Forward under 40 Awards
Forward under 40 honorees are selected based on their exceptional achievements practicing the Wisconsin Idea before reaching the age of 40.
The most recent Forward under 40 honorees — selected based on their exceptional achievements before reaching the age of 40 — are practicing the Wisconsin Idea in a diverse array of fields. Once again, we’re encouraged and inspired by their achievements.
But we’re also encouraged by you — our generous alumni. Several of our honorees were scholarship recipients, and they might not have attended UW–Madison were it not for the generous support of alumni who give to everything from the Great People Scholarship program to the American Indian Alumni Scholarship Fund and the Legal Education Opportunities program.
As you read about the ways these young alumni are bettering the world, I think you’ll be struck by the difference that tuition assistance can make, not only for students, but for all the lives they will impact after they graduate.
Jayeesh Bakshi has invented a radiation shield that protects patients and workers; Scott Colom pursues criminal justice reform; and Kiana Beaudin is making a difference for Native American health care. Erin Banco covers news from war zones to Washington; Kristian Johnsen advocates for transgender members of the military; and Mehrdad Arjmand and Aaron Olson are bringing efficient lighting to the poor in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
All of these honorees — and the alumni who supported them
— give me hope for the world. Please read on to learn more about this year’s dynamic young award winners.
On, Wisconsin!
Sarah Schutt
Chief Alumni Officer and Executive Director
Wisconsin Alumni Association
WAA Stories
Kristian Johnsen works to make a more inclusive military culture, where LGBT service members can find the acceptance and community they need for pe...