Union. Gow announced the largest donation in school history — a $2.2 million estate gift from Bill and Yvonne Hyde, supporting the English Department and Murphy Library. Groundbreaking gift Posted 1:54 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 Gow’s address highlighted by largest donation in school history Read more about Groundbreaking gift Troy De Bruin, who graduated in May 2021 with a bachelor's degree in accountancy and finance, is this year's recipient of the Jake and Janet Hoeschler Award for Excellence. The annual award recognizes the top student from the College of Business Administration. Hoeschler Award Posted 10:03 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2021 Troy De Bruin recognized for academic excellence, community service Read more about Hoeschler Award 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 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 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 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 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 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 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 3:53 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019 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 3:54 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2019 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 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2019 Top seniors named; more than $1 million being awarded in scholarships. Read more about Top students Read more → Macbeth Posted 3:56 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, 2018 UWL's actor-collaborated production offers a new take. Read more about Macbeth
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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

UWL alums Brad and Gail Quarberg have established a scholarship fund for Mondovi High School seniors who plan to attend UWL. “I look forward to meeting some of the students who get the money, finding out what they want to do, and teaching them a lesson about the importance of giving back,” Brad says. Inspired to give Posted 1:46 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, 2022 With scholarship, Quarbergs hope to support, inspire future students Read more about Inspired to give Former lecturer of chemistry and biochemistry Joe Toce and his wife, Suzanne, have contributed more than $212,000 to the UWL Foundation — most of which has funded scholarships and research opportunities. Making gifts, launching careers Posted 11:24 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 Joe and Suzanne Toce reflect on importance of giving Read more about Making gifts, launching careers UWL's second-annual Giving Day brought in more than $208,000 from more than 1,100 donors, supporting an array of university causes. Another successful Giving Day Posted 11:57 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 Donors contribute more than $200,000 for second consecutive year Read more about Another successful Giving Day Thanks to a donation from Andy Temte, ’88, and Kaplan Professional in La Crosse, UWL’s new Kaplan Finance Lab is providing College of Business Admin The future of finance Posted 9:17 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 2021 UWL’s Kaplan Finance Lab inspires tomorrow’s investors Read more about The future of finance To mark the 50th year of UWL’s College of Business Administration, Gillies is donating $50,000 to help increase international education and engagement within the CBA. Major gift for a major milestone Posted 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 Ron Gillies, ’84, donates $50,000 for CBA’s 50th Read more about Major gift for a major milestone UWL's second-annual Giving Day kicks off Tuesday, Nov. 30, with the goal of engaging 1,500 donors in 24 hours. One day to make a difference Posted 12:24 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 Second-annual Giving Day set for Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Read more about One day to make a difference From left to right: Sue White, '85, Jeff Keenan, '12, and Mo McAlpine, '91, are teaming up to make a $1,000 matching gift in support of Rec Sports on UWL's second-annual Giving Day Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Upping their Giving Day game Posted 2:08 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 Rec Sports hopes matching gift inspires donors Read more about Upping their Giving Day game Read more Giving Day is back Posted 12:35 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 Supporters of UWL will once again have ‘one day to make a difference’ Read more about Giving Day is back UW-La Crosse retired faculty member Joyce Grill will join former colleagues and students to perform some of her compositions, as well as songs from Broadway shows she accompanied. The gala is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts. A virtual viewing is also available. Details at: https://www.uwlax.edu/alumni/events/music-gala/ Piano performance Posted 8:19 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 UWL faculty emeritus returns for scholarship benefit Read more about Piano performance Alums Kristine Mason (left) and her partner, Jane Schley, during a bike ride in the 1990s. After Mason died in 2001 at age 50, Schley established a scholarship fund in her honor, supporting School of Education students with a financial need. A love of learning lives on Posted 10:04 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2021 Kristine A. Mason Scholarship Fund supports SOE students with a financial need Read more about A love of learning lives on
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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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Make a gift today

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
 

View another face of philanthropy:

Shirley Ruoff '66

Shirley Ruoff '66

B.S. Elementary Education | La Crosse, WI | Retired teacher
  • I established a scholarship for someone who is student teaching and a parent to school age children.
  • When I was taking a class in Children's Literature, I would take the books home and read them to my two very young children. Enjoyable.
  • Choose a career that gives you joy each day.
Matt Anderson '93

Matt Anderson '93

B.S. Psychology | New Berlin, WI | Owner - Matty's Bar & Grille

  • I have many long term professional and personal relationships from my time at UWL. I love UWL! 

