Campus Connection

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the UW-La Crosse Alumni Association and the UW-La Crosse Foundation have entered into a new memorandum of understanding to align the three to advance the 106-year-old campus. The agreement will enhance future fundraising and alumni engagement activities in a plan that calls for “One University — One Mission.” The plan will help the three become more efficient, effective and sustainable by aligning the Foundation’s goals and resources with those of the university and Alumni Association to advance the institution among its different constituents. “The transition has been well researched and vetted by many volunteers and professionals,” says UWL Chancellor Joe Gow. “This model is common at public institutions of our size and will prove to be very effective for us moving forward.” Effective Nov. 16, UWL Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Greg Reichert will hold the joint titles of vice chancellor and President of the UWL Foundation. By blending staff from the Foundation, Association and Advancement, the university will have a strong team in place to continue to grow on the success of the Share the La Crosse Experience scholarship campaign, explains Gow. He expects the agreement to also discover new ways to help UWL students, faculty and staff succeed through external engagement and support. Reichert takes over for three retired faculty who headed the Foundation for more than a year during the transition: Bill Colclough, interim president; Joe Heim, interim vice president; and Ron Rada, special assistant to the president. “We have a dedicated team in place to expand the opportunities for our students and campus community through private support,” says Reichert. “I hope to build on our past successes and lead a program that can truly transform UWL in the future.” Chancellor Gow agrees. “Our new relationship among the Foundation, Alumni Association and University positions UWL for a very bright future,” says Gow.