Campus Connection

Discover UWL’s top 10 stories of 2025, highlighting achievements and exciting changes

From groundbreaking research to inspiring alumni achievements, 2025 was a year full of milestones and memorable moments at UW-La Crosse. Here’s a look back at the top 10 stories that captured the spirit of UWL and the impact the community continues to make. 

1. State approves funding to complete Prairie Springs 
The $194 million Prairie Springs Science Center completion project received state funding in 2025. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and wrap up in fall 2028. The facility promises to transform science education and workforce development in Wisconsin. 
Read the full story on the completion project.
 
2. Love birds 
Valentine’s Day 2025 was a chance to celebrate love that began on campus. Alumni shared stories of meeting their significant others at UWL — sometimes in the most unexpected ways. 
Hear from the couples who found love at UWL.

3. Final orbit for the UWL Planetarium 
After nearly 50 years of sparking curiosity about the stars, the UWL Planetarium concluded its final semester of programming in fall 2025. Cowley Hall will make way for the Prairie Springs Science Center, but the planetarium’s legacy will live through its longtime director, Robert Allen, and alumni he mentored who continue its mission. 
Learn more about the UWL Planetarium's impact.

4. Mycologists on a mission 
A UWL biology team is uncovering Wisconsin’s hidden fungal treasures. Assistant Professor Arthur Grupe and graduate student Mariah Rogers have been exploring the state to document truffles, underground fungi that thrive at the base of trees, expanding our understanding of local biodiversity. 
Learn more about the mission of these mycologists.

5. Against all odds 
Ethan Harbridge returned to UWL after a hemorrhagic stroke in 2024. His journey through recovery highlighted the importance of resilience, community and perseverance, inspiring others to appreciate life’s opportunities and challenges. 
Read more about Harbridge's journey.

6. UWL recognized among the best colleges in the U.S. 
UWL continued to earn national acclaim, ranking No. 1 among public regional universities in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, according to U.S. News & World Report. The university also received 4 out of 5 stars from Money.com. UWL was celebrated for its quality, affordability and positive student outcomes. 
Learn more about UWL's Money.com rank and U.S. News rank.

7. Photos of campus 
From aerial views of campus to UWL’s emotional support dog, Officer Bear, and visits by Gov. Tony Evers, UWL’s photo essays captured life on campus throughout the year, sparking widespread interest among the campus community, alumni and friends. 
Take a look at photos from March, September and October.

8. Supporting a critical need
In May, UWL learned that its Adapted Physical Education program, supported by a federal grant for more than 40 years, would no longer receive funding. The announcement sparked a wave of community support, leading to a philanthropic effort to help ensure the program can continue training future educators and serving local families. 
Read more about the intial news of the funding loss and how supporters rallied in support of the program.

9. Making history, shaping La Crosse’s future 
Alumnus Shaundel Washington-Spivey, ’12 & ’15, fulfilled a promise he made as a student: becoming mayor of the city of La Crosse. In April 2025, he also made La Crosse history, becoming the city’s first Black mayor.  
Read Washington-Spivey's story.

10. UWL launches criminology major 
Responding to student interest and workforce needs, UWL introduced several new programs in 2025, including a long-requested criminology major. The program equips students with a deeper understanding of crime, criminal behavior and its impact on communities. 
Read more about how the program meets student and workforce needs.