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UW-Whitewater and its alumni contribute more than $1.4 billion to Wisconsin’s economy each year
Findings of two new studies show the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Warhawk alumni have a significant impact on Wisconsin’s economy, to the tune of more than $1.4 billion annually.
The studies, published last month by the Fiscal and Economic Research Center (FERC), explore and quantify how UW-Whitewater’s operations — and the more than 38,000 UW-Whitewater alumni currently in the state’s workforce — affect economic activity in Wisconsin.
“It is part of our mission at UW-Whitewater to serve as an economic driver of our region and to boldly champion education, opportunity and prosperity for all,” said Corey A. King, chancellor. “We’re proud — but not surprised — by this research that shows the Warhawk family has a considerable effect on Wisconsin’s economy.”
Operational impact
Just by carrying out its day-to-day academic mission and auxiliary operations, the university attracts money, employment and volunteerism into Walworth, Rock and Jefferson counties, said Russ Kashian, director of FERC. “University and student spending together account for the largest impact on the region, followed by art and entertainment events, athletics competitions, and youth camps,” he said.
All of this leads to $514,750,000 in annual economic activity and the creation of 2,680 jobs, according to the report. In addition to this regional impact, the university generates $24,465,000 in annual tax revenue for the state, including sales, income, and property tax.
Alumni impact + value of a UW-Whitewater degree
When UW-Whitewater’s alumni are considered, the benefit to Wisconsin’s financial picture is even more impactful. The 38,000 alumni currently living and working in the state have a collective economic output of $890 million. In addition, they pay $145 million more in sales and income tax than those without a college degree.
“UW-Whitewater graduates are crucial to strengthening Wisconsin’s job market,” Kashian said. “Our research revealed the average alum is earning $97,500 per year. In comparison, the average annual income of a 25- to 54-year-old high school graduate is $46,208.”
Kashian noted that every discipline at UW-Whitewater is represented in high earner categories, from arts and education to business and the social sciences.
“At a time when there is a lot of conversation about whether a college degree is a wise financial decision, it’s absolutely clear from the data that UW-Whitewater graduates are thriving in their careers. A UW-Whitewater degree is an exceptional investment, and it’s paying off faster than ever,” Kashian said.
For the UW-Whitewater class of 1995, the rate of return on their college investment took 10.3 years. For graduates in 2015, that had decreased to just 8.4 years, much faster than the national average of 13 years.
“Our alumni are our legacy, and this study confirms our Warhawk graduates are enjoying successful careers and making positive contributions to the State of Wisconsin,” said Chancellor King.
About the research
To determine the university’s economic impact, FERC used institutional spending data combined with student and visitor surveys. Respondents were asked to calculate the total amount they spend each month across various categories such as food, housing, and transportation within the local economy.
To determine the alumni economic impact, FERC used alumni survey data from the Classes of 1982-2023 combined with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey.
The full reports are available at the Fiscal and Economic Research Center website.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME WITH A POLICE OFFICER
Families are invited to a Community Helpers story time series that will be presented with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and members of the local community. This monthly story time will explore a different career each session and will offer children opportunities to play and learn with hands-on activities. The next session will feature a Whitewater Police officer and will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Note that due to library construction, story time will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center located at 341 S. Fremont Street. Children will enjoy books, songs, and early learning stations just right for preschool learning. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun, free story time, which is best for ages 2-6 but all ages are welcome. Registration is not required.
The Community Helpers story time series will continue every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the same time and location through May. March’s story time will feature a local farmer. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of library events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
Superintendent of the School District Dr. Caroline-Pate-Hefty and School Board Member Lisa Huempfner, City Manager John Weidl, and Police Chief Dan Meyer are set to be speakers at the public civic event to discuss their respective referendums for the April Ballot
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) will be hosting a public event for the community. The GWC has asked the Superintendent of the School District, Dr. Caroline-Pate-Hefty, school board member Lisa Huempfner, City Manager John Weidl, and Police Chief Dan Meyer to present their respective referendums for the April Ballot.
This event will take place on Thursday, February 13th at 5:00 p.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St., Whitewater, WI 53190, banquet hall in Whitewater, WI.
The city will be presenting their referendum on an increase in the City’s annual tax levy to fund five additional police officers, a dispatcher, two cross-trained firefighters/EMTs, and necessary equipment they may need to help meet the growing needs of Whitewater. The school district will be presenting their referendums on what improvements the school needs. This includes replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, repairing roofs, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, replacing windows, increasing safety and security throughout the schools, updating the high school auditorium, and expanding the Career and Technical Education space.
Both the city and the school have prepared informative presentations that are not only beneficial to understand the April ballot better, but to connect with the community through prominent issues.
“I am looking forward to hearing what the city and school district have to say about their respective referendums for the April ballot,” said GWC President Jeffery Knight.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
Whitewater Lions Club 49th Annual Fish-A-Ree
Attention all ice fishing anglers: the Fish-A-Ree is back. 2025 marks the 49th year that the Whitewater Lion’s club has hosted this popular February fishing derby in their backyard. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 9th. Back again is the Eat-In/Carry-Out Pancake Breakfast serving hot pancakes, eggs and sausages. The Lions are also hosting an Online Auction, Bucket Raffles and 50/50 Cash Raffle. Another innovation is a live streaming of the action on the ice on Facebook. “Whether sitting in an ice fishing tent or the comfort of their home, everyone could feel involved,” says the Lion’s press release.
Pancake Breakfast:6 am-11 am
Hourly Fish Prizes: 6 am-2 pm
Online Auction from February 9th Through February 16th – Click here.
The following individuals from your area have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Fall 2024 semester. UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 24,000 associate, undergraduate and graduate students.
Whitewater, WI
Ghati Binagi, Letters & Science Undergrad
Myialynn Cobbs, Nursing Undergraduate
Kymora Kimbrough, Letters & Science Undergrad
Skylar Staebler, School of the Arts-Undergrad
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Milwaukee.
“Conclave”
Tuesday, February 11, 1 PM
(Drama/Mystery/Thriller) Rated PG; 2 hours. (2024).
After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with managing the covert and ancient ritual of electing a new one. Sequestered in the Vatican with the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders until the process is complete, he learns of a conspiracy that could lead to the fall of the Church. Also featuring John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. Nominated for six Golden Globes; it’s also on the Oscars Short List.
Embark on a musical journey “From Venice to Sicily by way of Abruzzo” with baritone Brian Leeper and pianist Diana Shapiro. Sunday, February 9 – 3 p.m. – Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street. Free parking is available in Lots 1 & 2. Tickets are available here. Adults are $10, age 65+ are $6, and under age 18 are $6. Tickets at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge. The Music Mosaics concert series, launched in 2002, unites diverse performances to benefit the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund. Faculty, alumni, and the community inspire through their generosity, supporting students’ musical and academic excellence. Join us for a mosaic of music with students’ success as the ultimate goal. |
Obituaries
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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