A Legacy of Gratitude and Great Generosity
Early in life, John Marra ’69, MS’72 excelled in mathematics and the physical sciences, which led him to attend UW–Madison, where he studied electrical engineering.
Donor Support Drives Breakthroughs in Blindness
One of the nation’s 10 most prominent research institutions, UW–Madison is unique for its collaborations, which help researchers become innovators and bring life-changing advancements to patients. Thanks to a significant boost from federal funding and the generosity of dedicated donors, researchers at the UW are on the cusp of revolutionizing treatments for two rare, currently incurable eye diseases: Best disease (BD) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).
Renowned Research to End Alzheimer’s Disease
The aging demographic of the United States presents an urgent and growing challenge. As more than 56 million Americans surpassed age 65 in 2020 — with an expected increase to 85 million by 2050 — the burden of aging-associated diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), intensified. AD affects more than seven million Americans, ranking as the sixth leading cause of death and the only cause that is not decreasing.
Maintaining Federally Funded Research at the UW
UW–Madison is a renowned research powerhouse that drives significant, life-changing innovations throughout many areas. Researchers in Wisconsin are solving some of the world’s most prevalent issues and promoting economic growth across the state and throughout the country. Federal investments through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health provide 25 percent of the UW’s overall budget — funds that are essential for the future of this vital research. However, recent federal proposals are jeopardizing that work, and the university needs your help.
UW Fusion Research Is Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Successfully capturing fusion energy is the next frontier in pursuing a renewable energy source. But what is fusion exactly?
Human Ecology Donors Are Helping Hungry Kids
Food insecurity is an ongoing issue across the nation, impacting nearly 12 million children. Approximately 200,000 of those children are living in poverty in Wisconsin.
The Power of Summer Internship Programs
Donors who contribute to discretionary funds help prepare Badgers for future success.
Support UW–Madison in the 2025-2027 State Budget
Every two years, leaders at UW–Madison look to the state for an investment that will help the university remain successful and serve the people of Wisconsin.
An Aquatic Center Fit for Olympians
Over the last few years, the Soderholm Family Aquatic Center has offered outstanding opportunities for UW–Madison student-athletes, coaches, family members, and fans.
Badger Alumni + Campus Support = Remarkable Biochemistry Advancements
Biochemistry alumnus Daniel Klessig ’71 grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. There, 18-hour workdays prepared him for the effort it would take to excel in school despite his dyslexia. Those arduous years also played a part in his desire to leave the farm and follow in his brother’s footsteps as a biochemistry-focused Badger.
An Enduring Passion for Politics
Visionary Badger Jeff Lyons ’78 has been fascinated by politics since canvassing at the age of 12 for his alderman father.
Advancing Health Care for Wisconsinites
Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin revealed in 1999 that it was converting from a nonprofit corporation to a for-profit corporation.
Burkhardt Fund Supports Hands-On Experiences for Students
Make “cool stuff.” That’s what Micah Robinson BS’23, MSx’25 wanted to do in the Biological Systems Engineering Shop. Thanks to the Martin and Kathleen Burkhardt Fund, that’s exactly what he did for two years as an undergraduate employee.
Kauffman Fund Aims to Beef Up the Meat Science Learning Experience
First unveiled in fall 2020, the Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery (MSABD) building is a state-of-the-art facility for research, teaching, and outreach. It contains a USDA-inspected plant for meat production, an animal biologics preparation room, a high-security biosafety lab, and a retail store called Bucky’s Varsity Meats. (See The Future Holds No Limits for Meat Science at CALS, Grow, spring 2021.) The building is also home to the MSABD program in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, which offers exceptional training opportunities for students, staff, and industry professionals.
An Assist for Rural Wisconsin Students
Undergraduate Brooke Stibbe and alum Tom Schmidknecht BS’71 came to CALS with similar backgrounds. Both grew up in small rural Wisconsin towns, so both encountered a wave of culture shock when they arrived at UW.