Steve and Nancy Batterman of DePere have sent three children to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and they are glad the experiences have been overwhelmingly positive.
“We have been residents of Wisconsin since birth, and to say we were pleased that our three children were eligible and chose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a bit understated,” they said. “We have seen two of our children graduate from the University, and the third should graduate in the fall of this year.”
The younger Battermans are Ian (’09 BS L&S), Nathan (’06 BS L&S) and current senior Hallie. Ian played tuba and Hallie is in the drum section of the Marching Band, which their parents have supported through gifts. Hallie also will be playing in the upcoming spring Varsity Band concerts. Now, Steve and Nancy Batterman are stepping forward to lead the UW Foundation’s 2011 Parents Enrichment Fund in support of the campus libraries.
“We are so grateful to the University for the various activities and experiences afforded our children,” they said. “From participating in the UW Marching Band to studying abroad, the UW-Madison has provided multiple opportunities for getting involved and gaining valuable life skills.”
During the past 20 years, about 100,000 parents of UW-Madison students have given more than $6.8 million to support the University. Much of that has been designated to the Libraries.
“Of course the key purpose in investing in a college education is to focus on choosing an initial career direction and gaining the basic knowledge to get one started on that career,” the Battermans said. “Besides helping establish the right atmosphere to learn, a college must provide the necessary resources to create that atmosphere. That is why we have gotten behind the Foundation’s 2011 Parents Enrichment Fund for the UW Campus Libraries.”
Among the improvements funded through the Parents Enrichment fund are extended weekday hours at College Library, a Writing Center Satellite Lab in Memorial Library, new individual and group study spaces, more reserve copies of high-use textbooks, support for Chancellor Biddy Martin’s Go Big Read common book program and technology to lend, including digital cameras, laptops and Kindle e-readers.
Ken Frazier, director of the Libraries, expressed appreciation for all that parents like the Battermans have made possible. “Generous gifts from parents have allowed us to provide the best possible resources and support to create an exemplary research and learning environment for the people we serve each day, your sons and daughters,” he said.