A Legacy of Opportunity: How One Donor’s Estate Gift Will Transform Generations of Students

The estate of Mary E. Reinhart was generously gifted to the UWSP Foundation upon her passing in 2023. The estate of Mary E. Reinhart was generously gifted to the UWSP Foundation upon her passing in 2023. Mary’s father, Harold Reinhart, received his degree in 1924 from what was then Stevens Point State Normal School, now UW-Stevens Point.

The proceeds of this estate have established two scholarships at UWSP. One focused on helping students who find themselves navigating an emergency situation and the other removes barriers for students wishing to become more deeply involved in the workings of library science and academic research pursuits.

With the often unexpected twists and turns that arise throughout a college career, coupled with the reality of the majority living paycheck to paycheck, emergency situations put an increasing number of talented, deserving students at risk of having to make an impossible choice: take on large amounts of debt to cover expenses that arise suddenly or put their college dreams on hold.

Mary’s legacy gift will help change that for UWSP students now and in the future. Her scholarships will provide immediate financial assistance to students whose potential is clear—but whose financial resources fall short due to an unforeseen circumstance. By helping students in emergency situations, the Mary E. Reinhart Retention Scholarship provides a resource so that students don’t have to derail their entire academic journey, and possibly never return, due to one situation.  

“A single act of support can change the trajectory of a student’s life,” said Gretel Stock, Dean of University College at UWSP. “Her scholarship fund will help ensure that students from all backgrounds have a real shot at success, starting on day one.”

For many students, especially those from low-income households, the years spent at college are the most financially and emotionally precarious. Without adequate support, it can also be journey left unfinished. Mary’s gift is designed to intervene at critical junctures throughout their academic career. It will cover emergency needs to ensure students can continue to afford their tuition, books and other college necessities —things that often go overlooked in traditional aid packages.

The scholarship’s impact extends far beyond financial assistance. By removing economic pressure students will be better able to immerse themselves in campus life, engage in learning, and explore leadership opportunities—all of which contribute to long-term academic and personal success.

Her scholarship in support of library involvement comes at a critical juncture in academia. With the fast paced world of AI and digital materials taking center stage, students wanting to immerse themselves in helping foster access to well researched materials are needed now more than ever.

Although Mary passed away in 2023, her spirit lives on in every student her scholarships support. Her estate gift was structured as an endowments, ensuring the funds will provide support for generations. Each year, a new group of promising students will start to discover their purpose on the UW-Stevens Point campuses because of her generosity.

The university will honor Mary’s contribution by naming the university library in her memory. The Mary Reinhart University Library, part of the Library and Student Resource Center, will open in 2026.

The impact of Mary Reinhart’s gift will be felt not only by individual students but by the broader university community. As scholarship recipients succeed, graduate, and give back, they will carry forward her vision—creating a ripple effect of opportunity and access.

In her final act of generosity, Mary did more than fund a scholarship. She created a pathway, lit a torch, and left behind a legacy that will continue to open doors for Pointers far into the future.