Posted Wednesday, January 9, 2013 --- 1:40 a.m.

MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) -- The University of Wisconsin-Stout has received a $1 million donation to help boost its undergraduate program in property management.

The Menomonie-based school announced the gift Wednesday from Dean Weidner. He founded Weidner Apartment Homes, a property-management firm in Kirkland, Wash.

Weidner says he first became aware of UW-Stout's program when his company recruited some graduates. He says the students had outstanding qualifications, and he wanted to help develop the program further.

School officials say the money will be used to buy equipment and technology for the new Weidner Center. It will also be used to fund seven scholarships each year worth a total of $10,000.

The program includes classes in finance, accounting and rental law.