Paul and Gale Kirby made the largest alumni contribution in UW-Stevens Point history. The new Library and Student Resource Center has been named in their honor. (Contributed)

UWSP names new library, student center for Plover couple

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — The newest building on the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point campus has been named in honor of a Plover couple whose donation became the largest alumni gift in school history.

The new Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center will serve as a central location for student and community services. University officials plan to celebrate the building’s opening this fall.

The naming recognizes Gale and Paul Kirby, whose unrestricted contribution allows the university to apply the funds wherever the need is greatest.

“We want our support to benefit as many students as possible,” Paul Kirby said.

Interim Chancellor Pratima Gandhi said the Kirbys have been strong supporters of the university and praised their commitment to education and the community.

Paul Kirby said his time at UW-Stevens Point came during a challenging chapter of his life after his father died when he was 19. While attending school, he relied on Social Security benefits, veteran’s benefits and several jobs to support himself.

He said faculty members and residence hall staff helped encourage him and build his confidence.

“When I think about the direction my life took, so much of it traces back to my experience at UWSP,” he said.

Following graduation, Paul Kirby worked in retail finance with companies including Saks Incorporated, Best Buy Co., Inc. and Bloomin’ Brands.

Gale Kirby built a career in financial services with firms including Strong Capital Management and Nuveen Investments. She said her upbringing in Stevens Point, along with her accounting education and years in the industry, helped shape her financial background.

“We saved steadily and lived within our means,” Paul Kirby said. Gale Kirby added that the couple wanted to support the university because of the impact it has on the community.

The Kirbys said they hope their donation encourages others to give back locally.

“We usually prefer to stay behind the scenes, but we hope this gift encourages people to think about how they use their own resources,” Paul Kirby said. “We hope it inspires others to give responsibly and support their communities.”