THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-RIVER FALLS | Fall 2026
Falcon FEATURES
CHAMPIONS CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE ON CAMPUS AND BEYOND
CONTENTS UP FRONT.......................................................................4 Address from Chancellor Chenoweth.......................4 Amy Clark named Provost...........................................4 ALONG THE SOUTH FORK..........................................5 Barbershop chorus internship....................................5 Crain brings home orchid gold...................................6 Romanski receives Distinguished Ag award........... 7 SciTech grand opening.................................................8 Jeff Lamie named assistant Chancellor....................8 AI math competition.....................................................9 $2.5M in scholarships....................................................9 PROFile: Erik Withers................................................. 10 FALCON FEATURE...................................................... 12 A salute to champions................................................ 12
Falcon Features Volume 74, Fall 2026 University of Wisconsin-River Falls 410 S. 3rd St. River Falls, WI 54022 715-425-3505 falconfeatures@uwrf.edu www.uwrf.edu/alumni Falcon Features is published annually by the University Advancement and University Marketing and Communications offices and the Alumni Association. Generating content is a team effort.
UWRF football: national champions....................... 12 Curt Larson: faculty champion................................. 13 Nikki Hoffart: student champion.............................. 14 Jacob Balcome: heptathlon champion................... 15 Women’s hockey: 3x champions.............................. 15 Dykstra creates endowment..................................... 16 Meydam and Larson donation.................................. 17 FALCON ATHLETICS................................................... 18 Renewing Ramer Field............................................... 21 Banner year for UWRF Athletics.............................. 21 ALUMNI..........................................................................22 Falcon Fotos.................................................................22 Falcon Farewell........................................................... 24 Evening of Excellence.................................................26 Donor Profile: Wanda Brown....................................27
Learn more about Alumni news and opportunities at www.uwrf.edu/alumni.
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FALCON FEATURES
EDITORIAL TEAM EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dina Fassino CONTENT MANAGERS Jeff Lamie Pedro Renta Kimberly Gould Speckman CREATIVE MANAGER Mary Rohl, Lafsa + Co COPY EDITOR Kelsea Wissing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Barber Lindquist Eric Lindquist Kelsea Wissing Dan Lea PHOTOGRAPHERS Pat Deninger Carly Lynch Wade Gardner, d3photography.com Evan Peterson
IN THIS ISSUE
Falcon football wins Division III national championship (page 12)
Curt Larson: faculty champion (page 13)
PROFile: Erik Withers (page 10)
Paul Dykstra establishes $1M endowment (page 16)
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UP FRONT WITH
CHANCELLOR CHENOWETH You’ll notice the theme of this year’s Falcon Features is “Champions,” and it’s a fitting one. Our Falcons have earned championship status across the board in athletics, academics, enrollment and financial support. This past year was arguably the most successful year in UWRF’s 150-year history. We were champions in many ways and many forms, including: • The first ever NCAA Division III football national championship, earned Jan. 4 in the Stagg Bowl in Canton, Ohio, followed by the third straight NCAA Division III women’s hockey national championship, earned on our home ice March 29, and Jacob Balcome’s second straight national championship in the NCAA Division III indoor heptathlon this spring. • Academic successes achieved by our talented faculty and students, several of whom brought home top honors in national competitions. • The opening of the Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech), the most transformational academic building in UWRF’s history, in January. • The March 31 dedication of the $117 million SciTech facility and completion of the $5 million Soar with SciTech campaign. • Increased enrollment. • Record-setting success in fundraising. We also celebrated the addition of two new leaders on campus: a new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and a new Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement, who both joined our team in July. In this issue, you will read about these remarkable successes and meet several individuals who are champions in their own right – students, professors and donors who are making a profound difference at UWRF. Please join me in celebrating a championship year at UWRF. Enjoy!
John Chenoweth
Leading the next chapter of academic excellence UW-River Falls named Amy Clark, Ph.D., as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective July 1. Clark joined UWRF from Nebraska Methodist College, where she served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from 2018 to 2025. She brings extensive leadership experience in higher education, having also served as dean, program director, faculty member and researcher. “I am deeply honored to join UW-River Falls, an institution with a strong sense of community and shared commitment to student success,” Clark said. Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth praised Clark’s broad academic leadership experience and expressed confidence in her ability to advance academic excellence and student success. Clark succeeded Interim Provost Wes Chapin, who returned to the faculty following two years of service in the interim role.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Amy Clark
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UP FRONT/ALONG THE SOUTH FORK
Finding harmony through opportunity When Michael Kerr was approaching his final semester at UW-River Falls, he had a couple of very different choices to consider for an internship. That might not be surprising, considering he was on the verge of completing a triple major in marketing communications, education, and stage and screen arts. The Barbershop Harmony Society, a local chapter formed in River Falls in 1951, called the university looking for help to promote the group and recruit new members. “It’s my passion to help local businesses, especially nonprofits, to be able to expand,” Kerr said. “The barbershop internship caught my eye.”
“It’s my passion to help local businesses, especially nonprofits, to be able to expand. The barbershop internship caught my eye.”
Throughout his internship, Kerr expanded the group’s use of Facebook and Instagram, creating posts and tracking analytics. Kerr said he set out to make the social media accounts more than stagnant message boards. He wanted to really introduce the audience to the members of the chorus and their joyful music by posting member shoutouts and song snippets. “They really let me take the reins and explore ideas,” Kerr said. “It was an awesome opportunity.” The group didn’t pass up the opportunity to recruit Kerr as a singer as well as a social media marketer. At 23, he is their youngest member. The oldest is 101. Kerr graduated from UWRF in May and accepted a full-time job as a recreation program assistant with Farmington Community Education in Farmington, Minn. He said he will use skills from all his majors in his new job.
Michael Kerr, a May 2026 graduate of UW-River Falls
“Together, these three areas gave me a toolkit that I’m genuinely passionate about putting to work helping the community connect, grow and have a great time doing it,” he said.
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Professor takes gold at world’s most prestigious flower show “We kind of knocked it out of the park this year. It was incredible.”
Assistant Biology Professor Benjamin Crain holds the gold and silver-gilt medal certificates his team won at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London.
Often referred to as “The World Cup of Gardening,” the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London is considered by many to be the most prestigious flower show in the world. This year, it drew celebrities and dignitaries as distinguished as the king and queen of England. UWRiver Falls Assistant Professor of Biology Benjamin J. Crain was right in the action as a member of a goldmedal-winning international team. The show includes garden, floral and educational exhibits created by teams from around the world and draws around 150,000 attendees. Crain’s team, Orchid Conservation Chelsea, had nearly 70 members representing 24 institutions spanning the U.S., the U.K., China and elsewhere.
