Tashia Morgridge
Tashia passed away on October 30, 2026. Originally from Wisconsin, she was a cherished educator and celebrated philanthropist across the state and around the country. Our hearts go out to John, the Morgridge family, and all of those who were close to Tashia.
Remembering Tashia
Tashia, alongside her husband John, was a visionary whose extraordinary generosity, wisdom, and passion for public service and student development laid the foundation, through their endowment, for the Morgridge Center for Public Service that we benefit from today and into the future.
Her commitment to empowering students, supporting faculty, and building meaningful partnerships across our campus, broader community, and state transformed countless lives and leaves an indelible mark on UW–Madison.
Tashia’s legacy is woven into every initiative, partnership, and student experience supported by the Morgridge Center. Her genuine warmth, steadfast belief in public service, and dedication to making the world a better place will continue to inspire everything we do.
Creating Enduring Opportunities for Civic Engagement and Public Service
Through John and Tashia’s visionary and unprecedented giving, the impact their gifts have had on students through programs and supported courses at the Morgridge Center have positively created enduring opportunities for civic engagement and public service.
Badger Volunteers
Since the beginning of Badger Volunteers, students have committed over 597,706 volunteer hours.
Badger Volunteers began with just 10 student volunteers in 2008, and now over 300 students volunteer a semester across the city of Madison.
Wisconsin Idea Fellowship
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships are awarded annually to UW–Madison undergraduate students working to address challenges identified by local and global communities. Since 1999, we have funded over 380 student-led projects across 19 countries turning innovative ideas into meaningful, community-centered action.
Community-based Learning
More than 130 instructors over 40 departments across campus teach 110+ community-based learning courses every year.
Students enrolled in community-based learnings courses have called it engaging and rewarding as they are able to put community-based participatory research into practice.
Morgridge Center Alumni
The core value of public service is instilled in our students, building a lifelong foundation of active citizenry and leadership.
Today, they are located all over the world, making an impact in their communities through sustainability, journalistic, educational efforts, and more.
Mentoring and Tutoring
For over a decade, we have strengthened our commitment to Madison-area youth through our work with long-standing partnerships with the Madison Metropolitan School District, Urban League of Greater Madison, United Way of Dane County, Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR), and nonprofit organizations.
Transportation Options
Over the past 26 years, we have provided transportation to thousands of students — and in turn — those students have made tremendous contributions to schools, community organizations, and residents in the local community. In 2025, our Transportation Options Program provided 3,628 roundtrip rides via Union Cab and Lyft.
Student, Faculty, Staff, and Community Tributes to Tashia
I had the opportunity to meet Tashia a few times over the years while working at the Morgridge Center for Public Service. She was an absolutely amazing human being in so many ways, a true inspiration to so many. I am so proud to work at the center bearing her name.
By establishing the Morgridge Center for Public Service, Tashia and John have touched countless lives, including mine. My formative years at UW–Madison, both as a student and an employee, were anchored in the Morgridge Center, which only exists because of their generosity. Over time, telling people I worked at “Morgridge” often led to the question, “which one?” which is a testament to the scale of the legacy she leaves behind. In the few times I met Tashia, I was always struck by how genuine, curious, and kind she was. Thank you, Tashia.
I am so saddened to hear of Tashia Morgridge’s passing. I first met Tashia when I was the faculty director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service at UW–Madison. She supported all of us on that team, inspired me and encouraged me to always “keep it fresh.” She modeled keeping it fresh, in style. Her support of so many integral parts of our great UW–Madison is a shining example of generosity and belief in public institutions. I will miss her, and will be forever grateful.
What a life she lived with her example of taking action to help change the world for the better. What a legacy she and John leave behind. Her spirit will always be in my heart. My time as director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service remains one of the most meaningful in my career.
I had the opportunity to meet Tashia Morgridge several times when they would visit the center. She truly cared about people and the students that worked in our office, always curious about what they were up to and wanting to know more. Tashia embodied what it meant to be someone who cared about the community and aimed to uplift it through education and opportunities.
Tashia touched so many of us with her graciousness and passion about the Morgridge Center for Public Service. Its success was due in large part to her vision and to all of us who helped to bring her vision to life. I am so thankful to have known her and to continue to be part of the center’s family.
Remembering Educator, Advocate, and Philanthropist Tashia Morgridge
By Nicole Heiman l November 02, 2026 l Wisconsin Alumni Association
A former teacher and advocate for literacy, Tashia Morgridge was one of UW–Madison’s most generous supporters. Her philanthropy will affect Badgers for generations.