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• UW-River Falls grad to be awarded honorary degree
• River Falls man top Wisconsin finisher in Boston Marathon

A 1975 University of Wisconsin-River Falls economics graduate will be awarded an honorary doctorate during the school's spring commencement on May 17.

David Swensen is now the chief investment officer for the Yale Endowment, which UW-River Falls' officials say is one of the most successful higher education endowments in the nation.

"Dr. Swensen is one of UW-River Falls' greatest success stories. Under his leadership, the Yale Endowment has grown from $1.3 billion to more than $22.5 billion and has reaped returns on investments that have outpaced all other Ivy League institutions," said David Betz, UW-River Falls' chancellor.

The director of the Harvard University endowment described Swensen, who has posted annual returns averaging more than 17 percent over the last decade, and as high as 41 percent in a single year -- as "the best in the business." Fortune Magazine has reported him to be "an unassuming Midwesterner."

Swensen says that he is honored to be awarded this recognition by his alma mater.

"I am humbled by the extraordinary honor conferred on me by the University of Wisconsin at River Falls," said Swenson.

"The education that I received from the university's extraordinary faculty provided a strong foundation for my post-graduate studies and contributed immeasurably to my lifelong love of learning. I owe UWRF a great deal," he added.

Swensen was nominated for the award by the Faculty Senate Honorary Doctorate Committee and approved by the UW-System Board of Regents.

By Wheeler News Service

Benjamin Kirmse, River Falls, was Wisconsin's top finisher today (Monday) at the Boston Marathon.

The 24-year-old Kirmse finished 262nd overall, completing the 26-miles-plus in 2:44:26.

Nathan Weiland of Milwaukee was the state's next best finisher. He was 288th. Rick Stefanovic, Milwaukee, was 293rd and Kyle Udovich, Waukesha, was 316th.

Daniel Harvey of Lake Mills took third in the 60-69-year-old men's category, with a time of 3:07:21.

On the women's side, Sue Pierson, Neenah, was Wisconsin's top finisher. She was 749th overall at 2:55:31 and she took third among 40-49-year-old women.

Rachel Rich, Buffalo City, was 845th. And Corina Canitz of Brookfield was 862nd.

As of mid-afternoon, 205 Wisconsin men and 135 state women completed the Boston Marathon.

Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya was the men's winner at 2:07:46. Dire Tune of Ethiopia was the women's winner at 2:25:25.