Herzing University Pledging $20,000 in Scholarships to Falls Residents

On Tuesday, Herzing University Online not only celebrated officially opening its relocated headquarters in Menomonee Falls, but also planted roots in a community that welcomed it with open arms.

To commemorate opening its 53,000-square-foot facility in the former Stong Funds building at W140N8917 Lilly Rd., Herzing President Todd Rickel pledged to award $20,000 in scholarships to residents living or working in Menomonee Falls who choose to attend the school.

Rickel said this is the first time the university has given back to a community on this scale, but it was a direct result of the welcome the university received from the community when it decided to relocate.

“It was open arms, warm, and village leaders were excited about having a university in the community,” Rickel said. “The other communities we looked at were interested in the business, but they weren’t interested in our contribution to the growth in the community.”

Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas, Village Manager Mark Fitzgerald and members of the Falls Chamber of Commerce were on hand to extend a welcome to the university at an event Tuesday.

Vrakas said Herzing is a significant addition to Waukesha County, which he said includes a rapidly growing population that is leading the way in innovation and education.

“I don’t know what can be more important that fulfilling the educational goals in a person's life,” Vrakas said. “We have a real need to ramp up our learning skills.”

Fitzgerald said Herzing closed on its location on a Friday after a particularly gruesome week at . The economy has slowed, and for the past few years the village struggled with revamping the Main Street corridor. Fitzgerald said the university, which employs about 150 people at its branch, is a great anchor for a comeback on Main Street.

“We were having a horrible week at the village, and in this economy, you can imagine these are tough times and everything is a financial struggle.” Fitzgerald said. “The ability for a university to merge with the community and help with all facets is a big deal.”

Herzing's programs are specifically designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of technology, business, healthcare, design, and public safety.  The award-winning online university offers a wide array of master’s, bachelor’s, associate and diploma programs. 

Herzing also has another location within the county in Brookfield.

To learn more about the scholarship or to obtain an entry application, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Ryan Mason at 866-508-0748, extension 439 or rmason@onl.herzing.edu, or visit www.herzingonline.edu.