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ALONG THE SOUTH FORK
“There is a core of team members every year,” Crain said. “Then there are some who participate based on the geographical emphasis of our exhibit.” The team’s landscape exhibit, “The Orchids of China — Beauty and Conservation,” won a gold medal, the highest honor given, aside from Best in Show. “We kind of knocked it out of the park this year,” Crain said. “It was incredible.”
Honoring excellence in agricultural leadership
L-R: CAFES Dean Michael Orth, DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski and Professor Emeritus Purnendu Vasavada
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) at UW-River Falls honored Randy Romanski with the 2026 Wisconsin Distinguished Agriculturalist Award during the 60th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet on April 16.
recognized for his leadership in advancing Wisconsin agriculture through initiatives in meat and dairy processing, farmland preservation, soil and water health and animal and human health, as well as his commitment to developing future agricultural leaders.
A 1989 UWRF graduate, Romanski has served as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 2019. He was
The award, established in 1970, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Wisconsin agriculture through leadership and service. FALCON FEATURES | FALL 2026
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UW-River Falls Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth cuts the ribbon during a grand opening celebration for SciTech as Governor Tony Evers, State Representative Shannon Zimmerman and other university officials look on.
A place for tomorrow’s discoveries UW-River Falls welcomed community members and special guests for a Grand Opening Celebration at the new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) March 31. SciTech opened to students on Jan. 26 for the first day of spring semester classes. In addition to cutting-edge technology, the new building offers collaborative work and study spaces. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth noted that the SciTech project had been in the
works for around a decade and took the work of countless people to become a reality. “Students, faculty, staff, campus leaders, alumni, business owners, community members and local and regional partners all played a vital role in advocating for and supporting this vision,” Chenoweth said. “To everyone who contributed – the impact of SciTech is part of your legacy. On behalf of future generations of Falcons, thank you!”
A new leader for Falcon philanthropy UW-River Falls has named Jeff Lamie as Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement. Lamie brings more than 20 years of experience leading philanthropy, foundation operations and strategic growth for healthcare and higher education organizations. Most recently, he served as a consultant, advising universities and nonprofit organizations on fundraising strategy, philanthropic infrastructure and campaign development. “We’re excited to welcome Jeff Lamie to our Advancement team,” said Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth. “He has a strong track record of building and sustaining philanthropic support that will help advance academic excellence and opportunities at UWRF.” Lamie succeeds Rick Foy, who retired after serving as Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement since 2019.
Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement Jeff Lamie
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ALONG THE SOUTH FORK
The future of AI, solved by Falcons
Mathematics majors Andrew Sandberg, Corbin Wild and Marcos Martinez stand with the poster they created to describe their research into the quality of AI-generated content.
Three mathematics majors from UW-River Falls earned a Meritorious designation in the national SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling (SCUDEM), where students apply mathematics to solve real-world problems. Working with Mathematics Professor Kathy Tomlinson, Corbin Wild, Andrew Sandberg and Marcos Martinez tackled the challenge of modeling how generative artificial intelligence may decline in quality as AI-generated content increasingly trains future AI systems. Using mathematical modeling, statistics and the MATLAB computing platform, the team concluded that most online content could become AI-generated by 2028, emphasizing the importance of
maintaining high-quality, human-created content for AI training. Beyond the mathematics, the competition strengthened students’ skills in teamwork, communication, programming and data analysis. Team members also presented their research at the UWRF Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity (URSCA) Fall Gala. Tomlinson praised the team’s work, noting they learned advanced statistical techniques beyond the UWRF curriculum and delivered a polished presentation. The experience also helped prepare students for careers in data science, actuarial science and other STEM fields.
Removing barriers, expanding futures UW-River Falls will award approximately $2.5 million in scholarships during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting more than 1,400 undergraduate students. Approximately 65% of UWRF undergraduates receive financial aid, helping make a UWRF education accessible and affordable. UWRF offers more than 800 merit and needbased scholarships, including the Falcons SOAR guaranteed scholarships for qualifying incoming and transfer students. In addition, the Falcon Tuition Promise covers tuition and fees for eligible Wisconsin students after other grants and scholarships are applied. Scholarship opportunities at UWRF are made possible through the generosity of alumni, friends and corporate partners whose investments help reduce financial barriers and create opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals.
Students walk into the University Center during Orientation in August 2025.
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Profile : Erik Withers
CHAMPIONING STUDENTS ON AND OFF THE FIELD By: Kelsea Wissing
For Associate Professor of Sociology Erik Withers, supporting students has never been limited to the classroom. Whether he is teaching sociology, advising students, volunteering with athletic teams or cheering from the sidelines, Withers has built a reputation as someone who champions all students while serving as one of UWRF Athletics most visible faculty supporters. Withers is an accomplished scholar whose recent work includes co-editing the book “Arbiters of Race,” publishing research in academic journals and serving as co-editor of “Sociological Imagination,” the official journal of the Wisconsin Sociological Association. Yet despite his academic accomplishments, he says meaningful connections with students remain at the center of everything he does.
by
That commitment is one reason UWRF Athletics became a natural fit. Through the university’s Falcons for Falcons program, Withers first connected with the women’s basketball team in 2023-2024, the first year of the initiative, before being paired with the football program for the fall 2024 season. What started as a fun “peek behind the curtains” opportunity quickly grew into a deeper involvement. The football staff welcomed Withers into the program, giving him open access to everything from meetings to practices to gameday. After offering up help with whatever the coaches needed from him, Withers found himself tabbed as the team’s “get back coach.” Officially, a get back coach is exactly what it sounds like. A staff member, oftentimes a team strength coach, is tasked with keeping the sidelines from getting too chaotic during games, literally forcing players and coaches to “get back” inside the designated markers. Withers’ classroom management skills came in handy. “I’m pretty good at telling college kids what to do, so they all just listen to me,” he explained. “I tell them to get back and stop yelling at the refs, whatever I need to tell them, and they just listen.” In 2025-2026, his third year of participation, Withers was tabbed as the Falcons for Falcons rep for women’s hockey. He embraced that role, feeding the players dinner and rooting them on to their third consecutive national championship. But while having lunch with now Interim Head Football Coach Jake Wissing prior to the 2025 fall season, Wissing asked if he was also returning as the get back coach for the football team. “I said something like ‘well, I don’t know, am I?’ And he said “oh, 100%, once you’re in, you’re in. There’s no getting out!’” Withers recalled with a laugh.
Erik Withers instructs students during a Sociology 300 class.
