Unlocking Futures: UWL and Trust Point Partner to Empower the Next Generation of Financial Planners

In a groundbreaking move, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) and the Trust Point Foundation have forged a strategic partnership that promises to transform the landscape of financial planning education. This philanthropic collaboration will not only support innovative learning experiences for students but also strengthen the talent pipeline in a rapidly growing industry.

Empowering the Next Generation of Financial Experts

Investing in the Future

The Trust Point Foundation has pledged a remarkable $90,000 over the next three years to establish the Trust Point Personal Financial Planning Fund through the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation. This investment will have a profound impact on the university's finance program, enabling comprehensive financial education initiatives for both the campus and the broader community. From financial literacy workshops and seminars to online resources, this fund will equip students and the public with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of personal finance.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

But the partnership's benefits extend far beyond classroom instruction. The Trust Point Personal Financial Planning Fund will also provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities for UWL College of Business Administration (CBA) students aspiring to become financial planners. These hands-on experiences will help students develop the essential skills and expertise required to excel in their future careers, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Strengthening the Talent Pipeline

For La Crosse-based Trust Point, this partnership represents a strategic investment in the local community and the financial planning industry as a whole. By supporting UWL's finance program, the company is not only giving back to the campus but also strengthening the talent pipeline in a fast-growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in personal financial advising positions over the next decade, outpacing the 3% national average for all other occupations. This partnership ensures that UWL students will be well-equipped to meet the rising demand for skilled financial planners.

Transformative Impact

Adam Stivers, chair of the Finance Department at UWL, emphasizes the transformative impact of the Trust Point Foundation's gift. "First and foremost, it will allow us to provide these future financial planners with a variety of career networking opportunities, as we will be able to use the funding to send students to financial planning conferences, symposiums and networking events," Stivers explains. "The gift will also allow us to send faculty to financial planning conferences and events for networking and career development. This is crucial in the world of financial planning, where laws and taxes are constantly changing."

Honoring a Proud Alumnus

The partnership carries special meaning for Bill Bosch, president and CEO of Trust Point, who earned his bachelor's degree in finance from UWL in 2000. Bosch, who was recognized with the Graff Distinguished Alumni Award in 2023, attributes his success to the solid foundation he received at UWL. "My education at UWL provided a foundation for what I do today," he says. "I started as an intern at Trust Point while still a student, and that opportunity speaks volumes about the quality of the education and lessons I received here."

A Shared Vision for Success

Bosch's commitment to giving back to his alma mater aligns with Trust Point's mission to help individuals, families, and businesses simplify, secure, and grow their wealth. "This program will significantly enhance students' education, equipping them with the tools and expertise needed for successful careers," Bosch affirms. "With the rising demand for financial planning, this program is essential in preparing students to become future leaders in wealth management."