Campus Connection

The numbers are in, and this year’s One Day for UWL was the most successful yet

UW-La Crosse's fifth-annual One Day for UWL was a resounding success, breaking records and showcasing the community's commitment to enhancing students’ educational experience. 

This year’s event raised an impressive $529,034, surpassing the half-million-dollar mark for the first time in its history. 

"This accomplishment would not have been possible without the groundwork laid in previous years and the many donors who continue to make their annual gift to UWL on One Day," says Lauren Wanders, annual giving coordinator and organizer of this year’s event. "It speaks volumes about how generous our UWL community is and how many individuals are cheering on our students."

The day featured widespread participation, with over 2,200 gifts pouring in from 48 states and several countries, demonstrating the far-reach of UWL’s community. To maximize donations, the event included more than 50 matching challenges, effectively doubling the contributions and increasing the overall impact. 

"I am deeply grateful to everyone who shared their time, talent and treasure with us on One Day for UWL," says Chancellor James Beeby. "The generosity of our donors, along with the dedication of so many people in the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation and across campus, helped make this year's event our most successful yet. Their efforts truly have a profound impact on the success of our students and the opportunities we are able to provide on our campus." 

Notably, the event surpassed its "Top the Tower Every Hour" goal — a nod to the iconic Hoeschler Tower on campus — raising the equivalent of 68 hourly targets, nearly three times the original aim.

“An exciting part of the day was the ‘Ring In One Day’ event held at the Hoeschler Tower. Students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, community members and children from the Campus Child Center gathered to kick off the festivities,” Wanders says. “The celebration featured the UWL Screaming Eagles Marching Band, our mascot, Stryker, and a motivating speech from Chancellor Beeby. At 9 a.m., the clock tower rang out, signaling the official start of the fundraising day, while attendees cheered with pom-poms and cowbells.” 

While the event lasted only 24 hours, its impact will be felt for years to come. 

“Many departments, programs and teams that received gifts will expand the opportunities available to our students. When students have more opportunities on campus, their future horizons expand, too," Wanders explains. "This is really what One Day for UWL is all about — celebrating the lasting impact that philanthropy has on our students and our whole UWL community." 

A key factor in this year’s record-breaking success was a notable increase in contributions from UWL employees giving $100 or more, which doubled last year’s number. 

“We saw amazing participation from UWL employees during One Day for UWL,” Wanders says. “While each donor has a unique reason for giving, I think what unites all UWL employees is our desire to see our students succeed in all that they do. 

"On behalf of the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation, I want to give a huge 'thank you’ to everyone who gave and got involved with One Day for UWL,” Wanders continues. “This day is not possible without all of you. Thank you for living maroon and giving maroon!”