UW-La Crosse is set to receive nearly $3 million in donations from two families in order to expand science programs at the college. Interim chancellor Betsy Morgan announced both gifts on Thursday, with the larger of the two being a $1.5 million donation from Mike and Kathi McGinley. The McGinleys, who graduated from UWL in 1982, hope that their endowed professorship will continue valuable research programs at the university.
The couple has previously supported students with scholarships and fellowships, but now felt it was time to support the faculty, as this ultimately benefits the students. “We want to ensure that UW-L continues to be a leader in scientific research and education,” said Mike McGinley. “By supporting the faculty, we can help them conduct groundbreaking research that will have a positive impact on society.”
Former UW-L faculty member Ron Rada and his wife Jane are also donating $1.3 million to provide funding for the university’s River Studies Center. Rada, a long-time member of the UWL faculty, hopes that the Center can use this money to enhance its reputation by building upon its multi-disciplinary base of freshwater knowledge and education. “We believe that this gift will help us continue our work of promoting sustainable water management practices and protecting our precious natural resources,” said Rada. Both donations are scheduled to go into effect a year from now at UW-L.
