UW-Platteville Foundation & Alumni Association Raises More Than $102,000 at Inaugural Pioneer Legacy Gala: Off to the Races

The first-ever Pioneer Legacy Gala: Off to the Races, hosted by the UW-Platteville Foundation & Alumni Association, brought together alumni, donors and friends of the university for an unforgettable evening celebrating Pioneer pride and student success.

Held with a festive Kentucky Derby theme, the event welcomed approximately 140 guests for an evening filled with energy, generosity and community spirit. Attendees enjoyed derby-inspired décor and activities including betting on classic horse races, a silent auction, live auction and wine and whiskey pulls, all in support of the Pioneer Scholarship Fund.

By the end of the evening, the inaugural gala raised an impressive $102,740 to support scholarships for UW-Platteville students.

"The success of our first Pioneer Legacy Gala demonstrates the incredible generosity and commitment of the UW-Platteville community," said Bridget Wallace. "These funds will directly impact students by helping remove financial barriers and creating opportunities for them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom."

One of the evening's most impactful moments came from student speaker Liz Reyes, who shared her personal story about the transformative power of scholarships. Reyes spoke candidly about the financial uncertainty she faced when considering college and how donor support gave her confidence and the ability to pursue her dreams at UW-Platteville.

"Scholarships do more than just help students pay for school," Reyes shared during the event. "They empower us to say yes. Yes, I belong here. Yes, I am capable. Yes, my future is worth investing in."

Funds raised through the Pioneer Scholarship Fund help students access educational opportunities, engage in campus leadership experiences and graduate prepared to make an impact in their communities and professions.

The UW-Platteville Foundation & Alumni Association expressed gratitude to event sponsors American Family Insurance, WCC Brands, and Studio Gear, donors, volunteers, committee members and attendees whose enthusiasm and generosity made the evening a success. Following the strong response to this year's event, please save the date for the next Pioneer Legacy Gala, April 23, 2027.