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PROFILE
With it decided that he’d earned a “lifelong” Falcons for Falcons role with the football team, Withers returned to
Erik Withers reacts on the sidelines in his role as the “get back coach” for the UWRF football team. Photo credit: Wade Gardner, d3photography.com
“Some of the best students I’ve ever had have been student-athletes.” the sideline for the Falcons’ 2025 national championship run, earning his championship ring right alongside the rest of the program. He’ll carry on with the team for a third season in 2026. For Withers, however, athletics is about far more than gameday excitement. Over the years, he has grown frustrated with stereotypes that portray student-athletes as less engaged academically. His experience has been exactly the opposite. “Some of the best students I’ve ever had have been student-athletes,” he said. He understands the demands they face balancing
practices, meetings, travel, academics, work and personal responsibilities. Withers chooses to see studentathletes as students first and believes they deserve understanding, encouragement and support and that philosophy extends to every student he teaches. Whether they compete in athletics or have never attended a sporting event, Withers strives to build authentic relationships with students by being approachable, honest and engaged. He frequently shares his experiences as a husband, father, faculty member and lifelong learner, believing students benefit from seeing professors as real people and positive role models. His enthusiasm for athletics also creates connections beyond student-athletes. Non-athlete students regularly tell him they attended their first football or hockey game after hearing him talk about Falcon Athletics in class. For many, those experiences deepen their connection to campus life and the university community. Whether in the classroom, on the sidelines or around campus, Withers continues to champion every Falcon who walks through the university’s doors. As chair of the Faculty Senate Athletics Committee and a frequent presence at games and practices, Withers remains committed to supporting Falcon Athletics. But at its core, his involvement reflects something bigger: a belief that students thrive when they know someone is invested in their success.
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A Salute to Champions Champions come in many forms—and these stories celebrate the people whose achievements, leadership and generosity continue to strengthen UW–River Falls.
Falcon football earns first national championship The UW-River Falls football team captured its first NCAA Division III national championship with a 24-14 victory over North Central in the Stagg Bowl at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
touchdown reception before halftime and Blaha’s rushing scores in the third and fourth quarters helped seal the win.
Trailing 14-3 in the second quarter, the Falcons rallied with 21 unanswered points and shut out the defending national champions in the second half to end North Central’s 29game winning streak. This year marked the Cardinals’ sixth consecutive Stagg Bowl appearance.
The UW-River Falls defense delivered a dominant secondhalf performance, forcing multiple turnovers, including a crucial interception by senior defensive lineman Jack Olson, and limiting North Central to just 14 points, the first time the Cardinals had been held to less than 20 points in a game since 2016.
Quarterback Kaleb Blaha led the way with 419 total yards and three touchdowns, setting a new NCAA singleseason total offense record and breaking LSU legend Joe Burrow’s previous mark. Blake Rohrer added a key
The Falcons finished the season 14-1, securing a historic first national title for the program. Additionally, Blaha was named the 2025 Gagliardi Trophy recipient, winning Division III’s most prestigious award.
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EMERITUS PHYSICS PROFESSOR
UWRF is “the only place I ever wanted to teach”
When Curtiss “Curt” Larson first chose to set foot on the University of Wisconsin-River Falls campus as a wide-eyed freshman, it was a decision borne partially out of necessity. After growing up on a small Barron County farm in northern Wisconsin, Larson knew he would need to live at home to afford college and the only state universities within feasible commuting distance were in River Falls and Eau Claire. The tiebreaker? Four of his classmates from Barron High School planned to enroll at UW-River Falls in the fall of 1956 and one of them had a car, a Ford Crown Victoria, big enough to accommodate the fivesome’s commute. Nine years later, after earning his bachelor’s degree from UWRF and a Ph.D. from Case Institute of Technology (now Case Western Reserve University) in Cleveland, Larson elected to return to UWRF to become a faculty member in the Physics Department. “UW-River Falls was the only place I ever wanted to teach,” he said. While Larson’s initial plan was to become an engineer, he discovered physics at UWRF and never looked back. He also developed great admiration for several UWRF professors who inspired his intellectual curiosity. “I just loved the university at River Falls from day one,” Larson said. “The professors I had there were unbelievable. They were wonderful, warm human beings and their office doors were always open.” As a senior, his connection to campus was strengthened by student government involvement that included weekly meetings with UWRF President Eugene Kleinpell. The former campus leader helped cultivate Larson’s budding desire to teach by promising him a job at UWRF after he earned his doctorate. “It worked out beautifully,” Larson said. “I got my Ph.D. in the spring of 1965 and started that September at UW-River Falls.” Larson, the first physics professor at UWRF with a Ph.D., made it his mission to upgrade the university’s physics program by updating the curriculum and hiring more faculty with doctoral degrees. He went on to build one of the most respected undergraduate physics programs in the nation, earning recognition from the American Association of Physics Teachers and being named a University Center of Excellence by the UW System, and became one of the most admired and respected educators in the history of UWRF, according to Rick Foy, the university’s recently retired assistant Chancellor for University Advancement. Ultimately, the Physics Department’s faculty roster grew to
Professor Larson demonstrates the addition of sound waves on an oscilloscope.
eight Ph.D. holders, but in his recruiting efforts, Larson never forgot what attracted him to UWRF in the first place. “Our criteria for hiring called for people who would give the tender loving care needed to kids from small towns and keep them from dropping out,” Larson said. “There’s more to being a university professor than just knowing your subject matter.” Just as Larson was inspired by the UWRF professors he had as a student, in turn, he inspired generations of his own students, with many going on to graduate school and forging distinguished careers as professors and researchers. “It doesn’t get any better than that – seeing your students go on to teach and have successful jobs,” Larson said. Even after his retirement in 2001, Larson continued to support UWRF in multiple ways. He and his wife, Delores “Dee” Larson, established the Curt and Dee Larson Scholarship to support incoming junior UWRF physics students. He also extended his physics education legacy by earning a grant in collaboration with colleague Neal Prochnow from the National Science Foundation to operate a popular evening and summer program to provide advanced physics training for high school teachers. As a professor emeritus, Larson has often returned to campus to deliver lectures and has remained involved in the campus community by attending university events and even singing in the University Community Chorus, the “Faculty Forum” barbershop quartet and the St. Croix Valley Barbershop Chorus. A personal passion project in retirement for Larson has involved leading an effort to raise nearly $500,000 to build a village, including a school, health center, orphanage and housing units, to aid impoverished residents in Haiti.
