Nov. 8, 2007

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

MADISON, Wis. — Sixteen official chapters of the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) have earned special recognition for their outstanding commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduates who live across the nation.

The organizations have been honored as “Bascom Chapters” for providing a higher level of alumni service 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 nearly doubled from 2006, when nine chapters earned the designation.

“Volunteers around the world have formed a network of more than 100 alumni chapters that connect Badgers to each other and back to the UW, no matter where they live,” said WAA President and CEO Paula Bonner. “We’re proud to honor our Bascom chapters for going above and beyond to connect, enrich and serve alumni in their local areas.”

The 2007 WAA Bascom Chapters are:

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

Bascom chapters host traditional events, such as Badger game-watching parties, annual events to celebrate the university’s history — called Founders’ Days — and 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, alumni surveys, and eligibility 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 Magazine, Badger Insider Magazine, career services, international travel opportunities and lifelong learning events. Learn more at uwalumni.com.