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�� breaks ground on transformative $32 million project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

giffeyt — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:17:16 +0000

�� breaks ground on transformative $32 million project to enhance athletics, fitness facilitiesgiffeyt May 1, 2026

Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift

A $31.7 million renovation of �� . Recreation Complex will transform the facility and provide more than 39,000 square feet of new and remodeled space for student health, fitness and wellbeing.

Campus leaders, alumni, legislators and students were among those who took part in the official groundbreaking for the project at the campus Sports & Fitness Center on Thursday, April 30.

Chancellor Katherine Frank speaks at the Recreation Complex groundbreaking on April 30.

Chancellor Katherine Frank said the project came about because of a combination of student initiative and donor generosity. Students voted to support this project in 2019 and again in 2022 through student fees, and Dallas and Edye Pankowski donated $5 million to support the project.

“We often talk about �� . Polytechnic Mission – and at the heart of that mission is student success,” Frank said. “This renovation will support student success by prioritizing student health and wellness through modern, accessible recreation and athletic spaces.”

The transformative project, which is already underway and is expected to be completed by early 2028, will add nearly 12,000 square feet of recreation space and renovate an additional 28,000 square feet at the facility, which was built in 1963. The renovation includes turning a decommissioned pool into a multipurpose gym, relocating the athletic weight room to the current fitness center and then converting the previous weight room into multi-use studios, expanding and upgrading locker rooms, creating a second-floor addition with multi-use courts, and creating a new entrance and atrium to attract and welcome visitors.

The future entrance to ��'s Sports & Fitness Center will be named in honor of donors Dallas and Edye Pankowski.

The latter space will be named in honor of the Pankowskis: Dallas, an alum, and Edye, a Menomonie native he met when she worked at ��. Their $5 million gift, the largest in the university ��. history, will help students and other community members develop and maintain active lives. The couple said their own dedication to physical activity has allowed them to pursue rigorous adventures around the world, from the glaciers of Greenland to the base camp of Mount Everest.

“We know that Stout has world-class laboratories to complement their ‘learn by doing’ philosophy,” Dallas Pankowski said. “This updated remodeling and addition to the gym facility will take a just adequate building and make it an outstanding facility. Stout is a school committed to progress.”

Dallas Pankowski, a �� alum who, with his wife, Edye, donated $5 million toward the project, speaks at the groundbreaking event.

�� Senior Facilities Officer Justin Utpadel said he is among the numerous �� alumni who benefited from using the Sports and Fitness Center for fitness, recreation, stress relief and to form connections with other students. However, over the years, it became clear that the building needed significant upgrades.

“Over time, the building ��. infrastructure, layout, and capacity have struggled to keep pace with student demand, modern standards, and evolving expectations for recreation and wellness,” Utpadel said. “This renovation directly addresses those challenges.”

State Rep. Clint Moses, a �� psychology alum who now represents the Menomonie area in the state Legislature, said the remodeled facility will enhance �� . reputation for the next generation of Blue Devils. “This is going to be state-of-the-art and on par with – if not better than – the other institutions in our UW system,” Moses said. “We need to attract these students here to create the jobs and fill the jobs Wisconsin needs.”

The project will benefit not only the thousands of community members who come through the facility ��. doors annually for sporting events and youth programs but also �� student athletes.

�� students Maraya Wiltrout, at podium, and Ian Bryant, left, spoke about the impact the project will have on the campus.

“From an athletics perspective, this project is incredibly exciting,” said junior Maraya Wiltrout, a member of both the Stout Student Association and the women ��. basketball team. “Our athletic facilities play a huge role in how we train, prepare, and come together as teams – and what we’re breaking ground on today is a major step forward for �� Athletics.”

Fellow �� junior Ian Bryant, who works as an orientation and first-year specialist as well as a campus tour guide, said the renovated facility will benefit all students’ physical and mental wellbeing.

“I often tell prospective students and their families that one of the best things you can see on a campus tour is construction – and luckily we have a lot of it,” Bryant said. “It shows that this institution is growing, it is visible proof that we are investing back into our students, and it means those students will soon have brand-new, state-of-the-art spaces to call their own. What we are seeing here at �� is exactly that kind of investment.”

Director of Athletics and Recreation Erin Sullivan credit student leaders, the campus planning team and retired Director of Athletics and Recreation Duey Naatz with creating the momentum that allowed the project to reach this point.

“This project has involved a long journey, and it is incredibly rewarding to finally gather here for the official groundbreaking,” she said. “This renovation will transform this space into something truly special for our campus community.”

This design rendering shows the interior of the addition to ��'s Sports & Fitness Center.

Wisconsin-based Miron Construction will serve as the project ��. general contractor. Andrew Daniels, senior vice president of the company ��. Eau Claire office, said the project is part of a long, meaningful partnership with ��: Miron is also general contractor for the ongoing renovation of Heritage Hall, which began last fall, and served the same role for the 2016 renovation of Harvey Hall. Such projects create applied learning opportunities for �� students who intern with Miron Construction.

“With our teams on campus every day supporting the Heritage Hall and Recreation Complex projects, we are proud to partner with �� to provide authentic, real-world experiences for students in construction management and safety and risk control,” Daniels said. “These active jobsites offer students firsthand exposure to jobsite conditions, safety coordination and the practical realities of project delivery.”

Just before 20 campus and community representatives donned hard hats and ceremonially turned over shovelfuls of soil, Chancellor Frank offered thanks for the collective effort that is bringing the project from drawing board to reality.

“The end result will be a renovated building that reflects a commitment to health and wellbeing in support of our campus and broader community,” she said.

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Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift Shovels full of soil are turned at Rec Complex groundbreaking

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Hero Caption: �� and community officials, students, alumni and other dignitaries take part in an official groundbreaking for the Recreation Complex renovation on April 30.

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Blue Devils’ Frozen Four trip, conference title highlight a hockey season for the record books

giffeyt — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:27:36 +0000

Blue Devils’ Frozen Four trip, conference title highlight a hockey season for the record booksgiffeyt March 31, 2026

Young �� squad tied all-time program record for wins in a season

Tom Giffey

The season may now be over for the �� Blue Devils men ��. hockey team, but it will live on in the record books as one of the best in program history and points toward a bright future for a relatively young squad.

The Blue Devils finished the year 23-6-1, tying their all-time record for wins in a season set in the 2008-09 campaign. That was also the last time the team reached the NCAA Division III Frozen Four.

This season ��. Blue Devils racked up two other notable achievements, winning the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season title outright as well as winning the WIAC Tournament. Both were firsts for the program.

The Blue Devils celebrate after winning the WIAC Tournament on March 7. / Reese Kupsky

Fans packed the Fanetti Community Center through the postseason run and followed the team to the NCAA tournament in Utica, N.Y.

“The support surrounding our hockey program this season was nothing short of incredible and made this run truly special,” Director of Athletics & Recreation Erin Sullivan said. “From our alumni and students to our dedicated staff and faculty, Menomonie youth hockey, and the entire community, the excitement was felt everywhere and for that I am thankful. I am proud of this team and the energy and belief they brought to our university and the Menomonie community.”

The Blue Devils’ season ended in the March 27 national semifinal with a 4-2 loss to the Hobart Statesmen, three-time defending national champions who were riding a 42-game winning streak. �� was within one goal of Hobart until the final minutes, when the Statesmen scored on an empty net. (Two days later, No. 1-ranked and undefeated Hobart was upset in the championship game, losing 2-1 to Hamilton College in overtime.)

