Becky Black Pruitt
Class of 1965

As an elementary school student, I attended schools in many different parts of the United States. When my family moved to Superior, WI, we soon became aware of the superiority of the educational system there as compared to those we had experienced. School was a very positive experience for me, and I was excited to take advantage of many of the programs that were offered in the public schools — summer programs, music lessons, band and orchestra.

Because education was highly valued in Wisconsin, I was fortunate to have an affordable college education available to me. I have great appreciation for my learning experience at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in biology and medical technology in 1965. The same degree of affordability that was available to me is not there for young people today. Because of increased demands on the individual tax dollar that we all experience now, it becomes imperative for colleges and universities to look to other sources of income and support. Individual donations are one of those sources. Because life has been good to my husband and me, we enjoy the idea of being able to give back in ways that will hopefully contribute to others being able to receive college educations.

After 35 years of living in Phoenix, Ariz., Doug and I are delighted to now be splitting our time between Phoenix and Knife River, Minn. It has been great fun to reconnect with the Big Lake, the North Land, friends and the university. It is exciting to see the enthusiasm that the administration, the faculty and the student body have for life on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Superior. It is a privilege to be a part of that life in some small way.