Anonymous alumnus makes $1 million bequest

UW-Eau Claire has received notification of a $1 million bequest from an anonymous alumnus.

“Receiving a gift of this magnitude is amazing in and of itself,” said Carole Halberg, UW-Eau Claire Foundation president. “But what makes this gift unique is that the donor has not placed restrictions on how the dollars can be used. So when the time comes for UW-Eau Claire to receive the money, it can be used to meet the university’s greatest needs at that time.”

Most contributions to the Foundation are designated for specific academic departments, programs or areas of need that match the donor’s interests and values, Halberg said.

“It’s wonderful for donors to support programs that are dear to their hearts,” Halberg said. “Contributions from donors specifying how dollars should be spent help support many student scholarships and other important initiatives. But an unrestricted gift — especially one of this size — gives us the flexibility to address needs we might not otherwise be able to meet.”

Because the contribution was made as a bequest, UW-Eau Claire will receive the $1 million upon the death of the donor. With no restrictions on the gift, campus leaders can decide then where the dollars will be most helpful.

“This donor and others who contribute to our campaign are placing a trust in us, knowing we will use their gifts to enhance UW-Eau Claire’s reputation for excellence,” Halberg said.

Senior chemistry major Nicholas Robertson, Eau Claire, has received support from UW-Eau Claire Foundation unrestricted funds for participation in national research conferences. Robertson conducts research with Michael Carney, assistant professor of chemistry, on compounds used to produce polyethylene, a plastic found in everything from trash bags to medical devices. Robertson has given poster presentations at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, the Great Lakes Regional American Chemical Society meeting and the National American Chemical Society meeting.