In July of 2024 Bob Hetzel retired from his 17 years of service as vice chancellor of Administration and Finance. Upon his retirement he worked with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Alumni and Friends Association to start the Bob Hetzel General Scholarship Fund and the Bob Hetzel Athletics Endowment. This is Hetzel’s third established fund, the first being the Bob Hetzel Physical Therapy Scholarship Endowment.
His initial pledge to the university was a $250,000 donation with a total endowment of $2.5 million. This endowment will be placed in a trust, where it will remain permanently invested in the university. The principal amount will remain untouched, with the university receiving the 4% interest of the entire gift annually.
On average, this translates to $100,000 in annual funding from Hetzel’s donation. Since only the interest is accessed, Hetzel’s contribution is designed to support the university forever.
While this is the largest philanthropic gift in school history, it is not the first contribution Hetzel has made to the university. Throughout his time at UWL Hetzel oversaw the conception, construction and completion of many campus projects. These buildings and renovations have allowed for an increase of both academic and athletic opportunities for all UWL students.
In an interview regarding Hetzel’s donation Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Allison Ziegelman said, “He [Hetzel] was always thinking about what decision was best and would help the most amount of people,” Ziegelman said.
Some of Hetzel’s most famous projects during his time as vice chancellor for Administration and Finance include, Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex, Centennial Hall, Eagle Hall, Student Union, Lowe Center for the Arts Entrance Addition, Recreational Eagle Center Addition, Prairie Springs Science Center, Counseling & Testing Center Renovation and the Wittich Hall Renovation.
The construction of the new fieldhouse in 2023 was the last project Hetzel oversaw. After its completion, UWL dedicated the building to Hetzel in honor of all the years he served the university. The Bob Hetzel Fieldhouse serves as a constant reminder of all the ways Hetzel has supported UWL.
Philanthropy in Wisconsin is often needed as public funding for state universities slowly diminishes. A 2023 report found Wisconsin was ranked 43rd in the country in terms of revenue given by the state for higher education. It is estimated that the UW system needs an astounding $855 million to stay competitive with surrounding state universities. Donations such as Hetzel’s are what allow UWL to continue to stay competitive across both athletic and academic fronts.
Upon cementing his legacy with UWL and helping the university to stay competitive, Hetzel has also started a ripple effect of giving among staff members.
“Bob was a leader in many ways… employee and staff giving is something that’s relatively new to this campus…Bob was one of the first and only at the cabinet level to be generous with his own resources,” Ziegelman said.
This leadership in philanthropy inspired many UWL faculty to make contributions of their own. During UWL’s 2024 annual One-Day of Giving, the number of staff members who donated to the university doubled.
Hetzel’s constant generosity and leadership can be found all over campus. From newly established scholarships to countless buildings on campus, Hetzel’s legacy is permanently ingrained throughout UWL.
