This number represents a 6 percent increase over 1996-97 donors. People choose to support UW-Eau Claire for many reasons, not the least of which are the services the university provides to students, staff and the greater region. UW-Eau Claire has long been known for the support it receives from its alumni, ranking as one of the leading public universities in the proportion of alumni who donate to the institution annually, said Carole Halberg, acting Foundation president. People like what happens to them when they come here because it benefits them.
People use what they gain here in order to construct happy and worthwhile lives.
Halberg noted that it's particularly satisfying that the Foundation concluded its second finest year in terms of financial support from alumni and friends during a year of great transition within the leadership of the university. The year began with Chancellor Emeritus Larry Schnack announcing his retirement, followed later by the resignation of Foundation President David Utley, the death of alumnus and longtime campus leader Chancellor Emeritus Leonard Haas, and Dr. Donald Mash's appointment as UW-Eau Claire's sixth chancellor. The private support received by the Foundation provides the margin of difference that makes UW-Eau Claire's attainment of excellence possible, Chancellor Mash said. The university has significant potential yet to be realized, and the private support we receive from our alumni and friends will be necessary to maximize our potential. New first-term board members are Charles Grossklaus, Bette Wahl, Janine Wildenberg, Nancy Scobie, Marcia Van Beek and Susan Sullivan.