Can you believe it’s been almost 50 years since you began your journey into Badger alumnihood?
As you approach this incredible milestone, we invite you to come together with your classmates to support the UW places, people, and programs that make this such a special place for you and for future generations.
When you graduated, donations made up ~6% of the university’s budget. Today, they make up ~17% annually, a critical resource that invests in our vibrant campus. Whether it be to cutting edge medical resources, a favorite spot on campus, or scholarships that open doors for future Badgers, gifts of all sizes from the Class of 1976 can have a lasting impact at UW-Madison.
Gifts made between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, to any unit, fund, or cause at the university are welcomed, and your cumulative giving throughout the year will be counted as part of the Class of 1976’s giving efforts.
Please read on to learn about the different ways to contribute. For any questions, please contact Shannon Ghere, managing senior director of development, at shannon.ghere@supportuw.org or 608-509-2167.
Day of the Badger
Join the fun and philanthropy on Day of the Badger, April 14–15, 2026. The day of giving is a great opportunity to support the UW with a bonanza of challenges, matches, and bonus bucks. On Day of the Badger and through the end of the year, all gifts made by members of the Class of 1976 will count toward your class’s collective giving efforts, so you can make the scene and make a difference for Badgers during the party to pay it forward.
Ways to Participate
You can contribute through any one of these options or through a combination of them:
- Make a gift when completing the registration for your reunion event.
- Make a credit-card donation online at supportuw.org/giveto/1976.
- Donate via mail. (Include “Class of 1976” in the memo of your check and see further instructions.)
- Give a qualified charitable distribution directly from your IRA.
- Give a donation of stock.
- Leverage a match from your employer.
- Give an estate gift.
- Make a multiyear commitment. Gifts of $25,000 and above can be made over up to five years.
Your Gift Will Make a Difference
Every gift made supports students and strengthens academic excellence throughout the university, whether it’s through life-changing scholarships, groundbreaking research, community outreach, or other impactful initiatives.
Not sure where to direct your gift? Here are a few questions to help you choose:
- Is there a place on campus that holds special significance for you?
- Did a specific program, department, or experience at UW–Madison shape your career?
- Was there someone at the UW who made a lasting impact on you?
- Do you have a connection to the arts, sports, or any student organizations that you’d like to support?
- Have research or medical advancements at UW–Madison made a difference in your family’s life?
- Are there causes in our world or society that you’re passionate about?
Thank you for considering a donation on behalf of the Class of 1976. UW–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Association are grateful for your class’s contributions.