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Keeping the Promise: Providing a quality education to outstanding and deserving students has been a point of pride for UW-Eau Claire. The university has embraced the "Wisconsin Idea" that a university education should be made available to all Wisconsin citizens. The university remains committed to that ideal despite serious budget challenges that have forced tuition hikes of more than 30 percent over the past two years and proposed changes to state and federal financial aid policies that would further undermine the ability of low- and middle-income students to afford a college education. The UW-Eau Claire Foundation has developed an ambitious scholarship program to help ensure a quality education remains available to Wisconsin students regardless of their financial limitations. In 2005 the Foundation initiated the Blugold Promise Scholarship program. A number of alumni and friends have made commitments to support these scholarships, the first of which will be awarded to members of the 2006-07 incoming freshman class. Starting in fall 2006, the Blugold Promise Scholarship program will provide need-based scholarships to UW-Eau Claire freshmen who demonstrate high potential but have limited financial means. The unique aspect of the program is that the students receive scholarships their freshman year, but if they do well their first year, they get a larger scholarship their sophomore year. Donors are asked to make a commitment of at least $1,500 over the two-year period. A scholarship of at least $500 is awarded to an incoming freshman with high financial need and great academic potential. If the recipient remains focused and successful throughout the freshman year, he/she is eligible for a $1,000 scholarship the second year at UW-Eau Claire. Donors may sponsor more than one student, or they may provide larger scholarship increments for awards. At least 10 Blugold Promise Scholarships already have been committed for the 2006-07 academic year, with several more under funding consideration. "We are receiving very positive response to this program," said Carole Halberg, Foundation president. "People like the idea of giving students an incentive to work hard and remain focused their freshman year. The students like the program because it helps bridge a gap between freshman year, when they typically have access to a number of scholarship programs, and their junior year, when they become eligible for scholarships in their major. The sophomore year can be a challenge financially, so this program offers an important source of funding." Excellence in teaching and service by UW-Eau Claire faculty and staff has long been the university's measure of success. The Blugold Promise Scholarship extends a hand to students demonstrating a similar commitment to excellence and gives them the opportunity to receive a quality education.
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