UW-La Crosse’s College of Business Administration received $2.1 million — the largest gift in university history — to fund research, scholarships and hands-on learning opportunities.
The gift comes from the family of John Menard Jr., the founder and owner of home improvement chain, Menards. UW-La Crosse will receive the $2.1 million over four years.
“For us, this is the world,” Chancellor Joe Gow said when the donation was announced. “It’s thrilling that a donor like the Menard family understands the importance of the work we’re doing and wants to invest in that.”
Last year, UW-La Crosse economics professor Adam Hoffer developed what he called a “dream proposal” for the College of Business Administration, which included the funding of the school’s experimental lab, along with scholarships, lecture series and chances for industry experience, the La Crosse Tribune reported.
Soon a colleague of Hoffer’s got in touch with the Menard family, who wanted to fund his project.
Now, the $2.1 million establishes the Menard Family Midwest Initiative for Economic Engagement and Research, which includes all parts of Hoffer’s plan.
The new initiative will allow students to develop their own research and pursue it both on- and off-campus, according to Hoffer. Before the funding, students had to compete for grant money.
“We both want to enhance the educational experiences available to our students and engage our community through enriching, interactive experiences,” Hoffer said in the press release.
Menard previously donated to conservative causes and to improve health care in Eau Claire, where the chain originated.
“We are pleased to support UW-La Crosse students and scholars as they expand their explorations of the issues impacting the state and the nation,” the Menard family said in a statement. “The programs and research undertaken by the university’s center will further the school’s position as a critical resource of knowledge on economic issues.”
