A Stevens Point couple will be recognized as "honored partners" of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at the UW System�s 30^th Anniversary Celebration in Madison on Thursday, April 4.

John and Patty Noel, co-founders and owners of Travel Guard International and the Noel Group, will be guests of honor at a 6 p.m. dinner at Lowell Hall on the UW-Madison campus. In addition to the partners, recipients of teaching, department and academic staff excellence awards from throughout the UW System will be recognized. Plaques will be presented by Jay Smith, president of the UW Board of Regents and President Katharine Lyall. The honorees will be joined by regents, former regents, chancellors, students and other dignitaries.

The Noels, both natives of Wausau and graduates of UWSP, have pledged $1 million to help fund the proposed addition to the Fine Arts Center that will break ground in 2003.

At the ceremony marking the gift to UWSP, Noel said, "Our personal mission statement reflects our desire to help children and the disadvantaged and to promote diversity. As we�ve worked with UWSP in these areas, we�ve found the chancellor and everyone within the university to be open and supportive. This contribution to the Fine Arts Center comes from all of the employees of the Noel Group. "

In 1996 the Noels created the Compass Scholar Program to encourage and reward academic achievement, leadership and citizenship for high school students of color in Wisconsin Schools. The program includes room, board and tuition at UWSP plus a paid internship at the Noel Group. Also, as part of their commitment to cultural diversity, the Noels helped support a class at UWSP called Ethnic Diversity in Wisconsin by providing a grant to broadcast portions of the class on area cable access channels.

They have founded a number of humanitarian projects throughout the world including Make A Mark, a nonprofit program that funds sustainable building projects in developing countries. Last year the couple was presented with the Franklin Covey Humanitarian Service Award to individuals who reach out to improve the quality of life for individuals, groups or humankind.

"John and Patty Noel are two of UWSP's closest friends and most ardent supporters. They truly deserve this recognition," said Chancellor Tom George. "Their commitment to higher education, to diversity, and to assisting those in need is inspiring."

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