Connecting Campus and Community through Community-based Service, Learning, and Research
The Morgridge Center for Public Service released its annual report highlighting the center’s activities and programs over the past year. The report details how the center lives out its mission of building a thriving democratic society by connecting campus with community through service, community-based learning and research.
Since the program’s inception in 2008, Badger Volunteers has provided UW-Madison students semester-long volunteer opportunities that pairs them with community organizations to volunteer one to four hours each week at the same organization.
The 2026-27 Wisconsin Idea Fellowships have been awarded to nine outstanding undergraduate projects at home and across the globe.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.