The Gift of Education

Some days you certainly can't expect the stories that will come your way and Thursday was one of those days. I spent  the day with my friend Jean, a retired UW-L History professor.  Don't worry Jean I won't divulge our private conversations... LOL.

Jean

Anyhow, we had a full day of running around- appointments, lunch, some shopping and as usual a lot of catching up...

Our last activity of the day was attending the University Foundation's Holiday Tea with me as Jean's guest.

Ms Frances Young ( far right) is 98 years young. 

What Jean neglected to mention was this event was for the Emeritus group and I was one of the few spring chickens there. I have to admit I felt a bit awkward not having put in the same time as these educators but was honored to be among such  UW-L treasures.

Chancellor Gow dropped in to thank the guests and also introduced one attendee with a 'very' special story. You see this gentleman's father-in-law, Ernest "Ernie" Hanson grew up literally dirt poor on a farm in Viroqua. Unable to find a job as a male teacher after graduating from Vernon County Normal School, one day in 1934 he hitchhiked  into La Crosse and walked into the UW-L's Main Hall, La Crosse State Teachers College at that time, asking to speak to the President. (no Chancellor in those days)  The young man spoke of his desire to attend university for two years and then go to Madison to finish, followed by Law School. The President impressed with his ambitiousness, asked him how much money he had. The young Mr. Hanson reached into his pocket and pulled out ...10 whole dollars. President Snodgrass accepted the money, informed his staff to do whatever necessary to help Mr. Hanson fulfill his dreams, enrolling him right then and there.  Mr. Hanson proceeded to wash windows, dishes/ do whatever odd jobs necessary to work off his education both in La Crosse and then Madison. 



After finishing law school in Madison, "Ernie" Hanson returned to La Crosse where  after a 6 mo. apprenticeship in a local firm, made partner and served 65 years.


The Hanson family  established the ERNEST O. AND GRACE W. HANSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND in 2012 to help other western Wisconsin rural youth with limited resources enroll in pre-law education. 

You've got to admit that's one great story...