Wisconsin Alumni Association: announces awards

MADISON, WI (September 23, 2024) — The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) announced the recipients of its 2024 alumni awards. “These individuals are a living reminder of the tremendous impact that UW-Madison has on the world through the achievements and contributions of alumni,” said Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

Distinguished Service Award

This year, the inaugural Distinguished Service Award was presented by the chancellor’s office with support from the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. This award honors individuals or couples whose unparalleled contributions to the university have significantly transformed UW-Madison’s ability to carry out its mission. The 2024 recipients, John and Tashia Morgridge, epitomize the essence of this award. “They have made invaluable contributions not only through their service and wise counsel for various university endeavors, but by making the largest individual philanthropic gifts in UW-Madison history, John and Tashia have positively transformed every aspect of campus, from the Morgridge Institute for Research, to the university’s ability to provide scholarships and retain world-class professors, to the Morgridge Center for Public Service and the new School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences,” said Schutt. “We will be forever grateful for their visionary, unprecedented giving and their love for the university.” Please click here to learn more.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Since 1936, the Wisconsin Alumni Association has been presenting the awards to the most prestigious graduates of UW-Madison for their professional achievements, contributions to society, and support of the university.

Susan Engeleiter

Patrick Hanrahan

Gary Wendt

Luminary Award

The Luminary Award recognizes alumni who serve as aspirational examples for others through their accomplishments in the areas of leadership, discovery, progress, and service. It celebrates extraordinary Badgers who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their professions, service, or philanthropy.

Melissa Amundson

Victor Barnett

Ross Freedman

Amed Kahn

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Liz Lefkofsky

Petar Ostojic

Forward Award

The Forward Award acknowledges rising stars in various fields who exemplify the Wisconsin Idea through an emphasis on service, discovery, and progress. This award celebrates young alumni who have demonstrated exceptional early-career achievement and a positive impact on their professions.

Maggie Brickerman

Chelsea Cervantes De Blois

Adelaide Davis

Abby Kursel

Jarell Skinner-Roy

Jeffery Vinokur

Tara Yang

Learn more about all the award recipients at uwalumni.com/awards.