Alumni raise $569,000 for student scholarships

UW-Madison students received nearly $569,000 in scholarships this year, thanks to the efforts of local chapters and affiliates of the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA).

"UW alumni from all across the country continue the long tradition of generous financial and volunteer support of today’s students," says Douglas K. Griese, a 1975 UW–Madison graduate who is chair of the national WAA Board of Directors and a member of the Motor City Badgers chapter in Detroit, Mich. "These efforts not only make attending the UW possible for many of these young scholars, but also help make for an extraordinary experience once they arrive on campus."

For the 2007-08 academic year, 352 students from 77 cities in Wisconsin and 26 U.S. states received WAA scholarships, each averaging more than $1,600.

Since 1967, the more than 100 UW alumni chapters in cities worldwide have awarded nearly $10 million to UW–Madison students. Through the Matching Dollar Scholarship program, WAA and the UW Foundation match donations made by local alumni and university friends. Students also receive scholarships funded by WAA affiliates – groups of alumni who are connected through their experiences with academic departments, student organizations or common interests.

Other WAA scholarships include:

• The Outstanding Student Awards, which recognize accomplishments and contributions of two senior men and two senior women. The awards include a $250 scholarship and a life membership in WAA;
• The Robert and Carroll Heideman Award, given to a student who demonstrates a commitment to community involvement and civic engagement; and
• The Arlie Mucks Jr., Spirit Scholarship, which goes to five outstanding sophomores and juniors in honor of Mucks, who served as WAA’s president from 1962-1989.

Students who received WAA scholarships will meet donors and WAA chapter leaders at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison.

Founded in 1861, WAA offers UW alumni and friends a wide variety of services, including the award-winning On Wisconsin Magazine, Badger Insider Magazine, career services, international travel opportunities and lifelong learning events. Learn more at uwalumni.com.