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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

100 years

Brief Information

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was founded in 1909 as the La Crosse Normal School. Today, it is one of the 13 four-year campuses in the University of Wisconsin System. Originally known for its nationally recognized physical education program, UW-La Crosse now offers 85 undergraduate programs in 30 disciplines, and 21 graduate programs and emphases in eight disciplines.

UW-Lacrosse 100 Years logoThe compact 119-acre campus in residential La Crosse provides a vibrant place to live and learn. Enrollment has grown from 176 when the doors opened to more than 9,000. The campus embraces diversity, a commitment that has increased minority and international students, faculty and staff. Students take part in an array of organizations and community service. Intercollegiate teams compete in 19 sports and have produced 58 national championships, 24 since 2001.

The university offers much — cultural events, regional and national conferences, prominent speakers, applied research, professionals with varying expertise, a large workforce, and community volunteers. UW-La Crosse works cooperatively with the city’s other higher education institutions and area elementary and secondary schools. Also, the university led development of a consortium among the city’s higher education institutions and major health care organizations to bring cutting-edge health care and research facilities to the region.

For 100 years UW-La Crosse has been the prominent intellectual engine educating a high quality workforce for the region. The university remains proud of its regional heritage and looks forward to retaining its prominence in the area’s economic vitality.

Mission Statement

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-L fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-L is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community.

Quote from Chancellor Joe Gow, Ph.D., Chancellorr

“We are very excited to be celebrating our 100th year! I am often reminded of our rich history as I walk past the cornerstone of Graff Main Hall, which says 1908. It stood alone in the middle of a field. On opening day, just over 150 students were enrolled in La Crosse Normal School. Today, over 9,000 students attend classes in 12 academic buildings. We are proud of our rich history at UW-L and hope you will join us to celebrate our centennial year together.”


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