Blue Devils goalie Sebastian Monaco in Frozen Four action March 27 against Hobart. / Reese Downs

�� . record-setting achievements bode well for the future, particularly considering the youth of the team. Freshman goalie Sebastian Monaco, who had 36 saves in the final game, was named a 2025-26 CCM/AHCA Men ��. Division III All-American. Monaco led the WIAC with a 1.91 goals-against average and .939 save percentage, which ranked fifth in the nation.

The Blue Devils’ scoring leaders for the season were also all underclassmen, including sophomore forward Hayden Stocks, junior forward Nicolas Pigeon and freshman forward Arhip Sidarovich.

Monaco and Stocks were both named to the All-WIAC Team, while Coach Mike MacDonald was honored as WIAC Coach of the Year. Pigeon and senior defenseman Gunner Moore received honorable mention on the All-WIAC Team. In addition, junior defenseman Sam Kroon was named an Elite Scholar-Athlete by the NCAA.

“This season has laid a great foundation, and I'm excited about the future of Stout hockey,” Sullivan said.

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�� breaks ground on transformative $32 million project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift

May 1, 2026

Blue Devils’ Frozen Four trip, conference title highlight a hockey season for the record books

Young �� squad tied all-time program record for wins in a season

March 31, 2026

Destination Weekend celebrates students at entrepreneur, athletic, fine arts events

Featured events include STEM-X, Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, Fashion Without Fabric on April 11

March 17, 2026

Young �� squad tied all-time program record for wins in a season Blue Devils celebrate goal against Hobart

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Hero Caption: The Blue Devils hockey team celebrates after a goal against Hobart in the Frozen Four on March 27. / Photo by Owen Segna

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Destination Weekend celebrates students at entrepreneur, athletic, fine arts events

goersab — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:20:00 +0000

Destination Weekend celebrates students at entrepreneur, athletic, fine arts eventsgoersab March 17, 2026

Featured events include STEM-X, Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, Fashion Without Fabric on April 11

Abbey Goers

�� invites families, alumni and the community to campus Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 12, for Destination Weekend, a celebration of fashion, fine arts, athletics and more.

The weekend is a continuation of �� . Year of Design, highlighting the innovation, leadership, and impact at the heart of Wisconsin's ��. Enjoy Stout Secrets self-guided tours and presentations, STEM Exploration events, a Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, the annual sellout Fashion Without Fabric and more.

Destination Weekend

Inviting families, supporters, alumni and others to campus April 10-12, 2026, to celebrate all things Stout!

View the full schedule and RSVP for Destination Weekend, the opening weekend of �� . Spring Showcase, a two-month-long lineup of events.

Some events are ticketed, but most do not require advance registration.

Fashion Without Fabric

The encore event of the weekend is Fashion Without Fabric, the annual showstopper, where students bring their wearable sculptures to life on the runway. This year ��. theme is “Years in the Making,” as teams of students take on modern fashion designs. The show is at 7 p.m. on April 11, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. Seating will also be available in an overflow and low-stimuli rooms.

Tickets will be available on Wednesday, March 25, at uwstout.universitytickets.com. Seating is first-come, first-served. In collaboration with industry partners and alumni, the School of Art and Design will award up to three $1,000 scholarships to the winners of the highly competitive show. Donate to support the scholarship.

STEM Exploration events

On April 11, community members are invited to STEM Exploration events, with hands-on lab experiences and tours. Leading the STEM-X events to celebrate the Blue Devils hockey team ��. dance at the national tournament, attendees can build and personalize an off-ice hockey puck. They can also create a concrete coaster and join the Construction Lab tour.

Made@Stout Pop-Up Market

Made@Stout will host a Pop-Up Market from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 11, in the Memorial Student Center. Made@Stout creates opportunities for Blue Devil creators, makers and entrepreneurs to share and sell their products, artwork and goods. Rooted in community pride and �� . applied, polytechnic spirit, the initiative builds pathways for students, faculty and staff to bring their ideas to market.

University Theatre

Students will perform “Something Rotten,” led by Director Audric Buhr, at Harvey Hall Theatre. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18; and 2 p.m. on April 12.

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world ��. very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

“Something Rotten” has received several Best Musical nominations and was hailed by Time Out New York as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years.”

Tickets are available at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

Fine Arts Events

“Support Structures” and “Simon Ungless: A Life in Print in the South Gallery” exhibits reception: April 10, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Furlong Gallery. A Meet the Artist event for Simon Ungless will be on Monday, April 13.)
Mabel: Drawings Inspired by the Mabel Tainter Theater opening reception: April 10, 5:30 p.m. (Mabel Tainter Center for the Art, downtown Menomonie)
Gallery 209, in the Applied Arts building, second floor, will host an Advanced Printmaking exhibition.

Athletics Events

Lacrosse vs. UW-River Falls: April 10, 7 p.m. (Nelson Field)
Tennis vs. Central College: April 11, 2 p.m. (South Tennis Courts)
Baseball vs. UW-La Crosse: April 12, noon (Wakanda Park)
Softball vs. UW-Platteville (Senior Day): April 12, noon (Alumni Field)

Spring Showcase signature events in May and June

Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m.: WEAR Fashion Show, showcasing innovative capstone collections from fashion design and development seniors.
Tuesday, May 5: Research Day, celebrating the research and creative work of students, faculty, and staff from all fields.
Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.: Stout Game Expo (SGX), western Wisconsin ��. largest game developer exhibition.
Friday, May 8, 6 p.m.: SOAD Senior Show, graduating seniors take over Micheels Hall and the Applied Arts building.
Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10: 4th Annual Unspooled Film & Animation Festival, dedicated to showcasing the very best in independent filmmaking.
Wednesday, June 24, to Sunday, June 28: Murals in Menomonie, featuring the Walldogs, is a collaborative group of community organizations bringing in some of the world ��. best mural artists.

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�� welcomes more than 1,100 community members, area children for summer activities

Polytechnic experiences offered at hands-on STEAM camps, professional development workshops, Murals in Menomonie festival

June 1, 2026

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits �� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

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May 18, 2026

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Featured events include STEM-X, Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, Fashion Without Fabric on April 11 Fashion Without Fabric, 2025

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Ranked fifth in nation, Blue Devils hockey team carries home ice advantage into first NCAA tournament in 17 years

giffeyt — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Ranked fifth in nation, Blue Devils hockey team carries home ice advantage into first NCAA tournament in 17 yearsgiffeyt March 11, 2026

�� hosts Anna Maria College in first round on Saturday, March 14

Tom Giffey

For the first time in nearly two decades, the �� Blue Devils hockey team is headed to the NCAA tournament, riding high after a 5-4 victory in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Tournament championship game.

�� (21-5-1) defeated UW-River Falls on March 7 to earn its first trip to the NCAA tourney since 2009. The Blue Devils, now ranked fifth in NCAA Division III, will open the tournament with a first-round game against Anna Maria College (20-5-2) at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, on home ice at the Fanetti Community Center in Menomonie. Tickets are available online.

Having a sell-out crowd — including fans filling the bleachers and standing several deep outside the glass — was a boost to the Blue Devils during the championship game, said Head Coach Mike MacDonald. He anticipates similar support Saturday from �� students and community members.

