RIVER FALLS – For more than a century, First National Bank of River Falls has demonstrated its support for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The institution’s latest commitment will dramatically impact the university’s future. 

The bank has donated $110,000 toward the UWRF Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech), a $117 million structure that is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in January 2026.

In recognition of the gift, a first floor SciTech laboratory will be named the First National Bank of River Falls Environmental Biology Research Lab.

Five generations after George Theodore Smith founded First National Bank of River Falls in 1904, the Smith family remains actively involved. Sandra Smith Wurm serves as chair of the bank’s board of directors. The family and institution have established a tradition of proactively partnering with UWRF on numerous initiatives that have benefited students, the community and region.

Jeff Johnson, president and chief executive officer of First National Bank of River Falls, said the donation is in recognition of the high-impact opportunities SciTech will provide to students, faculty and businesses in the region and beyond.

“For many decades, we have worked hand in hand with UWRF to support the educational and professional growth of our community,” Johnson said. “This gift is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering excellence and empowering the next generation of leaders. By investing in the university, we are building on a legacy of partnership that has greatly benefited the St. Croix Valley region, and we look forward to the continued success of our collaboration.” 

Construction on the three-story, 136,000 square-foot SciTech building began a year ago. Funding for SciTech, the largest structure ever built at UW-River Falls, was approved by Wisconsin lawmakers as part of the 2021-23 state budget.

SciTech will house state-of-the-art learning spaces with a focus on active learning. It will include a University and Business Collaboration Center in which businesses will partner with students and faculty on research and other projects, providing high-level educational opportunities and links to student employment. University officials estimate more than 60% of students will take at least one class in SciTech.

Rick Foy, assistant chancellor for university advancement, praised the Smith family and First National Bank of River Falls for their longtime support of UWRF. 

“Time and again, the Smith family and First National Bank of River Falls have been there for the university, ready and willing to provide critical resources for our top-priority programs and projects,” Foy said. “On behalf of Chancellor Maria Gallo, the university and the UWRF Foundation, I express deep appreciation for this impactful SciTech contribution.”

State funding paid for most of SciTech, but UWRF is responsible for raising $5 million from private sources to fully fund the project. Of that total, nearly $4.5 million is in hand, with the remaining $500,000 to be raised by December. To donate to SciTech, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/university-advancement/support-scitech.

Submitted by UW-River Falls