Campus Connection

Philanthropy highlights UWL graduate’s college career

Logan Tate never really expected philanthropy to be a big part of his college career, let alone for it to be a highlight. “Sara Softball is my baby,” says the graduate. The December finance and economics graduate found his way to running the annual charity softball tournament when he joined Chi Phi his freshman year. The fraternity started the tournament in 2013 to honor Sara Hougom, a UWL student killed in a random act of violence. Tate, who never met Hougom, followed his business mind and went beyond running the charity softball event every year. He filed the paperwork to start a foundation. “Initially I wanted to start a foundation because we were missing big donations,” explains Tate. “After I talked to Sara’s mom Sherry, it became less of a ‘we want more donations’ to knowing we could make a huge impact on the community.” The Sara Rose Hougom Foundation raises money to promote violence awareness and prevention in the community by supporting causes like the La Crosse K-9 unit. Tate served on the board of directors for the non-profit. Tate is moving to Milwaukee and will work at Liberty Mutual in rotational insurance. He plans to return every spring for Sara Softball. “I didn’t want to graduate already, but it has to happen,” says Tate. “I really like UWL, had a good time, made a lot of friends, and wish I could have stayed."