We are thrilled to share that The River Birch Fund has donated $500,000 to the Scholars of Promise Program! The gift was designated by an anonymous alumnus whose own experience at Madison College was life changing. This donor sees the importance of education and the impact of attending a school where faculty and staff are motivated by student success.
The donor is happy to be paying it forward and investing in future lives. This gift will create incredible opportunities for many students who would otherwise would not be able to attend college. We are so grateful for this generosity!
Scholars of Promise empowers income-eligible students to start their higher education journey with strong programs and financial support to reach their academic dreams. It covers full tuition and fees for up to 6 semesters for students who would not be able to attend college otherwise. Learn more about the Promise and how you can help here.
Gloria Gudmundson and her husband, Gene Musser, both worked in healthcare and know how critical nurses are and how dire the need is for nurses. When the pandemic hit, they decided to establish a nursing scholarship through the Madison College Foundation because healthcare is important to both of them. Gloria taught for years in the nursing program at the college. The Gloria Gudmundson Associate Degree Nursing Scholarship now provides financial assistance to be utilized for tuition and/or related educational equipment for qualifying ADN students.
They chose the college because along the way Gloria and Gene crossed paths with so many people who earned their healthcare education here. “I admire the dedication and devotion to student success at Madison College. The future of our communities and country really is affected so much by education, regardless of what field you’re in. Contributing to that seems very important. We are doing what we can to contribute to the future of education in society.”
They are excited to see the personal impact their giving has on students. “The way that the Foundation supports the connection between donors and recipients is commendable. The donor profiles from the students are so heartwarming. I really enjoy seeing how nursing education and the resources at Madison College have continued to grow since I retired.”
Gloria Gudmundson is a retired nurse and spent the majority of her career in nursing education. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Valparaiso University and master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon completing her master’s degree, she began teaching. Gloria also worked several years as a Nurse Manager at a local hospital. However, what she truly enjoyed was nursing education. She taught in many of the nursing programs in Madison, including UW-Madison and Edgewood, but most of those years were spent at Madison College. Gloria taught in Medical Surgical Nursing at Madison College for several years and stayed there because she thought it was such an excellent program. “Madison College nursing students were always very prepared, and hospitals never hesitated to hire them,” says Gloria. “I am so impressed by the relationships that Madison College builds with students and the support given to students. I feel that any student, in any situation in life, can receive the support needed to pursue their continuing education goals.”
Dr. Damira Grady, the Vice President of Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations, has a personal commitment to the most vulnerable students and wants to normalize a 2 year technical degree as an opportunity. She was drawn to Dr. Daniel’s passion and commitment for this work and valued having someone champion her work on a different level.
Damira’s vision is to transition support services throughout the college, shifting from the current model where the support services are under their own umbrella. For example, since about half of all Madison College students are first generation, she notes that all staff and faculty should be trained to provide support. And while everyone at Madison College already holds student success at the core of their work, this mentality and change in focus, will take the work we are already doing to another level. The goal is to increase support and belonging for students, with particular attention to those who come to Madison College without having family who have experience navigating higher education.
When it comes to philanthropy, Damira is cautiously optimistic. She’s seen generosity launch pilot programs that have led to successful long-term projects, but she’s also seen how the ebb and flow of private gifts can feel unstable. She is looking forward to working with the Foundation to help philanthropy be as effective as possible in eliminating barriers and helping the students who need it most.
Dr. Grady has a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education from Cardinal Stritch University, a master of science in Educational Psychology, and a bachelor of science in Educational Studies with an emphasis on Youth Leadership and Adult Education. She is also a licensed professional counselor. Throughout her career, Dr. Grady has led education and training initiatives focusing on equity and inclusion. She joins Madison College after serving as associate vice-chancellor of academic support for inclusive excellence and university diversity officer at UW-Oshkosh. Prior to that position she was at MATC – Milwaukee, working with adult education and student accommodations and served as a counselor. Prior to her tenure at MATC, she worked at Gateway Technical College as a career counselor.