Digging in to History
Historic Groundbreaking marks first new academic building at UWS in 35 years

By Steve Basty
Editor-In-Chief
Posted 4/21/09

A pleasant, spring morning greeted hundreds who gathered to witness history as eight shovels thrusted downward to commemorate the first heaps of dirt removed for UW-Superior’s newest building, Swenson Hall.

The shoveling crew included Governor Jim Doyle, Representative Dave Obey, Senator Bob Jauch, Representative Nick Milroy, retired Representative Frank Boyle, and Chancellor Julius Erlenbach.

Showcased in the ceremony for their outstanding contribution to the new academic building were UWS graduates and namesakes Jim and Sue Swenson- the donors who contributed a large portion of the $32 million project.

The most prominent donor in the history of UW-Superior recalled a heartwarming story which guided his decision to give back to the community- the same community where he and his wife had grown up.

“I made it to the middle of my senior year, and I needed $900,” Swenson explained. The banker issued him a $900 loan and along with it, two instructions. The first instruction was to wait until he had a full-time job to pay it back.

The second instruction: If you ever get the opportunity later in life, help someone else.

“Those were the magic words,” Swenson said with a smile.

The shovels twisting into the soil Friday morning proved Swenson held to his old college promise- and much more

“There’s no turning back now,” Swenson said emphatically. “There were a lot of negative reactions from the southern part of the state and I was concerned this would never happen. My wife and I are just tickled it’s finally happening.”

Swenson wasn’t alone pointing out Madison’s tendency to overlook UW-Superior. Representative Dave Obey took his time at the microphone to applaud Governor Jim Doyle and his recognition of the State’s northernmost institution.

“We have a governor who recognizes the state does not stop at Highway 29!” Obey said proudly.

Governor Jim Doyle spoke of the importance to continue investing in the education system, despite difficult economic conditions.

“You better invest in the bad times, because good times are going to come,” Doyle said during his speech. “Students [for] generations will benefit from the investment that the Swensons have made in UW-Superior.”

The 144,000 square foot building will feature 21 classrooms, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and flexible designs to enhance learning in any academic discipline. Like the upcoming student center building, the new Swenson Hall meets LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications.

Swenson Hall Architect Jim Moravec was on hand to answer questions and provide insight on the unique composition which makes Swenson Hall special. According to Moravec, signature aspects of the building include the atrium and exterior screens, which will be made of living vines. In the summer, vines will grow to keep the building cool. In winter, the windows will become more exposed, allowing additional natural light to enter. Moravec added all of Swenson Hall will be subject to natural lighting- on every floor.

“I have a feeling [Swenson] will become a magnet for students to gather and meet people,” Moravec said.

Moravec is best known for his architectural work in the Madison area, where he conducts a majority of his business. In 2007, Moravec’s building plans of the recreational facility at UW-Oshkosh earned him the award for “Recreational Facility of the Year”. Moravec is excited for the prospect of Swenson Hall being nominated for a similar award.

“This will be a fabulous facility for the university,” Swenson said of the building’s natural beauty. “We couldn’t be happier.”

Though Jim and Sue Swenson’s commitment to Swenson Hall was their most notable one, it was one of many contributions they have made over the years for UW-Superior, their alma mater. Other considerable contributions by the Swenson family include funding to support the Swenson Family Trust Scholarship, a full-tuition award for select UW-Superior students studying Biology. 

Swenson Hall marks the fourth major building project at UW-Superior in the last seven years. In 2003, the Gates Physical Education building was renovated to accommodate the construction of the Health and Wellness Center. Last April, construction began on the $21 million new student center building, which was officially named “Yellowjacket Union” last week. Finally, the Jim Dan Hill Library will reopen this fall after a two-year closure and $7.7 million renovation.

   UW-Superior Chancellor Julius Erlanbach (above)
   Jim Swenson (below)  Photos: Lucia Stanley