Daily Pioneer News

Installed by UWP students, the 1,800 pound concrete fountain in Pioneer Gardens serves as a memorial for all University of Wisconsin-Platteville employees. Photo taken by Andy McNeil.

PLATTEVILLE - The 1,800 pound concrete fountain in Pioneer Gardens located next to the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is being dedicated in memory of all University of Wisconsin-Platteville employees. A dedication ceremony and ice cream social will take place on Aug. 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Pioneer Crossing of the Pioneer Student Center.

"The university would not be the great institution it is today without hard working individuals who strived for excellence in their everyday life... UWP is proud of all its employees-retired, limited term, classified staff and faculty. It is their dedication that has made our university not just a good facility, but an outstanding institution of fellowship and knowledge," said Gina Udelhofen, director of annual giving and donor relations.

The fountain was funded by the "M" Fund, which was created as a tribute to all UWP personnel. The fountain was installed in October by the landscape management class under the instruction of David Kopsell, assistant professor of horticulture and crop science, with the help of the grounds department at UWP. Pioneer Gardens serves as a living laboratory for students in the horticulture and landscaping program and offers educational and recreational opportunities for the community. By building the fountain, students not only provided a memorial for UWP employees, but also gained experience outside traditional landscaping duties.

Eric Murrock, a student in the landscape management class, said, "It gave me hands-on application. I have done other landscaping projects, but this was the first fountain I've installed. It gave me helpful hints and knowledge."

The fountain is a focal point of the gardens, which are open to the public. The greenhouses provide additional plant observation opportunities and are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone wanting more information about the dedication may contact Udelhofen at (608) 342-1968 or udelhofg@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Gina Udelhofen, director of annual giving and donor relations, UWP Foundation, (608) 342-1968, udelhofg@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu