Published
December 5, 1997
by Oscar Rennebohm Foundation
MADISON, Wisconsin–The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents today (Friday) unanimously approved the naming of the new UW-Madison pharmacy building after former Wisconsin Governor Oscar Rennebohm. Construction of the $45 million structure will begin early next spring and is expected to be completed by September of the year 2000. The new facility will be located across the street from the UW Hospital and Clinics.
Oscar Rennebohm, who died in 1968, was a successful businessman who founded Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., Madison’s once-largest drug store chain. He was elected governor of Wisconsin in 1948, and was appointed a UW regent in 1952 and served until 1961. He also served as president of the University of Wisconsin Foundation and as director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
In 1949, Rennebohm established the Rennebohm Foundation with a small endowment with which to make grants to several community charities and to fund scholarships for UW students. The endowment gradually grew as Oscar transferred his stock in Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., in addition to his other assets. The chain of Madison drug stores was merged into the Walgreen Company in 1980.
The Oscar Rennebohm Foundation has been a major benefactor to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Total Foundation gifts to the UW top $15 million.