Chancellor Joe Gow shared this message with the UW-La Crosse campus this afternoon:
“Dear students and colleagues:
“It’s been almost a year since COVID-19 altered our world, and I’m sure many of you are experiencing pandemic fatigue. Sometimes, it feels as if COVID-19 will never end, and we’ll never get back to the best parts of our old traditions. But I assure you there is a light at the end of the tunnel. UW-La Crosse is hoping and preparing for a much more traditional fall semester, and we need your help to make that happen.
“Here’s what fall 2021 could look like:
- A vast majority of undergraduate courses (up to 95%) held in-person
- A restored sense of belonging and community in our residence halls
- A more robust complement of campus dining options
- A return to live arts and entertainment, including music and theatre
- An active in-person rec. and intramural sports schedule
- A large number of choices for in-person student orgs, events and activities
- A chance to study and hang-out with friends — and not just virtually
- An overall renewal of the connections and traditions that make UWL so special
“None of this is guaranteed. But here’s how you can help make it happen:
- Continue following health and safety guidelines: mask, distance, wash your hands
- Continue adhering to campus testing policies
- Get vaccinated when you’re able and eligible
“I’m so proud of the way our students, staff and faculty have persevered through this difficult year. I’m looking forward to a time, in the not-so-distant future, when we can come together and regain a sense of normalcy. It’s up to us to make those brighter days a reality. Thanks for all you’re doing!
Best wishes,
Joe
Joe Gow, Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse”(tncms-asset)f952f2a7-458f-5ac3-9dd3-c52023666940[0](/tncms-asset)
Meet these 28 notable UW-La Crosse alumni
Shelmina Abji, 1985, computer science

Former vice president of IBM Global Microsoft Alliance.
Dylan Bates, 1999, physical therapy

Former CEO of ATI Physical Therapy.
Barry Beaty, 1971, biology

Scientist researching mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Jason Church, 2011, political science

Former captain in the U.S. Army, Purple Heart recipient.
Russell Cleary, 1951-53, pre-law

Former president of G. Heileman Brewing Co.
Darryle Clott, 1966, English and history; 1971, masters of education

Holocaust educator, high school teacher, community ambassador.
Barbara Gibson, 1978, physical education/teaching

Former UW-L gymnastics coach, led the program to 17 national titles.
Brian Gutekunst, 2016, sports management

General manager of the Green Bay Packers.
Roger Harring, 1958, physical education/teaching

Former UW-L football coach, led program to three national titles.
Amy Huchthausen, 1999, sports management

Commissioner of the America East Conference, a Division I athletic conference in the northeastern United States.
Theodore Knudson, 1960, general and physical science

Former manager with U.S. and European manned space programs.
Sandra Lee, 1983-85

American television chef and author.
Patricia Loew, 1974, mass communications

Filmmaker, journalist and educator specializing in Native American history and culture in Wisconsin.
Truman Lowe, 1969, art education

American Ho-Chunk artist and professor.
Greg Mahairas, 1982, microbiology

President of Koan AgroScience and mapper of the rice genome.
Cynthia Marten, 1988, elementary education

Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District.
Bill Miller, 2010, honorary degree

Native American singer-songwriter, three-time Grammy Award winner.
Hollie Nyseth Brehm, 2008, sociology

Sociologist and professor researching the causes and effects of genocide.
Jon Otterstatter, 1983, computer science

Co-founder and CEO of Preventice Solutions, a mobile healthcare company.
James Reynolds, 1977, political science

Founder, chairman and CEO of Loop Capital investment firm.
Andrew Rock, 2004, finance

Sprinter, 2004 Olympic Gold medalist in 4x400m men's relay.
Jennifer Shilling, 1992, political science

Wisconsin state senator representing La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford and Monroe counties.
Barbara Skogen, 1967, medical technology

Entrepreneur, Festival Foods business owner, philanthropist.
Patrick Stephens, 1971, education

Retired professional fundraiser, community ambassador.
Christopher Sund, 1987, political science

Former commander of Coronado Naval Base.
Dan Smyczek, 1993, political science

Vice president of public relations for the Milwaukee Bucks.
James Van Tassel, 1951, education

Inventor, co-developer of the hand-held calculator.
Sharon Weston Broome, 1978, mass communications

Mayor-president of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, former journalist and professor.
Did you know the director of "Rebel Without a Cause" and the first black American to compete in the Olympics both have ties to La Crosse?
These photos are filled with many familiar faces and places from our area's past.