Forward under 40

A World of Good

If you want to find a microcosm of all the advantages that a UW–Madison education can offer its graduates and those around them, you need look no further than this year’s group of Forward under 40 honorees. We selected these outstanding alumni, all under the age of 40, for their exceptional dedication to living out the Wisconsin Idea: the principle that the vast stores of knowledge generated by this campus should benefit the state, the country, and beyond.

This year’s group of young alumni have careers that span diverse fields ranging from astrophysics and education to business, law, and social work. Whether they are fighting childhood malnutrition or human trafficking on the global stage, or helping fellow Badgers and underrepresented students closer to home, their stories all share a common thread — the impulse to make society better and lend a helping hand.

I’m inspired in turn by their creativity, their perseverance in the face of daunting odds, their passion, their drive, and their compassion.

I’d also like to remember one of last year’s honorees, Sarah Coglianese ’00, whose courage in the face of ALS inspired many. Although we were saddened to hear that we lost Sarah in November, we were honored that she chose to serve on the Forward under 40 selection committee shortly before she passed away. She epitomized the desire to be of service that marks all of our Forward under 40 honorees.

If you’d like to nominate a UW grad for next year’s award, visit uwalumni.com/forwardunder40/nominations, where you can also learn more about this year’s impressive winners. Or, simply read on to see why I’m so excited by what these remarkable young alumni have accomplished and what they will do in the years ahead.

On, Wisconsin!

Sarah Schutt
Chief Alumni Officer and Executive Director
Wisconsin Alumni Association