Donor Stories

Dr. Helen Godfrey

Dr. Helen Godfrey exemplified a giving spirit by supporting UWSP and serving her community. 

Soon after Helen arrived here, she knew “this was it.” She had offers elsewhere, even at a big 10 university, but chose to stay here.  “I thought I’d only stay about five years.” despite the fact that she “loved every minute of it.”

Helen quickly saw the quality commitment of students and faculty, and began to volunteer her time and financially support UWSP.  Helen felt volunteering at the university was “fun”!   “I gained personal satisfaction by helping students and faculty and seeing their projects succeed."

Dr. Godfrey was employed by UWSP for over 33 years in various capacities, including Associate Dean of Students, Executive Director of Co-Curricular Services, and Assistant Chancellor of University Relatio​ns, Assistant Chancellor of Student Development and University Relations and Interim Director of UWSP Foundation.  Even though Dr. Godfrey retired from UWSP in 1999, she continued to show her support by serving as a member of the UWSP Foundation Board, Treehaven Board of Advisors, Friends of the UWSP Museum of Natural History Board, and College of Natural Resources Advisory Board.

 

The Stevens Point community also benefited from Dr. Godfrey’s service. She was a member of the Central Wisconsin Community Foundation board, Stevens Point YMCA foundation board, and K.A.S.H. (Kids are special here) board.  Helen was also on the capital campaign board for the Children’s Museum and was a member of the YMCA Camp Manitowish YMCA Board of Directors since 1992.  “Camp is another way to serve youth.”

Helen’s service has been rewarding.  She received the UWSP Alumni Service Award, UWSP William C. Hansen Distinguished Service Award, the Academy of Letters and Science UWSP Distinguished Achievement Award, the St. Michael’s Foundation of Stevens Point Quality of Life Leadership Award, and the Treehaven Community Service Award.

Dr. Godfrey founded and supported The Helen R. Godfrey University Child Learning and Care Center. To prove her support, Helen donated $50,000 to the Care Center.  Her donation made it possible to house the infant and toddler program in the same facility.  “I have given to programs I believe in, like the Child Care Center. We are preparing them for the world of tomorrow.  The children are the world’s resource”.

Helen stated, “To get meaning into your life, help others…and devote yourself to create something that gives purpose and meaning to others.”