Our Letter to Investors

Dear Friend,

Leadership. Purpose. Impact.

These are the qualities that guide my work and the work of the Morgridge Center for Public Service at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Since 1996, thanks to the vision and generosity of Tashia and John Morgridge, the center has embodied these values by connecting students and communities in meaningful partnerships. As the faculty director, I am honored to continue that legacy and to carry it forward into the next 30 years.

My own scholarship and practice focus on resilience, trauma, and education—helping children and families navigate adversity. Through my BASES Project, I’ve seen firsthand the power of this work: over the past decade, more than 500 UW students have mentored 1,200 children experiencing homelessness, providing over 10,000 hours of support in classrooms across Madison. These relationships not only enrich students’ learning—they change lives.

This is what the Morgridge Center does best. We bring campus and community together to learn from one another, to grow in understanding, to build respect, and to work for the common good. And as we celebrate the center’s 30th anniversary during the 2025–26 academic year, I am inspired by all that we have accomplished together—and all that still lies ahead.

I invite you to join me in shaping the Morgridge Center’s next 30 years. With your support, we can ensure that civic engagement at UW–Madison continues to flourish—empowering students, strengthening communities, and advancing the Wisconsin Idea in ways that are both urgent and lasting.

Thank you for considering a gift to sustain and grow this work. Together, we can continue to lead with purpose and create impact for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Travis Wright
Faculty Director
Morgridge Center for Public Service