About Us

The Morgridge Center for Public Service, created in 1994 though an endowment by John and Tashia Morgridge, advances the Wisconsin Idea by promoting civic engagement, strengthening teaching and learning, and bulding collaborative partnerships through public service, service-learning, and community-based research. The Morgridge Center promotes citizenship and learning through service within local, national and global communities.

Involvement
Encourages students to participate in public service both as a contribution to a just and caring society and to strengthen their educational and personal growth.

Leadership
Fosters student initiative in creating, developing and evaluating service experiences.

Learning
Expands the campus teaching and learning environment by supporting the development of service-learning courses and learning experiences outside the classroom.

Citizenship
Promotes and supports a university-wide commitment to social change through public service.

The Center is a leader in:

• Engaging students in learning and leadership through service to local, regional, national and international communities.
• Assisting faculty and other teaching staff in the design of service-learning and community-based research experiences.
• Creating sustainable partnerships with community organizations, citizen groups, and local coalitions to meet identified community needs.
• Promoting a life-long commitment to active citizenship in a diverse democratic society.

History

1960s Volunteer service activities become part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD)

1972 The Volunteer Services Office is established at Union South

1994 John and Tashia Morgridge endow the creation of a center for public service

1996 Volunteer Services Office becomes the Morgridge Center for Public Service

1998 Morgridge Center for Public Service moves to its permanent home in the Red Gym.

2007 Morgridge Center for Public Service celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a conference "Celebrating the Many Faces of Service at UW-Madison"