MADISON, Wis. — A special gift is coming to UW-Madison’s Music Hall.
Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced a pledge to extend the late Sen. Kohl support of the UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs with a $30 million lead private gift.
The gift will support programming and renovations to UW–Madison’s Music Hall, which will serve as La Follette’s future home under the new name of Herb Kohl Hall. The new hall is expected to open in 2029.
The move comes as La Follette undergoes rapid expansion. In fall 2026, the school will introduce an undergraduate major that is expected to enroll as many as 400 students within five years, reportedly putting it in the top 10% of all majors on campus.
“Renaming historic Music Hall to Herb Kohl Hall serves as a lasting testament to Sen. Kohl’s lifelong support of UW–Madison, his deep commitment to public service and an ethos of civility in public debate and policymaking,” said UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin.
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved the name change on February 6.
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