Reflecting on the year's most memorable Light Reads alumni stories

Posted 9:18 a.m. Tuesday , Jan. 7 , 2025

Reflecting on the year's most memorable Light Reads alumni stories

As 2024 draws to a close, the UW-La Crosse community reflects on the stories that captured the attention of alumni. From honoring influential campus leaders and groundbreaking gifts to celebrating alumni achievements and cherished traditions, the top stories of the year showcase what made 2024 truly unforgettable.

1. Honoring Bob Hetzel

UWL's new, state-of-the-art Fieldhouse now bears the name of one of the most influential leaders in school history. Bob Hetzel retired in July after 17 years of distinguished service as vice chancellor for Administration & Finance. His transformative impact as an administrator, educator and mentor inspired the university's recent dedication of the Bob Hetzel Fieldhouse - a facility that opened in 2023 and that Hetzel himself was instrumental in bringing to fruition. Read more.

2. Stepping away but not saying goodbye.

Janie Morgan's 26 years of service at UWL came to a close in June, but her impact on alumni relations will be felt for years to come. After joining UWL in 1998 as director of Alumni Relations and executive director of the UWL Alumni Association, Morgan became a vital force in connecting thousands of alumni to their alma mater. Read more.

3. A new era.

James Beeby officially assumed the role of UWL chancellor Monday, July 1, 2024, becoming the 11th leader in the school's 115-year history. Beeby's priorities include building upon UWL's reputation for academic excellence, engaging with community partners and friends of the university, and creating an environment where all students feel welcome. Read more.

4. Transformational gifts.

Two monumental donations, totaling nearly $3 million, will enhance education and research at UWL. A $1.5 million gift from Mike and Kathi McGinley will establish the university's first named and endowed faculty professorship, while a $1.3 million contribution from Ron and Jane Rada will fund two permanent fellowships for the River Studies Center. Read more.

5. Ready to make waves.

Spring 2024 marked the christening of the Research Vessel Prairie Springs - a new watercraft that promises to revolutionize freshwater education at UWL. The vessel, supported by a $500,000 gift from the Paul Fleckenstein Trust, will serve as a vital tool for research and learning along the Mississippi River. Read more.

6. A financial assist.

A philanthropic partnership between UWL and the Trust Point Foundation will support innovative and impactful learning experiences for students pursuing careers in financial planning. The Trust Point Foundation has pledged $90,000 over three years to establish the Trust Point Personal Financial Planning Fund through the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation. Read more.

7. Tasting through the screen.

A UWL communication studies graduate found himself in the spotlight, once again, as one of the Midwest's most celebrated chefs. Yia Vang, '10, the mastermind behind Twin Cities restaurants Union Hmong Kitchen and Vinai, showcased his Hmong-inspired dishes to a national audience on a recent episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on Food Network. Read more.

8. Embracing a Tradition.

Sam and Megan Pierce agreed to join the Oktoberfest Grenadier Corps, a group of couples responsible for promoting the fall festival at regional events, parades and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. In a matter of months, they were converted from Oktoberfest outsiders to enthusiastic advocates, making connections and extolling the virtues of Oktoberfest across the tri-state area. Read more.

9. Looking back at 1984.

Oktoberfest. A presidential election. Spring fever. They were impacting campus 40 years ago, just as they are today. Back when life in the 1980s was real and not just something on Sirius XM's '80s on 8, campus was bustling with students enjoying college life. Here's a look at what was happening at UWL 40 years ago, during the 1984-85 academic year. Read more.

10. Crafting Careers.

Cheers to Whitney Alibrandi, '10, and Nathan Purtell, '19, who have used their UWL education to brew up great careers. Alibrandi and Purtell both graduated from UWL with a degree in biology before starting their next adventure as quality assurance technicians for one of the most recognizable businesses in La Crosse: City Brewery. Read more.

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