STEVENS POINT – The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is recognizing the contributions of a local alumni couple by naming the newest building on its campus in their honor.
Plover couple Gale and Paul Kirby received the honor of the addition of their names to the Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center, 900 Reserve St. in Stevens Point, following “the largest alumni contribution in the university’s history,” according to a May 11 news release. The building is the replacement for the former Albertson Hall library building.
“Paul and Gale have been amazing supporters of UW-Stevens Point,” Pratima Gandhi, interim chancellor, said in the release. “The Kirbys embody the transformative power of education, community and partnership.”
The couple’s gift is considered “unrestricted,” which means funds will be used where the university sees the most need, according to the release.
“We want our support to reach the largest number of students possible,” Paul Kirby said in the release.
More about Paul and Gale Kirby
Paul attributes many of the good things in his life to his experience at UW-Stevens Point. He began attending the university at age 19 following the death of his father and he relied on Social Security, veteran’s benefits and multiple jobs to fund his time at the school, according to the release.
The encouragement of his professors and residence hall director helped him gain confidence and live to his potential, according to the release.
Following graduation, Paul began a career in retail finance and worked with firms such as Saks Inc., Best Buy Co. Inc. and Bloomin’ Brands, according to the release. He attributes his reputation for mentoring strong teams to skills he developed at UW-Stevens Point.
“Our ability to leave this gift comes from a lifetime of careful investing and a desire to see UWSP thrive, because when the university thrives, so does the community,” Gale Kirby said in the release.
Gale grew up in Stevens Point and earned an associate degree in accounting before beginning a career in financial services at firms including Strong Capital Management and Nuveen Investments, according to the release. She attributes her success to a foundation of financial skills set by her parents and decades of exposure to industry business practices.
“We tend to like to work behind the scenes, but we hope this gift will be publicized in a way that makes people stop and consider what they’re doing with their own resources,” Paul Kirby said in the release. “We hope it inspires others to act locally, responsibly and generously.”
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK – Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: New UW-Stevens Point library honors Plover couple for alumni support
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
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