WAA Recognizes Alumni Chapters for Outstanding Service

October 30, 2008

Contact: Kate Dixon, Wisconsin Alumni Association, (608) 265-8769, kdixon@waastaff.com

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) has recognized 18 official alumni chapters in Wisconsin and across the United States for their outstanding service to Badger graduates and commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

WAA has honored these organizations as 2008 Bascom Chapters for providing a higher level of service to UW alumni in their communities. Chapters that earn Bascom status receive the highest level of chapter support and recognition available from WAA. The number of Bascom chapters has doubled from 2006, when nine chapters earned the designation.

“Thanks to outstanding volunteers in almost 100 cities around the world, Badger alumni can find a strong network of fellow UW grads and friends, no matter where they live,” said WAA President and CEO Paula Bonner. “This year’s Bascom Chapters consistently go above and beyond to serve alumni in their local areas and to keep grads connected to their alma mater.”

The 2008 WAA Bascom Chapters are:

• WAA: Bay Area Badgers Chapter (San Francisco)
• WAA: Big Apple Badgers Chapter (New York City)
• WAA: Boston Area Chapter
  (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine)
  
• WAA: Brown County Chapter
  (Green Bay, Ashwaubenon, DePere, Wis.)
  
• WAA: Chicago Chapter
• WAA: Chippewa Valley Chapter
  (Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Wis.)
• WAA: Houston Chapter
  (Houston, Huntsville, Columbus, Freeport, Orange, Tex.)
• WAA: Los Angeles Chapter
  (Los Angeles, Hollywood, Long Beach, Pasadena, Calif.)
• WAA: Marshfield Area Chapter (Wisconsin)
• WAA: Mile High Chapter (Denver)
• WAA: Motor City Badgers Chapter (Detroit, Mich.)
• WAA: Orange County Chapter
  (Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, Calif.)
• WAA: Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Chapter
  (Philadelphia; Camden, N.J.)
• WAA: Rochester Chapter
  (Rochester, Pine Island, Zumbrota, Mazeppa, Byron, Kasson, Mantorville, Stewartville, Winona, Minn.)
• WAA: St. Louis Chapter
• WAA: Twin Cities Chapter
  (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Coon Rapids, Minn.)
• WAA: Washington, D.C. Chapter
  (Washington, D.C.; Arlington, Va.; and Bethesda and Silver Spring, Md.)
• WAA: Waukesha County Chapter (Wisconsin)

Bascom Chapters not only host traditional events, such as Badger game-watching parties and annual Founders’ Day events to celebrate the university’s history, but also serve young alumni and diverse audiences, represent UW-Madison at college fairs, participate in local educational outreach efforts and partner with local organizations.

Chapters that earn Bascom-level designation receive special support from WAA, including a Matching Dollar Scholarship donation and alumni surveys. They are also eligible for educational and programming grants that expand offerings to alumni on the local level.

Participation and membership in the Wisconsin Alumni Association and its chapters are open to all alumni, students and friends of UW-Madison. More information about WAA’s chapters and affiliate groups is available at uwalumni.com/chapters.

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