Posted 10:59 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
A year of memorable moments, meaningful connections and campus milestones
From heartfelt alumni connections to major campus milestones, the past year brought stories that celebrate what makes UW-La Crosse special: the people, the place and the impact of a UWL education. These were the stories that resonated most with our alumni community — shared widely and remembered fondly. As we begin a new year, here’s a look back at 10 standout stories from Light Reads and the Lantern magazine.
1. Love birds
To mark Valentine’s Day in 2025 and celebrate the special place UWL holds for many couples and families, we gathered stories from alumni who met their significant others at UWL — often in the most unexpected ways. Read more about alumni love birds.
2. Final orbit for the UWL Planetarium
After nearly 50 years of inspiring stargazers, fall marked the final semester of programming at the UWL Planetarium as Cowley Hall is set to be demolished to make way for the completion of the Prairie Springs Science Center. The story honors the planetarium’s enduring legacy, the impact of longtime director Robert Allen and an alumnus who is helping carry that legacy forward. Learn more about the impact of the UWL Planetarium.
3. UWL recognized among the best colleges in the U.S.
UWL continued to earn national recognition, including top rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Money.com. Ranked No. 1 among public regional universities in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, and earning 4 out of 5 stars from Money.com, UWL stood out for quality, affordability and student outcomes. Learn more about UWL's Money.com rank and U.S. News rank.
4. Reasons to love UWL
We compiled an intentionally incomplete — but heartfelt — list of what makes UWL so special. From strong academics to campus culture and community, this story captured why the UWL experience is about so much more than the classroom. Read the reasons to love UWL.
5. Looking back: 1994-95
We took readers on a walk down memory lane, revisiting campus life from 30 years ago. In the decade’s popular denim and animal prints, they saw a newly reformed Murphy Library, the opening of the campus alumni center, a detailed plan for the university’s future and more. This story offered a nostalgic snapshot of a pivotal year at UWL. Take a look back at the 90s in this story.
6. All in the family
Between 1960 and 1979, seven Collins siblings graduated from UWL. Raised in poverty on La Crosse’s North Side, they credit their education with setting them on the path to successful lives and careers. Their story comes full circle with the creation of the Gifford and Rita Collins Family Scholarship Fund to support student parents at UWL. Read more about their gift.
7. Homegrown hospitality
What began as a family conversation during the pandemic has grown into a meaningful way for three UWL alumni to stay connected to their hometown. Hidden Hill Retreat — nestled in the bluffs just 10 minutes from campus — was first envisioned as a family gathering place and has since become a welcoming space shared with others. Read more about how Hidden Hill Retreat began.
8. From intern to employee
Across Wisconsin, communities are working to retain young professionals after graduation. In La Crosse, UWL alumni are showing how internships can lead to long-term careers. By building connections and finding fulfilling local work, recent graduates are choosing to stay and invest their talents in the Driftless Region. Read the full story.
9. James Beeby inaugurated as chancellor
James Beeby was officially inaugurated as UWL’s 11th chancellor during a campus and community celebration in May. Beeby, who began his role July 1, 2024, shared his vision and priorities for UWL’s future during his inaugural address. Read the full story.
10. A work of heart
UWL alumna Christy Wopat, ’08, turns grief and empathy into award-winning children’s books. Drawing on more than 20 years as a teacher, Wopat — now a field experience coordinator and communication specialist in the School of Education — writes stories that challenge labels and celebrate every child’s potential. Read more about Wopat’s inspiration to write.