For Don Handrow, giving back to UW-Stout is a natural extension of the education and opportunities that shaped his career. It is a commitment rooted in gratitude, partnership and a shared belief in the power of a polytechnic education.
A 1992 graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Art, majoring in industrial design, Don understands the value of experiential learning, academic-led innovation, cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary curricula and the vibrant campus life that brings the Stout experience to life.
Don knows firsthand how a polytechnic education can change a life. More than 34 years ago he began his career at Prent Corporation, a global designer and manufacturer of custom thermoformed packaging for the medical, electronics and consumer industries. It was an opportunity he was prepared to seize because of UW-Stout’s applied learning model.
He reflects on that experience not to spotlight his own success, but to illustrate what philanthropy makes possible for students across campus. Today, as vice president of product development at Prent, Don continues to lead with the same innovative mindset that defines UW-Stout’s polytechnic approach.
As a member of the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association Board of Directors, he sees firsthand how flexible philanthropy strengthens the entire #StoutProud community, allowing UW-Stout to fulfill its mission and respond to the changing landscape of higher education.
“Philanthropy creates opportunity at every level,” Don said. “Philanthropy is the engine behind that momentum. It removes barriers, provides robust student support, advances innovative academic learning, fosters dynamic living and learning spaces and ensures students have community through a vibrant campus life.”
Don and Prent Corporation’s longstanding support of UW-Stout reflects a shared belief in the power of a polytechnic education to transform lives and strengthen communities.
“My support, along with that from Prent Corporation, comes from a deep belief in what a polytechnic education can do. Our commitment isn’t about a single project or program; it’s about making sure the university has the flexibility to invest in strategic priorities and in areas that will further enhance Stout as a leading polytechnic university. Stout is well positioned to meet the demands of industry and society and be the leading model for what higher education can be and the positive impact it can have,” Don said.
Across campus, Don sees the impact of industry partnerships: students gaining confidence through applied learning, faculty pushing boundaries in their fields and staff building programs that respond to workforce and student needs. Yet he also sees the ongoing need for investment to sustain and expand that momentum.
Philanthropic support through the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association ensures every member of the #StoutProud community has access to a robust education. This support removes financial barriers, strengthens holistic and individualized student support initiatives, enhances dynamic learning and living spaces and advances academic experiences that define a polytechnic education within a vibrant campus community. Together, this collective investment strengthens our polytechnic advantage and prepares graduates to make an immediate impact in their workplaces and communities.
“Stout is a leader in polytechnic education, and philanthropy is a major force behind that position,” Don said. “Yet the pace of change in higher education and industry means we can’t stand still. Flexible, strategic philanthropic support to Stout is essential to meeting the challenges ahead and ensuring UW-Stout continues to offer an education that transforms students, advances industry and strengthens communities.”
For Don, that is the heart of his commitment as a board member: ensuring UW-Stout has the resources, flexibility and vision to remain a leader in polytechnic education for generations to come.
Your gift to UW-Stout provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community by removing financial barriers to a Stout education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community – the full Stout Experience. Through your philanthropic support you provide the necessary flexible funds to ensure Stout thrives and continues to make positive impact on industry, in our communities and on society. Make your gift today.
