Campus Connection | UW-La Crosse

Sophomore biology major Andrew Smerz, right, enrolled in History Professor Gita Pai’s chocolate-themed history course for his love of chocolate. But he soon learned chocolate’s story stretches far beyond flavor, linking La Crosse to a much larger global history.

Unwrapping chocolate Posted 11:18 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 Students explore the complex, global history of chocolate from Mesoamerica to today Read

Current news

A tribute to strength and sacrifice Posted 9:19 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 UWL’s Yia Vue reflects on 50 years since the ‘Secret War’ Read

Turning challenges into opportunity Posted noon Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 December grad Adrián Moreno reflects on challenging path that shaped him Read

Students in Zamparutti’s grant-writing course collaborate on real community projects, turning classroom learning into meaningful local impact.

Writing with impact Posted 1:57 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 Students support community projects through grant writing course Read

Intramural and recreational sports are far more than a way to stay active; they are a powerful engine for belonging, stress relief and personal growth.

Work hard, play hard Posted 11:33 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 UWL intramurals help students build community, learn valuable skills Read

Back-to-back champs! Posted 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 Men's cross country team secures second-consecutive national title Read

The crowd cheers as they gather around the Hoeschler Tower during the final moments of One Day for UWL in October.

Over $622,000 raised Posted 10:37 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 Sixth-annual One Day for UWL sets new record Read

Share your news suggestions

Submit your news suggestions using UWL Share by no later than noon on Wednesdays preceding the next Monday's edition.

For more information, contact University Marketing & Communications at 608.785.8487.

Currents

Red maple leaf with a hint of yellow and orange. Concentrations of diverse molecules in a leaf can make it appear multiple colors.

Why do fall leaves change color? Posted 8:32 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 UWL scientists explain the basic science behind the beauty Read

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Light Reads

An aerial view looking east to the bluffs over the La Crosse State Teachers College with athletic field and fair grounds in the background ca. 1939. Photo courtesy UWL Murphy Library, Special Collections/ARC.

UWL history quiz Posted 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Take this short quiz spanning UWL’s 114-year history Read

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Human Resources News

LinkedIn Learning December Highlight | Improving Your Mental Health at Work Posted 8:34 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 Learn more about "Improving Your Mental Health at Work" via this LinkedIn Learning course Read

December Policy Review | Personal Holiday and Legal Holiday Administration Posted 8:31 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 Review of the Personal Holiday and Legal Holiday Administration policy Read

Telecommuting Policy review Session | Sign up now Posted 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 Join Us for a Telecommuting Policy Review Session – December 16 Read

Action Required | Connect LinkedIn Learning Account Posted 3:43 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 Take action by November 30th to ensure your LinkedIn Learning history stays with your profile Read

Support A Healthy & Socially-Connected Community Posted 8:56 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 From December 1-12, UWL is hosting an employee workplace campaign to benefit the Great Rivers United Way (GRUW) grants program, as well as a food drive for the GRUW and Rotary Lights annual non-perishable food collection, which helps benefit UWL’s Food Pantry. Read

General Announcements

Grant Writing Webinar: The Ins & Outs of Interdisciplinary Collaborations

Interdisciplinary collaborations appeal to many funders and are a great strategy for making your proposal stand out from the crowd. In this panel discussion, Dr. Tina Lee, Anthropology, UW-Stout; Dr. Adam Diller, Film Production, UW-Oshkosh; and Dr. Theresa Castor, Vice Provost, UW-Parkside will discuss their experiences of being part of interdisciplinary teams that successfully procured external funding. Register in advance online. Contact the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs with any questions.

Howie's Bingo!

It Make$ Cents! to take your finances and winnings off-campus! Not only are we partnering with La Crosse's very own Howie's, located right next to UWL, for a great night of bingo, but we have spectacular prizes to be won! Come learn about our IMC program and get the chance to win give-aways and prizes!

Located at Howie's, 1128 La Crosse St, La Crosse, WI 54601

Must be 21+ to attend.

UWL gives

Did you know that Great Rivers United Way (GRUW)-funded programs are utilized once every 33 seconds?

This doesn’t happen without you. For more than 75 years, the Greater La Crosse community’s support has collectively allowed GRUW to fund programs to help those in need.

From Dec. 1-12, UWL is hosting an employee workplace campaign to benefit the GRUW grants program, as well as a food drive for the GRUW and Rotary Lights annual non-perishable food collection, which helps benefit UWL’s Food Pantry.

