Connecting Campus and Community through Community-based Service, Learning, and Research
As the Morgridge Center celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, it rests on the legacy and foundation of the relationships with campus and community partners, as the lived-out vision of the Wisconsin Idea. The 30th anniversary of the Morgridge Center is not just a testament to time, but a reflection of its enduring impact on the thousands of students, faculty and community members who contributed to its legacy.
Registration for Badger Volunteers is now open, offering students the chance to connect with local organizations through meaningful service each week. By joining, you not only give back to the Madison community, but also gain valuable experience, build relationships and explore interests outside the classroom. This is a way to make a tangible impact while developing skills that last well beyond your time on campus.
And that's a wrap to Summer Badger Volunteers 2025. Check out what some of our volunteers were up to at Vera Court, the Social Justice Center, Doors of Hope and more.
Caitlin Proffitt, a three-year participant in the Badger Volunteers program and now a Morgridge Center Badger Volunteers intern, has always had a passion for community engagement. Her time spent with the residents of the Central Wisconsin Center has been nothing short of transformative, as she has developed personal relationships with several of their members along the way, just one of the many experiences that demonstrate Badger Volunteers' lasting impact.
The Morgridge Center is excited to welcome back Emma Gleed as the new educational programs manager. Emma is a returning member of the center, having formerly served as both an intern and Americorps Achievement Connections Coordinator. She looks forward to bringing her extensive community engagement skills into this new position.
In this episode of GridgeFridge, Ryan Dostal takes us inside Madison’s Allen Centennial Garden, sharing his work and revealing how nature fosters community and improves well-being.
A former Morgridge Center peer advisor and Badger Volunteer, Emily Merkel has spent the last six months in Kenya as a community health outreach volunteer with the Peace Corps.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, education and public health, Badger Volunteers welcomes students from all majors—including graduate students—providing a unique opportunity to explore various career paths, while contributing to the community in a meaningful way.
Whether you’re new to Madison or familiar with the city, Badger Volunteers is a unique opportunity for all UW–Madison students to engage with their local community and cultivate real-world experience in their field of interest.
The Morgridge Center for Public Service released its 2022-23 annual report highlighting the center’s activities over the past year.