The University of Wyoming has announced a $5 million estate gift from alumna Lois Mottonen.

The largest portion of the bequest will be used to support a new College of Business Student Success Center and establish a Lois Mottonen Business Scholarship for business school students with financial need. When completed, the center will provide students with academic and career development advice, as well as internship and study-abroad opportunities. The gift also will support the university’s Lois Mottonen American Heritage Center (AHC), which houses collections highlighting the history of Wyoming and the American West as well as the university archives.

The sole woman in the class of 1951 and the second woman in the state to be granted a CPA license, Mottonen graduated from the university with honors. After having trouble finding work at CPA firms, she became an Internal Revenue Service agent for almost thirty years. A longtime supporter of her alma mater, Mottonen helped fund scholarships, the College of Business, Associated Students of UW, and UW Libraries, as well as Wyoming Public Radio and the heritage center.

"It is a fitting time to recognize Lois's gift, as this year marks the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of women's suffrage in Wyoming," said David Sprott, dean of the College of Business. "I am overcome with gratitude when I think about the countless students her gift will touch. It is truly remarkable what she has given to the University of Wyoming and the impact it will have for generations to come."