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THE HEART OF A FALCON CHAMPION Hoffart embodies best of UWRF At 3 a.m., covered in amniotic fluid after helping deliver a calf stuck in a cow’s birthing canal, Nikki Hoffart knew joy. “It probably sounds really gross to someone who’s not in animal science,” said Hoffart, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. “But I probably was never happier than at that moment.” An animal science – companion animal major, Hoffart did not grow up around pets. “We got a goldfish from the state fair, so that was my best friend at home,” she said. Hoffart’s early life with her parents in Michigan was difficult. Homeless for a time, she moved to live with an aunt and uncle in Edgerton at age 14. Encouraging others by sharing her story is important to Hoffart. “You shouldn’t limit yourself because you didn’t get the opportunity and it wasn’t handed to you,” she said. “You should make your own hand and hand it to yourself.” In her new school district, Hoffart joined the FFA and started showing rabbits and then worked with cows and horses. She credited her FFA adviser for encouraging her to consider a veterinary career, combining her strong academics and compassionate nature. When touring potential colleges, Hoffart looked no further after visiting UWRF. She described campus as having a “small town vibe with big aspirations and goals.” “It’s not a question whether (my professors) know my name,” she said. “I know when they say ‘Nikki’ they’ve had that memorized since the first week. I know they have interest in what I’m interested in. That’s how I got involved in with some of my research around campus and work opportunities.” In addition to being a milker at UWRF’s Mann Valley Farm, Hoffart has a diverse resume, working with humans and other animals. She’s a hospice volunteer and admissions tour guide. She is president of the Women’s Rugby Club, which she and a friend founded. She is vice president of the Chancellor’s Student Ambassadors, a group of leaders representing UWRF at events and activities. As vice president of the Companion Animal Professional Society, Hoffart spends multiple hours a day, in and out of class, with dogs and cats. She trains dogs with the Fostering Education through Campus Hosting (FETCH) program. “I don’t think I’ve gotten my own shoes in three years,” she joked, describing how students in a residence hall are paired with a dog being trained to help with its owner’s mobility or medical issues. As lead for the Falcon Felines Cat Colony, Hoffart managed 75 volunteers and 14 students in a pet adoption capstone
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FEATURES
class with Dunn County Humane Society. “I always joke the hardest part is the (human) communication,” she said. “The cats make it easy. They’re adorable. They sell themselves. Making sure everybody’s on the same page is the hardest part.” Expanding her knowledge of animal science, Hoffart interned at the Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center in Madison, caring for injured and ill bats, birds, foxes, turtles and more. On her days off, she worked at her hometown vet clinic. All these experiences are reflected in the Chancellor’s Award for Students, UWRF’s highest non-academic honor for leadership and exemplary contributions, which Hoffart received in 2026. She thanked her family, friends, mentors and alumni for supporting her UWRF journey. “I think it’s one of the nicest things I’ve had happen for me on campus,” she said of the award. Pedro Renta, UWRF alumni relations officer, called Nikki an “indispensable leader.” “UWRF is ultimately the one that has benefited from her presence,” he said. “As a true Falcon with a promising career ahead of her as a veterinarian, Nikki embodies the very best of our university community and a Falcon champion.”
Balcome wins NCAA heptathlon national title with meet record UW-River Falls track and field standout Jacob Balcome captured the NCAA Division III indoor national championship in the men’s heptathlon in March. Balcome set a new meet record with 5,487 points, surpassing the previous mark of 5,484, to earn back-to-back national titles and become only the second athlete in event history to win consecutive championships. Over two days of competition, Balcome delivered strong performances across all seven events, including top marks in the high jump (2.04 meters) and a strong finish in the 1000 meters (2:44.59) to secure the title. Teammate Yaih Marial also represented UWRF on the national stage, finishing 12th in the high jump at 1.98 meters to earn USTFCCCA Second-Team All-America honors.
Falcons complete three-peat with shutout national championship win
The UW-River Falls women’s hockey team captured its third consecutive NCAA Division III national championship with a 4-0 victory over Nazareth University on their home ice at Hunt Arena.
After a scoreless first period, UWRF took control in the second, scoring twice to build a 2-0 lead. The Falcons added two more goals in the third, while goalie Jordan O’Kane recorded a 22-save shutout.
The Falcons became just the third program in Division III history to win three straight national titles, finishing the three-year championship run with an 87-4-2 record under head coach Joe Cranston.
Sophia Hess led the offense with two goals and Megan Goodreau tied an NCAA Division III single-season record with 77 points. The Falcons outshot Nazareth 44-22 and dominated in faceoffs, capping a strong season on special teams and overall play.
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Extraordinary gift will lift future Falcon studentathletes
Karen and Paul Dykstra
A former University of Wisconsin-River Falls twosport athlete and longtime supporter of the university has established the largest individual-funded program endowment in UWRF history. Paul Dykstra and his wife, Karen, have committed $1 million to establish the Falcon Athletics Endowment for Excellence. Dykstra, a four-year letter winner in golf and hockey and a member of the Falcons’ 1983 NAIA national championship hockey team, created the endowment to enhance the student-athlete experience by supporting initiatives that attract and retain outstanding Falcons.
named in Paul’s honor. Paul and Karen Dykstra have long supported numerous university priorities, including Falcon Athletics, scholarships, the Falcon Center and the Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech). Paul, a 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, also served multiple terms on the UWRF Foundation Board of Directors. “I’m proud to be a Falcon and honored to establish this endowment that’s focused on student-athlete success,” Dykstra said.
“I’m hoping this endowment will help attract and retain student-athletes and improve the experience for all Falcons,” Dykstra said. “UWRF was a tremendous place for me, both academically and athletically.”
The Falcon Athletics Endowment for Excellence will provide ongoing support for programs and initiatives that help student-athletes succeed in competition, in the classroom and as leaders on campus and in their communities.
Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth called the gift a significant milestone, noting its lasting impact on Falcon Athletics and the university community. In recognition of the Dykstras’ generosity, the Falcon Athletics offices will be
The Dykstras encourage additional contributions to the Falcon Athletics Endowment for Excellence. For more information, contact Advancement Officer Scott Sekelsky at 715-425-4041.
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ATHLETICS
Building a future through generosity
Night at the Nest continues to soar Save the date!
The third annual UWRF Athletics Night at the Nest returns Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027, to Page Arena at the Falcon Center. What began as a new tradition has quickly become one of the premier celebrations of Falcon Athletics. Over its first two years, Night at the Nest has welcomed hundreds of alumni, friends and supporters while raising more than $130,000 to enhance the student-athlete experience at UWRF. Guests can once again enjoy an exciting evening featuring silent and live auctions, great food and the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Falcon student-athletes. Whether you’re bidding on one-of-a-kind experiences, reconnecting with fellow Falcons or investing in the future of UWRF Athletics, Night at the Nest is an event you won’t want to miss. Can’t attend in person? Silent auction bidding will once again be available online, allowing supporters to participate from anywhere.
