Science building named after alumni

STEVENS POINT—On May 2, UWSP’s Chemistry and Biology building got a new name in honor of alumni Frank R. and Kathleen Y Haeni. The building will now be known as the Frank R. and Kathleen Y Haeni Chemistry Biology Building, with its sign soon getting a face lift to reflect the new name.
The 176,500-square foot building opened in the fall semester in 2018. It has 39 classroom laboratories, 19 research laboratories, three classrooms, two lecture halls, and offices for 45 faculty and staff members.
Frank and Kathleen graduated in 1970 and have been contributing to the success of UWSP students since 1989, living their life motto of “paying it forward.” A ceremony honoring Frank and Kathleen featured remarks from the College of Letters and Science Dean Joshua Hagen and Provost La Vonne Cornell-Swanson, vice chancellor for academic affairs, as well as recognition of Frank and Kathleen’s 55th wedding anniversary.
Hagen and Cornell-Swanson shared that Frank and Kathleen’s passion for education has helped fund scholarships for over 70 students through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Along with scholarships, Frank and Kathleen’s generosity has funded lab repairs, new equipment and more.
Cornell-Swanson shared that when campus lost an old oak tree that was older than campus itself, Frank jumped in and offered to use the wood from the tree to build benches and clocks. These benches and clocks are now scattered around campus buildings, which has allowed the tree to continue to be a part of the UWSP campus.
After earning his undergraduate education at UWSP, Frank advanced to pursuing his master’s degree. Following the naming ceremony, Frank expressed his excitement to watch undergraduate students present their research projects, saying, “What you’re doing is equal to graduate level work I was doing in the 70s.”
To a room of colleagues and students, Kathleen said, “You all are our future and we want you to succeed, if you need us, you let us know.”