Thank You for Your Day of the Badger Support!

Day of the Badger 2024 was a record-breaking year for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s annual day of giving. On April 16th and 17th, alumni and friends showcased their unwavering support for the university and its endeavors, particularly towards aiding students with financial need through the Great People Scholarship and Emergency Student Support Fund.

The Emergency Student Support Fund serves as a lifeline for students facing unforeseen financial crises that could disrupt their educational journey. Rapid assistance is provided to alleviate food insecurity, housing instability, unexpected bills, and unplanned travel expenses, empowering financially vulnerable students to navigate turbulent times. A special thank you to the incredible generosity of Bill Kirkpatrick ’89 and Susan Kirkpatrick ’87, whose matching gift of $10,000 spurred a remarkable total of over $21,000 raised to aid students in crisis.

In addition, alumni and friends rallied behind the Great People Scholarship Fund to raise $85,000 to support students admitted to UW-Madison but do not have sufficient resources to enroll and attend. This included a generous match from UW’s Women’s philanthropy Council for $25,000 and an additional $5,000 match from an anonymous donor. The Great People Scholarship Fund plays a pivotal role in providing vital financial assistance to deserving students on campus, enabling transformative initiatives like Bucky’s Tuition Promise and Bucky’s Pell Pathway to flourish. We are tremendously grateful to all who participated in Day of the Badger and supported these crucial initiatives!