University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

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The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is a public university located in La Crosse, Wisconsin and is part of the University of Wisconsin System. It currently awards both Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Maurice O. Graff Main Hall, 2004
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Maurice O. Graff Main Hall, 2004

Contents

[edit] History

The university was founded as the La Crosse Normal School in 1909; Thomas Morris was instrumental in the founding of the university. The La Crosse State Teachers College Training School Building was renamed Morris Hall in honor of Thomas Morris.

The Main Hall/La Crosse State Normal School was the original building; it was constructed in 1909. The Physical Education Building/La Crosse State Normal School was the original physical education building; it was constructed in 1916.

In 1964, the college was renamed the Wisconsin State University–La Crosse. The Wisconsin State University System merged with the University of Wisconsin System in 1971, at which time the university adopted its current name.

Today, it is one of the 13 four-year campuses in the UW 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.

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UW-La Crosse the best regional public university in Wisconsin. It was ranked second among Midwestern regional public universities in 2006. [1]

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.

The university offers much to the region: cultural events, regional and national conferences, prominent speakers, applied research, professionals with varying expertise, a large workforce, and numerous faculty, staff and student community volunteers. UW-La Crosse works cooperatively with the city's other higher education institutions and area elementary and secondary schools. The university has also led development of a consortium among the city's higher education institutions and major health care organizations to bring cutting-edge health care to the region, along with a state-of-the-art health research and education facility.

For more than 90 years UW–La Crosse has been the prominent intellectual engine that educates 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.

[edit] Campus layout

The campus occupies approximately 119 acres.

[edit] Student body

9,438 students are enrolled for the 2005-2006 school year. There are 8,133 undergraduate students, 1,264 graduate students, 548 multicultural students, and 160 international students. There are 37 states and 39 countries represented. Statistically, the student body is ranked second in the UW system to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in composite ACT score and average GPA according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. The student/teacher ratio is 22:1 and the average class size is 28 students.

The students published The Second Supper, a weekly satirical newspaper as well as the campus paper, The Raquet.

[edit] Symbols

The school colors are maroon and gray. The current mascot are the Screaming Eagles. They have previously been known as Indians, Red Raiders, Hurricanes, Racqueteers, Peds and Maroons.

[edit] Athletics

Athletically, the university maintains strong programs in indoor and outdoor track, cross-country, and football, competing in the WIAC conference, which is in the NCAA's Division III. They have also been a rising contender in the Division III wrestling ranks the past couple of years. Intercollegiate teams compete in 19 sports and have produced 21 national championships since 1990.

[edit] Notable individuals

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/univmas/ummidwest/univmas_mw_pub_brief.php

[edit] External links


Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Gustavus Adolphus‡ • Hamline‡ • Lawrence† • UW–Eau Claire • UW–La Crosse • UW–Oshkosh • UW–Platteville • UW–River Falls • UW–Stevens Point • UW–Stout • UW–Superior • UW–Whitewater • Winona State‡
† wrestling-only member • ‡gymnastics-only member
University of Wisconsin System
Eau Claire • Green Bay • La Crosse • Madison • Milwaukee • Oshkosh • Parkside • Platteville • River Falls • Stevens Point • Stout • Superior • Whitewater


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