Chippewa Valley Times

Daryl and Marie Braatz, long-time residents of Arizona, spend their summers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They have been staying at Haymarket Landing, where they are among several alumni who return annually. "We have lived in Arizona for many years, but we return to Eau Claire every summer," Marie Braatz says. She describes the location as perfect for them.

The couple is well-known among staff at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Foundation and Alumni Association offices. Tim Skutley, a development officer for the Foundation, remarks on their connection to the university: “Daryl and Marie are wonderful people who have a remarkable Blugold love story.” He adds that their love for each other and the campus community is unmatched.

Their relationship began in 1968 when Daryl was a recent graduate from the College of Business. The couple met during a class they both attended. “Marie and I started walking over to the Blugold Room in Davies Center for a Coke on our breaks,” Daryl recalls. By the end of the course, he asked her out on a date.

Married in June 1970, Daryl and Marie embarked on teaching careers—Marie in Colby and Daryl in Thorp—where they also became involved with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Both saw how FBLA could positively impact students from rural areas. “Everything about the program opened doors for the majority of our students,” Marie explains.

Daryl highlights how regional competitions broadened students' horizons: “Even the regional competitions were eye-opening for some of our students.” He shares an example of a former student who went from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming a chief financial officer at Starbucks.

In addition to staying connected with former students, Daryl served on FBLA's national board while both continue to participate actively by judging events and managing merchandise shops at national competitions.

At Haymarket Landing, where they stay during summers, they enjoy amenities like secure parking and views of the river. Their unit is part of "Snowbird U," which includes Mayo Clinic Health System interns and college students as neighbors.

Foundation president Curt Krizan acknowledges their ongoing involvement: “Daryl and Marie fully embrace their Blugold roots as summer residents.” The Braatzes maintain an active schedule filled with social gatherings, volunteer work, outdoor music events, bike rides, and church activities during their time in Eau Claire.

As Marie puts it: “Eau Claire and the university have always been a central part of our lives.”