Previously the Excellence in Civic Engagement Undergraduate Award, the Morgridge Center for Public Service has named the Excellence in Civic Engagement Undergraduate Award after Senator Fred Risser.
The Fred Risser Excellence in Civic Engagement Undergraduate Award will recognize an undergraduate student who has made civic engagement integral to their college experience. Senator Risser has concluded an extraordinary career in elected office here in Wisconsin. It’s safe to say that without your leadership on the State Building Commission dating back as far as 1960, the UW–Madison campus would not be what it is today.
Here at UW, we want to honor his long and steadfast commitment to public service. The mission of the Morgridge Center is to connect campus to community through service and learning to build a thriving democratic society. Your decades of service in both the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin State Senate are a truly remarkable example of this pursuit.
Award winners receive a $400 one time scholarship.
2026: Devin Guthrie
2025: Ximena Sánchez
2024: Claudia Liverseed
2023: Brelynn Bille
2022: Alli Burgdorf
2021: Tamia Fowlkes
2020: Payton Wade
2019: Shasparay Lighteard
2018: Taylor Gilbertson
2017: Katherine Kokkinias
2016: Dania Shoukfeh
2015: Jacob Riederer
2014: Caitlin DeVos
2013: Allison Gundlach
2012: Katie Crean
2011: Jennifer Mathison & Allison Frankel
2010: Molly Reddy
2009: Casmir Turnquist-Held
2008: Laura Marie Scheinholtz
2007: Jenna Klink
> ENGAGED ALUMNI AWARD
> EXCELLENCE IN ENGAGED SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
> FRED RISSER EXCELLENCE IN ENGAGED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
> LOUIS KORENMAN BADGER VOLUNTEERS AWARD
> NEWMAN CIVIC FELLOWSHIP
> STUDENT ACTIVISM AWARD
Any questions or concerns? Email: jramirez27@wisc.edu.
2026 Recipient Devin Guthrie
Devin have actively contributed to multiple organizations’ executive boards to uplift marginalized communities through mentorship opportunities for aspiring scientists and fostering dialogue on equitable outdoor access.
Their public service also includes statewide science communication teaching thousands to engage with the cosmos. Devin has inspired peers to lead events, share their expertise, and collaborate across disciplines.
Devin’s journey—from an introverted first-year student to a partnership-driven civic leader—inspires peers and expands community engagement across disciplines.
As a Newman Civic Fellow, Devin continues expanding to create impact nationally and locally.