Meet Our Donors

Pat MertensPat Mertens
Pat Mertens has a long history at UWL. By naming UWL as a beneficiary in her estate plan, she's ensuring her connection continues for years after her lifetime. Read More

Greg StaatGreg Staat
After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Greg Staat found opportunities and encouragement at UWL that helped launch his career in computer science. By establishing a scholarship, he’s helping future UWL students take their first steps toward success as well. Read More

Ryan PoehlingHank Poehling
Ryan Poehling’s caring and giving carries on despite cancer cutting the 1995 geography graduate’s inspiring life short. Read More

FordsJim and Judy Ford
He did it to honor his dad. Jim Ford established a scholarship in 1980 to honor Charles “Ben” Ford, ’35, who Jim called “a wonderful educator” who was ”under appreciated.” Read More

Norene SmithNorene Smith
Throughout her impressive 24-year career on campus, Norene Smith took on new challenges — challenges to improve college students’ lives. With an endowment from her estate, Smith will continue to do that. Read More

Jim PrudhomeJim Prudhome
Jim Prudhome was dedicated. The 1970s grad returned to serve on committees, boards and helped establish the Silver Eagles alumni group. Prudhome, 68, of La Crosse, died May 23, 2014. But his commitment to UW-L continues. Read More

Hong RostHonoring Hong
A person who impacted people from around the world when they came to UW-L is being recognized with a scholarship named in her honor. Read More

Joe and Pat HeimJoe and Pat Heim
Joe and Pat Heim have been part of the UW-L family since 1967. See how they are using their estate plan to continue supporting UW-L and our students well into the future. Read More

Bob and Laurel AllenBob Allen
Going to college changed Bob Allen’s life and gave him opportunities he wouldn’t have had otherwise. Read More

Tom and Linda TemplinTom and Linda Templin
Life is an adventure. We try hard to write our own script through the choices we make, but even the best-laid plans can change in an instant. Linda (Vorlop) and Tom Templin know firsthand how life can throw you a curve. Read More

Mary Lou ThornburgMary Lou Thornburg
Mary Lou Thornburg knows what it’s like to work hard to make it through college. Read More

John MagerusJohn Magerus
For John Magerus, the decision to include the UW-L Foundation in his will was simple. Read More

Jim Ford and familyJim Ford
im Ford came up with the idea to start a scholarship at UW-L to honor his father nearly 30 years ago. Charles “Ben” Ford, who graduated from La Crosse State Teachers College in 1935, taught physical education in La Crosse schools for more than 30 years and coached every sport available. Read More