Sifting and Winnowing: Make-a-Life Challenge
It was Winston Churchill who first wrote, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” (italics mine).
These words can certainly be applied to our debt to the University of Wisconsin. None of us were anywhere near Bascom Hill when that first class met on a February morning generations ago. However, we found evidence of those who came before us at every turn. Everything was in place: a world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities on Lake Mendota, and proud, passionate alumni. This place inspired and attracted students from every county of the state, every state in the Union, and from well over one hundred countries. That total education package offered us arguably the most complete college experience in the country.
During my eighteen years as a member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association volunteer board of directors, I’ve seen the many ways that the association is working to build on the legacy of those who came before. I have seen the number of engaged and involved alumni exceed 160,000 as we work toward our goal of hitting the 200,000 mark. In 1998, all alumni began receiving On Wisconsin magazine. The association’s Web site highlights the myriad WAA initiatives, events, and volunteer opportunities in Madison and beyond. Alumni chapters around the world offer rich and varied programs that connect UW-Madison graduates. Scholarship funds raised from those programs are matched by the UW Foundation and can make the difference in whether students attend our alma mater. The list of Lifelong Learning programs, including the award-winning Grandparents University, continues to grow.
These words can certainly be applied to our debt to the University of Wisconsin. None of us were anywhere near Bascom Hill when that first class met on a February morning generations ago. However, we found evidence of those who came before us at every turn. Everything was in place: a world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities on Lake Mendota, and proud, passionate alumni. This place inspired and attracted students from every county of the state, every state in the Union, and from well over one hundred countries. That total education package offered us arguably the most complete college experience in the country.
During my eighteen years as a member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association volunteer board of directors, I’ve seen the many ways that the association is working to build on the legacy of those who came before. I have seen the number of engaged and involved alumni exceed 160,000 as we work toward our goal of hitting the 200,000 mark. In 1998, all alumni began receiving On Wisconsin magazine. The association’s Web site highlights the myriad WAA initiatives, events, and volunteer opportunities in Madison and beyond. Alumni chapters around the world offer rich and varied programs that connect UW-Madison graduates. Scholarship funds raised from those programs are matched by the UW Foundation and can make the difference in whether students attend our alma mater. The list of Lifelong Learning programs, including the award-winning Grandparents University, continues to grow.
Beginning this fall, there will be new opportunities for alumni to get involved in UW-Madison. Students are the focus of the university, but they often give little thought to their role as future alumni. To increase their awareness and involvement, we need to do much more with and for them. This year, in partnership with the Offices of the Dean of Students and the vice provost for teaching and learning, WAA is renewing its efforts to enhance their experience. Longtime celebrations such as Homecoming and the All-Campus Party will continue to be important components of this program. In addition, initiatives such as Wisconsin Welcome’s Fifth Quarter, Founders Days in the residence halls, and enhanced commencement activities offer new opportunities for alumni to connect with and enrich our students. There will also be opportunities for supporting student scholarships, participating in mentoring and career programs, and much more throughout the year.
Your time investment will be a vital part of the success of this initiative. It will be much appreciated by the students whose Badger experience you affect ... and by those who made your own University of Wisconsin experience possible. So, I’m asking you to “make a life” — yours and one for many future Badgers — by visiting uwalumni.com to find out how you can get more involved.
Meanwhile, feel free to stop by the Marty and Florence Below Alumni Center at the foot of Lake Street on Lake Mendota for a welcome back to campus. I hope to see you there!
Your time investment will be a vital part of the success of this initiative. It will be much appreciated by the students whose Badger experience you affect ... and by those who made your own University of Wisconsin experience possible. So, I’m asking you to “make a life” — yours and one for many future Badgers — by visiting uwalumni.com to find out how you can get more involved.
Meanwhile, feel free to stop by the Marty and Florence Below Alumni Center at the foot of Lake Street on Lake Mendota for a welcome back to campus. I hope to see you there!
