UW-Milwaukee announces one of largest gifts ever for freshwater sciences

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences announced on May 14 a $10 million gift from philanthropist Lynde B. Uihlein. 

The endowment, which is among the largest gifts received in UWM’s history, will bolster the school and its Center for Water Policy. It will also provide operating funds for the school’s research vessels, the R/V Neeskay and the forthcoming R/V Maggi Sue. 

A horn blast from the Neeskay commenced Thursday’s event in an area of the school that lines the Kinnickinnic River near Walker’s Point. About 100 people attended the event. 

“I am closing in on completing my first academic year as UWM’s chancellor,” said Thomas Gibson. “It’s hard to imagine a better way to finish it than this.”

Gibson is UWM’s second-ever Black chancellor. A growing number of Black scientists are entering freshwater and aquatic sciences, driven by targeted mentorship, specialized programs, and a desire to break systemic barriers in STEM.

“It is difficult to entirely quantify the impact that Uihlein has had on our great university,” Gibson said. 

Uihlein is an environmentalist and heiress to a fortune left by her parents and grandparents, the well-known Milwaukee families, the Pettits and Bradleys. Uihelin is a Democrat and has consistently contributed to progressive causes in Wisconsin. Her cousins are Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, who are Republican megadonors.

Lynde Uihlein was in attendance Thursday but didn’t speak. Instead a representative spoke on her behalf. She did provide a statement in a news release prior to the event. 

“UWM’s freshwater researchers are such an important safeguard for our Great Lakes, which provide irreplaceable resources for nature and humanity alike,” Uihlein said. “They provide drinking water for our children, jobs for the regional economy, recreation for our communities, habitat for wildlife and marine life, and so much more. They are an essential part of our cultural heritage. We must do all we can to protect and understand them, and there is no place better to invest in this cause than UWM and School of Freshwater Sciences.”   

Of the $10 million, $4 million will be used to support faculty and research staff, equipment in laboratories, advising and mentorship, community outreach, and scholarships and fellowships for students. 

Another $4 million will continue funding the Center for Water Policy, which will allow for people in environmental law and economics to work closely with research scientists to develop science-based water policy solutions to local, regional and global water issues. 

The final $2 million will be used for year-round maintenance and operation of the freshwater vessels. Upon construction, the Maggie Sue will be the most technologically advanced research vessel ever designed for the Great Lakes, capable of long-range missions and cutting-edge research.