“When you go into a season, you’re thinking about just getting to the NCAA tournament, and home ice is an afterthought, because it ��. such an accomplishment to get into the tournament in the first place,” he said. “But to have such an incredible season where we are going to host our first game at home, that ��. icing on the cake.”

Blue Devils hockey players celebrate the WIAC Tournament victory that propelled them to the NCAA Tournament. / Photo by Ben Killinger

Defenseman Gunner Moore, one of the team ��. captains, said support from the community, especially at the most recent game, has been unprecedented.

“The most exciting part for me was having the rink so filled and how excited people were. It ��. never been like that here before,” said Moore, a senior from La Vegas, Nevada.

“It has been unreal,” he continued. “I was walking into the fieldhouse the other day and I heard some track athletes singing our goal song. Seeing people in the community and talking to them has been awesome.”

Fellow co-captain and defenseman Sam Kroon, a junior from Calgary, Alberta, added that playing in front of an energetic home crowd will give the team a huge advantage.

“The support from the entire school and town has been amazing,” he added. “All the guys have had professors, students and community members come up and congratulate us. It's special to see the school and community support and cheer us on during our games and the playoff run.”

Fans in the sell-out crowd at Fanetti Community Center in Menomonie. / Photo by Ben Killinger

Intense arena atmosphere

Director of Athletics & Recreation Erin Sullivan said it ��. been an exciting season for the athletics department and the university.

“Our student athletes believe they can win, and that belief is showing up in how they compete. I’m incredibly proud of them,” she said. “I’m also grateful for the support we’ve received — from student athletes in other sports, from our student body, from the Stout community and from the Menomonie community.”

Sullivan added that “the atmosphere this past weekend was unreal” and she is looking forward to a similar environment on Saturday. “Hosting any round of the NCAA tournament is a big deal, and we intend to use home ice to our advantage,” she said. “This opportunity reflects the momentum across our department, and we’re excited to continue representing �� on the national stage.”

Depending on the outcome of Saturday ��. game and other factors, there ��. a chance the Blue Devils could host a second-round NCAA game at home as well. But the team isn’t thinking about that yet: They’re focused on carrying their season-long success into the next game.

“I think that when we’re playing at our best we can beat anyone. I think that was fairly evident by the way we could get up 5-1 against one of the most talented teams in the country,” MacDonald said, citing the lead the Blue Devils built in the championship before a late rally by the Falcons, who almost tied the game in the third period. That late rally by UW-River Falls was a reminder to the Blue Devils not to take their foot off the gas, MacDonald added.

Forward Arhip Sidarovich (19) scores against UW-River Falls. / Photo by Ben Killinger

Standout season

Three weeks earlier, on Feb. 14, the Blue Devils earned their first-ever outright regular season WIAC title with a home victory over UW-Eau Claire. They followed up with wins over UW-Stevens Point and UW-River Falls to clinch the WIAC tourney.

The team demonstrated a balanced approach against the Falcons, with the five goals coming from five different players — junior Nicolas Pigeon, sophomore Noah Tyrrell, freshman Arhip Sidarovich, sophomore Nicholas Stevens and senior Kullan Daikawa — while freshman goalie Sebastian Monaco stopped 24 shots.

The team has racked up numerous achievements this season, which has already been one of the most successful in program history. By beating the Falcons, the Blue Devils won their first-ever WIAC Tournament Championship, hoisting the Commissioner ��. Cup and earning the conference ��. automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Blue Devils have also won more than 20 games this season for the first time since 2009, when they reached the Frozen Four.

All this for a team that in a preseason poll was predicted to finish fifth in the six-team conference. Now they hold that same position in nationwide NCAA rankings.

“To be fifth out of 91 teams is quite an accomplishment, considering the schedule that we play,” MacDonald said.

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�� breaks ground on transformative $32 million project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift

May 1, 2026

Blue Devils’ Frozen Four trip, conference title highlight a hockey season for the record books

Young �� squad tied all-time program record for wins in a season

March 31, 2026

Destination Weekend celebrates students at entrepreneur, athletic, fine arts events

Featured events include STEM-X, Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, Fashion Without Fabric on April 11

March 17, 2026

�� hockey to host Anna Maria College in first round of NCAA tourney blue_devils_celebrate_wiac_tournament_win.jpg

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Hero Caption: Members of the �� Blue Devils hockey team celebrate with the Commissioner ��. Cup after winning the WIAC Tournament. / Photo by Ben Killinger

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With WIAC trophy in hand, Blue Devils hockey team readies for postseason run

giffeyt — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:30:20 +0000

With WIAC trophy in hand, Blue Devils hockey team readies for postseason rungiffeyt February 25, 2026

After first-ever outright regular season title, ‘calm and composed’ squad aims for conference tourney, potential NCAA trip

Tom Giffey

Level-headed play, strong goaltending, and offensive consistency have all contributed to a season of success for the �� Blue Devil ��. hockey team, including a first-ever outright Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship.

Now, the Blue Devils are headed into the WIAC Tournament — and potentially the NCAA Division III tourney — as the No. 10 team in the nation.

“We’ve been a very calm and composed team, both with and without a lead, and that has been very helpful for us. We’ve been able to dig out of some games that we probably would have lost last year,” Head Coach Mike MacDonald explained.

“I would say we have a less emotional team than we’ve had in the past when it comes to the highs and lows of the season,” MacDonald continued. “Becoming a little bit more level-headed has benefited us greatly.”

That ��. not to say the Blue Devils (19-5-1 overall, 12-2-1 in WIAC play) and their fans didn’t celebrate on Feb. 14 when the team beat the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds 3-2 to clinch the regular season title. But even as they hoisted the conference trophy, they were looking ahead to tournament play.

The Blue Devils hoist the regular season conference trophy after beating the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds on Feb. 14. / Owen Segna

“Going into the season, that ��. not necessarily your goal, but it ��. a nice achievement along the way,” junior defenseman Sam Kroon, one of three team captains, said of winning the regular season title. “We know we still have a lot to do and a lot of hard work to come, but it ��. definitely a sign of the work we’ve put in throughout the season.”

By beating the Blugolds in two consecutive games to close the regular season, the Blue Devils clinched their first-ever outright WIAC regular season title. (In 2011, they shared the crown with UW-Superior.) Next comes the WIAC Tournament, which for the Blue Devils begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, against UW-Stevens Point at the Fanetti Ice Center in Menomonie. A win that night will send them to the WIAC title game on March 7, where victory will mean a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 17 years.

Goalie Sebastian Monaco, a freshman, has been a standout for the Blue Devils this season. / Jeremy Cwan

Youth, experience combine for Blue Devils

MacDonald said the team has benefited from both experienced veterans and young talent this season. For example, freshman forward Arhip Sidarovich, from Minski, Belarus, earned WIAC Kwik Trip Men ��. Ice Hockey Player of the Week honors in November and ranked as the team ��. No. 2 scorer. Goalie Sebastian Monaco, a fellow freshman from Caledon, Ontario, was WIAC Player of the Week three times this season, most recently after making 58 saves in a two-game sweep of UW-Superior.