Katrina Larsen and Mark Meydam
During his induction into the UW-River Falls Athletics Hall of Fame, 1985 graduate and former staff member Mark Meydam announced that he and his wife, Katrina Larsen, have committed an estate gift estimated at $1.5 million to support agricultural education scholarships and professional development for UWRF Athletics staff.
The 2027 Night at the Nest promises to be a bigger and more memorable celebration of Falcon pride. Join us in person to maximize your experience, although silent auction bidding will be available from anywhere! For more information, scan the QR code.
Both first-generation college graduates who later spent decades working at UWRF, Meydam and Larsen say scholarships made their own education possible. After establishing the Meydam-Larsen Agricultural Education Scholarship in 2021, they chose to expand their support through this planned gift to help future students pursue their educational goals. The estate gift will also provide professional development opportunities for Athletics staff, reflecting Meydam’s lifelong connection to Falcon Athletics. By sharing news of their gift, the couple hopes to inspire others to consider the impact of giving back. “We want people to realize that you don’t have to be rich to make an impact and support students into the future,” Larsen said.
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Falcon Champs UWRF highly ranked in Learfield Directors’ Cup UWRF Athletics enjoyed a historic year in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, finishing 56 out of 316 NCAA Division III institutions, placing among the top 18% nationally. The Falcons were powered by a football national championship and a women’s hockey national championship – making UWRF the first school in NCAA Division III history to win national titles in both sports – along with an individual NCAA Division III national title in men’s track and field and a women’s basketball NCAA tournament appearance, its first since 2016. The results combined to produce one of the strongest all-around performances in department history on the national Division III stage.
22 STUDENT ATHLETES - 4.0 EXCELLING OFF THE FIELD
UWRF COACHING STAFFS enjoyed a standout 2025-2026
season, earning multiple conference and national honors alongside the department’s team and individual successes. Joe Cranston (women’s hockey) and Matt Walker (football) were both named WIAC and National Coaches of the Year, while Sean McKuras and his staff (women’s soccer) and Talia Hayes and her staff (women’s lacrosse) were each recognized as WIAC Coaching Staff of the Year.
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ATHLETICS
370 STUDENT ATHLETES - 3.0+
UWRF student-athletes continued to excel in the classroom during the 20252026 academic year, combining for a 3.32 cumulative GPA across more than 500 student-athletes representing 20 sports. 68% of Falcons posted a cumulative GPA above 3.0, while 22 student-athletes carried perfect 4.0 cumulative GPAs and 58 earned 4.0 marks during the spring 2026 semester, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to academic excellence across all programs.
UW-River Falls created national buzz all year long! • 17.7M+ social media views • 51,000+ fans attended UWRF athletic events • 138,000+ livestream views • 463 national media mentions • 835M+ estimated media reach
Winning teams Eight UWRF teams posted winning records at home during the 2025-2026 season, combining for a 79-24-1 mark across all sports. Football and women’s hockey each went undefeated at home en route to national championship seasons, highlighting a strong home-field performance across Falcon Athletics.
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Women’s basketball • Advanced to the WIAC Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2017. • Secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. • Zoey Buchan became just the second All-American in program history, earning WBCA Honorable All-America Team honors and was selected to the WBCA Division III Senior All-Star Team. • The Falcons earned four victories over nationally ranked opponents during the 2025-2026 season, opening the season with a win over No. 18 Calvin before sweeping nationally ranked UW-Platteville (#18/#17) and defeating No. 14 UW-Whitewater in the regular-season finale.
Men’s hockey • Freshman Keegan Ingram put together one of the most decorated seasons in program history, becoming the first player in WIAC history to earn both WIAC Player of the Year and WIAC Newcomer of the Year honors in the same season while also being named an AHCA First Team All-American, DIII Hockey News Rookie of the Year, All-America West First Team selection and AllRookie Team honoree. • UWRF’s seven All-WIAC selections tied the program record for the most conference honorees in a single season. • The Falcons advanced to the WIAC Tournament Championship game for the second consecutive season and the fourth time in program history. • As a team, the Falcons scored 93 goals, marking the program’s highest single-season total since 2009-2010.
Women’s lacrosse • Advanced to the WIAC Championship game for the first time in program history. • Tied the program record with 15 victories, posting a school-record 13-game winning streak. • Samantha Hayek rewrote the Falcon record book, finishing her career with program records in goals (173), assists (109) and points (282). • Julia Hayek was named WIAC Defensive Player of the Year while Talia Hayes and staff earned WIAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
20 ATHLETICS
Building to Soar: Renewing Smith Stadium at Ramer Field UW-River Falls has launched the Building to Soar campaign to renew Smith Stadium at Ramer Field, ensuring it continues to serve Falcon studentathletes, students and the River Falls community for decades to come. After more than 50 years, the stadium’s aging turf, track and spectator facilities require renewal to meet today’s standards for safety, accessibility and competition. The project comes as Falcon Athletics celebrates remarkable success, including the 2025 NCAA Division III football national championship, three consecutive women’s hockey national championships, two straight NCAA track and field individual championships and continued excellence across numerous programs. The renewed stadium will provide a championship-caliber home for football, soccer, track and field, lacrosse, academic classes, intramurals and River Falls High School football, while enhancing the experience for thousands of users each year. The $6 million project includes a significant university investment and an approved student allocation, with the remaining $1 million to be raised through private philanthropy. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027. To learn more or support the campaign, contact Scott Sekelsky in University Advancement at scott.sekelsky@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-4041.
Outstanding athletes of the year
The Falcons brought home six Player of the Year honors across five sports during the 2025-2026 season, including multiple national awards. Kaleb Blaha WIAC Offensive Player of the Year and Gagliardi Trophy National Player of the Year
Gage Timm WIAC Defensive Player of the Year and D3FB Huddle National Defensive Player of the Year
Keenan Ingram WIAC Men’s Hockey Player of the Year
Megan Goodreau WIAC Women’s Hockey Player of the Year and Laura Hurd National Player of the Year
Jacob Balcome USTFCCCA Men’s Indoor Field Most Outstanding Performer
Julia Hayek WIAC Women’s Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Year
A rendering of the updated bleachers.
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Falcon Fotos Athletics Advancement Officer Scott Sekelsky, Lance Caven ’96 and Karly Caven ’96 at a Green Bay Packers game.
Sharon Bertler, David Olson ’74 and John Butler ’61 enjoyed a boat cruise during Homecoming 2025.
Kappa Theta/Phi Sig reunion
Alums, current students, staff and others gathered for the annual St. Croix River boat cruise during Homecoming weekend.
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Alums and fans and friends of UWRF enjoyed a pregame social prior to the Falcon football team’s national championship victory in Canton, Ohio.
