Daily Pioneer News

After the unveiling of the plaque: (left to right) Chancellor David Markee, Jerry Cooper, Mick Viney and Fran Cooper.

PLATTEVILLE - On Oct. 16, the sun slowly warmed the crisp morning air as dairy cows munched grass on a nearby slope and family, friends and the public gathered for a dedication at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm. Shortly after 11 a.m., the recently built Living and Learning Center was named after Jerry and Fran Cooper.

Jerry, Fran and their three children, Caroline Cooper Hardy (David Hardy), Cindy Cooper (Roger Haugh) and Christopher Cooper attended as honored guests. The Cooper naming is the result of a more than $500,000 gift to the UWP School of Agriculture mini-campaign. The Coopers have been long standing supporters of agriculture and agriculture education at UW-Platteville and throughout the area.

Residents of Richland Center, Jerry and Fran did not move too far from their alma mater. They originally met one weekend while Jerry was a student at UWP and Fran was home from Madison where she worked as a nurse. They married in 1957, one year after Jerry graduated with a degree in agriculture education. Jerry taught agriculture education for a couple of years and then went on to prosper in the insurance business. The couple raised their three children in Richland Center. In 1981, Fran earned her psychology degree from UWP, just one year before her two daughters earned their respective degrees from UWP.

During the dedication ceremony, Duane Ford, the dean of the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, mentioned that, during the planning stages for the development of the farm, Sue Price, former director of the school of agriculture and current professor, suggested building a bunkhouse for visitors. While the idea was a half-joke at first, as Chancellor David Markee said in his speech, "The idea kept growing ... and growing."

Today, the Jerry and Fran Cooper Living and Learning Center is much more than a simple bunkhouse. Built in 2004, it is a 7,742 square foot facility where farmers, scientists, professors and other agricultural scholars and professionals can stay while studying or engaging in research at Pioneer Farm. It is also used for retreats, workshops and seminars. Up to 40 guests can stay at a time in private suites that vary from double to quad residency. There is also a lounge, meeting room, a large furnished kitchen for preparing meals and recreation areas (volleyball, horseshoes, campfire counsel, bikes and board games).

Fran commented, "They've done a fantastic job. They've foreseen what they'll need in the future, and it's here."

When Jerry spoke to the audience, he was able to recite the different breeds of cattle, sheep and poultry that were on the old college farm (where Ottensman Hall is today) when he first came to UWP in 1949. He went on to say, "This is just a great university and one to be proud of. It's mind-boggling - all the new buildings going up! ... The people at UW-Platteville - the teachers and everybody - are so helpful ... students receive individual attention here." Jerry closed his speech with, "Fran is my best friend and soulmate. If it hadn't been for her, we wouldn't be here today."

Their daughter, Cindy said afterwards, "I'm really glad about the development of the farm and how the center is dedicated to my parents. ... I like the size of the town and university. It's a nice size - not too tiny - and there is a lot to do on campus and in town."

Caroline's husband, David Hardy, a 1975 UWP alumnus, added, "This is a great thing the college is doing. Jerry and Fran have given a great gift. They are very nice people, and you don't have to be related to them to know that." Reflecting on UWP, he said, "I think UWP students have a good work ethic. I've heard employers talk about that, and I think that's why they're well recruited and get good jobs."

When asked what it feels like to have their name on a building, Fran said, "It's awesome. I just can't believe it. It's a great honor."

Jerry added, "It's overwhelming, very humbling."

Ford said, "We are so thankful for what Jerry and Fran have done for the School of Agriculture. The farm is really taking shape."

Anyone interested in learning more about Pioneer Farm or the Jerry and Fran Cooper Living and Learning Center may visit the website at www.uwplatt.edu/pioneerfarm/. Anyone interested in making a reservation may call (608) 342-1296.

Contact: Dennis Cooley, director, University Relations and UWP Foundation, (608) 342-1182, cooleyde@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Kate McKinney, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, mckinnka@uwplatt.edu