With new gift, Hetzel advances the future of business education

With new gift, Hetzel advances the future of business education

Few people did more to advance UW-La Crosse than Bob Hetzel during his 17 years with the university. And he continues to have a transformational impact, even in retirement.

Hetzel, who retired from his role as vice chancellor for Administration & Finance in July 2024, is giving back to UWL through a series of major gifts to the Alumni & Friends Foundation.

Last year, it was announced that Hetzel was contributing $2.5 million to support student scholarships and Athletics - first through an initial pledge of $250,000, and then through an estate gift.

Now, Hetzel is expanding his support with a $1 million estate gift that will establish the Bob Hetzel College of Business Administration (CBA) Dean's Endowment. The endowment will support faculty and staff recruitment, professional development, financial awards for excellence, faculty research stipends, strategic initiatives and other priorities identified by the dean of the CBA.

"I'm very pleased to be able to establish the CBA Dean's Endowment to support the CBA's faculty and staff, and most of all, its students as they pursue degrees in business," Hetzel says. "The CBA exudes the academic excellence of UWL, and its faculty and staff have a record of accomplishment in preparing students for careers in business. The college has become a point of pride and a program of excellence for UWL. This gift will ensure its success and impact on students in perpetuity."

TJ Brooks, dean of the CBA, says Hetzel's gift will have a major impact on campus and in the community.

"This fund gives us the flexibility to invest in initiatives that directly benefit our students and strengthen our connection to the business community," Brooks says. "Whether it's through supporting cutting-edge research, recruiting and awarding faculty, or engaging in strategic collaborations, it is all in the service of making an impact."

As the university's former chief business officer, Hetzel has a keen understanding of the budget limitations facing UWL, as well as the essential role philanthropy plays in supporting student success.

Hetzel's generosity is the latest example of his commitment to strengthening UWL, which was the guiding focus of his work for nearly two decades.

His shrewdness and sound financial stewardship allowed UWL to maintain a healthy budget despite diminished state funding, and despite Wisconsin's steadily shrinking pool of college-bound high school graduates.

In fact, owing in large part to Hetzel's leadership, enrollment grew by 1,000 students during his tenure, and the university added 200 new staff and faculty positions.

A consummate "doer" adept at navigating political processes, Hetzel also oversaw the conception and completion of many key building projects that enhanced services, amenities and academic opportunities on campus. He was instrumental in UWL's efforts to secure state funding to complete the Prairie Springs Science Center, which was approved this summer.

"No matter where you go on our campus, you will likely find something that Bob Hetzel touched or transformed for the betterment of the university. His legacy is that profound and prevalent," Chancellor James Beeby says. "Bob represents not just the best of UWL, but the best of higher education. His commitment to the success of our students and the wellbeing of our university is impossible to quantify. We are indebted to Bob for all he has done and all he continues to do for UWL."

Honoring Hetzel

In recognition of Hetzel's remarkable career and continued impact on UWL, the university is honoring his legacy in a special way.

Last year, UWL's new Fieldhouse was dedicated as the Hetzel Fieldhouse. And now, following his gift to the CBA, the lower level of Wittich Hall has been dedicated as Hetzel Commons.

Together, they stand as a fitting testament to Hetzel, who oversaw the Fieldhouse project from beginning to end, as well as major renovations that converted Wittich Hall from a physical education building to the new home of the CBA.

For his part, Hetzel says he is humbled to have UWL facilities named in his honor.

"To have these facilities named for me and be part of UWL's institutional legacy, along with people like Carl Wimberly and Walter Wittich, is very, very special, humbling and overwhelming," he says.

As was customary throughout his career, he is quick to share credit with his colleagues. The naming of Hetzel Commons, he says, should be seen as a celebration not of him, but of the commitment and achievements of many.

"Beyond my desire to provide support for the CBA's faculty, staff and students, I also wanted to honor and recognize the staff of UWL's Division of Administration & Finance, who serve the university with commitment, dedication and excellence," Hetzel says. "It was my good fortune to work with so many talented and dedicated people during my 17 years as vice chancellor at UWL. They are the reason for everything that I was able to accomplish."