Chancellor’s statement on Science and Technology Innovation Center funding in Gov. Evers’ capital budget

February 22, 2021 – University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chancellor Connie Foster issued the following statement on Governor Evers 2021-23 capital budget recommendations including funding for the university’s Science and Technology Innovation Center:

“We are very grateful that Governor Evers has acknowledged the value of the Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) to our region and state by including full construction funding for this facility in his 2021-23 capital budget recommendations. Having received the $2 million in planning funds in the last biennium, we were confident that the state understood the impact of this new type of facility.

SciTech will not only foster education through immersive high-impact learning experiences for our students but also lead to innovative collaborations with businesses and industries here in Western Wisconsin, one of the fastest growing economic development regions of the state.

Our local entrepreneurs are on-board, as demonstrated by the recent $1 million SciTech Challenge gift being made by our alums Jeff and Kristi Cernohous, demonstrating that this type of facility is greatly in demand in our region. 

This is not just another academic STEM laboratory building. SciTech is the future of Western Wisconsin, representing possibilities for engagement and innovation, opportunities for talent and knowledge to be shared more intentionally, and ultimately supporting the economic vitality of our local communities and businesses.”

For more information, email beth.schommer@uwrf.edu.