After several seasons of junior hockey in his native Ontario, Monaco knew he had to prove himself to earn a spot in the starting lineup. Likewise, the entire team had something to prove, having finished last season 12-13-2 and being picked fifth in the WIAC in a preseason poll. With help from Monaco ��. high save percentage, the team has beat expectations while building confidence.

“Honestly I think when we play with that attitude, that swagger, it ��. pretty hard to beat us — offensively and defensively,” Monaco said.

“We beat everyone in our league multiple times, going into the playoffs,” MacDonald added. “There isn’t a team out there who has our number this season, and that ��. a very good feeling.”

Defenseman Gunner Moore is one of three captains of the 2025-26 Blue Devil hockey team. / Reese Kupsky

The consistent success has rested on the steady shoulders of the team ��. seniors, including defenseman Gunner Moore and forward Kullan Daikawa, both co-captains, who have had to balance the intensity of both academics and athletics in their final semester.

Moore, a B.S. cybersecurity major from Las Vegas, Nevada, explained that as a senior, most of his coursework comes in the form of group projects that require leadership and teamwork, something he ��. accustomed to from years on the ice. His academic field focuses on problem solving and understanding systems — not to mention playing defense — all skills honed in hockey.

Consider the team ��. strength in penalty kill situations, which leave them temporarily shorthanded. “It might look like chaos to people, but there is a system to it,” Moore said of playing defense in the penalty kill. “It ��. built into my head: ‘This is what ��. going to happen.’”

Daikawa, a B.S. health, wellness & fitness major from Lino Lakes, Minnesota, said his academic field has helped him learn how to strengthen and condition his body and to recover faster after competition. “Everything I learn I try to relate it back to hockey,” he said.

Forward Jake McAlpine advances the puck against the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds on Feb. 14. / Ben Killinger

Prepped for the postseason

The Blue Devils regular-season title gave them a bye in the conference tournament, allowing them a couple of weeks to recover and prepare for the postseason, which begins Feb. 28 against UW-Stevens Point. As six-time NCAA champs, the Pointers can’t be taken lightly — but neither can the surging Blue Devils.

“We just take it one game at a time,” Daikawa said. “We’ve stayed calm through the storm, through the whole season.”

Looking forward to representing �� on a larger stage in the postseason, Moore said he ��. reminded of his experience winning a state hockey championship as a high school sophomore. “It was electric: You’d walk into school and people were so excited for you,” Moore said. “Now I’m at the end of my hockey career, and I’m doing that again. It ��. so fun.”

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�� breaks ground on transformative $32 million project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift

May 1, 2026

Blue Devils’ Frozen Four trip, conference title highlight a hockey season for the record books

Young �� squad tied all-time program record for wins in a season

March 31, 2026

Destination Weekend celebrates students at entrepreneur, athletic, fine arts events

Featured events include STEM-X, Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, Fashion Without Fabric on April 11

March 17, 2026

After first-ever outright regular season title, ‘calm and composed’ squad aims for conference tourney, potential NCAA trip Blue Devils hoist trophy at WIAC regular season victory

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Hero Caption: Members of the �� Blue Devils hockey team celebrate after clinching the regular-season WIAC title on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. / Owen Segna

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Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025

giffeyt — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025 giffeyt January 21, 2026

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines

It was a year of big things at ��, from breaking ground for the biggest construction project in university history to posting some of the most notable enrollment growth in the Universities of Wisconsin to being chosen as the area ��. Large Business of the Year.

In 2025, Wisconsin ��. �� also earned big accolades, such as being named one of America ��. Best Colleges by Money Magazine for the second year in a row and made big waves by continuing to break down barriers and redefine higher education for the 21st century.

These milestones are just some of the university ��. Stout Story highlights as it looks back at 2025.

Reinvigorating renovations

The university began its fall 2025 semester with a groundbreaking for the long-awaited $144.3 million Heritage Hall renovation project, which will transform the half-century-old building into a cutting-edge educational hub to help meet Wisconsin ��. workforce needs. The project, which is expected to be finished in 2028, will be paid for with funding from the state as well as $13.5 million donated by university supporters, industry partners and alumni.

‘Power of Partnership’: �� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Chancellor, lawmakers, community and campus leaders join to highlight project that will boost Wisconsin workforce

“The renovation of Heritage Hall is a direct reflection of our mission as Wisconsin ��. ��: to provide career-focused, applied learning and research, and industry collaboration that meets the evolving needs of the state ��. workforce and communities,” Chancellor Katherine Frank said.

The campus also looked forward to another major project, a $31.7 million revitalization of the Recreation Complex. Funded through the 2025-27 state budget as well as a record-setting $5 million gift, the renovations are expected to begin this year. And in October, �� celebrated the opening of a $1 million Esports Arena, a new high-tech home for the championship-caliber esports team.

Advances in AI

Artificial intelligence isn’t a stand-alone subject at �� — it ��. been integrated across all programs, a 360-degree approach to create tomorrow ��. AI-ready workforce.

“Equipping students from every major with AI skills is not only important but necessary,” said engineering and technology Assistant Professor Yuan Xing, who is working with applied social science Professor Tina Lee on a cross-disciplinary program focused on an AI-enhanced farming robot.

AI, fully integrated: �� . 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence embeds skills across all programs

‘Equipping students from every major with AI skills is not only important but necessary.’

The university ��. AI Fellows and AI Innovation Committee, led by faculty and staff, ensure AI is embedded into learning, operations and innovation, while directing AI integration, governance, ethics and literacy. Among the many examples of faculty engagement with AI include employing machine learning in engineering and manufacturing processes as well as comparing human and AI-generated written communication.

Assistant Professor Cami Banger, program director of business information technology and digital marketing technology, created a business technology class with AI “baked in,” while Professor Betsy Pudliner used AI-driven prompts to transform hospitality industry experiences into interactive online course content.

Meanwhile, a $647,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will allow �� . Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence – CAM-AI – to provide advanced manufacturing and AI support to small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

Upgrading STEMM spaces

The completion of a two-year, $7.4 million renovation project ensured that labs in the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing provide the technology, accessibility and visibility necessary for students to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management.

Some of the new equipment in labs in both Jarvis and Fryklund halls — including production-level 3D printers, a fully-integrated automated manufacturing system and more — was funded through a $3.1 million donation from the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation. The gift was the result of an ongoing partnership between �� and the Wanek family and their business, Ashley Furniture Industries, based in Arcadia.

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Machinery for automated manufacturing, 3D printing and more will impact thousands of students’ polytechnic experiences

Such campus labs create space for innovation, such as work by Associate Professor Kevin MacDonald, director of the B.S. construction management program, and his students to create innovative low-carbon concrete using blast-furnace slag, which was tested in April in a campus project.

Labs also provide workspaces for students like mechanical engineering senior Heidi Benningfield, who received more than tuition and an internship through the U.S. military ��. SMART Scholarship program. After graduation, she ��. guaranteed a job with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, Alabama.

Other students brought research on optimizing plant growth through the use of robotics to the national stage, while a faculty-student collaboration created software for making better 3D models of priceless objects in museums from Minneapolis to Amsterdam.

Degree and university programs honored

�� and its programs continued to rake in top rankings in 2025. Princeton Review listed �� . undergraduate game design programs, which include the B.F.A. game design and development and B.S. computer science – game design concentration, No. 5 in the Midwest and No. 24 worldwide.

