During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole Ramer found herself navigating graduate school, isolation and a cancer diagnosis all at once. Looking for support, she turned to online cancer support groups, spaces she initially approached with hesitation. What she found there not only helped her through treatment but ultimately reshaped the trajectory of her academic career.
News
Holistic Health and Student Well-Being with the Director of Mental Health Services Dr. Ellen Marks
In this episode of GridgeFridge, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Marks, director of Mental Health Services at University Health Services (UHS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
From Campus to Community: How Karissa Garcia Found Meaning With Badger Volunteers
For Karissa Garcia, a fourth-year student studying chemical engineering, Badger Volunteers has been the most impactful way for her to engage with the Madison community beyond classes and campus.
Community-University Mixer: Promoting Caring and Collaborative Communities
Community and university members gathered on Thursday, Feb. 19 to identify community interests, consider collaboration opportunities and develop strategies for action.
Exploring and Building Partnerships: The Fourth Wisconsin Idea Conference
The Wisconsin Idea Conference is an opportunity for community-engaged scholars across campus and the state to come together to network, share best practices and support each other’s partnerships.
Collaboratively Designing a Health Literacy Curriculum
In this episode of GridgeFridge we sit down with Amy Liang, a junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a 2025 Wisconsin Idea Fellow. Liang works alongside Literacy Network staff to integrate practical health lessons into existing classes. Topics include understanding insurance terminology, communicating with medical providers and building confidence in healthcare settings.
How Campus Engagement Shaped a Life in Public Service and Advocacy
Through internships, coalition-building, and civic engagement at the Morgridge Center, Shreya Bandyopadhyay discovered her calling in public service. Today, she carries those lessons into her role supporting reproductive rights advocacy across the country.
Bridging Intergenerational Divides in Plymouth
Through community-based research, an Educational Policy Studies course partnered with Rocky Knoll Health Care Center during the fall 2025 semester to create a lasting curriculum that connects seniors and children.
Register for the 4th Annual Wisconsin Idea Conference
Focusing on the theme of “Building Creative and Committed Partnerships,” this year’s conference aims to reaffirm the importance of collaborating across organizations to make a positive impact in our shared neighborhoods on issues that matter to residents.
The Morgridge Center’s 30th Year
With the year coming to a close, the Morgridge Center is grateful to look back on 30 great years of community engagement. Through pillar programs such as Badger Volunteers, impactful Community-based Learning courses, and the annual Wisconsin Idea Fellowship only continuing to grow, the Morgridge Center looks forward to the next 30 years to come.