Campus Connection

Sixth Annual One Day for UWL brings record-breaking generosity 

Bells rang out across campus as Hoeschler Tower struck 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, marking the close of One Day for UWL — UW–La Crosse’s annual day of giving. Each year, the UWL community comes together during this 24-hour event to make gifts supporting all areas of campus and to celebrate the power of philanthropy in transforming students’ lives. 

This year, excitement reached new heights. As a crowd gathered at the base of the clock tower, Associate Professor of Biology Anne Galbraith announced a record 2,545 gifts totaling $553,831, with many additional offline donations still being counted. Early estimates show the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation is on track to surpass its $600,000 goal — making this the most successful One Day yet. Final totals will be announced Friday, Nov. 21. 

“Hasn't it been an exciting 24 hours?” Galbraith asked the crowd. “I can’t imagine what it was like for all of you who worked so hard to make this happen — watching those numbers climb hour by hour.” 

The energy on campus matched the generosity. Nearly all of the 75 matches and challenges were met throughout the day, amplifying the impact of every gift. Michael Gens, executive director of Development, described the event as “maroon magic” — the result of countless contributors coming together, from the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation staff orchestrating the details to the UWL Screaming Eagles Marching Band and jazz combo filling the air with music. 

Campus was buzzing with activity throughout the day. The Class Cab ferried faculty, staff and students to classes with flair, while a Lunch on the Lawn drew a hearty crowd despite chilly, rainy weather. A UWLove opportunity allowed participants to vote for their most-loved areas of campus, adding a spirit of friendly competition to the celebration. 

Gens offered special thanks to the Alumni & Friends Foundation team for another seamless and successful event — particularly Annual Giving Coordinator Lauren Wanders, who leads the day’s planning and execution. “From start to finish, Lauren has been the driving force behind everything that makes these 24 hours so successful,” he said. 

Festivities concluded with the “Ringing Out of One Day” celebration, following the morning’s Eagles at Work gathering for UWL alumni employees and faculty and staff donors. Eagles at Work featured a Spirit Wear Contest, with the winner receiving a $500 prize donation to the campus area of their choice. This year’s winner was Vickie Sanchez, director of UWL Multicultural Student Services. 

As the final bell tolled, Galbraith encouraged the crowd to keep the spirit of giving alive: 

“Let’s continue to live maroon and give maroon throughout the year as we look forward to the seventh-annual One Day for UWL,” she said.