For thousands of Badgers each year, success at UW–Madison begins in large, demanding introductory courses that test both academic skills and confidence. Thriving in these gateway classes often requires more than mastering course material. It requires connection, encouragement, and access to support. Thanks to the generosity of Phill ’82, MS’83 and Liz Gross, two outstanding learning centers at UW–Madison are helping students build all three.
The Gross Learning Center (GLC) in the College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence (CAI) and the Chemistry Learning Center (CLC) in the College of Letters & Science are creating opportunities for students to thrive in some of the university’s most demanding fields. Together, these learning centers represent a shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of background or preparation, can succeed and feel a sense of belonging at UW–Madison.
Building Community in Computing and Artificial Intelligence
Located on the second floor of Morgridge Hall, beneath its distinctive wooden beams, the Gross Learning Center serves as a welcoming hub for students pursuing studies in computing, data, and information science. More than a tutoring center, the space was designed to foster connection. Badgers receive academic support while building relationships with peers and mentors who have completed the same courses and faced the same challenges. Through those connections, students receive guidance on coursework as well as encouragement and confidence as they chart their academic paths.
The GLC aids undergraduate students across multiple CAI programs and plays a critical role in advancing the college’s goal of broadening computing and data literacy among UW–Madison graduates. The center is particularly focused on helping students who may enter introductory courses with less experience in computing or mathematics than their peers. An average of 400 to 500 students visit the GLC each semester.
Through services that include drop-in tutoring, mentorship, and academic support that extends into classrooms and for-credit courses, the center helps students build the skills needed to succeed. It also provides direction for Badgers exploring computing-related fields or considering adding a major or certificate.
Equally important, the center upholds CAI’s commitment to increasing participation in computer and data science among those from diverse backgrounds. By creating an inclusive and encouraging environment, the center helps ensure that more students see a future for themselves in these rapidly growing disciplines.
“It has allowed me to experience learning in a closer, more supportive environment that focuses on enjoyment of the learning process,” says alumna Sarah Gerovac ’25.
Equity in Action Through Chemistry
While the Gross Learning Center represents an exciting new chapter, the Chemistry Learning Center has been demonstrating the power of personalized support for decades. Founded in 1974, the CLC serves those enrolled in introductory and organic chemistry courses, helping them overcome academic obstacles and develop the skills and self-assurance needed to become independent learners. Its mission extends beyond chemistry content. The center creates a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment where students are known as individuals and encouraged to reach their full potential.
“The CLC is more than just a learning center — it is a space where students can connect, build their confidence, and realize their potential,” says Shashank P.
Today, underrepresented students of color account for nearly half of those served by the CLC, and more than 40 percent of participants are first-generation. The center consistently supports approximately 30 percent of all underrepresented students of color enrolled in chemistry courses at UW–Madison.
The center serves a wide range of students, including transfer students, veterans, students from low-income backgrounds, and those facing academic challenges. Through small-group learning, individualized support, and strong relationships with instructors, Badgers gain both academic tools and a sense of belonging.
At the heart of the CLC’s success is a deeply personal approach to student support. Director and alumna Tracey Reitz MS’13, PhD’15 has spent years cultivating an environment where Badgers feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and developing self-reliance.
“There’s a different dynamic because we’re not grading them,” Reitz says. “We get to focus on really teaching, and that’s so rewarding.”
Students often describe the center as much more than an academic resource. Hasti G. emphasizes the center’s welcoming atmosphere: “Every time I’ve gone to the CLC, I’ve always walked away having learned something new. It’s the perfect place to fill in knowledge gaps and strengthen your understanding of key concepts.”
The Impact of Philanthropy
Thanks to the Grosses’ expanded support, the CLC is reaching more students and helping them succeed in some of UW–Madison’s most challenging gateway courses. The center now serves nearly 300 additional students each year, a 46 percent increase in reach. Among those benefiting are 129 more students of color and 44 more first-generation students annually. Increased staffing, including two and a half additional full-time-equivalent positions, has strengthened the center’s ability to provide personalized academic support, mentorship, and learning opportunities that help students overcome obstacles, persevere in STEM fields, and stay on track to graduate.
Though they serve different academic disciplines, these learning centers share common goals: helping students persevere through challenging courses and discover a sense of belonging at UW–Madison. Whether a student is learning the foundations of chemistry, data science, or computing, the support they receive extends beyond tutoring. Through mentorship, encouragement, and meaningful connections, these centers help Badgers build the confidence and skills needed to thrive.
“This is remarkably transformative for all of our students and is having an enormous impact on our campus,” says interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots.
A Lasting Investment in Student Success
For more than three decades, the Grosses’ ongoing philanthropy has strengthened student success and impacted many areas across the UW–Madison campus, funding general academic support and enrichment programming for Badgers. Today, their contributions continue to expand the reach and impact of both learning centers. In chemistry, new funding has enabled additional staffing, summer curriculum development, and online resources that extend academic support beyond the classroom. In computing and artificial intelligence, the GLC is building the infrastructure and community needed to help students thrive in rapidly evolving fields. By investing in both learning centers, the Grosses are creating pathways to success for more students, helping them build confidence, navigate academic challenges, and remain on track toward graduation.
Through their vision and generosity, Phill and Liz Gross have helped create spaces where Badgers do more than succeed in difficult courses. They discover community, develop resilience, and realize the potential that brought them to UW–Madison in the first place.