Impact Report

UW-Stout Foundation & Alumni Association Impact Report 2024-2025 Fiscal Year

Impact Report 2024-2025 Fiscal Year

Your Impact By the Numbers.

Thanks to support from donors like you, we were able to advance UW-Stout’s mission in the following key strategic priority areas.

$3,629,803 Removing barriers to education

$760,351 Providing robust student support initiatives

$263,392 Flexible funds

supporting areas of greatest need

$900,396 Advancing campus innovation and academic success

$3,196,091 Facilitating dynamic living and learning spaces

$413,000 Ensuring vibrant campus life and athletics

Financial Information: For a more in-depth look at our financial information and annual reports, please visit uwstout.edu/foundation

Support UW-Stout Today UWStout.edu/Give

Welcome

At the University of Wisconsin-Stout, we are uniquely positioned to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Our distinctive polytechnic approach combines applied learning and research with close collaboration between faculty, students, business and community partners across the region and beyond through a career-focused approach. This “polytechnic advantage” equips our graduates to drive impact and innovation in industry, community, and society. We extend our deepest gratitude to our committed donors. Your impact and support are instrumental in empowering our students, faculty and staff, advancing our mission, and shaping a brighter future for our #StoutProud community. For more than 130 years, UW-Stout has been dedicated to lifelong learning education. We’re building on that foundation every day by ensuring that students thrive, giving faculty the tools to excel in teaching and research, and working with partners to tackle today’s challenges head-on. Our commitment positions UW-Stout as a leader in education, economic development, and innovation—not only in Wisconsin but nationally and globally. These efforts rely heavily on the support of our donors, alumni, and community partners. The impact we are making is a direct result of your continued support and belief in UW-Stout and our mission. Your philanthropic gifts, expertise, and involvement are essential to advancing UW-Stout’s mission and the educational journey of thousands of students. Together, we can shape the future of higher education and empower the next generation of changemakers. Thank you for your continued generosity and investment in Stout and the #StoutProud community.

Nicholas Katona Vice Chancellor for University Advancement & Alumni Relations Executive Director of the UW-Stout Foundation & Alumni Association

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The Polytechnic Advantage. The path to a degree is not always linear and is shaped by more than classes

greatest impact possible for our students, faculty, staff, and partners across our campus and beyond. Through removing barriers to education, providing robust student support, ensuring academic innovation and success, facilitating dynamic living and learning spaces, and fostering a vibrant campus life and athletics program, your support to UW-Stout through the StoutProud Fund makes the most immediate and strategic impact in the lives of our community.

and exams. It’s influenced by resources, opportunities, and the ability to adapt when needs change. That’s why support to Stout to advance our strategic priorities is crucial now and in the future. Philanthropic support to UW-Stout gives us the agility to respond when challenges arise, explore new ideas, and strengthen programs that are already making a difference. It’s the way to make your

Just a few examples of how philanthropic support to UW-Stout has impacted the #StoutProud community in the last year include:

• Providing more than 100 high school students access to UW-Stout courses taught at their schools, guided by university faculty mentors. • Supporting student projects showcased at our annual Research Day, highlighting applied learning and research. • Design and construction of the new esports arena, which provides a championship level facility for our talented esports teams. Your gift to UW-Stout through the StoutProud Fund maximizes your philanthropic impact and is truly the most powerful way to enhance the impact of UW-Stout, our students, faculty, staff, partners, and community. Thank you. 3x 99%

100% of students graduate with applied learning experiences

Labs and studios than traditional classrooms

Employed or continuing education within six months of graduation

Support UW-Stout Today UWStout.edu/Give

The #StoutProud Way.

125 Fortune 500 employers in the last five years

990 Cooperative education & internship program enrollments

100% Programs advised by industry professionals

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Removing Barriers to Education. Access to a quality Stout education should be available to all, no matter one’s circumstance or background, and working to reduce or remove financial barriers to education is vitally important to our community. Philanthropy helps remove financial barriers through financial aid and scholarships, making it possible for students to pursue their academic goals. Scholarships and financial aid help recruit talented students and welcome them to the #StoutProud community. “I thought a four-year school might be out of reach because of my struggles... But people stepped up. I started advocating for myself, and for the first time, I felt proud of what I could achieve.” Owen Rammel, Golf Enterprise Management, Class of 2026 By removing barriers to education, you’re opening doors, changing lives, and fueling a stronger pipeline of learners for UW-Stout.

Support UW-Stout Today UWStout.edu/Give

“UW-Stout has supported my research while also helping me develop academic skills and confidence. I would not be where I am today without the opportunities made possible at UW-Stout. The support I’ve received has helped me not only to grow

into the person I am today but the opportunity to explore and succeed.”

Anna Johnson, 2024 Family & Consumer Sciences graduate

Providing Robust Individualized Support for Students.

No matter what stage they are at in their educational journeys, we are committed to meeting students where they are and helping them succeed. This means offering holistic programs and initiatives that meet their needs to graduate and prepare them for life after graduation. Student success takes many forms: academic advising, career planning, counseling and mental health resources, tutoring, emergency financial assistance, mentoring, and opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships, projects, and applied learning beyond

the classroom. It also means tackling barriers like food insecurity or lack of professional attire and giving students space to grow, take risks, and develop the skills and confidence that will set them apart in the workforce. Your philanthropic support gives us the flexibility to provide this full range of services. Together, we can ensure every student leaves UW-Stout ready to make a positive impact in their careers and communities. Your contributions help students transition, adapt, and thrive, opening doors to success and positive impact.

