Campus Connection

UWL celebrates transformative partnerships with Emplify, Mayo

Partnerships are paving the way for cutting-edge research, a stronger workforce and improved health outcomes across the Coulee Region. 

UW-La Crosse’s longstanding relationships with Emplify Health by Gundersen and Mayo Clinic Health System are being recognized for their transformative impact on campus and in the community, earning the UW Regents Business Partnership Award. 

The award — highlighting partnerships that foster innovation, student opportunities and workforce development — was presented Wednesday during a celebration and news conference at UWL’s Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. 

“Our partnerships with Emplify and Mayo span over three decades, and this award today acknowledges their enduring commitment to student success and building the workforce the state of Wisconsin, the region and the world need,” UWL Chancellor James Beeby said. “We hope to create lasting contributions to student learning and to our community here in La Crosse and beyond. I am proud that all three of our organizations are grounded in this call to serve our community.”

As part of their efforts to provide world-class healthcare in La Crosse and beyond, Emplify and Mayo have long partnered with UWL to support the growth of tomorrow’s scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals. This includes collaborating on medical education and research, internship and experiential learning opportunities, community learning events, advocacy, and philanthropic investment. 

“A strong university really is essential for us,” says Bryan Erdmann, chief operating officer for Emplify Health by Gundersen. “It’s where the future healthcare providers are educated, and where the staff who support our medical professionals are trained. This partnership, more importantly, in my opinion, helps us build a stronger community.” 

Emplify supports UWL’s clinical programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine technology. Annually, approximately 100 students from these programs participate in clinical affiliations through Emplify.

Additionally, the post-professional Sports Physical Therapy Residency program between UWL and Emplify — among the first programs of its kind in the United States — provides collaborative research and instructional opportunities for students and residents alike. 

Funding from the Gundersen Medical Foundation has also fueled innovative research collaborations between the two organizations, across various areas of professional practice. 

Mayo is also highly engaged in supporting the university and future generations of healthcare professionals, working closely with UWL programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, radiation therapy, diagnostic medical sonography and nuclear medicine technology. Each year, Mayo provides over 70 clinical internship opportunities in and around La Crosse. 

In recent years, funding from a UWL-Mayo seed grant has facilitated collaborative clinical research studies across various health disciplines. 

After earning their degree, many UWL graduates go on to careers at Mayo. Over 1% of Mayo's global workforce holds a degree from UWL — the highest proportion among all colleges and universities worldwide. 

“What makes this relationship so special is it isn’t just a formal agreement between Mayo Clinic Health System and UWL. It’s a living, breathing collaboration built on shared values and a common goal of strengthening our community and building a healthier future for all of us,” says Tanner Holst, chair of administration for Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse and a 2001 UWL alumnus. "Together, we’re not just preparing students or delivering care; we’re shaping the future of health and the future of our community.”

That future looks brighter than ever after state funding was secured to complete UWL’s Prairie Springs Science Center — a facility that will enhance learning and research opportunities on campus, and take partnerships like those between UWL, Emplify and Mayo to even greater heights. Both health organizations were steadfast supporters of the project and were instrumental in making the case to the state legislators. 

“There is no doubt,” said Regent Karen Walsh, “that the partnership between UW-La Crosse and both Mayo Clinic and Emplify Health will be amplified further by construction of this new building.” 

Johannes Britz, senior vice president for Academic & Student Affairs for the Universities of Wisconsin, echoed the hope that these partnerships will continue to grow. Collaboration, he said, is at the heart of the Wisconsin Idea, which states that the impact of universities should not stop at the boundaries of the classroom. 

Together, UWL, Emplify and Mayo continue to carry that impact into the community. 

“Thanks to these partnerships,” Britz said, “we are helping prepare young people not only for careers, but for careers that matter in the lives of our neighbors, friends and family members.”