Fred Sitzberger, president of Brookfield-based accounting firm Sitzberger Hau & Company S.C., has donated $1 million to the Panther Excellence Fund, an unrestricted fund for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student athletes.
Sitzberger is a 1978 graduate of UWM’s Lubar School of Business, from which he earned an accounting degree. His donation is the largest ever made to the school’s athletics program, according to a statement released by UWM Tuesday morning.
Sitzberger is also a member of the UWM Alumni Association Board of Trustees and the UWM Foundation Board of Directors.
“UWM has such a wonderful academic standing, and if we could further develop Milwaukee Athletics, we could continue to elevate the brand and our enrollment would go up,” Sitzberger said in a statement. “I always had a tough time in school, and I appreciate all my teachers did for me when I went to UWM on the G.I. Bill. It’s paid off very well, and each year, I give 10 percent away.”
UWM chancellor Mark Mone praised Sitzberger for his gift.
“This kind of dedication from an alumnus is so encouraging to see,” Mone said. “I could not be more grateful to Fred for his generosity and, perhaps most importantly, for his vision for our university. His willingness to support his alma mater is a marvelous example of giving back.”