�� . game design programs ranked among international best by Princeton Review

Side gigs at Roblox, Respawn strengthen students’ skills; Stout Game Expo on May 8

�� . Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity was named a Top 25 Best Value Cybersecurity Degree Bachelor ��. Program in the U.S. by Programs.com, the only Wisconsin program on the list. And U.S. News and World Report said �� had some of the Best Online Programs in the nation, including the M.S. manufacturing engineering online (Top 20 in the Midwest), the M.S. education online (Top 45 in the Midwest), and the B.S. management and leadership online (Top 15 in the Midwest).

University programs also garnered state and national honors, with the Grow, Persist, Succeed on-campus job program earning an Academic Staff Excellence Award from the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents and the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute receiving the annual W.F. Faulkes Award from the National Rehabilitation Association for its nearly 60 years of helping tens of thousands of Americans with disabilities.

High-ranking services for veterans

For veterans and active military students, �� was named to the 2025 Best for Vets Colleges list by Military Times for its commitment to serving veterans and their families, ranking first in Wisconsin among traditional and online universities.

Serving those who served: �� among top 25 in Midwest on annual Best for Vets list

University lauded by Military Times for services to veterans, their families

The university was also honored as a Military Friendly® School. Its silver designation marked the 16th consecutive year the university was named a Military Friendly® School for its efforts to offer service and support to meet the needs of military students. It was also named a 2025-26 Military Spouse Friendly School.

Army ROTC Northwoods Battalion students learn leadership theory, time management skills, basic soldier skills, map reading and other skills from experienced Army leaders. �� has a long-standing agreement with the Air Force ROTC program at University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul – a unique agreement among Wisconsin universities – that allows students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes while completing their degrees.

Top design awards

While ��'s School of Art & Design celebrated its 60th anniversary, students from across degree programs celebrated top wins in state, national and international competitions.

Interior design senior Khendra Thompson rose to the challenge at the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition and won with her design of a 16,000-square-foot workplace spread across two floors in a Chicago office building, beating four other finalists from a field that began with 1,600 students from across the continent.

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

Interior design majors who entered the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition faced a lofty challenge.

To address the concern of microplastics in food and water, Master of Fine Arts in design student Ashley Jandro created a social awareness campaign called “MicroWhat?,” for which she received a Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Silver Pin at the Minnesota AdFed awards, sponsored by the Advertising Federation of Minnesota.

A team of four packaging students won first place among university teams from around the globe in the 2025 International Molded Fiber Association Student Competition. They created a sustainable packaging solution for a waffle iron, previously packaged in polystyrene, and replaced the components with molded fiber.

The claustrophobic, cooperative game Dread Not, in which players try to survive a sinking submarine, won the award for Best Student Entry at M+DEV, the largest game industry conference in the Midwest. Dread Not was developed by a team of 15 game design students.

With a design inspired by her adventures with her black lab, Max, studio art major Jaelyn Logterman won the 2026 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission pass design contest, announced by the state ��. Department of Natural Resources.

Students lending a Helping Hand

Two interior design students are working to ensure their peers have a more efficient, comfortable and warm experience at Helping Hand Food+ Pantry, the university ��. student pantry. Emma Walstra and Klaire Johnson, project co-leads, reimagined the pantry space to create an “atmosphere that reflects the care �� places in serving its students.”

Interior design program partners with Helping Hand pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’

Student design team reimagines pantry space to ensure peers have comfortable, warm experience

In a cross-disciplinary collaboration, four groups of students in a Light Construction Methods class built two raised garden beds, one raised tool bench and one raised tool holder for The Neighbors of Dunn County, a senior living home. The project was part of a service-learning activity and was launched last summer during a new STEAM camp for high school students.

A team of animation and digital media students collaborated with Dunn County Humane Society to develop a public service announcement as part of the Animation Production junior capstone class. Their 72-second 2D animated film, “Stray,” was created to help advocate for pet adoption. The informative short features Bow, a stray orange tabby cat rescued during Wisconsin ��. bitter winter.

Industry-sponsored projects are standard practice

Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture sponsored multiple engineering student projects in 2025. A team of students, including Inspiring Graduates Luke Mertens and Zachary Morgan, designed an innovative nonstandard pallet stacker. Ashley Manufacturing Engineer Erik Kramer, the team ��. project manager, said, “The �� team built a better system, a better product for us. Now, with the team ��. documentation, our automation team can replicate their functional design to build six more stackers for our facilities.”

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

Student team builds functional nonstandard pallet stacker to be implemented, replicated in company ��. facilities

Students also developed toolless bed connections for Ashley and worked in eight cross-disciplinary groups to research market trends, ideate preliminary designs, test materials and build professional prototypes. The class traveled to Ashley for a tour of the facility and to present their prototypes to the R&D team.

Packaging faculty and student research is poised to help Madison-based Tricky Foods deliver its tasty but temperature-sensitive charcuterie boards coast to coast. Associate Professor Kate Liu of �� . packaging program worked with Tricky Foods to test the insulating abilities of two eco-friendly packaging options – one made of cornstarch, the other of recycled paper.

Three industrial and product design students were awarded a cash prize by Room & Board in exchange for the rights to produce their designs if they choose. The senior’ project focused on storage solutions for media, dining, living, entry, bathroom and kitchen systems.

Blue Devil athletes excelling

The �� Blue Devil women ��. basketball team ��. Cinderella run to the Final Four last March marked the team ��. best-ever performance in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. They completed their historic season with a 23-8 record, going 10-4 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference. Senior Raegen Sorensen became ��'s all-time leading scorer with 1,754 career points.

Blue Devil women ��. basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

Records set in tenacious battle against undefeated, defending champions NYU

Gymnast Jamie Beatty delivered a historic performance at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association National Championships, capturing national titles in both the all-around and the uneven bars and being named WIAC Newcomer of the Year.

The inaugural women ��. flag football team hoisted the Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship trophy at the Minnesota Vikings’ TCO Performance Center in April. �� was a founding member of the collegiate league, which was kickstarted with support from the Vikings.

Women ��. golf took the WIAC conference championship, where they triumphed by a near-record margin. Sophomore Julia Imai and junior Brin Neumann placed first and second individually.

Blue Devils football made history at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium, earning the program ��. first-ever postseason victory with a 31-23 win over Washington University in the Culver's Isthmus Bowl. �� finishes the season 6-5 for their second straight winning season.

Officer Harvey: University Police therapy-dog-in-training is already warming hearts

The newest police officer at the University of Wisconsin-Stout is also the department ��. furriest.

BONUS: Introducing Officer Harvey

Officer Harvey, a therapy dog in training, joined ��'s University Police as its newest member in March. Once Harvey is fully trained, he will serve University Police by assisting people experiencing mental health crises as well as victims of crime and will help the department bridge the gap with members of the community, said University Police Chief Gregory Kalosis.

Applied Learning

All Applied Learning News

Canon selects �� for exclusive Explorers of Light program with award-winning cinematographer

Shana Hagan, ASC, has worked on everything from Oscar-winning documentaries to hit sitcoms

April 23, 2026

John Deere will benefit from sustainable plastic research conducted by �� students, faculty

Two-year project seeks to identify recycled polymers that can be used in manufacturing process

April 9, 2026

Equine therapy gives clinical mental health students skills to support clients’ growth

Vance Creek Experiential Therapy internships add to clinical training for master ��. students

April 3, 2026

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines Dignitaries with shovels at Heritage Hall groundbreaking

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Incredible employment rates. Guaranteed practical experience. Industry-aligned facilities. Tuition discount for South Dakota residents.

Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

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�� women ��. golf outpaces field to win conference crown, sets eyes on national tourney

giffeyt — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0000

�� women ��. golf outpaces field to win conference crown, sets eyes on national tourneygiffeyt October 15, 2025

Blue Devils win first WIAC title since 2016, earn NCAA bid

Tom Giffey

The �� women ��. golf team ��. victory this month at the conference championship, where they triumphed by a near-record margin, isn’t the culmination of a season: It ��. a sign of things to come for a young, focused and talented Blue Devils team.

Sophomore Julia Imai and junior Brin Neumann placed first and second individually at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Championship Oct. 3-5 at the Reedsburg Country Club in Reedsburg, topping the leaderboard and driving the Blue Devils to a 48-stroke victory over runner-up UW-Whitewater, the eight-time defending champions. It was the fourth conference title for the Blue Devils, who last won the WIAC crown in 2016, as well as Imai ��. second individual championship.

It was also the second consecutive season that Head Coach Sophia Connett was named WIAC Coach of the Year. At this year ��. WIAC tournament the Blue Devils managed their emotions — and their play — better than they had the previous year, when they came within nine strokes of the title, Connett said.

Golf Coach Sophia Connett with her second consecutive Coach of the Year award. / Steve Frommell

“This year we made it our main focus to address our fears and nerves and just go in with the killer mindset, which I’d say was exemplified by our margin,” Connett said, noting the team took a 19-stroke lead on the first day of this year ��. championship and didn’t look back.

“After day one we had a chat with the girls about staying focused and keeping the same mindset even though we were winning by that much,” Connett continued. “We just wanted to go and do the exact same thing again, and we did.”

Because of the split nature of the college golf season, the Conference Championship wasn’t the end of the road for this year ��. Blue Devil golfers: Barely a week later they finished fifth in a field of 24 teams from across the country at the Golfweek October Classic in Sandestin, Florida, where Imai tied for second place among 120 players. The team will now take a break until spring, when they will begin the second half of the 2025-26 season, culminating in a trip to the NCAA Championship May 19-22 in Palm Desert, California.

“Having nationals in May makes the spring season a little bit more focused and a little bit more competitive, which I would say is exciting for all of us,” Connett said.

Blue Devil sophomore Julia Imai placed first at the 2025 WIAC Championship. / Steve Frommell

‘Championship mentality’ lauded

“We are incredibly proud of our women ��. golf team for winning the WIAC Championship,” said Erin Sullivan, �� director of Athletics and Recreation. “Their unwavering focus and championship mentality were evident throughout the tournament. This marks our first championship of the academic year, and it sets a strong tone for the months ahead. We look forward to supporting the team as they prepare for the national championship in May. They continue to represent �� and Stout Athletics with excellence and pride.”

The championship is the latest in a string of athletic successes for �� women, including the basketball team ��. trip to the NCAA Division III Final Four last spring and the flag football team ��. victory in the first-ever Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship.

Fit to a tee: New Pat Kell Golf Center perfect match for Blue Devil teams, golf management majors

Women ��. and men ��. golf team members and students majoring in golf enterprise management have a new, high-tech playing and learning hub at ��.

Andrew Delong, �� director of golf, said the women ��. golf program has been building toward a WIAC championship over the past few seasons. “To fight for a goal and finally see it accomplished is tremendously rewarding,” Delong said. “Achievements like this take a whole community. While our student athletes played exceptionally and deserve the spotlight, the contributions of so many others in and around Menomonie cannot be overlooked.”

In particular, Delong credited Tanglewood Greens, a Menomonie golf course, for providing access to help players develop their skills, as well as the flexibility that �� instructors give to student athletes during the season. Donors are also critical to the program ��. success, Delong said.

“The Pat Kell Golf Center, our indoor facility made possible by Mike Kell and his family, has given our players an incredible space to train over the winter months,” he added. “Finally, the support and pride demonstrated by Chancellor Katherine Frank and our upper administration is contagious and our golfers carry it out on the course.”

Coaches and team members celebrated the conference championship in Reedsburg. / Steve Frommell

Competing at a high level

Imai and Neumann — who finished with three-round scores of 230 and 233 respectively — were part of a strong �� squad at the WIAC Championship, where all five players ended in the top nine, including junior Ashleigh Johnson and senior Hallie Tulip, who tied for fifth at 239, and freshman Sarah Chaffee, who placed ninth with a score of 242.

In just her third season as head coach, Connett said she has been able to form a team with strong bonds on and off the course. “Pretty quickly we got a bunch of girls that I would say all share the same mindset,” she explained. “They all want to work hard. They all want to get better. They all want to compete at a high level.”

And they certainly have competed at a high level. Consider Imai, who was chosen as WIAC Golfer of the Year and WIAC Newcomer of the Year last season as a freshman.

“I’ve always felt that if I do good for myself it ��. good for the team,” said Imai, a food science major from Brookline, Massachusetts. “What ��. best for me is best for the team.”

Reflecting on last year ��. second-place WIAC finish, Imai added: “Knowing where we were last year, being so close as a team, and then just to be able to actually compete all three days and take home the win, that was very fulfilling for us.”

Neumann added that competing at the WIAC Championship was different from taking part in other tournaments. “When you go to conference and you’re representing Stout, you’re playing for the entire school,” said Neumann, a professional and technical communication major from Warrens. “It ��. such a big privilege that out of the whole university population, we get to go out and do that.”

And representing �� in an overwhelming victory was particularly satisfying, Neumann added. “People asked me, ‘Oh, wouldn’t you want a closer finish?’ And I said, ‘Heck no,’” she laughed.

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Young �� squad tied all-time program record for wins in a season

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Blue Devils win first WIAC title since 2016, earn NCAA bid Women's golf team at WIAC Championship

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Season schedules, team rosters, news and other updates for �� Blue Devil athletics.

Search Keywords: �� women's golfWIAC ChampionsConference Championshipathletics

Hero Caption: The �� women's golf team celebrates their victory at the WIAC Championship. / Photo by Steve Frommell

Erin Sullivan

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Menomonie Culver ��., Brewery Nonic special events support Blue Devils at homecoming

goersab — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:20:00 +0000

Menomonie Culver ��., Brewery Nonic special events support Blue Devils at homecominggoersab October 13, 2025

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 23-25

Abbey Goers

Mosey on over to downtown Menomonie to celebrate �� . 2025 homecoming, Thursday, Oct. 23, to Saturday, Oct. 25. As students saddle up for a “Way Stout West” homecoming theme, alumni, supporters, and community members anticipate the annual parade and football game on Saturday.

The community is also invited to two special events supporting students, in collaboration with Menomonie Culver ��. and Brewery Nonic, as well as two open house labs to experience the university ��. polytechnic advantage.

All events are open to the public. Registration is open on the homecoming site. �� staff will be available at the homecoming welcome table Oct. 24, 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Clock Tower Plaza, to provide more details about events happening around campus.

This year marks �� . 109th homecoming, with its first homecoming held in 1917.

