UWRF dedicates new biology greenhouse

 

UW-River Falls dedicates new biology greenhouse

Newly named Sandra Bowen Biology Greenhouse honors longtime local educator

Oct. 7, 2026 – The new biology greenhouse connected to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) has a new name. UWRF held a dedication ceremony Oct. 2, officially naming the facility the Sandra Bowen Biology Greenhouse in honor of Bowen, a longtime local biology and botany teacher. 

“Sandy Bowen has inspired generations of students to appreciate and understand the natural world,” said Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth. “Her love of plant life is not simply something she taught, it is something she lives every day.”

Bowen has become known for her enthusiasm for flowers, plants and beautification efforts, helping lead projects that enhanced Main Street, 2nd Street and the River Falls community.

Bowen taught biology and botany at River Falls High School from 1987 to 2004. Her husband, Rick, who was the longtime UWRF head men’s basketball coach and athletic director, arranged for the honor. At the ceremony, Sandy said it was a total surprise when Rick told her the news.

“I thought about it and thought after all of the years of teaching botany and biology, I can’t think of a more satisfying thing than having my name on a greenhouse,” she said.

“She has had such a passion for science all her teaching life, I just think people like her aren’t recognized enough,” Rick Bowen said.

The Bowens and other attendees were taken on a tour of the 2,000-square-foot facility by Assistant Professor of Biology Benjamin Crain, who explained that different sections can be set up to represent various biomes, from desert to tropical environments, allowing students to learn about plants that would not grow in Wisconsin’s climate. Some rooms will be dedicated to research and laboratory instruction while a large room will house a permanent display that will be of interest to students and visitors. An automated system maintains temperature, humidity, sunlight and shade appropriate to each environment.

“It will be a biogeographical tour of plants from around the world,” Crain said.

The facility does not represent the first time the couple have offered their generous support to UWRF’s educational mission. Inspired by Sandy's lifelong advocacy for STEM education and the transformational opportunities created through SciTech, the Bowens established the endowed Rick and Sandy Bowen STEM Scholarship in 2024, creating opportunities for future generations of students to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“We are so grateful to the Bowens for their continued support of STEM education at UWRF,” said Jeff Lamie, assistant chancellor for University Advancement. “We are proud to dedicate this space as the Sandra Bowen Biology Greenhouse, ensuring that Sandy's passion for education, science, plants and community will inspire UW-River Falls students for generations to come.”

To learn about ways to support UW-River Falls and its students, visit students.uwrf.edu/give.

Photo: Sandra Bowen (second from right) and Rick Bowen (second from left) stand in front of the newly dedicated Sandra Bowen Biology Greenhouse Oct. 2. The new facility, connected to the UW-River Falls Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech), will allow students to conduct research and learn about plants from around the world. Also pictured, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Karl Peterson (left) and Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth (right). UWRF photo.