UW-Parkside Receives $1 Million Major Gift from the Brookwood Foundation for Ranger...

Kenosha, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Parkside has received a transformative $1 million gift from the Brookwood Foundation to strengthen excellence in Ranger Athletics and to establish a Regenerative Environmental Research Collaborative -two areas that reflect UW-Parkside's mission and enduring commitment to student success.

"This generous investment underscores what defines UW-Parkside-an institution that is competitive, community-connected, and deeply committed to being responsible stewards of the extraordinary natural environment we share with our region," said Chancellor Lynn Akey. "We are grateful to partner with the Brookwood Foundation to provide meaningful opportunities for our students to excel."

A significant portion of the gift will enhance the Ranger Athletic experience and elevate UW-Parkside's competitive profile. In addition, a portion of the gift formalizes a Regenerative Environmental Research Collaborative and expands the Brookwood Foundation's ongoing work to engage students in hands-on learning that prepares them to address the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. The gift represents a five-year commitment to the collaborative.

"We are continuing our student-led basic science review of how water infiltrates our farming lands into year two. Our goal is to understand all aspects of these flows, then publish a source document that assists farmers, land managers, and other larger-acre decision makers on how to preserve the valuable resource," Charles Heide, Brookwood Foundation, Co-Trustee, shares. "Our commitment underscores the growing recognition that higher education must prepare students to excel in multiple dimensions-in competition, in the classroom, and in confronting our communities' challenges."

As part of the commitment, the Brookwood Foundation has also established an undisclosed matching challenge grant designed to inspire and amplify community support. This challenge aims to accelerate momentum, broaden donor participation, and ensure transformative impact across the university. For more information, contact Devon Borst, Vice Chancellor of Advancement and University Relations at [email protected].

The University will share additional details in the coming months, including specific program announcements and further opportunities for community partnership.

Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region's higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.

Media contact:

Derek Fye
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
[email protected] | (262) 771-5419