WC Wisconsin News

A $1.3 million donation from Ron and Jane Rada, established in spring 2024, is supporting the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse River Studies Center (RSC) through the creation of the Rada Endowed Fellowships in River Studies. The fellowships provide funding for faculty time, research, and outreach related to the Upper Mississippi River and its ecosystems.

The timing of this gift coincides with a period of strategic growth for the RSC. The center has recently adopted new bylaws, launched a strategic plan, and increased interdisciplinary engagement.

“The fellowships officially went into effect at the beginning of July and will be transformational in allowing the associate director and myself to devote much more time than previously possible to administering the RSC,” said Eric Strauss, director of the RSC and one of the inaugural fellows.

Colin Belby, also an inaugural recipient, stated: “The support provides RSC leadership the ability to dedicate time to the tasks required to accomplish the Center’s mission.” He noted that such tasks were not feasible before due to budget limitations.

The fellowships also fund summer salaries and professional development for RSC leadership and members. This summer, Belby has been preparing for an upcoming retreat, updating the center’s website, engaging with donors, and managing a growing fleet of research vessels.

“The faculty fellowship provides support to undertake these activities during the summer months when I have more time available because I am less focused on teaching,” Belby said.

Strauss added that they are working toward increasing student engagement and broadening interdisciplinary reach: “We continually find new UWL faculty and staff with professional interests that align with the mission and vision of the RSC. We are excited to see the fresh opportunities.”

A key resource highlighted by both leaders is Research Vessel (R/V) Prairie Springs—a 35-foot custom-built vessel made possible by Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust. It is now designated as an Oceanographic Research Vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard. This designation allows it to support expanded educational activities for students at UW-La Crosse as well as K-12 outreach programs like My River Adventure.

“There has been great interest among UWL faculty in getting their class on the vessel,” Strauss said. “Several courses have taken field trips to get an up-close look at the Upper Mississippi River.”

Nearly 140 students from ten courses across six departments have used this vessel for hands-on learning experiences. The platform has also supported undergraduate research projects.

Belby acknowledged donor contributions: “The success of R/V Prairie Springs would not be possible without generous support from Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust, J.F. Brennan and numerous additional donors. We are excited about the vessel’s continued impact in the upcoming academic year.”

Since its founding in 1972, UW-La Crosse’s River Studies Center has provided education and research opportunities related to freshwater systems. Strauss expressed gratitude for ongoing donor support: “I am very grateful to Ron and Jane Rada for their kind gift to the River Studies Center,” he said. “I think it’s a profound testament to their belief and passion for our mission and what we are attempting to do in the center. Their gift is unique not only in its magnitude, but also that it is a permanent investment in our people.”