On Monday, Dec. 8, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse honored the legacy of Cowley Hall and held a sendoff for its long-standing planetarium, marking the end of an era for one of the university’s most recognizable academic spaces.

Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to reflect on Cowley Hall’s history and to acknowledge its role in shaping generations of scientific learning on campus.

Chancellor James Beeby spoke at the event and highlighted the planetarium’s long-standing impact. He noted that more than 400,000 people have visited the facility since it opened in 1966, making it one of UWL’s most significant public-facing educational resources.

Cowley Hall, constructed in 1965, has supported science programs, public education and outreach for nearly six decades.

The building has housed countless laboratory courses, research projects and academic collaborations throughout its lifespan, becoming a familiar landmark for students pursuing degrees in the sciences.

A major portion of the ceremony was dedicated to honoring Robert “Bob” Allen, recognized for more than 50 years of service to the university and for his central role in planetarium programming and outreach.

Allen’s work, which spanned multiple generations, helped maintain the planetarium as an accessible resource for both the UWL community and the broader public.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a formal proclamation acknowledging Allen’s contributions, which was read aloud by Chancellor Beeby during the sendoff.

The proclamation detailed Allen’s decades of dedication and the effect his leadership has had across campus and throughout the state.

“For more than five decades Bob has remained an integral member of the planetarium’s leadership team, and over the course of his distinguished tenure, has contributed greatly to the success of students, faculty and staff, in addition to the greater Wisconsin community,” Evers wrote in the proclamation.

In his speech, Beeby also emphasized that Cowley Hall’s significance extends beyond its physical structure.

He reflected on the thousands of students who have passed through its classrooms and labs, developing skills, relationships and experiences that shaped their academic journeys.

“But more importantly than the building is what students learn inside the building, their relationships with the faculty, and the friendships they form with other students. And their lasting educational legacy that they take with them, and hopefully pass on to other students when they either become teachers or members of society,” said Beeby.

Even as Cowley Hall prepares for demolition, its influence will persist long after the structure is gone.

“Even if the building is not going to be here, the spirit of the building and what students have learned will last for generations and generations,” said Beeby.

The sendoff served as both a moment of closure and a celebration of the decades of learning, curiosity and scientific discovery that have defined Cowley Hall.

As the university moves forward with new facilities and future plans, the legacy of Cowley’s contributions will remain an integral part of UWL’s history.