Posted 11:48 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026
Test your knowledge of campus history and alumni
If you’ve been following Light Reads over the past year, you should be well equipped to ace this trivia challenge. Each question is drawn from stories and updates that have appeared in recent issues, highlighting alumni accomplishments, campus milestones and moments from UWL’s past. See how closely you’ve been reading — and how much you remember.
UWL alum Shane Skaar encourages his community to “reign from within.” His brand name flexes both physical power and inner resilience — spelled with a royal twist. What is that brand name?
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Yes! Skaar launched his fitness company, Streignth, from his Eagle Hall dorm room. The brand name includes the word "reign" inside of it. Read about the inspiration for starting his business after a life-altering surgical procedure.
Former teacher turned middle-grade author Christy Wopat gives a voice to students often labeled “the bad kid.” In her newest novel, a classroom mock trial takes center stage — and the title reflects this courtroom scene. What is the book called?
Yes! Written for ages 8–12, "Overruled" follows Mac, a boy blamed for pushing a classmate off the monkey bars — even though no one saw what happened. His teacher, Mrs. Justice, decides to hold a classroom mock trial to uncover the truth. What the students discover isn’t Mac’s guilt, but the complexity behind who he really is. Read more about the book.
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Retired faculty member Bob Allen inspired generations of students to look up — literally. He inspired multiple UWL alums to become what?
Yes! Over the years, Allen recruited dozens of student assistants — not for credit, but for the love of the subject. These students helped run shows, transported telescopes for outdoor viewing, and even led programs when Allen wasn’t available. Three of those students — Bob Bonadurer (’84), Shawn Laatsch (’92), and Dave DeRemer (’78) — went on to become planetarium directors themselves, forming what they fondly call Bob’s “Astro Family.” Read about the final orbit of the UWL Planetarium.
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Alumna Kelly O’Connor majored in a subject she calls both captivating and beautiful. Her UWL mentors inspired her to continue her education, and, after graduation, she pursued her master’s and doctoral degrees. She now teaches at the collegiate level. This fall she returned to UWL to teach what?
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Yes! After graduating, O’Connor pursued her master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics and taught at the collegiate level. Now, she’s back at UWL teaching mathematics. Read more about her full-circle moment.
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Who has served as UWL’s longest-serving provost since Carl Wimberly? This long-term, beloved leader is retiring this summer.
Yes! Betsy Morgan came to UWL 33 years ago, found a home and left her mark. She is part of a succession of leaders who helped elevate UWL to a university known for top-tier academics as well as an outstanding athletics program.
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UWL is currently beginning construction on what new building?
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Yes! Demolition of Cowley Hall is underway to build the second phase of the Prairie Springs Science Center.
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Light Reads recently revisited a moment in UWL history when: the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, the drinking age shifted to 21, and the last students registered for classes using computer punch cards. Students attending UWL during which academic year experienced it all?
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Yes. Take a look back on this moment in history at UWL.
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These UWL alumni sisters are carrying on a family legacy in downtown La Crosse — serving up scoops of nostalgia in a shop whose name sounds fit for royalty. Where are they co-owners?
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Yes! With its homemade sweets and vintage charm, The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor has been a cornerstone of downtown La Crosse for more than 30 years. Co-owners of The Pearl, sisters Dani Peterslie (’11) and Azia Thelemann (’16), spent their early years immersed in the family business and are now second generation small business owners. Read about their business.
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