Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Holly Kaiser recently joined the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation development team as the development officer for athletics and recreation. Her work, which began July 10, involves meeting with alumni and prospective donors, working on fundraising projects and writing grants.

A recent graduate of UWP with a degree in biology, Kaiser was very active as a Pioneer athlete. She played basketball all four years at UWP and earned all-WIAC (Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) honors. Kaiser, a two-time all-league forward and the league's scholar-athlete, finished her career as the most accurate shooter in school history at 48.3 percent. In June, Kaiser played on one of the USA Athletes International teams in the 2006 Goodwill Series in London. She was one of three Pioneer women selected for this team that was composed of players from across the state. During their eight-day stay, the teams played five to six games during the London Open and toured the United Kingdom. As a student at UWP, she also played volleyball for two years and was on the Pioneer Student Athletes Advising Committee.

In addition to her involvement in athletics, Kaiser said the coursework at UWP helped prepare her for her new role on campus. The relationships she developed over the years also made a difference. "I really valued the close relationships I had with my co-workers, coaches and professors. It gives a real community feeling," said Kaiser. She continued, "I already have the benefit of knowing the coaches and the people I will be working with in the athletic department, so that will allow a smooth transition."

Kaiser will be helping with development projects such as expanding the Williams Fieldhouse, finding support for the football trip next spring, putting the finishing touches on the baseball field and naming the new outdoor track. She said, "I'm excited to help develop the university even more for the students who go here. The student population is growing and the needs for better and expanded athletic facilities increase. These developments will be good, not only for the athletes but also the general student population who use the facilities, including the weight room, indoor track and pool."

Dennis Cooley, director of the UWP Foundation, said, "We are really excited about having Holly join our staff. She flourishes in a team setting and has a real passion for UWP, especially in the athletics and recreational area. Having been a player, she knows first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of our programs and facilities. This insight will give donors an inside view of the program and how their gifts will positively impact student athletes."

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