Morgridge Center for Public Service

Meet the 2026-27 Wisconsin Idea Fellowship cohort. This year’s projects range in topics from promoting physical wellbeing, sustainable cultural innovations, literacy initiatives, and more.

Learn more about the students’ project, locally and globally: morgridge.wisc.edu/2026/04/23/2026-27-wisconsin-idea-fellowships-awarded-to-nine-projects

For Molly Nichols ’27, finding the Morgridge Center during her sophomore year has allowed her to grow professionally and personally. Molly says that the Morgridge Center is “one of the best places on campus” and we couldn’t agree more.

Thanks to the many who donated to the Morgridge Center — you helped us unlock an additional $7,500. The giving continues — help us spread the word: dayofthebadger.org/morgridgecenter

For Estrella Garza ’26, since starting at the Morgridge Center two years ago as the after-school programs intern, she has been able to deepen her commitment to service and social responsibility in education through her work.

Thanks to the many who donated to the Morgridge Center — you helped us unlock an additional $7,500. The giving continues — help us spread the word: dayofthebadger.org/morgridgecenter

For Preet Talwar ’26, the community was her textbook. Her experiences as a Community-based Learning intern has created an ever-lasting impact that has allowed her to share her knowledge with students who may be navigating their own journeys and futures.

Thanks to the many who donated to the Morgridge Center — you helped us unlock an additional $7,500. The giving continues — help us spread the word: dayofthebadger.org/morgridgecenter

For Mira Halker ’28, the Morgridge Center has allowed her to expand and grow her work to promote civic engagement — whether In Cincinnati — or in Madison.

A gift to the Morgridge Center can help sustain and grow our work to continue to lead with purpose and create impact for generations to come: dayofthebadger.org/morgridgecenter

For Maddie Shields ’26, the Morgridge Center has been nothing but a rewarding experience. Her role as a Community-based Learning intern has offered her opportunities to intersect her education with community work.

A gift to the Morgridge Center can help sustain and grow our work to continue to lead with purpose and create impact for generations to come: dayofthebadger.org/morgridgecenter

For Laine Bottemiller ’24, the Morgridge Center helped shape and refine her skills as a professional. Now in D.C. as an executive assistant at a political media firm, Laine credits the center for its incredible leadership and for bringing her some of her closest friends.

A gift to the Morgridge Center can help sustain and grow our work to continue to lead with purpose and create impact for generations to come: dayofthebadger.org/morgridgecenter

Day of the Badger is this week, April 14-15!

Thank you to Elizabeth and Nathaniel Hetrick and Jeffrey and Jennifer Heerhold for helping to establish a Day of the Badger challenge match for the Morgridge Center for Public Service.

Thanks to your generous gift, once 30 individuals contribute during these two days, an additional $7,500 will be unlocked making it possible for more students to contribute to community priorities.

Your support will make a lasting difference – thank you for your belief in the power of public service. Visit dayofthebadger.org/morgridgecenter to learn more.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, it rests on the legacy and foundation of the relationships with campus and community partners, as the lived-out vision of the Wisconsin Idea.

To help us celebrate, we are inviting you to our anniversary celebration and open house on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 5 to 7pm at the Red Gym.

You can RSVP if you plan on attending: morgridge.wisc.edu/giving/celebrating-30-years-of-public-service

While currently immersed in a two-year program in Western Kenya with the United States Peace Corps, Badger alumni Emily Merkel ‘22, discusses how this experience has furthered her love for new community, her Morgridge Center roots, and the beauty within helping others.

Badger Volunteer Turned Peace Corps Advocate: Emily Merkel’s Journey to Kenya A former Morgridge Center peer advisor and Badger Volunteer, Emily Merkel has spent the last six months in Kenya as a community health outreach volunteer with the Peace Corps.