The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is entering the public phase of its “Discover Your Purpose” comprehensive campaign, announced the UWSP Foundation Board, with the goal of raising $100 million dollars.
Aimed at empowering students to discover their purpose and achieve meaningful impact in their communities and beyond, the campaign is “a call to alumni, friends and partners to invest in a future where every UW-Stevens Point student has the opportunity, support and inspiration to discover what drives them and turn it into a fulfilling life path,” said William Broussard, vice chancellor of University Advancement and executive director of the UWSP Foundation.
The campaign’s honorary chair is UW-Stevens Point alumnus Ray Ackerlund ’97, president-elect of the UWSP Foundation Board. President of Skyward, Inc., Ackerlund sees the campaign as an opportunity to elevate the already impactful work of UWSP. He and his wife, Connie ’98, are long-time champions of higher education and dedicated philanthropists.
“We believe strongly in what this university offers—opportunity, direction, and purpose,” said Ackerlund. “Whatever success we’ve found in life has roots here, and we are honored to help others find that same direction through this campaign.”
UWSP Chancellor Thomas Gibson emphasized the campaign’s alignment with the university’s core mission.
“This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about helping students discover their purpose and pursue it with confidence,” said Gibson. “With leaders like Ray and Connie Ackerlund at the helm, and the continued support of our alumni and community, we are building a stronger future for our students and for the region.”
The campaign began its silent phase in 2021 and has been steadily gaining momentum with transformational support for the university. With three and a half years remaining in the campaign, UWSP has reached 69% of its goal and has $11 million more currently pledged/expected toward the campaign before the end of 2028.
Key achievements include:
- record-breaking gifts to UWSP Athletics to develop the institution’s first turf athletic fields,
- the largest first-year scholarship endowment in university history, and the creation of two new endowed professorships, including the first endowed professorship in the College of Fine Arts and Communication,
- the largest gift in the history of UWSP at Marshfield, which funds student scholarships,
- the second largest estate gift in the College of Natural Resources’ history,
- alumni gifts resulting in the renovation and naming of the Frank R. and Kathleen Y. Haeni Chemistry and Biology Building, honoring Frank and Kathleen Haeni, and the Olson Natural History Museum, honoring Don and Judi Olson,
- investments in research resulting in UWSP’s recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as a “Research College/University,” and
- significant contributions from companies such as Sentry Insurance, Sanford Hospital–Marshfield Clinic Region and Skyward to enhance workforce development and career opportunities for UWSP graduates.
During the silent phase, the UWSP Foundation’s assets have increased by 46% to over $87 million. As the campaign moves forward, it will focus on expanding and adding to current scholarship endowments, supporting innovative academic programs and enhancing student experience. Each gift will help strengthen UW-Stevens Point’s ability to serve as a regional anchor and a launchpad for purposeful, impactful lives.
Internally, the campaign will be co-managed by a dedicated team, including Broussard (wbroussa@uwsp.edu), Advancement Manager Cindy Weber (cyweber@uwsp.edu), and Principal Alumni Relations Officer Laura Gehrman Rottier (lgehrman@uwsp.edu).
To learn how you can be part of this inspiring movement to help UWSP students discover their purpose, feel free to connect with one of the campaign leaders or visit our campaign website, www.uwsp.edu/support.