May 30, 2023
For Immediate Release
Media Inquiries: Gregg Gutschow, ggutschow@amherst.k12.wi.us; (715)347-7715
Amherst STEAM Breaks Ground; District Receives Historic $500,000 Gift
AMHERST, WI—The Tomorrow River School District officially broke ground Tuesday, May 30 at the site of what will be its new $21.7 million Falcon STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Agriculture, and Math)Center while at the same time announcing an historic $500,000.00 donation from Mr. Herbert O. Wolding.
“This donation gives me a warm feeling knowing that it will go toward furthering the education, moral character, values and discipline of our students here in Amherst,” Herb Wolding said in a statement to the district. “I believe that education is freedom and the foundation of the future." The donation will go directly to benefit the new tech ed center, including dozens of new CAD-capable computers, new CNC machines, welders, Auto Lab machines and equipment and much, much more.
District Administrator Mike Richie emphasized the critical role that community support has played in this multi- year project leading up to the April 2022 referendum that allowed Falcon STEAM to take flight. He also pointed out that clear educational, economic and employment trends make STEAM more important than ever.
“The evidence about the importance of technical education and the trends toward careers in the trades is indisputable,” Richie said. “This Falcon STEAM construction project is critically important as we strive to continue to attract families and students to Amherst and our school. We are fortunate to have exceptional educators, administrators and staff as well as a diligent board of education. With the completion of Falcon STEAM we will also have exceptional, first-class facilities.”
A large crowd of community members, students and staff joined in the celebration and heard remarks from Amherst High School student Colton Dombrowski who will be working as an intern on site this summer with Hoffman Planning Design and Construction, Inc., as well as Hoffman senior project manager Matt McGregor, TRSD School Board President Mark Kryshak, TRSD Director of Buildings and Grounds Robert Smith and Amherst alumnus and local business leader Jason Blenker.
“We are proud to be part of a community that values hard work, perseverance and dedication, and we are honored to stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” Blenker said. “Names like Pavelski, Krogwold, Trzebiatowski, Stuczynski, Kirsling, Konkol, and Wolding come to mind when I reflect on Mike Rowe's words of hard work and perseverance. I want to express my gratitude for what they have done.
” The new Falcon STEAM Center is scheduled to open for the start of the 2024-25 school year.