UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Thomas Gibson (right) and Pete McPartland, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Sentry, announce a $10 million gift to the School of Business and Economics today (Dec. 15), the largest gift the university has received. Image courtesy: UWSP Communications
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Sentry Insurance Foundation have announced a $10 million gift to the university.
Assistant Dean of the Sentry School of Business and Economics Kevin Neuman says the gift has been in the works for a few months and came together because of a shared vision between the two entities. “There was a lot of synergy between Sentry and UWSP. We’ve had such a great partnership in the past, particularly with the school of business and economics, so there was a level of trust. Sentry has been such a great partner,” he said.
The centerpiece of the gift will be a complete remodeling of the current Collins Classroom Center, which will become the Sentry School of Business and Economics. Neuman says the building is in need of an upgrade with new classroom space and more technology for professors and students, but he’s also excited about the chance for community interaction.
“We’ll be able to connect with community partners, have them come in and engage with our students. We are also launching an entrepreneurial center this spring which will be a featured part of the building. It’ll give us that space where we can have our students learn while also interface with the community,” said Neuman.
School leaders are still working on the plans for the redesigned building. Several approvals will be needed from the state and the UW system before the project begins as well. UWSP leaders estimate that they could get the project underway by 2026, meaning the students that would get to use it are currently in middle school.
As for students currently enrolled, Neuman says they will benefit through an added depth of what he calls co-circulars. That includes seminars on effective networking strategies, how to navigate a formal business dinner setting, and tips on putting on a good front for potential employers through effective social media marketing. “We will be able to do that many more with the resources from this gift.”
Neuman also feels the gift and benefits will help the school attract more students including those from diverse backgrounds.
The donation represents the single-largest gift in UWSP’s history and will be paid out over several years.
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