Philanthropy has Green Bay roots

For UW-Green Bay Trustee Beth Gochnauer, giving back truly is a family affair.

Her husband, Dick, spent every summer in Green Bay as a child, and both his father and grandfather hailed from the city. They instilled in their families the importance of giving back to the community with time and treasure, a legacy that has lived on through the Gochnauer Family Foundation.

Beth Gochnauer chairs the foundation, but her involvement goes beyond managing money. It manifests itself in a true passion for helping others, and for supporting student scholarships at UW-Green Bay. It’s the impetus behind the Beth and Richard Gochnauer Phuture Phoenix Endowed Scholarship, supporting UW-Green Bay’s signature college preparedness and attainment program, and it’s also what drives her interest in and support of the University’s new and collaborative Engineering Technology degrees.

“The educational vision, enthusiasm and commitment of Phuture Phoenix is inspiring,” Gochnauer said. “This vision is if a child works hard, does well, and stays in school, there will be scholarships for higher education through Phuture Phoenix. This involves a huge commitment by the administration and faculty of the University, the public schools, and community leaders as well as the UW-Green Bay students who mentor the children. Providing educational opportunities is transformational for the children, their families and eventually the community.”

UW-Green Bay truly understands that community, Gochnauer said, and is keyed into the increasing technology needs for businesses, service providers and agencies in Northeastern Wisconsin. It’s why she’s supportive of the collaborative Engineering Technology Degree program, which shows the power of institutions working together.

“By bringing resources from the technical schools and institutions, UW Oshkosh and UW-Green Bay together, Northeastern Wisconsin will have the technology expertise to move forward and the students will have many job opportunities,” Gochnauer said. “There will also be scholarships available for students interested in this degree.”

Gochnauer’s involvement with UW-Green Bay started early, as she served on the Board of Visitors during part of the 1970s and early 1980s. Having returned as a member of the Chancellor’s Council of Trustees/UW-Green Bay Foundation Board, she sees perhaps more than ever the difference the University can make.

“UW-Green Bay is really unique in its value to the community,” Gochnauer said. “A high percentage of graduating students take jobs, create businesses and live with their families in Northeastern Wisconsin. Our family has been blessed by being part of the community and by our involvement at UW-Green Bay.”