The William C. Hansen Society

The William C. Hansen Society recognizes planned gifts and bequests to UWSP. This society honors those individuals and organizations who have:
- named the UWSP Foundation as a beneficiary in a will or trust document or as the beneficiary of a specific asset such as a CD, mutual fund, real estate property, or other asset. (Information on making a bequest)
- made a planned gift to the UWSP Foundation through a gift annuity program, charitable lead or remainder trust or other planned giving instruments (Information on planned gifts)
William C. Hansen was the first alumnus of Stevens Point Normal School to serve as president of his alma mater, which had become known as Central State Teachers College. For 22 years, he worked to improve the quality of education across the state. He was the longest tenured president in the history of the school, presiding over the change from a teachers college to a state college in 1951.
During this time, the enrollment and faculty tripled. President Hansen addressed both the academic and physical needs of campus. In 1953 there were three majors offered; 10 years later, there were 22. A benchmark of his leadership was the establishment of the nation’s first conservation education major. Long-needed buildings were constructed, among them the Science Building, the first $2 million structure on campus.
After his retirement from the school in 1962, President Hansen served as a senator in the Wisconsin State Senate and on the Stevens Point Board of Education for a number of years.
Hansen Society Members
For more information on giving societies at UWSP, please call 1-800-858-5267 or send an email to foundation@uwsp.edu.