Chippewa Valley Times

Two alumni from the University of Wisconsin-Stout have made a significant contribution to support future students. Ann and John Graf, who graduated in 1973, have committed $3.5 million from their estate to the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association. This donation will establish the Ann B. and John H. Graf Restricted Scholarship Endowment, which will provide full tuition scholarships for up to eight students annually.

“We think education is important and want to help students get a start in life without loads of debt,” said Ann Graf.

John Graf, a Vietnam War veteran and first-generation college student, added: “I benefited from the GI bill when I went to college. It’s an opportunity to pay it forward.”

The Grafs met while living in South Hall at UW-Stout and married in 1975 after John earned a master’s degree in education from the university. Their donation will fund scholarships for four students in fashion design and development (Ann's program) and four in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management (John's program), as well as related programs such as real estate property management and golf enterprise management.

In addition to covering tuition, the endowment is expected eventually to cover room and board expenses for scholarship recipients.

“We want these students to have the opportunity to further their education and have a chance to excel in an area they are passionate about,” said Ann Graf.

The gift was announced on September 19 during the Foundation’s annual Scholarship Reception on campus.

“The university is extremely grateful to John and Ann for their generous support. Their gift is the largest scholarship in university history and will make a significant impact in supporting our students by alleviating financial barriers and allowing them to focus on their polytechnic education,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the Foundation has already awarded a record $1.4 million in scholarships to 573 students, with additional awards planned. In 2023-24, more than $1.3 million was given out in scholarships to 681 students—a record number at that time.

Since its first scholarship fundraising campaign in 1962, when two $100 scholarships were established, nearly $20 million has been awarded over the past 62 years.

Ann began her career working in fabric stores before spending over two decades with Quilts Inc., where she still works part-time. John transitioned from food service roles during his military service to teaching at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton hospitality school before moving into various roles within Houston's food service industry.

The Grafs reside in Wisconsin during summer months and live in Houston during winter months.