c o v e r s t o r y ‘Centennial Hall’ $44 million project is centerpiece <strong>of</strong> largest fundraising appeal in UW-L history By Cary Heyer and Natalie Olsen, ’01 Here’s a pop quiz — no pencil necessary. What is the last academic building at UW-L to be supported with state funds and when was it built? If you said “North Hall in 1974,” you’re right. And if you answered “W. Carl Wimberly Hall,” it’s quite likely that you graduated aer 2000, when the building was renamed to honor the academic vice chancellor who served the campus from 1953-1992. As the university approaches its 100th birthday in 2009, the UW-L Foundation is launching the public phase <strong>of</strong> its Centennial Campaign, the largest single fundraising appeal in its history. is comprehensive appeal includes six initiatives: the annual fund, faculty awards and development, scholarships, undergraduate research, a new Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex, and a new academic building. Of those, it is the laer — descriptively called “Centennial Hall” — that is <strong>of</strong> foremost importance to the campus. e proposed $44 million facility will include 44 classrooms, two auditoriums, six study rooms, three conference rooms, and a Hall <strong>of</strong> Nations. Each will incorporate advanced design with the needs <strong>of</strong> today’s students in mind. Ask Jim Leonhart, ’68, chairman <strong>of</strong> the UW-L Foundation board <strong>of</strong> directors, to dene the signicance <strong>of</strong> the new academic building and he <strong>of</strong>fers an answer without hesitation. “It is the single most important building project in campus history,” Leonhart says. “e iconic Graff Main Hall represents UW-L’s rst 100 years <strong>of</strong> extraordinary accomplishments. Centennial Hall will herald a new century <strong>of</strong> opportunity, discovery and achievement.” While he acknowledges the primary focus <strong>of</strong> this capital campaign is the construction <strong>of</strong> Centennial Hall, “We must look beyond the bricks and mortar to the exceptional students who benet from the education they receive at UW-L, the talented faculty and staff who support them, and a community <strong>of</strong> loyal friends and alumni who consistently advocate the university’s mission,” Leonhart says. “Together, they reect the strength and character that is part <strong>of</strong> the UW-L experience.” e project, he says, is a necessary investment. “We can’t expect to continue UW-L’s tradition <strong>of</strong> quality without demonstrating an 2 0 • u w - l a c r o s s e a l u m n u s • s u m m e r 2 0 0 8 unwavering commitment to aract and retain top talent — faculty, staff and students — and providing whatever tools and facilities they need to succeed.” ‘It’s our turn’ For the rst time in 34 years, UW-L will receive $38 million that has been tagged for new construction by the State <strong>of</strong> Wisconsin. ere is a string aached, though: e UW-L Foundation must raise $6 million in private funds, including $3 million by Aug. 31, to secure the leer <strong>of</strong> credit needed to proceed with the project. Al Trapp, acting president <strong>of</strong> the Foundation, leans forward when he explains the prospect <strong>of</strong> a return on investment that’s beer than seven-to-one. “is is a rare opportunity for UW-L to receive substantial state funds for a project dedicated to teaching and learning. e university has waited far too long. It’s our turn to move to the front <strong>of</strong> the line.” While the prospect <strong>of</strong> raising $3 million by the end <strong>of</strong> August may seem daunting, it’s worth noting that the university already has one, $1 million pledge in hand from alumnus Duncan Cameron, ’69. e Foundation recently launched a campus appeal for faculty, staff and emeriti employees, with a goal <strong>of</strong> 100 percent participation. “One <strong>of</strong> the rst questions a prospective donor asks is, ‘What is the level <strong>of</strong> involvement from your employees?’” Trapp said. He hopes a strong, shared commitment from UW-L faculty and staff will send a clear message to prospective donors <strong>of</strong> the urgent need to support the Centennial Campaign. At press time, 34 percent <strong>of</strong> UW-L faculty and staff have pledged their support for the effort. “We feel good about the progress we’ve made and expect that number to ascend signicantly now that Spring Semester is behind us.” The need, now To unveil the decits <strong>of</strong> the current classroom situation on campus, one needn’t be a student, pr<strong>of</strong>essor or building inspector. An observant eye will do. Today, many UW-L students aend classes in dated rooms continued on page 23
By the numbers Total Square Feet: 180,000+ Classrooms: 44 classrooms seating 40-70 students each Auditoriums: Two auditoriums seating 250 Footprint: 1 city block Occupancy: 5,000 $44 $38 $6 Total Project Cost State Support $3 $3 UW-L Foundation c o v e r s t o r y Additional $3 million to be raised for the project $1.5 million more needs to be raised by Aug. 31, <strong>2008</strong> $1.5 million raised u w - l a c r o s s e a l u m n u s • s u m m e r 2 0 0 8 • 2 1
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