Fueled by a passion for helping others, Arionna Loughlin’s goal is to become a physical therapist.
Majoring in Human Biology and Exercise, the UW-Green Bay junior is busy not only with her studies, but also working as a rehab aide at Bellin Titletown, where she schedules patients and helps the physical therapists and athletics trainers with patient assessments. She also leads the Tribeta Biology Honors Club as president and is treasurer of sorority Zeta Omega Tau.
Loughlin embodies the type of student the LaForce family wishes to support and is a multiyear recipient of the LaForce Family Scholarship. “I’m proud that my effort and dedication has been recognized because I work my hardest to achieve academic honors, and this scholarship allows me to focus solely on my studies without the burden of finances,” Loughlin wrote in her thank you note to the family.
Loughlin is one of hundreds of students over the years to receive much-needed financial support through LaForce scholarships.
“Both my Mom and Dad were strong believers in the power of education to uplift and change lives for the better,” said James LaForce. “It is a thrill for my sisters and me to help encourage the diverse, talented, and passionate people who attend UW-Green Bay.”
UW-Green Bay students are ever so grateful.
“I love having classes with fewer students because I get to know my teachers well. I would choose UW-Green Bay again as I’m obtaining an excellent education,” says Loughlin.
LaForce and his siblings are the new generation to carry on the legacy of Joe and Eleanor “Mac” LaForce — early supporters of then fledgling UW-Green Bay which opened its doors in 1965 to provide higher education in the Green Bay area. The couple, who met while attending UW-Madison, bought a hardware supply business in downtown Green Bay in 1954. The business, LaForce Inc., has grown to become one of the largest distributors for commercial door opening products and services.
Joe LaForce joined the UW-Green Bay Founders Association in the 1970s, and served on the board for many years. In 2006, he created the Joe LaForce Business Faculty Development Fund, an endowed fund to support the business college. A year later, following Joe’s death, Mac created the Joseph and Mac LaForce Business Scholarship.
The LaForce educational legacy continues through their three children, Patricia LaForce, Jane LaForce Cinquini and James LaForce. This new generation, which believes just as strongly in the value of higher education, started the LaForce Family Foundation in 2015 to continue the spirit of giving back. The Foundation supports several educational institutions, as well as a variety of social service organizations.
LAFORCE BACKS PRIDE CENTER EXPANSION
UW-Green Bay is expanding its Campus Pride Center—currently located at the Green Bay Campus and the Community LGBT Center at Marinette, to both its Manitowoc and Sheboygan Campus locations.
The Manitowoc and Sheboygan Campuses are opening Pride (LGBTQ+) Centers that will be staffed by interns 10 hours per week. The internships are made possible by funds from the LaForce Family Foundation. Pride Center interns will provide social support and resources for LGBTQ+ students, their families and allies, and will collaborate with local LGBTQ+ community organizations on Pride events and initiatives.