The gift of opportunity
How donor support helped shape a UWL art instructor — and inspired her to give back
Lisa Lenarz says the support she received as a UWL student helped shape her future. Now, she gives back to help others shape theirs.
Posted 9:54 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026
As an associate professor of art education at UW-La Crosse, Lisa Lenarz understands how donor support expands opportunities for students.
From scholarships and research funding to guest artists, equipment purchases and study abroad experiences, philanthropy helps make meaningful learning opportunities possible.
"As an instructor and alum, I see philanthropy and donor support as critical to advancing opportunities through additional funding which might not otherwise occur," Lenarz, ’07 (art education), says.
Today, Lenarz helps prepare future educators and artists in the same department that helped shape her own career.
Long before she stood at the front of a classroom, Lenarz arrived at UWL as a non-traditional transfer student pursuing a degree in art education while raising three children.
"I recognized UWL had an established reputation in the field I was pursuing," she says. "UWL also had a childcare center, so it was a great benefit to have childcare available while I attended classes."
Once on campus, Lenarz found herself surrounded by faculty mentors who encouraged her to pursue opportunities that enriched her education and helped build confidence.
"Meaningful connections and encouragement go a long way,” Lenarz says. “While an undergraduate student at UWL, I engaged in a wide variety of professional enrichment activities that went above and beyond my program requirements for my major.”
Some of those activities included teaching a lesson alongside her art education professor at the UWL Campus Child Center, attending a state conference with her field supervisor, participating in annual iron pours and printmaking events, and exhibiting work through the department.
Those experiences — many made possible through donor support — inspired Lenarz to continue her education.
"The various events and activities I participated in were instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging at UWL and my desire to pursue my advanced degree," she says. "My mentors and advisors encouraged me to apply for opportunities, which provided me with grants, scholarships and awards.
That same sense of community led Lenarz back to UWL as a faculty member.
"I was drawn back to UWL because of its commitment to teaching and learning, and dedication to community and making meaningful connections," she says.
Now, as an educator, alumna and donor, Lenarz gives back to UWL, supporting the kinds of opportunities she once benefited from as a student.
One of the key ways she does so is through One Day for UWL, the university’s annual giving day.
"One Day for UWL is an important tradition because if each person gives what they can, it adds up in larger ways that impact our students, community and larger communities," Lenarz says.
For Lenarz, giving back is about ensuring future students have access to the kinds of experiences that can help shape their lives.
"This tradition not only impacts our community today but for generations to come," she says. "It sends a message to our future students and community that together, we support opportunities.
