At just 25 years old, Kramer Endres ’17 became the youngest donor to pledge an estate gift to the UW. He forged a connection with the UW long before he became a Badger. Growing up on Lake Wisconsin, Endres was diagnosed early in his life with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, undergoing many surgeries at UW Hospital. Despite his physical challenges, Endres was not deterred from his long-term goals.
A childhood love of math led him to pursue a degree in actuarial science at the Wisconsin School of Business. Maneuvering through college can be challenging on its own, but when one’s main source of mobility is a power wheelchair, campus resources become even more vital. Endres remains deeply grateful for all the opportunities he had at the university, including getting involved with student organizations like Advocates for Diverse Abilities and seeking accommodations from the McBurney Disability Resource Center.
Those experiences led him to commit to a bequest in support of the McBurney Disability Resource Center. The center works with more than 2,600 people per year, sustaining vital collaborations with students and faculty to create a more accessible and inclusive campus environment where every Badger can engage, explore, and participate in the Wisconsin Idea.
“You are never too young to start planning your estate or start thinking of ways you can give back. Giving back is a great way to show your support to others and help them in times of need,” Endres shares. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities I have been given over the years and want to see other people with disabilities go out and enjoy the many things life has to offer.”