Special events to support students

For the second year in a row, Menomonie Culver ��. has created a homecoming flavor for ��. Menomonie Culver ��. will have a Western-themed Flavor of the Day on Friday, Oct. 24, and 100% of Flavor of the Day sales will go to support the Student Success Fund.

Building on this spirit of community and support is a special collaboration with Brewery Nonic, owned by alum Ryan Verdon (’13). Together, �� and Brewery Nonic are debuting a limited-edition homecoming brew, available in apple ale and blueberry ale.

The initiative is more than a specialty beverage; it ��. a way for alumni, friends and community members to support �� students. With the purchase of a signature homecoming glass, guests will receive a free drink ticket, and 50% of proceeds will benefit the StoutProud Fund. This fund directly supports �� . strategic priorities, enhancing the student experience.

Glasses can be purchased online and picked up at the following:

Prehomecoming celebration: Thursday, Oct. 16, 5 to 7 p.m. (Brewery Nonic)
Homecoming welcome table: Oct. 24, 1 to 4:30 p.m. (Clock Tower Plaza)
Homecoming welcome table: Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Clock Tower Plaza)

Alumni connections with brewing and distilling run deep, with faculty and students collaborating for years on applied learning projects ranging from product packaging and design to biochemistry research using brewer ��. yeast.

�� also offers a new collaborative Beer, Cheese and Kombucha for Beginners course, attracting those interested in making their own food and beverages. Check out additional Continuing Education and Conferences opportunities.

Homecoming parade and community events on Saturday

Saturday will start with some preparade fun at the Stout Clock Tower Party from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Bowman Hall Clock Tower Plaza, with face painting, balloon art, yard games and more. All ages are welcome.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at 10th Avenue E. and Broadway Street S. The route goes through downtown and then south on Third Street E. through campus toward the Sports and Fitness Center, ending at 13th Avenue. Watch the parade livestream on YouTube.

A self-guided �� Landmark Walking Tour is available. Two open house labs will be held: a Golf Simulator Demo from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Pat Kell Golf Center, Recreation Complex room 25; and an Esports Lab Demo from noon to 2 p.m., in the brand-new Esports Arena, Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center room 111.

New this year, Downtown Menomonie is hosting the Downtown Fall Frolic, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Shop sidewalk sales, get one-day-only deals at downtown shops and enter a free raffle to win Downtown Menomonie experience packages.

Athletics and recreation events

University Recreation ��. annual Blue Devil Glow Run is a 2-mile fun run/walk on Oct. 23, beginning at Williams Stadium, winding through campus and ending on the outdoor track. Registration begins at 7 p.m., and runners will take off at 8 p.m.

Cheer on the Blue Devils at two games on Oct. 25. Purchase tickets at the games, or watch the Blue Devils’ games online on the WIAC Network.

Softball Alumni Game: 9 a.m. (Alumni Field)
Football vs. UW-Stevens Point: 1 p.m. (Williams Stadium)

Alumni events

Two special events for alumni are planned. The �� Alumni Awards Celebration will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 24, in the Memorial Student Center ballrooms. Purchase a ticket to attend. �� will recognize these distinguished alumni and supporters:

Distinguished Alumni Award: Gene Hallongren, a retired counselor, teacher and administrator at College of DuPage and DeVry University
Trailblazer Alumni Award: Leslie Barlow, a visual artist, educator and cultural worker
Luminary Alumni Award: Greg Else, director of Monitoring and Controls, Individual and Family Markets, with Health Care Service Corporation
Chancellor ��. Award: Dean Weidner, founder and chairman of Weidner Apartment Homes, headquartered in Kirkland, Washington
University Partner Award: Great Northern Corporation, headquartered in Appleton

On Oct. 25, Breakfast at the Buck features a breakfast for alumni from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Silver Dollar, 315 Main St. E. Register online.

Western-themed events for students

Blue Devil Productions is hosting student events all week long, centered around this year ��. theme “Way Stout West.”

Students will kick off the week on Oct. 20, with a Culver ��. Custard Social, followed by the annual Soapbox Derby, featuring student-made cars. Judging begins at 3:30 p.m. on the Memorial Student Center south lawn. The race is set to start afterward on the corner of Second Street W. and Wilson Avenue.

“Stout ��. Favorite Pizza” invites students to taste-test five local pizzerias and vote for their favorite. Students can also play glow-in-the-dark bingo, join a lip sync battle and a chalking competition. Weeklong events include a banner competition, a medallion hunt, and a food drive to support Helping Hand Food+ Pantry, the student food pantry on campus.

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�� welcomes more than 1,100 community members, area children for summer activities

Polytechnic experiences offered at hands-on STEAM camps, professional development workshops, Murals in Menomonie festival

June 1, 2026

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits �� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

Student speakers at May 16 ceremonies encourage peers to act with compassion, courage, and to continue learning

May 18, 2026

Xcel Energy Cedar Falls Hydro project supports construction students’ industry experiences

Collaboration encourages students to consider impacts of infrastructure on greater community

May 12, 2026

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 23-25 �� homecoming football game

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Make your plans today to be at Homecoming, October 24-26, 2025!

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Championship �� esports program levels up with new $1M arena

giffeyt — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Championship �� esports program levels up with new $1M arenagiffeyt October 1, 2025

Teams begin play in state-of-the-art space funded with Foundation gift

Tom Giffey

�� . new $1 million Esports Arena is a real-world example of the expanding impact and importance of virtual sports.

In just five years, �� . esports program has grown into a championship-caliber varsity sport with a highly visible, state-of-the-art space for competitors and fans alike. Previously located in a former classroom in Heritage Hall, the esports program now practices and competes in a brand-new arena on the first floor of the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center.

The arena, which was made possible by a $1 million donation from the �� Foundation & Alumni Association and donors, will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2.

“Our esports teams have already experienced significant success and growth, and I know that this amazing facility will continue to support our student athletes and the education of other students from a range of academic programs,” Chancellor Katherine Frank said.

The new 1,900-square-foot space is designed for gamers and spectators alike. In addition to rows of 34 high-end gaming PCs — 10 of which are on a competition stage at the front of the room — the area features comfortable seating for teammates and spectators, stylish design features such as recessed lighting and textured walls, huge monitors to watch the action, and a streaming booth where hosts can provide commentary for online audiences (who can follow the team at twitch.tv/StoutEsports).

Coach Aaron Froelich congratulates a competitor in the new Esports Arena.

�� is an esports trailblazer

�� esports is part of the Wisconsin Esports Conference, which includes teams from 22 Wisconsin schools, including public and private universities and technical colleges. The program has just under 40 students on its roster, divided into five varsity teams — competing in Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and Marvel Rivals — and one “Academy” team, the equivalent of a junior varsity squad.

Head Coach Aaron Froelich, who is starting his third academic year with the esports program, said the new arena raises the program ��. profile on campus and among peer institutions.

“Something that ��. really special about this new place is that it allows us to have more team camaraderie within our different game titles,” Froelich said. “I like to compare it either to an athletic department or a track and field team, where you’ve got all these subdivisions within it. Previously we didn’t have a lot of cross-pollination between those rosters.”

In 2020, �� became the first public university in Wisconsin to launch a varsity esports program, which since then has built a tradition of success: Last spring, the Marvel Rivals team won the Wisconsin Esports Conference Championship and placed fifth in the nation across all divisions, while the program won the Wisconsin Valorant Summit LAN championship in 2024. Starting this fall, �� has a new and thriving Esports Club with more than 100 members.