  • The experience of moving into Hutch Hall at 17 years old and the friends I met that first week that have remained lifelong friendships.
  • Work hard on the relationships you've created at UWL. It's a lifelong commitment that pays off ten-fold in the future!
Dave '86 & Kial '86 Rushlow

Dave '86 & Kial '86 Rushlow

Dave: B.S. Biology | Physician * Kial: B.S. Psychology | Homemaker * La Crescent, MN

  • We believe giving back is important!

  • Dave: Winning the national football championship. Kial: great experiences and friendships.
  • Dave: Service to others makes our lives richer. Kial: A life serving others is a life well-lived.
Tim '88 & Joanne Behling

Tim '88 & Joanne Behling

B.S. Business Administration | Menomonee Falls, WI | Director, Stores - Charter Spectrum
  • UWL has played a large role in shaping me as a person and in creating a solid foundation for a successful career. Joanne and I feel fortunate that we are able to share our time, talents and treasures to help the next generation enjoy the UWL experience.
     
  • I have many but playing basketball for Coach Rollo Taylor and the many life long friendships I have made are big highlights for me.
     
  • Remain engaged with UWL throughout your life. Look for opportunities to share your gifts and talents with others, attend events and volunteer where you can to ensure that UWL moves forward and thrives.
Donney KM Moroney '97

Donney KM Moroney '97

B.S. Public Administration | Milwaukee, WI * Student Affairs – Higher Education; Vice President of Student Affairs
  • My time as a student at UWL were the most transformative years of my life. I chose to give so that students can afford to pursue their academic goals with a little less financial burden weighing them (and their families) down.

  • The mentorship, care and guidance I received from the staff in Student Life and Multicultural Student Services - their programming complimented my classes and prepared me for life after college.

  • Cherish the time you have at UWL! Remember to give back when you are in a place to do so, because there are so many of us who thrived at UWL because of the generous spirit of those before us.

Brad '85 & Gail '89 Quarberg

Brad '85 & Gail '89 Quarberg

Brad: B.S. Mass Comm /Poli Sci | Distinguished University Relations Specialist - UWL * Gail: MSEd School Psychology | Retired School Psychologist | La Crosse, WI

  •  We were fortunate to benefit from past donors. It's important to pay back and pay forward. 

  • Brad: Marching with the Marching Chiefs past Big Ben in London playing "Beer Barrel Polka. Gail: Third floor of Graff Main Hall.
  • Take the opportunity to try something new. You never know what you’ll like unless you take a chance! 
Lauren Gruber, '17, '19*McKenna Komro, '16, '19

Lauren Gruber, '17, '19*McKenna Komro, '16, '19

Lauren: B.S. Biology, M.S. Physician Assistant, PA in Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Eau Claire, WI*McKenna: B.S. Biology, M.S. Physician Assistant, PA in Cardiology, Royal Oak, MI
  • McKenna: I give back to UWL because my UWL education was an integral part of my success as a PA. We wanted to honor our grandfathers in the form of a memorial scholarship. Lauren: To support future healthcare providers!
  • McKenna: La Crosse's downtown, bluffs, river, and marsh are beautiful sites to enjoy during every season. Lauren: Celebrations with my PA school classmates and professors. 
  • McKenna: Work hard while taking time to reflect on the opportunity you have to obtain an education from a reputable university like UWL. Lauren: Explore La Crosse and the area while you can. 

Reasons to give

UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow gives his opening remarks for the spring semester Wednesday, Jan. 19, in the Bluffs room of the Student Union. Gow announced the largest donation in school history — a $2.2 million estate gift from Bill and Yvonne Hyde, supporting the English Department and Murphy Library. Groundbreaking gift Posted 1:54 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 Gow’s address highlighted by largest donation in school history Read more about Groundbreaking gift Troy De Bruin, who graduated in May 2021 with a bachelor's degree in accountancy and finance, is this year's recipient of the Jake and Janet Hoeschler Award for Excellence. The annual award recognizes the top student from the College of Business Administration. Hoeschler Award Posted 10:03 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2021 Troy De Bruin recognized for academic excellence, community service Read more about Hoeschler Award 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
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