Posted 11:11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
A year of growth, innovation and recognition for excellence
2024 was a year of remarkable achievements for UWL. The university celebrated a record-breaking first-year class, welcomed a new chancellor, and earned high rankings on influential college lists. UWL's commitment to sustainability and community engagement flourished with innovative programs like a campus waste diversion initiative and new partnerships that enhance student learning. Additionally, the campus honored an influential campus leader with the dedication of the new fieldhouse. Here’s a look back at some of the year’s most notable stories.
No. 1. James Beeby named UWL chancellor
James Beeby, former provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Keene State College in New Hampshire, was named the 11th leader in UWL history. Beeby assumed the leadership post on July 1, 2024. He was drawn to this opportunity because of the university’s public mission and fine reputation. Read more.
No. 2. Stepping away but not saying goodbye
Janie Morgan became director of Alumni Relations and executive director of the UWL Alumni Association in 1998. Ever since she has been a powerful force connecting thousands of UWL alumni to their alma mater. She retired in June 2024 after 26 years of service with the university. Read more.
No. 3. Reduce, reuse, reimagine
UWL partnered with Habitat for Humanity for a new campus dumpster diversion program. Launched during the spring 2024 move-out period, the program successfully redirected over 16,000 pounds of furniture and other usable items from campus dumpsters to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Onalaska. UWL was later honored with the 2024 Recycling Excellence Award from the Department of Natural Resources for the program. Read more.
No. 4. Honoring Bob Hetzel
UWL’s new, state-of-the-art Fieldhouse now bears the name of one of the most influential leaders in school history. Bob Hetzel retired in July after 17 years of distinguished service as vice chancellor for Administration & Finance. He made a transformative impact as an administrator, educator and mentor, which inspired the dedication of the Bob Hetzel Fieldhouse. Read more.
No. 5. Life lessons from cancer care
UWL Alumnus Jacob Wudtke began his career in radiation therapy after graduating in 2019. He delivered treatments at UW-Health and the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center. Wudtke found that, while helping patients fight cancer, their stories of family and life also inspired him, shaping his own approach to living. Read more.
No. 6. A financial assist
The Trust Point Foundation pledged $90,000 over three years to establish the Trust Point Personal Financial Planning Fund through the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation. The fund will support comprehensive financial education programs for the campus and broader community. Additionally, it will provide experiential learning opportunities for UWL College of Business Administration students aspiring to be financial planners, helping them gain the skills and experience required to excel in their future careers. Read more.
No. 7. UWL named top public university
UWL was the only comprehensive campus in Wisconsin to make a list of the nation’s best public colleges. UWL placed No. 100 in the new ranking by news website Stacker — the only Wisconsin university besides UW-Madison to make the list. Stacker evaluated colleges on a variety of factors, including academics, admissions, cost and student life. Later in the year, UWL was highly ranked on another college list – earning the No. 2 spot among the best public universities in Wisconsin in Niche’s 2025 Best Colleges list. Read more.
No. 8. Record enrollment
UWL welcomed its largest first-year class in school history in fall 2024, with 2,325 students enrolled — surpassing the fall 2022 record of 2,308. This milestone highlights the growing appeal of a UWL education. “When recruiting in high schools and at college fairs across the Midwest, it makes us proud how many alumni and parents of UWL students rave about the UWL experience. This really is a wonderful campus,” says Corey Sjoquist, assistant vice chancellor for Admissions & Recruitment. Read more.
No. 9. Ready to make waves
It’s anchors aweigh for UWL’s new, state-of-the-art research vessel. Campus and community partners gathered along the Mississippi River in spring 2024 to christen the long-awaited Research Vessel Prairie Springs, and to celebrate the people and partnerships that helped make the project a reality. Read more.
No. 10. A craft of love
A UWL alumna who creates made-to-order cards and more, was able to turn a childhood craft hobby into a full-time job. UWL Alumna Renee Smith is the founder and owner of PartyHappier, a business she launched that sells cards, stationery and more. Read more.