Football alums gathered prior to the national championship Stagg Bowl game in Canton, Ohio.
UWRF alumni gathered at a Minnesota Twins versus Milwaukee Brewers game.
Greg, ’83, and Donnette, ’84, Wheelock and Paul, ’83, and Karen Dykstra gathered at former UWRF Vice Chancellor for Advancement Rick Foy’s retirement party.
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A fond Falcon farewell Stanley “Stan” Schraufnagel, 72, of Mesa, Ariz., died May 12, 2026. For more than 30 years, Stan was a professor in the Agricultural Economics Department and had many outstanding students, exceptional colleagues and good friends. Read Stan’s full obituary at piercecountyjournal.news. Jerome “Jerry” Halvorson, 85, of Red Wing, Minn., died Feb. 24, 2026. Jerry dedicated 32 years as a distinguished professor in the Communicative Disorders Department. His work profoundly impacted the lives of many people who stutter and the clinicians he trained. Read Jerry’s full obituary at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com. Samuel “Sam” Floyd Huffman, 89, of Woodbury, Minn., died Jan. 4, 2026. Sam devoted more than 30 years as a professor and department chair, where he inspired generations of students through his passion for geology. Following his retirement, Sam served as a UWRF assistant basketball coach, combining his lifelong love of the game with his natural gift for mentorship. Read Sam’s full obituary at neptunesociety.com. Michael “Mike” Davis, 83, of River Falls, died Jan. 1, 2026. Mike served 30 years as a professor, department chair, coach and academic leader in the Health and Human Performance Department. He was a gifted educator and mentor who saw potential in others and helped them grow. Read Mike’s full obituary at bakken-young.com. Philip “Phil” George, 79, of River Falls, died Dec. 4, 2025. George joined the UWRF faculty in 1977 and spent 30 years as a teacher, mentor and academic leader before retiring. During his career, he served as professor and chair of the Animal and Food Science Department, director of the Academic Success Center and was a five-time chair of the Faculty Senate. Read Phil’s full obituary at bakken-young.com.
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John Hudson, 83, of River Falls, died Oct. 17, 2025. Mike joined the Biology Department faculty in 1986 and served for 31 years as a professor and as department chair prior to his retirement. John loved teaching and it showed in the successes of his many students. Read John’s full obituary at bakken-young.com. We regret missing notification of the death of the following professor emeritus in our previous issue: James Michael “Mike” Roy, 74, of River Falls, died March 3, 2024. Mike was a professor in the Music Department for 35 years, teaching music theory, composition and percussion. He spent 12 years as department chair. Mike also served as music director for the St. Croix Valley Summer Theatre and the UWRF University Theatre. Read Mike’s full obituary at bakken-young.com.
UWRF mourns passing of former economics professor and benefactor Charles Kao Charles Kao, 90, of Taipei, Taiwan, died Aug. 6, 2026. Kao was a highly regarded economics professor for 34 years, also serving as department chair. Named the UWRF Distinguished Teacher in 1974, he received numerous honors for his contributions to education, including the Wisconsin Governor’s Award for Excellence and induction into the American Fulbright Visiting Professor Hall of Fame. After returning to Taiwan, Kao founded CommonWealth Magazine, Global Views Monthly and Commonwealth Publishing Company. He leaves a lasting legacy as an educator, benefactor and publisher. For more information, scan the QR code.
Falcon Farewell 1940s GRADUATES Eleanor Peterson, ‘43, May 24, 2026 Charles “Chuck” White, ‘46, June 20, 2025 Ruth Johnson, ‘49, Dec. 5, 2025 Margaret “Peggy” Rock Iverson, ‘49, May 18, 2025 1950s GRADUATES Colleen Moreland, ‘50, Nov. 10, 2025 Charles Larson, ‘51, May 24, 2026 Norma Kriesel Singer, ‘51, Nov. 6, 2025 Helen Goldberg Ingels, ‘51, Sept. 26, 2025 Leslie McKenzie, ‘52, Dec. 26, 2025 Robert Ellertson, ‘52, July 25, 2025 John Gehn, ‘54, Jan. 10, 2026 Richard Granum, ‘55, Sept. 6, 2022 Phyllis Fick, ‘55, March 15, 2026 Joy Lohuis, ‘55, Jan. 14, 2026 Clarence Wild, ‘55, March 17, 2026 Sigvard Stene, ‘56, Feb. 13, 2026 Beulah Jenson, ‘56, March 31, 2026 John Steffen, ‘57, July 4, 2025 Lucille “Lucy” Ramshaw Dahm, ‘57, Sept. 10, 2025 Enoch Cordes, ‘57, April 8, 2026 Jim Claude, ‘58, April 2, 2026 Delward Jenson, ‘59, May 1, 2020 James Dougherty, ‘59, Sept. 27, 2025 Alan Krause ‘59, April 13, 2026 Dennis Nordstrand, ‘59, March 25, 2026 Ann Olson, ‘59, March 17, 2026 Wayne Sukow, ‘59, Sept. 23, 2025 Susy Eisele, ‘59, Oct.24, 2025 Delano Mottaz, ‘59, May 17, 2025 John Kirk, ‘59, Dec. 29, 2025 Richard Enstad, ‘59, March 1, 2025 Patricia Miller, Dague,’59, Sept. 17, 2025 1960s GRADUATES Gary Dado, ‘60, March 31, 2026 Terrance Hughes, ‘60, Oct. 20, 2025 Olin Fimreite, ‘60, March 31, 2026 LaVerna Leipold, ‘60, Dec. 10, 2025 Paul Ramberg, ‘60, May 14, 2026 Sharon Cross Leonard, ‘60, Oct. 25, 2025 Arnold Kaluzny, ‘60, Oct. 29, 2025 Delores Anderson Nelson, ‘60, May 31, 2025 Leona “Jane” Sampe Mckinley, ‘60, July 26, 2025 Anne Adams-Keller, ‘61, Feb. 12, 2026 Nancy Peterson, ‘61, April 11, 2026 William Miller, ‘61, Oct. 04, 2025 Robert Dawson, ‘62, June 19, 2026 Beverly Skoug, ‘62, Feb. 11, 2026 David Cook, ‘62, July 24, 2024 Arthur Holle, ‘62, Jan. 14, 2026 Barbara Johnson, ‘62, Nov. 20, 2025 James Filkins, ‘63, Nov. 30, 2025 Jerome Halvorson, ‘63, Feb. 24, 2026
