Dr. Ann Rock's gift will help library share knowledge
with future generations of students

As a student at Wisconsin State University-Superior, Dr. Ann Rock regularly visited Curran Library in Old Main. When Jim Dan Hill Library opened during her sophomore year, she was amazed at the difference: all the additional space, access to more resources, the places where students could study.

Now, she's anticipating what Jim Dan Hill Library will be like after its renovation: all the additional space, access to more resources, the places where students can study -- all reflecting the vast changes that have taken place in teaching and learning technology since the library opened in 1968.

To help ensure the renovation's success, Ann has made a large gift to Campaign Superior: Higher Expectations. She has specified that the money be used for the library project.

"The library is the hub of the university," she said. "It's a place where knowledge is stored. It's a resource to share knowledge in all kinds of formats. I want to help UW-Superior continue to share that knowledge with students."

Campaign Superior: Higher Expectations is a comprehensive plan to raise $17.5 million to ensure UW-Superior provides the facilities, programs and support needed for students to become active learners and engaged citizens for the 21st century. Among Campaign Superior's priorities is raising $2 million to assist in renovating Jim Dan Hill Library.

For Ann, supporting Campaign Superior is a way to give something back to a university that's played an important role in her life.

A native of Superior, she was the oldest child in her family and the first to enroll at UW-Superior, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. Four of her five siblings followed.

The university offered her something vital: An opportunity to succeed. She knew she could live at home, pay her way through school, and earn a good education.

After graduating in 1971. Ann attended medical school at UW-Madison and went on to complete her internship and residency. She and her husband returned to Superior in 1982, when Ann joined a medical practice in the city. She joined Northland OB/GYN Associates in Duluth in 1990.

Ann began giving to UW-Superior in 1987. For years she has provided funds for two scholarships: One for biology, a reflection of her professional interests, and one for music, a reflection of her personal interest in violin and piano.

"Now that I have money, I want to give something back," she said. "I want to help kids so they can get an education without taking on such a burden of debt for the future."

Her decision to become a major donor for Campaign Superior and Jim Dan Hill Library reflects her strong feelings for her university.

"I love UW-Superior," she said. "The small class sizes were great. If you needed individual help, you could get it. The professors were knowledgeable and helpful."

"Obviously, I wouldn't be where I'm at today without it," she said. "The university opened doors for me."