
Ali Khan
Political Science and Communication Arts
South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Certificate
“I’ve improved my public speaking and learned to network with campus community partners. Honestly, the best part of being a special events intern is when I get to experience the reaction of an award winner as their name is announced.”

Anisa Yudawanti
Education Policy Studies and Human Development & Family Studies
“I’ve learned that the best way to be a leader is through developing other leaders. Over the past four years, I’ve grown in confidence, ability to navigate professional spaces, and taking ownership in my work. I’ve also made a lot of really great friends.”

Beck Powling
History and Vocal Performance
Italian Certificate
“It’s been a full college career I’ve spent in the office. When I began I was excited by the work, but I didn’t really have an appreciation for how much it would come to shape who I am. And now it’s completely revolutionized how I see myself, and how I see myself in the context of the people I’m surrounded by. So I’m very grateful.”

Diana Benitez-Perez
Psychology
Global Health Certificate
“The Morgridge Center has impacted me in different ways. The people who I’ve worked with have all inspired me. I feel like coming into work everyday I’ve always been inspired or I’ve always been motivated to keep doing what I’m doing, because everyone else is doing great things in their field.”

Gianina Dinon
Journalism
“The Morgridge Center for Public Service has really taught me the value of having a relationship with the community. As college students and as a university we take up a lot of space in Madison and it’s important for us to get out of this bubble and make sure we are aware of what’s going on around us. It’s taught me the importance of being purposeful no matter what community you go into.”
Read more about Gianina’s story

Hibah Ansari
Journalism
“One of the most important things I’ve learned at the Morgridge Center is the importance of breaking down barriers between campus and the community. As students, we often get caught in a bubble on campus and are very much unaware of the communities that surround the campus. By using the Wisconsin Idea and creating mutually beneficial community partnerships, the Morgridge Center has taught me how to reflect upon my own privilege and, in turn, become more aware of the needs of the city, state and larger nation.”

Nasitta Keita
Psychology Educational Policy Studies and Educational Services Certificate
“I’m going to miss the space. It’s been a place of refuge for me and a place where I know I can go and chat with people. I want to encourage people to apply here. UW can be such a draining place, especially for students of color. Here’s a place I actually enjoy and the people I work with respect my identity and respect my viewpoint. I’m never having to code switch for anybody. I’m super thankful for that.”

Paige Riemann
Real Estate and Marketing
“I think that my opinion about public service has shifted. I use to think of it more as volunteering and very one-sided, in that you give your time and energy to help others. I learned that’s just one side of the coin. Public service is important especially here at Madison because we are a huge part of the city and a lot of us aren’t even from here. It’s that connection to community, and realizing ways we can improve and make Madison a better place to learn. There’s just so much to learn from the different places that you can participate in public service in Madison.”

Will Maher
History, Russian and International Studies
“To me, it’s about identifying with a community, whether it’s your school, neighborhood, or country, and working to make it better. Public service is not about an ‘us’ helping a ‘them.’ It’s about communities coming together and making themselves stronger. Effective action depends on an adequate understanding of the community.”