Sentry Insurance gift benefits UWSP

An annual gift from Sentry Insurance will benefit numerous scholarships, programs in the Fine Arts and Communication, University Relations and Department of Athletics, a distinguished professorship and many other facets of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The Sentry Insurance Foundation has contributed $56,000 to UWSP, presenting the gift to Chancellor Tom George at a luncheon on Wednesday, April 12. The university’s leading corporate donor, Sentry gives thousands of dollars to the university during the year, including the recent gift as well as this year’s employee donations of over $11,000 which were matched by the company.

Representatives from Sentry, UWSP administrators and student Sentry scholarship winners attended the luncheon at the University Center.

"Sentry and the university have a unique relationship, we are neighbors and friends," said Greg Mox, president of the Sentry Insurance Foundation. "We are appreciative of the opportunities that the university brings to the community that would not be available for cities of this size, and we join with you in the commitment to improve the quality of life in the Stevens Point area."

"Sentry Insurance has been a tremendous friend and partner with UWSP over the years," said UWSP Chancellor Tom George. "The company’s generosity and financial contributions have had significant impacts on various programs throughout the university and have benefited a large number of students. The latest gift continues this fine tradition of partnership and is greatly appreciated by the entire university community."

The gift includes $26,000 in unrestricted funds as well as monies that support the Carl N. Jacobs Professorship of Business Administration, Sentry Academic Leadership Awards, Sentry Computer Information Systems awards, a Natural Resources scholarship, Division of Fine Arts and Communication projects, University Relations activities and various projects in the athletics department.

Additionally, this past year Sentry provided UWSP with the gift of oak library furniture and a variety of unusual Christmas ornaments from around the world. Funding for other scholarship programs includes $12,000 for the Sentry Insurance Student Leadership Scholarship, a way for UWSP to attract some of the best and brightest students in the business area. Another $10,000 was given from a $200,000 endowment that funds the Sentry Dependent Scholarship program, helping children of company employees attend the university.

Sentry also contributes to the university through use of Sentry Theater, guest presenters in classrooms and organizational meetings, service on boards and committees, intern programs, hiring through the Student Employment Office, the Sentry Classic Basketball Tournament and basketball game sponsorship.

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