Harold Rivard, ‘63, July 12, 2025 Glenn Stuve, ‘63, March 29, 2026 Darwin Zeinert, ‘63, ‘74, Sept. 10, 2025 Erma Hegenbarth Michaelson, ‘63, ‘71, Aug. 26, 2025 Mary McAdam, ‘64, May 4, 2026 Donald Rosenbrook, ‘64, Aug. 12, 2025 Walter Wescott, ‘64, April 4, 2026 James Clark, ‘64, March 25, 2026 Ardys Jereski, ‘64, Jan. 13, 2026 Douglas Hirdler, ‘65, March 22, 2026 Raymond Sandborgh, ‘65, Jan. 26, 2026 Gerald Mielke, ‘66, May 27, 2026 Judie Caflisch, ‘66, Aug. 9, 2025 Donald Monson, ‘66, Aug. 7, 2025 Helen Minth Avery Wilbur, ‘66, Aug. 27, 2025 Larry Kundinger, ‘66, Jan. 26, 2026 Patricia Carroll, ‘67, Feb. 22, 2026 Roger Johnson, ‘67, March 4, 2026 Charles Rundquist, ‘67, Feb. 24, 2026 Karen Spindler, ‘67, May 22, 2026 Evelyn Miller, ‘68, April 9, 2026 Terry Kringle, ‘68, April 14, 2025 Craig Adelman, ‘68, Jan. 10, 2026 Peter Merry, ‘68, Aug. 21, 2025 Ronald Jenkins, ‘68, Sept. 30, 2025 David Hanson, ‘68, Jan. 31, 2026 David Schmitz, ‘68, Sept. 6, 2025 Michael Tillmann, ‘68, Aug. 17, 2025 Jean Dale, ‘68, Dec. 21, 2025 Robert Sorensen, ‘69, Dec. 6, 2025 Stanley Peterson, ‘69, April 22, 2026 John Freese, ‘69, Sept. 17, 2025 Judith Cameron, ‘69, June 17, 2025
Lee Olson, ‘76, Jan. 31, 2026 Thomas Odell, ‘76, Aug. 23, 2025 Gregory Ritchart, ‘77, April 4, 2026 Dorothea Jirsa, ‘77, Jan. 25, 2026 Bruce Martin, ‘77, Sept. 4, 2025 Teri Hanson, ‘79, Feb. 14, 2026 Stephen Venarchick, ‘79, Dec. 11, 2025 Alan Thomas, ‘79, Sept. 13, 2025 Mark Keller, ‘79, Aug. 30, 2025 1980s GRADUATES Lana Schaffer, ‘80, Dec. 10, 2025 Thomas Gietman, ‘81, Dec. 14, 2025 Joy Rubin, ‘81, Nov. 25, 2025 Cynthia Vincent, ‘82, March 18, 2026 William Falvey, ‘82, Sept. 4, 2025 Colette “Keli” Anderson Jarko, ‘83, Sept. 26, 2025 David Westby, ‘85, March 17, 2026 Thomas Martin, ‘85, Dec. 3, 2025 Kristine Peterson, ‘85, Sept. 19, 2025 Darren Peterson, ‘86, Nov. 1, 2025 Yolanda Anderson Yutzey, ‘86, Aug. 26, 2025 Thomas Donnelly, ‘86, Oct. 15, 2025 Mary Jirele Schroeder, ‘88, June 18, 2025 Richard Mortenson, ‘88, Jan. 8, 2026 Kathryn Shones, ‘89, Dec. 31, 2025 Evelyn Staus, ‘89, July 9, 2025 Kathleen Zupan, ‘89, Dec. 9, 2025
1970s GRADUATES Neal Harding, ‘70, April 28, 2026 Daryl Dray, ‘70, Aug. 17, 2025 Richard Souligny, ‘70, Sept. 21, 2025 Barbara Stenberg, ‘70, Sept. 25, 2022 Patricia Allegar, ‘71, Dec. 9, 2025 Carlos Kreibich, ‘71, July 24, 2025 Barbara Weslander Anderson, ‘71, Oct. 22, 2025 Barbara Johnson, ‘71, Nov. 3, 2025 Robert Klika, ‘73, Jan. 28, 2026 Cynthia Reynolds Neuman, ‘73, Aug. 9, 2025 Daniel Duden, ‘73, Aug. 24, 2025 Ray Swetalla, ‘74, Dec. 23, 2025 William “Cubby” Huber, ‘74, Sept. 30, 2025 Lenore Moll Holman, ‘74, Sept. 21, 2025 Paul Burns, ‘74, August 6, 2025 Pamela Webber, ‘74, June 29, 2025 Virginia Lien, ‘75, March 16, 2026 Maximilian Sporer, ‘75, Sept. 5, 2024 James Krasin, ‘75, April 13, 2026 John Thomas, ‘75, Dec. 11, 2025 Michael Orr, ‘75, May 29, 2026
1990s GRADUATES Margaret Bavin, ‘90, Dec. 24, 2025 Earlene Zevenbergen, ‘90, Oct. 28, 2025 Barbara Shank, ‘91, July 9, 2025 Sally Couchene, ‘92, Nov. 11, 2025 Karen Gauger-Huber, ‘92, Sept. 8, 2025 Rodney Volkers, ‘92, Oct. 11, 2025 Kathryn Keroff, ‘92, May 4, 2026 Steven Johnson, ‘93, Feb. 24, 2026 Connie Paulson, ‘94, July 14, 2025 Jo Gullickson, ‘95, April 5, 2026 Kelli Johnston, ‘95, Dec. 6, 2025 Jeffrey “Jeff” Ladd, ‘95, August 2, 2025 David Wilcox, ‘95, July 31, 2025 Joseph Smith, ‘96, Nov. 6, 2025 Joy Lynn Pritzl George, ‘96, July 17, 2025 Sarah Meier Strathman, ‘96, Sept. 20, 2025 Woodrow “Woody” Fangmeier, ‘97, Aug. 17, 2025 Rachelle Bailey, ‘99, Jan. 28, 2026 2000s-2020s GRADUATES Peter Harrison, ‘00, Sept. 30, 2025 Matthew Perenchio, ‘01, Sept. 14, 2025 Leland Gregorich, ‘04, June 2, 2026 Mindy Ramberg, ‘10, Sept. 16, 2025 Kelly Bryant, ‘10, July 29, 2025 Jacob Mantalica, ‘18, Sept.1, 2025 Kaitlyn Burgess, ‘20, July 9, 2025 Emma Savaglio, ‘21, March 17, 2026
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UW-River Falls honors outstanding alums at Evening of Excellence The UWRF Alumni Association recognized four distinguished graduates during the annual Evening of Excellence in May, celebrating alums whose careers and service reflect the impact of a UWRF education. Distinguished Alumni Award: Mary Ella Jerome Mary Ella Jerome, a music education graduate from Barron, was honored for her accomplishments as a musician, educator, business leader and philanthropist. Jerome taught vocal music to hundreds of students and later built a career in higher education and business through Jerome Foods, Inc. and related ventures. Through the Mary Ella Jerome Family Foundation, she has provided significant support for UWRF scholarships and helped fund music programming that connects university faculty with local students. Her philanthropy and lifelong commitment to education and the arts have had a lasting impact on both UWRF and the broader community. Lifetime Achievement Award: Duane Hall Duane Hall, a physics and mathematics L-R: David Drewiske, Lamah Bility, Mary Ella Jerome and Duane Hall graduate originally from Roberts, was recognized for a distinguished career in health physics spanning more than three decades at 3M Corporation and other organizations. He is a certified health physicist and has contributed to the field through technical publications and leadership in radiation safety. Hall has remained closely connected to UWRF through scholarship support and service on the UWRF Foundation Board Flexible Support. of Directors.
