We asked Badgers on social media 'Why are you grateful for your education at UW–Madison?' Here are some of their answers!
It taught me to approach the world with curiosity and compassion.
Kristin M.
I remain curious and learn new things every day. I am thankful that the UW opened and developed my mind and instilled a passion for knowledge.
Kenneth B.
A few years ago, our daughter, who was a student at UW–Madison, spent her summer teaching in South Korea. Fall classes were about to start and she was having trouble getting a plane ticket home in time for the first week of classes. After many tries, she went to the airport and talked directly to a person at the airline. When she explained her situation, the man asked her where she went to school. When she said UW–Madison, the Korean national said, “For a fellow Badger, I will make sure you’re on the next flight to Madison!”
Susan A.K.
I am not only grateful for the education at this great university, but also for the lifelong community that we are a part of. No matter if you are home here in Madison or traveling around the world, there are always Badgers cheering “On, Wisconsin!"
Pixi F.
I’m eternally grateful for a wonderful education and a wonderful experience. I treasure the fact that the UW is a state university, committed to providing opportunity, not only to those with wealth, but to kids like me, from an ordinary working-class background. My parents were immigrants. In their experience, anything beyond an 8th-grade education was available only to those with the money to pay for it. A wonderful university like the UW is a great equalizer.
Annette R.
I am grateful for my UW education for the broad-based liberal arts foundation it provided me, for fostering intellectual curiosity, and for inspiring a passion for lifelong learning.
Laura E.
First-gen student whose father only finished 8th grade and learned English only when he went to school. UW–Madison gave me a wonderful life as a pediatric PT. A scholarship from Rennebohm Foundation made it even possible when my family had no money for college. Forever grateful.
Suzann C.D
UW–Madison opened the world, literally, to a kid from a small rust belt town—to a world of lifelong learning, to a world ready for a journalism student who wanted to become a foreign correspondent, and to lifelong friends.
Steven R.
In 1968 (BA Asian Studies and Chinese), there were only a very few in the Big Ten schools preparing for the rise of China. I was lucky enough to be one of them. Lead to a great career.
Dallas D.
My BS and MS degrees provided me with wisdom and knowledge of neurological science, and they also allowed me to teach for 40 years. It has helped me provide for my wonderful family and understand how unique every person and culture is.
Carolyn H.B.
Because so many courses in so many disciplines were offered, I got to pursue what captured my interest and curiosity rather than a standard curriculum.
Amy B.
It taught me crisis management (think old-school registration processes), pushing myself to the limit, and doing it without complaining. And how to be assertive and make friends anywhere.
Joy K.
It gave me the opportunity to meet so many people different from me in so many ways. And I could take part in programs that allowed me to go places where I had to check my privilege as both a white, middle-class girl and an American. It has been invaluable in pretty much every aspect of my adult life.
Jill R.
Because I got to meet Doctor Nathaniel Olglesby Calloway, 714 times.
Estéban I.
Respected and enriched. Proud to be a grad of an educational experience that is admired everywhere.
Lucia S.B.
I am grateful for this world-class university in my home state, which provided me with a quality education, introduced me to some of my best friends, and offered me four years of fun. They continue to give me the opportunity to enjoy watching all the sports teams. This place is still a HUGE part of my life as a season ticket holder for football and basketball.
Tina S.
It led me on a crazy and fulfilling 30-year journey as an educator.
Kate C.B.
It taught me critical thinking and maintaining intellectual curiosity, which helped me in my international trade career!
John I.
Both our son and daughter met, and my parents met their soulmates and fell in love there. World-class education at UW–Madison.
Kris L.E
Many reasons. Some outstanding professors.
Carolyn L.
Opened my eyes to the world.
Chery R.
The UW is a premier educational institution, and wherever you apply for jobs, it carries a lot of weight.
Fins M.
The UW made me appreciate learning and to understand the world around me. Thankful for still being a Badger and enjoying the impact other Badgers have made in this world.
Jerry B.
The fact that I'm always a Badger, and that it taught me to be ever curious and have a lifelong longing to learn more. Open mind, open heart. Registration before phones was a lesson in tactical planning and assertiveness then the rigor of courses helped me to push myself. The fact that you had a Native American student organization on campus and resources to help. And, long-lasting traditions such as Varsity. It was a great place to get an affordable education.
Amy W.
The faculty was the best.
David W.
Opened many doors, mentally and otherwise.
Judy S.T.
World-renowned university. Important research is happening. Met students from around the world.
Sara N.T.
See more responses in the Facebook post.
If you have a memory, milestone, career news, etc., please share with us here!