Your gift to Great Rivers United Way’s Community Investment Fund through UW-La Crosse’s workplace campaign ensures that your donation is invested where the need is greatest. Payroll deduction allows you to spread your gift out in smaller, more manageable amounts that make a big difference. Thank you for considering a donation between Dec. 1-12.

In addition, UWL is once again teaming up with the GRUW and Rotary Lights to collect non-perishable food items. Items are being collected at the Information Desk at the Student Union on the first floor.

Donation instructions: Visit the Great Rivers United Way online pledge form make a pledge.

Free HPV immunization clinic

Join the herd! A free immunization clinic will be from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 in 2110 Student Union, Miller Bluff room.

Safe and effective vaccination for human papillomavirus helps build herd immunity to prevent genital warts and several cancers. Wellness & Health Advocacy is partnering with Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, Mayo Clinic Health System, and the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative to provide HPV immunizations at no cost for UWL students. Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers will either bill insurance for the vaccine cost or provide it at no cost through the Vaccines for Adults program.

Students are encouraged to check their immunization records (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois) and attend the clinics to keep their immunizations current. Other vaccines (i.e., Tdap, flu, and COVID) will be available from Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers.

UWL Blood Drive: Power Up & Save Lives

Get ready to turn your day into a high-score moment! We're bringing retro arcade vibes to campus with a Pac-Man-themed blood drive that’s all about giving back and having fun while doing it from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 2110 Student Union.

Just like Pac-Man powers up to keep going, your blood donation gives someone the strength to fight another day. Whether you're a first-time donor or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to do something meaningful and memorable.

Come solo or bring your crew (students, faculty, staff and community members welcome). Every donation helps real people in need, and you’ll walk away knowing you made a difference.

Sign up, show up and level up. Let’s clear the maze of blood shortages together!

Sign up on the Red Cross website.

View this event on UWL MyOrgs.

Album Encounter: Wishbone Ash - "Argus"

The next Album Encounter, multimedia light and laser show, will be Wishbone Ash's "Argus."

The cost is $10. Learn more on the planetarium webpage or call 608.785.8669.

Parking: Park in the stadium lot. The stadium lot (Commuter Lot 2 or C-2) is on the northeast corner of East Avenue and Pine Street. Commuter (C) lots are not enforced after 7 p.m. weekdays, so you do not need to use the Passport Parking phone app.

December Public Planetarium program

The December Public Planetarium program will be "Journey to the Stars." This talk on the current evening sky is followed by a multimedia audiovisual presentation.

This program is a mental journey from the Earth to the far reaches of the universe. It briefly describes the Moon and each of the planets. It also looks at the Sun as a star, how stars are born, live out their lives and die as a white dwarf, neutron star or black hole. Finally, it looks at cosmology and how it was learned that the universe is expanding.

The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students.

Learn more on the planetarium website or call 608.785.8669.

UWL In the News

Join the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation and the Scholarship Resource Center to get all of your questions answered for applying for foundation scholarships!

Get clarification on prompts/requirements
Get help navigating the application
Bring questions about eligibility, majors, deadlines, etc.

Foundation applications are due Thursday, Jan. 15! This event will inspire and motivate you to apply for free college cash! Get all the information before you leave for winter break!

Free pizza included!

Upcoming events Calendar

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Remembering

Leah M. Mathy former UWL Foundation Board member

Leah M. Mathy, former UWL Foundation Board member, died Nov. 13. For more information see the obituary.

Ronald E. Krueger,' 58 Alumnus

Alumnus Ronald E. Krueger,' 58, died Jan. 20, 2016. For more information see the obituary.

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Free assorted tea/coffee mugs Free/giveaway

I have 16 mugs of assorted sizes; some have matching pairs. If interested, you can take a couple or all. You do not have to take them all. Free/giveaway. For more information, contact Steph Speer at 608.785.6554 or sspeer@uwlax.edu.

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Campus News

Current news

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Share your news suggestions

Currents

Light Reads

Announcements Add Announcement

Human Resources News

General Announcements

Grant Writing Webinar: The Ins & Outs of Interdisciplinary Collaborations

Howie's Bingo!

UWL gives

Free HPV immunization clinic

UWL Blood Drive: Power Up & Save Lives

Album Encounter: Wishbone Ash - "Argus"

December Public Planetarium program

UWL In the News

Upcoming events Calendar

Kudos Add Kudos

Thanks Add Thanks

Remembering

Classifieds Add Classified