UW-La Crosse history
The history of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1905
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was founded
State Sen. Thomas Morris sponsors a bill to establish a normal school in La Crosse. Legislature allocates $10,000 to purchase a site.
1908
Main Hall is constructed.
1909
Fassett A. Cotton named first president of La Crosse Normal School.
1920
Construction of the physical education building is completed. The building was later named for Walter Wittich, an instructor and pioneer in physical education.
1923
Ernest A. Smith becomes second president.
1926
George M. Snodgrass becomes the third president.
1927
School is renamed La Crosse State Teachers College.
Regents authorize granting four-year teaching degrees in physical and secondary education.
1931
“Hanging of the Lantern” tradition begins over the south entrance to Main Hall at the suggestion of English instructor Orris O. White.
1934
25th anniversary of the college’s founding. Enrollment stands at 645.
1939
Rexford S. Mitchell becomes fourth president. Campus School opens.
1951
School is renamed Wisconsin State College, La Crosse.
Wilder Hall opens as first campus residence hall for women.
1957
Wing Library, named for school’s first librarian, Florence Wing, opens.
1958
Reuter Hall, named for physical education instructor Hans C. Reuter, opens as first residence hall for men.
1959
50th anniversary of the college’s founding. Enrollment stands at 1,821.
Cartwright Center opens.
1964
School is renamed Wisconsin State University-La Crosse.
1965
Mitchell Hall, named for former President Rexford Mitchell, opens. Cowley Hall, named for chemistry instructor Milford Cowley, opens.
1966
Samuel G. Gates becomes fifth president.
Whitney Center, named for geography instructor and administrator Clayton A. Whitney, opens.
1967
UWL Foundation is established.
1969
UWL Alumni Association is established. Eugene W. Murphy Library opens.
1970
Former library is renovated and renamed Wing Communication Center.
1971
University becomes part of the UW System, changes name to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. With this transition, the role of president is renamed to chancellor.
Kenneth E. Lindner becomes sixth president, then first chancellor.
1972
Mitchell Hall addition opens.
Laux and Drake halls become first co-ed residence halls. Laux was named for former history instructor William Laux, while Drake was named for English and education instructor Alice Drake.
1974
Fine Arts Building (Center for the Arts) and North Hall (Wimberly Hall) open.
1977
Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumni Award is created, named for former vice chancellor.
1979
Noel J. Richards becomes seventh leader and second chancellor.
1984
75th anniversary of university’s founding. Enrollment stands at 9,109.
1985
Campus Child Center opens.
1989
Athletic teams become “Eagles.”
UWL begins long tradition of hosting the WIAA State Track & Field Championships.
1990
Marching Chiefs become the Screaming Eagles Marching Band.
1991
Judith L. Kuipers becomes eighth leader and third chancellor. She is the first woman to hold the position.
1995
Cleary Alumni & Friends Center opens. The building is named for alumni Russell G. Cleary and his wife, Gail, both longtime supporters of UWL.
1997
Main Hall is renamed Maurice O. Graff Main Hall.
Hoeschler Tower is dedicated, becomes home for the traditional Hanging of the Lantern.
Recreational Eagle Center opens.
Parker Distinguished Alumni Award is created, named for history instructor James Parker.
2000
Archaeology Building and Laboratories, La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium open.
North Hall is renamed W. Carl Wimberly Hall, honoring former administrator and political science instructor.
2001
Douglas N. Hastad becomes ninth leader and fourth chancellor.
2002
Rada Distinguished Alumni Award is created, named for biology instructor and administrator Ron Rada.
2006
The new Reuter Hall, a suite-style residence hall, opens.
2007
Joe Gow becomes 10th leader and fifth chancellor.
2009
100th anniversary of university’s founding. Enrollment stands at 10,009.
Veteran’s Memorial Field Sports Complex opens.
2009
The university celebrates its 100th anniversary.
2011
Grand openings of Centennial Hall and Eagle Hall.
2015
President Barack Obama speaks at Recreational Eagle Center on July 2.
Altman Teacher Education Award is created, named for former education instructor Burt Altman and his wife, Norma, both longtime supporters of teacher education.
2017
Student Union opens.
2018
Prairie Springs Science Center opens.
The project is supported by a $2 million gift from Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust, supporting research and scholarship in environmental studies, conservation, ecological technology and more.
2019
Alumni Association celebrates 50 years.
Wittich Hall becomes home to College of Business Administration.
2020
One Day for UWL, the university’s annual giving day, is established.
One Day for UWL, the university’s annual giving day, is established. The inaugural event raised more than $228,000 from 1,400 donations — a promising start for what has become a signature celebration on campus.
2022
Center for the Arts is dedicated to alumnus Truman T. Lowe, a widely acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist.
2023
Morgan Improving Lives Alumni Award is created, named for Provost Betsy Morgan.
2024
UWL’s new Fieldhouse, opened in 2023, is dedicated to Bob Hetzel, former vice chancellor for Administration & Finance.
James M. Beeby becomes 11th leader and sixth chancellor.
2026
Cowley Hall demolished; construction begins on phase two of Prairie Springs Science Center.