UWRF Impact Fund
Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Lamah Bility Lamah Bility, a 2020 marketing communications and communication studies graduate, was honored for his work as a social entrepreneur and founder of Didomi, an organization addressing global water access. Through his initiative Didomi Bottle, Bility has helped provide clean water solutions to tens of thousands of people worldwide. He currently serves in nonprofit leadership roles in the Twin Cities, where he continues to focus on youth opportunity, equity and community impact. Outstanding Service Award: David Drewiske David Drewiske, an agricultural land management graduate from Ellsworth, was recognized for a career in corporate real estate and decades of civic and university service. He spent 31 years with 3M and has held leadership roles in local government, conservation organizations and community development initiatives. Drewiske has played a key role in UW-River Falls Advancement efforts, including leadership on the UWRF Foundation Board and support for major campus initiatives including the Science and Technology Innovation Center and Wildflower Farm.
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Lasting Impact.
The UWRF Impact Fund provides the flexibility to meet emerging needs, support innovative ideas and invest where opportunities can make the greatest difference. As the university’s primary source of unrestricted support, the Impact Fund helps enhance student success, strengthen academic programs and address UWRF’s highest priorities. Make your impact today! Mail gifts to: UWRF Foundation, 410 S. 3rd St., River Falls, WI 54022
Donor Profile: Passion for the arts fuels donations of studying the arts and understanding what the creative process is, I think, makes a person more capable of a problemsolving approach to life. So, it’s not career planning we’re talking about. It’s something deeper than that.” For Brown, this understanding comes from personal experience as a person who leveraged her women’s studies degree into a career as, in essence, a professional problemsolver. Brown was the founder and president of Brown and Kirkwood Sales Management Consulting, a firm noted for sales skills development, process improvement and sales and executive coaching that served clients in the United States, Canada and Europe. Brown likes the idea of funding a scholarship for incoming first year music majors who might not have access to other sources of financial assistance. With the scholarship renewable for as long as students remain music majors, it strikes a chord with Brown that her support helps the music program with recruitment and retention.
Wanda Brown didn’t attend the University of WisconsinRiver Falls or teach at the scenic campus along the south fork of the Kinnickinnic River. She didn’t grow up in the city of River Falls or even in Wisconsin. Yet despite the absence of such traditional donor connections, Brown fell in love with UW-River Falls and became a major contributor to the university. The bond originated when Brown, a native of the Twin Cities and graduate of the University of Minnesota, and her late wife, Phyllis Goldin, moved to River Falls about 20 years ago and “adopted” UWRF as their university. “We were always very interested in what was happening on campus,” Brown said. “We attended many concerts, plays and events and were really gratified to be in a town with such a vibrant intellectual personality.” With their primary interest being the arts, the couple eventually decided to support the university’s music and art departments by doing more than just buying tickets. Brown, a lifelong poet whose recently published book “I Dream You Home: Poems of Grief and Gratitude” is available at wandabrownpoet.com, and Goldin, an accomplished musician who wrote UWRF’s spirit song “Our Chance to Fly,” took the next step by establishing the Wanda Brown and Phyllis Goldin Music Major Scholarship. Directly supporting the arts and the students who pursue related careers was a natural step for Brown, who believes strongly in the value of a liberal arts education. “I’m a liberal arts person,” she said. “I know that working through a creative process broadens a person’s ability to think about the world in a more expansive way, regardless of the path that students take to their adult life. A foundation
Considering that many of the scholarship recipients are studying music education and interested in becoming high school music teachers, Brown recognizes that her support also could help the beat go on through more students in the future. “It’s like dropping a pebble in a pond because that one person has the ability to influence and inspire and broaden the thinking of a lot of other students as they go forward,” she said. In addition to funding the scholarship, Brown has made a series of generous donations that have gone toward purchases — ranging from pianos and a multitude of other musical instruments to furnishings for performance rooms and upgrades to Abbott Concert Hall — that music program leaders believe will help significantly with student recruitment. “Her support has provided an incredible infusion of meaningful support, breathing fresh life into the program. It’s been quite transformational,” said Paul Budde, chair of the UWRF Music and Stage and Screen Arts Department. Some of Brown’s generosity was inspired by her financial adviser, who upon helping to set up Brown’s pledged major estate gift to UWRF suggested she make additional donations while she is around to see the results. In recognition of their extraordinary support, Brown and Goldin received the UWRF Outstanding Service Award in 2011. The award honors individuals outside of the university community that have made exemplary contributions to UWRF. Brown views philanthropy as a way the couple could help counter Universities of Wisconsin budget cuts. “We were always deeply concerned about cuts to education,” Brown said. “In Wisconsin, especially the arts had to struggle just to maintain programs and we realized that, in addition to voting, we had the opportunity at least in a small way to offset some of those draconian cuts. It was a way for us to step up.”
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UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT 112 South Hall 410 S. 3rd St. River Falls, WI 54022
2026-2027 Alumni Events Scholarship Recognition Event, Oct. 9, 2026 St. Croix River Cruise, Oct. 9, 2026 Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 9-10, 2026 Ornament Glass Blowing at UWRF, Dec. 3, 2026 “A Christmas Carol” at The Phipps Center for the Arts, Dec. 11, 2026 Fall Commencement, Dec. 19, 2026 Kalahari Weekend, Feb. 5-7, 2027 “Hadestown” at the Orpheum, Feb. 12, 2027 Wisconsin Day in Arizona, March 11, 2027 Spring Commencement, May 8, 2027 Evening of Excellence, May 12, 2027 Reflections of Italy, Sept. 19-28, 2027
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For additional information:
Contact University Advancement at 715-425-3505, alumni@uwrf.edu or visit www.uwrf.edu/alumni
Please visit our Alumni Events webpage for the most up-to-date event information. www.uwrf.edu/alumni/alumni-events
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