150+ Students served to address food insecurity

200+ Students secured professional clothing for interviews

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Advancing Campus Innovation and Academic Success.

At UW-Stout, our faculty are more than educators: they are experts in their fields, innovators, and collaborators who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Working side by side with students and community partners, they lead projects that have tangible impact in our communities and beyond. This is the polytechnic advantage: learning by doing, with an emphasis on solving real problems. Your support of UW-Stout advances academic innovation by investing in faculty innovation, strengthens our research capabilities, and advances

cutting-edge technology, methods, and educational approaches. These investments open doors for students, drive industry solutions, and create positive change in our region and around the world. “Through support from Stout, I was able to embed myself in the agricultural community and see, firsthand, problems that needed solving. I will bring that knowledge to the classroom as well as undergraduate research projects.” Keith Wojciechowski, Professor & Program Director.

“As someone constantly striving to grow as a creative, it’s incredibly meaningful to know there are resources and supporters who believe in student work. That encouragement allows us to pursue our passions, connect with wider audiences, and bring important stories to life. For that, I’m truly grateful." Pang Chia Yang, 2025 M.F.A. Design

Support UW-Stout Today UWStout.edu/Give

Dynamic and State-of-the-Art Living and Learning Spaces.

Success for our students and faculty is dependent on having access to state-of-the-art labs, modern learning environments, and technology-rich spaces that prepare students for careers beyond the classroom. These spaces aren’t just for classes: they’re where students and faculty work to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. They are also where industry partners collaborate with our campus, creating opportunities for applied research, innovation, and career connections. Investing in living and learning environments keeps our facilities and technology ahead of the curve while

creating welcoming, community building spaces that foster connection, belonging, and collaboration. Ensuring our students learn in advanced, real-world environments leaves them ready to lead, create, and contribute from the moment they graduate. Your generosity supports a well-rounded, transformational experience that prepares students for life. “Renovations to UW-Stout’s construction lab directly support the university’s Polytechnic mission by immersing students in current industry practices and technologies. They are the future leaders of industry, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they’re prepared to lead with confidence and competence.” David J. Leisses, J.F. Ahern Regional General Manager

Originally constructed in the early 1970s for home economics instruction, Heritage Hall has adapted over the decades as programs evolved, class sizes grew and teaching methods changed. Today it houses classrooms, research labs, dining facilities, and spaces that serve thousands of students each year. With renovations scheduled to be complete in 2028, Heritage Hall will transform into a premier learning environment that supports Wisconsin’s workforce needs in hospitality and tourism, mental health and wellness, childcare, education, and manufacturing.

Ensuring a Vibrant Campus Life and Athletics.

Experiences beyond the classroom are a key part of what makes a Stout education transformational. From academic clubs to cultural celebrations, special events, guest speakers, student orgs, recreation, and athletics, students have countless opportunities to explore their interests, build lifelong friendships and learn from diverse perspectives. Stout Athletics is one of our most visible connections to the broader community. Our student-athletes excel in competition and in the classroom, learning skills, and

values that make them highly sought after by employers. Athletics infuses campus with energy, pride, and a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond the playing field. Your support fuels these opportunities. Championing a culture that celebrates achievement, builds community, and inspires every member of UW-Stout to learn, grow, and lead. Thanks to you, our students are truly benefiting from the #StoutProud community.

"The unspooled film festival was a tremendous opportunity for my work to be screened in front of an audience of movie lovers and industry professionals. To have the experience of going to a film festival and getting to network with other filmmakers and creators allows me to create industry connections beyond the classroom. Josh Warner, Submitter/Volunteer and Senior Video Production Major

Support UW-Stout Today UWStout.edu/Give

Your Philanthropy Impacts Our Future. As this year draws to a close, we want to express our appreciation to you, an essential part of the #StoutProud community. Your gifts drive real, positive impact and change. Because of your generosity, we’re breaking down barriers to education and providing support that helps every student thrive. Our community is engaging in important research, exploring creative projects, and learning with the latest technology in state-of-the-art spaces. Your commitment also strengthens our vibrant campus life, empowers faculty as dedicated educators and innovators, and expands UW-Stout’s impact through meaningful partnerships across the Midwest and around the world. Together, we are fueling innovation, opportunity, and transformation. We are grateful for your continued generosity and past support, which have played a vital role in advancing our mission.

150+ Student clubs & organizations

50+ Intramural & club sports

20

NCAA varsity sports

Let’s finish the year strong, and maximize your impact. Make your end-of-year gift today.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us and for making a lasting difference at UW-Stout.

Support UW-Stout & Make an Impact Today!

Give today and power the experiences that set UW–Stout apart at UWStout.edu/Give

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Contact Information 715-232-1151

suf@uwstout.edu 320 S Broadway Menomonie, WI 54751

Learn More & Give

UWStout.edu/Foundation

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