Gaming and esports are also represented academically at ��, which offers a B.F.A. game design and development-art, a B.S. computer science with a game design and development concentration, a minor in esports coaching, and certificates in both esports management and esports production.

Assistant Professor Michael Bird of the kinesiology, health, food and nutritional sciences department said he expects the new arena will give the esports coaching minor a boost.

“The new Esports Arena allows our esports coaching students the ability to interact and coach with the teams, therefore aligning with �� . polytechnic mission,” said Bird, who serves as advisor for the esports coaching minor.

“Recruitment of students and esports athletes will be enhanced by the new facility,” Bird added. “It will provide opportunities to showcase the student athlete experience and also attract nongamers who want to work on the production and sports management side of the events.”

�� esports competitors practice inside the new arena.

Reaching the top of the leaderboard

Also launching this fall is a B.S. game and media studies program, which will give students the communication, research and leadership skills to work with cross-disciplinary teams creating interactive multimedia experiences, said Associate Professor Cody Reimer, the program director.

“Our program acts as the third leg of a tripod alongside game design and development programs in art and computer science,” Reimer said. “Whereas the B.F.A in art trains artists and animators, and the emphasis in game design in the B.S. in computer science trains programmers, our program focuses on all the other knowledge necessary to study, create and understand games and other media.”

Reimer called the new Esports Arena a “natural extension” of �� . efforts to grow and support a culture of gaming that aligns with the university ��. polytechnic mission.

“The gaming industry, including esports, is not a fledgling subculture anymore,” he said. “The creation of this arena represents institutional recognition and investment that puts Stout and our esports teams at the top of the leaderboards. It means opportunities for not just student athletes and coaches, but also for academic programs.”

The esports industry is growing in terms of both spectators and financial impact. According to recent research, the global esports audience is expected to reach 640 million people this year, while global esports revenue is estimated to be $4.8 billion.

Head Coach Aaron Froelich cuts a ribbon at the formal unveiling of the Esports Arena on Oct. 2, 2025.

Championship-level environment

Esports team members say their new hub will help the program level up by providing a more spacious, welcoming and visible environment.

“I think it ��. going to help a lot with the recruiting side,” said Trey Johnson, a junior from Barron and a member of the Rocket League Academy team. “We’re going to have more people here in person. It ��. going to be a lot more inviting to have people come in and practice.”

The esports program ��. previous space didn’t have enough computers to accommodate multiple teams at one time, which meant players sometimes had to practice in their residence halls instead of building strategy side by side with teammates.

Likewise, the new space makes hosting esports competitions easier:It will be the site of an Oct. 18 Rocket League tournament, the Red Cedar Rumble, whose eight teams will include Michigan State and the University of Minnesota. The arena will also host the WEC State Championship in December, which will draw as many as 20 teams.

“One of my goals is to become one of the premier hosting sites in Wisconsin but also in the Midwest,” explained Froelich.

Cody Larkin, a junior from Hanover, Minnesota, and a member of �� . Overwatch team, agrees that the new arena raises the program ��. profile. Larkin has witnessed this firsthand as a campus tour guide. “We actually get to walk through the arena, and so many people are interested in it,” he said. “They get to see it and say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is cool.’”

Froelich said the new arena helps dispel any lingering stereotypes about esports athletes being little more than casual gamers. “We’re out here, we’re competing and representing the university,” he said. “Our players practice as a team for 15 to 20 hours a week and put in a ton of time on their own to hone their craft.

“They take it extremely seriously,” he concluded. “They’re highly competitive.”

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Blue Devil student athletes make every day ‘game day’

goersab — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:03:51 +0000

Blue Devil student athletes make every day ‘game day’goersab August 14, 2025

Fall sports report back to campus early, looking forward to successful seasons

Abbey Goers

�� is gearing up for the start of the 2025-26 academic year and is already welcoming some student groups to campus.

Blue Devil fall athletes are reporting to their sports camps, including more than 300 soccer, volleyball, cross country, tennis, golf, dance, and cheer athletes, as well as the 152-player-strong football team that reported to camp on Aug. 13.

Season tickets for the 2025 Blue Devils fall sports seasons are on sale.

“This is my favorite time of the year. It is great to start seeing student athletes fill the Recreation Complex, the campus and the community. It means we are ready to go for another year and see what we can achieve,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation Erin Sullivan.

“Sports are typically something easy to get behind, so it ��. always nice to see the support we get from the campus community. Our Athletics Department and the student athletes really do appreciate it,” added Sullivan, a 20-year veteran of Blue Devil Athletics, who began as director this summer.

For Blue Devils, every day is ‘game day’

Student athletes move into their assigned residence halls, and each sport participates in team building activities and practice, meetings, film sessions and weightlifting. They often use their leadership and team-building skills that they learn from their sport in other campus activities and student organizations as well.

Football Head Coach Clayt Birmingham is looking forward to building off of last year ��. success, evaluating newcomers, and “simply being around our guys.”

“Our goals and expectations never change – to win at everything we do in life, on and off the field. Every day is ‘Game Day,’” he said.

Last season, Blue Devil ��. football went 6-5, and 4-3 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Their season concluded with a 32-35 fall to Wheaton College in the Culver ��. Isthmus Bowl. Eleven players received 12 spots on the All-WIAC team.

Women ��. soccer Head Coach Marcos Rogriguez is excited to see how the team bounces back this fall. The roster has 34 players, including a strong returning group and 10 incoming players.

“The biggest goal we have is to compete day in and day out, giving our best effort each day. I want them to set high goals for themselves, including making the playoffs and to see where it goes from there. This group is fully capable of reaching that goal,” Rodriguez said.

Recreation Complex Renovation

A new renovated recreation complex to improve the student experience with expanded, improved fitness and recreation space.

The Recreation Complex renovation is an investment in Blue Devils’ health and wellness, and was endorsed by students, athletes, coaches and administration. The project will include a new entrance and addition to increase recreational fitness space, a multiuse gym, relocation of the weight room to create space for three multiuse studio gyms, and expanded locker rooms and restrooms to improve convenience, privacy and accessibility. Construction could begin in early 2026 and finish in 2027, pending enumeration in the state ��. capital budget.

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Blue Devil athletes excelling

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‘Championship mentality’ lauded

Fit to a tee: New Pat Kell Golf Center perfect match for Blue Devil teams, golf management majors

Competing at a high level

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Homecoming parade and community events on Saturday

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Homecoming

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�������� is an esports trailblazer

Reaching the top of the leaderboard

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Esports Coaching Minor

Blue Devil student athletes make every day ‘game day’

For Blue Devils, every day is ‘game day’

Recreation Complex Renovation

Athletics

�� breaks ground on transformative $32 million project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025

‘Power of Partnership’: �� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

AI, fully integrated: �� . 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence embeds skills across all programs

�� . game design programs ranked among international best by Princeton Review

Serving those who served: �� among top 25 in Midwest on annual Best for Vets list

Blue Devil women ��. basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

�� women ��. golf outpaces field to win conference crown, sets eyes on national tourney

Menomonie Culver ��., Brewery Nonic special events support Blue Devils at homecoming

Championship �� esports program levels up with new $1M arena

�� is an esports trailblazer