Campus Connection

UWL names Fieldhouse for former chief business officer, announces largest gift in school history

UW-La Crosse’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.  

His transformative impact as an administrator, educator and mentor inspired the university’s recent dedication of the Bob Hetzel Fieldhouse — a facility that opened in 2023 and that Hetzel himself was instrumental in bringing to fruition.

“There are not enough words to adequately describe my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the UWL campus community for their kindness and support,” Hetzel says. “(The dedication of the Fieldhouse) is a gift that I will always remember. It was very special for me to be able to share the recognition with my family, friends and colleagues. To have the Fieldhouse named for me and be part of UWL’s institutional legacy, along with people like Carl Wimberly and Walter Wittich, is something very special, humbling and overwhelming.” 

As the university’s chief business officer, Hetzel oversaw financial planning, budget management and other key day-to-day operations at UWL. 

Through the years, he helped ensure the university continued to grow, prosper and evolve — even as new challenges emerged across the higher education landscape. 

His shrewdness and sound financial stewardship allowed UWL to maintain a healthy budget despite diminished state funding, and despite Wisconsin’s steadily shrinking pool of college-bound high school graduates.  

In fact, owing in large part to Hetzel’s leadership, enrollment grew by 1,000 students during his tenure, and the university added 200 new staff and faculty positions. 

For these and other accomplishments — such as the establishment of the Growth, Quality and Access Program and the successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic — Hetzel is quick to credit his colleagues. 

“Leaders are measured not just by their accomplishments but also the people with whom they surround themselves,” Hetzel says. “I was very fortunate to have Vickie Baer (executive staff assistant) assisting me for all 17 years during my time at UWL and Robin Tuxen (director of Administrative Services) for the last seven years. Also, the directors I worked with in the Division of Administration & Finance were exceptional.”

A consummate “doer” adept at navigating political processes, Hetzel also oversaw the conception and completion of many key building projects that enhanced services, amenities and academic opportunities on campus.

The latest such project, the Hetzel Fieldhouse, has been described as a “game-changer” for the university, providing a major boost to men’s and women’s athletic programs, student recreation, exercise and sport science research, and more.  

Hetzel conceived the idea for the project during a hike in Estes Park, Colorado, in 2014. Not quite a decade later, the Fieldhouse opened its doors.

Other projects completed under Hetzel include: 

• Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex (2009)  
• Centennial Hall (2011)  
• Eagle Hall (2011)  
• Parking Ramp (2013) and Addition (2015)  
• West Chiller Plant (2016)  
• Student Union (2017)  
• Lowe Center for the Arts Entrance Addition (2017)  
• Maintenance & Stores Addition (2017)  
• Recreational Eagle Center Addition (2018)  
• Prairie Springs Science Center (2018)  
• Counseling & Testing Center Renovation (2020)  
• Wittich Hall Renovation (2020)  
• Access Center Relocation and Expansion (2021). 

“No matter where you go on our campus, you will likely find something that Bob Hetzel touched or transformed for the betterment of the university. His legacy is that profound and prevalent,” Chancellor James Beeby says. “Bob represents not just the best of UWL, but the best of higher education. His commitment to the success of our students and the wellbeing of our university is impossible to quantify. We are indebted to Bob for all he has done, and all he continues to do, for UWL.” 

Giving back in a big way

Upon his retirement, and separate from the dedication of the Fieldhouse, Hetzel worked with the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation to lay the groundwork for the largest philanthropic gift in school history. 

Hetzel is contributing $2.5 million to establish the Bob Hetzel General Scholarship Fund and the Bob Hetzel Athletics Endowment, and to continue to support the Bob Hetzel Physical Therapy Scholarship Endowment.

A total initial pledge of $250,000 over the next five years will launch the endowments, while the remaining $2.25 million will be bequeathed to the Foundation through an estate gift.

University leaders say the gift will unlock life-changing opportunities for current and future generations of UWL students.

The latest in a string of recent large philanthropic gifts to the university, Hetzel's donation illustrates donors' growing enthusiasm for supporting UWL's mission of academic and cocurricular excellence. Along with the Fieldhouse, it also serves to bolster UWL's workforce development efforts, particularly in the sciences.

“Bob’s gift will reduce the cost of college for countless students, allowing them to pursue their passions and go on to outstanding careers,” Beeby says. “This is the type of gift that transforms lives and, for many, brings a college education within reach. I can think of no better tribute to Bob than seeing his generosity reflected in the success of our students.” 

The Bob Hetzel General Scholarship Fund provides the assistant vice chancellor of Admissions & Recruitment discretion to determine the scholarships recipients, award size, award quantity and renewal eligibility.  

The Bob Hetzel Athletics Endowment provides the director of Athletics discretion to spend funds in support of staff development, athletic program promotion or enrichment, and other purposes and activities that support the mission and programs of the Athletics Department. 

Hetzel established the Bob Hetzel Physical Therapy Scholarship Endowment in 2016 after recovering from injuries he sustained in a traffic accident outside Graff Main Hall.

All three funds promise to make a difference in students' lives, while serving as a testament to Hetzel's enduring commitment to UWL.

“UWL provides tremendous opportunities for our students to learn and grow, and they define the excellence of the university,” Hetzel says. “My philanthropy is intended to establish endowed scholarships for students that want to attend UWL and provide them with support for achieving their educational goals and earning their degree from UWL. 

“Athletics," he continues, “is one of the front doors to the university and the way in which so many students, families, alumni and friends see UWL. There are tremendous needs for a Division III intercollegiate athletics program, and my endowment is intended to provide the Eagle teams with support.”