UWL Foundation news
Joe and Suzanne Toce reflect on importance of giving
Suzanne and Joe Toce have created scholarships and research opportunities for students.
Posted 5:56 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000
Joe and Suzanne Toce came to La Crosse later in life, but they have still made a profound impact on students.
Joe, a retired chemistry and biochemistry professor at UWL, and Suzanne, a retired neonatologist at Gundersen Health System, have contributed more than $212,000 to the UWL Foundation — most of which has funded scholarships and research opportunities.
“Supporting that research really helps students get to the next level,” Joe says. “We believe this is the best way for students to bolster their resumes and show employers that they have prowess beyond just the classroom.”
Sara Gonske, a May 2021 biochemistry graduate, received the Joseph & Suzanne Toce Dean’s Distinguished Fellowship and the Toce Graduating Senior Award in Biochemistry. The awards allowed her to focus on her studies, positioning her for success.
“Saving that time and getting those experiences was so valuable,” explains Gonske, who is pursuing her doctorate at the University of Washington. “That really adds to your resume and prepares you for the next level.”
See more about the Toces
Alums nominated
4 take seats on UWL Foundation Board
These four alumni began serving on the UWL Foundation Board of Directors in January 2022.
Autumn Kletzien, ’04
- Senior director of accounting at Performance Food Group (formerly Reinhart Foodservice).
- Cashton native; currently lives in Holmen with her family.
- Majored in accountancy.
Neva Moga, ’97
- Instructional technology supervisor for the Milwaukee Public Schools.
- Majored in elementary education; master’s degrees from Cardinal Stritch University and National Louis University.
Kelly Rusch, ’86
- Executive director, North Dakota EPSCoR State Office (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research).
- Associate chair and professor, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at North Dakota State University.
- Awarded Rada Distinguished Alumni Award; scholarship endowment fund holder with the UWL Foundation.
- Majored in biology and chemistry; master's (1989) and doctorate (1992) in civil engineering from Louisiana State University.
Joe Zoellner, ’05
- Chief sales officer and Wisconsin market president, Coulee Bank, La Crosse.
- Lifelong resident of La Crosse, active in the community.
- Majored in finance and economics.
UWL Foundation Board Officers
- Jenny Kuderer Radcliffe, ’03, Chair
- Todd Taylor, ’80, Vice Chair
- Bill Colclough, Treasurer
- Mike McGinley, ’82, Secretary
UWL Foundation Board Officers (L to R): Kuderer Radcliffe, Taylor, Colclough, McGinley.
Factoids
- $1.285M | scholarships awarded 2020-21
- 1,000+ | students received scholarships
- $26,000 | to 60 students from the UWL Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund
New 2020 Scholarships
- Endowed – 5
- Restricted – 19
- Total: 24
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