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.
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From Coastal Ecuador to Snowy Madison: Redefining What it Means to Serve Your Community
Journeying to the U.S. awakened something inside her and taught her that in America, she isn’t just a Black woman — she is an Afro-Latina woman. Looking forward, Kristhel Maholy Vernaza Sanchez is steadfast and dedicated to becoming a politician back in Ecuador and holding public office where she could make real change.
The Trifecta of Impact: Wisconsin Idea Fellowship Connects Students, Faculty and Communities
The Wisconsin Idea Fellowship (WIF) program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in long-term, community-based projects that explore diverse approaches to public service and research.
Morgridge Center for Public Service 30-Year Celebration
The Morgridge Center for Public Service celebrated its 30th anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 9, hosting an open-house party with keynote speakers, food and community. The celebration brought together students, faculty and staff, alumni and community partners to appreciate the center’s three decades of service.
Celebrating 30 Years of Service
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.
Badger Volunteers Fosters Connection and a Sense of Purpose
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.
‘It’s Just a Dance’—But So Much More: A Badger Volunteers Reflection
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.
Morgridge Center for Public Service 2024-25 Annual Report
Highlights from this year include: the launch of BadgersEngage through the software platform Givepulse, Wisconsin Idea Conference, hiring of Dr. Dave Lassen, community-university partnerships awards and more.
Exchanging Ideas: The Third Wisconsin Idea Conference
This one-day event brought together over 200 community members, faculty and staff and students from across the city and state. With a focus on the concept of exchange, attendees had an opportunity to learn together and build community.
Badgerland Girl Scouts Director Highlights Collaborative Work with Morgridge Center
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland is far more than just Thin Mints and Caramel DeLites—it’s a dynamic network of programs, dedicated staff, and volunteers committed to shaping future leaders. Through the Badger Volunteer program, students devote two to three hours per week to serving the organization.