There’s something especially special about a scholarship established by a MATC alumni. They know first hand the value of community and technical college and the incredible life change that happens here. Eric Bjornsen has recently set up a scholarship for Electric Engineering Technician students who plan to transfer to UW-Platteville, paralleling a new articulation agreement between our two institutions. Read more about the articulation agreement here.
I became interested in electronics at a very early age. The interest remained my primary focus through high school. The traditional high school curriculum often interfered with my area of interest. Upon graduation I was ill prepared to enter a typical university. Madison College provided an opportunity to further expand my interests. With the direction of the instructors, I excelled at the opportunity. Madison College provided an excellent introduction to structured education and contributed to many lasting relationships.
Upon graduation I was determined to continue my education. Unfortunately, there were very limited opportunities to do so. Consequently, I took a job as an electronics technician for a span of four years. My interests continued to grow, and the additional opportunities presented to graduate engineers became increasingly more apparent.
Fortunately, the University of Wisconsin began to offer a program to transition to an engineering degree specifically for those with my background. My return to academic life was immediate and I thoroughly enjoyed another two years of formal education. Shortly after graduation I was saddened to learn that this program was discontinued. Nevertheless, I began a successful thirty year career as an electrical engineer. The thought that such an opportunity for others no longer existed haunted me.
While reflecting on my life after retirement I learned of a new developing program between Madison College and the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. This program would allow for a smooth transition from a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree to a four-year Bachelor’s degree and beyond. This immediately drew my attention, and I became engaged with the process. This led to numerous interactions and site visits. I became convinced that both institutions were committed to filling the educational void which had continued to bother me.
I have chosen to support this partnership in the form of a shared scholarship between both institutions. Students with similar backgrounds and academic commitments as I shouldn’t be limited in their pursuits by financial limitations. I look forward to assisting in the administration of this scholarship and encourage others to do the same.
MADISON COLLEGE FOUNDATION BOARD RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Dr. Turina Bakken has served as an ex-officio member of the Madison College Foundation Board from 2015 to 2023, and
WHEREAS, she has served at Madison College for 25 years as Provost, Vice Provost, Associate Vice President, Dean, Associate Dean, program director and faculty member, and
WHEREAS, she has been a passionate advocate for people first, for Madison College, and for the community, and has been directly responsible for the development of many leaders and
WHEREAS, she was awarded the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award in 2006 and received the College’s Outstanding Employee in 2010, and
WHEREAS, she was an active committee member in the Stand By YOU Campaign, the Everywhere You Are Campaign, and the Be The ONE Employee campaign, and her personal philanthropy and leadership resulted dramatically in increased board, donor, and college employee giving that directly impacts students, and
WHEREAS, she has embraced her roles with the best interests of the college always in mind with total commitment to the college and foundation missions, and the entire community, and
WHEREAS, she has been a generous donor since 2000 with unparalleled broad support, having given to 42 separate funds, providing assistance to students across the campus, and supporting fundraising efforts across the Madison College community, and
WHEREAS, she has served with dedication and distinction as a model philanthropist and fan of Madison College who gives of her time, talent and treasure while also encouraging others by her words as well as actions, and
WHEREAS, she, with her partner Marcia Christiansen, has established a planned gift to continue support of the Madison College Foundation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison College Foundation Board expresses gratitude for her support, service, and contributions, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this expression be acknowledged in the official minutes of this Foundation Board meeting and a copy be made and presented to Dr. Turina Bakken.
Resolution adopted by the Madison College Foundation Board at its meeting on May 2, 2023.
In Memory of Ashok Bhargava
The Madison College Foundation joins with the community in mourning the passing of Ashok Bhargava and honoring his legacy.
Ashok Bhargava served as a member of the Madison College Foundation Board from 2000 to 2003 and again from 2005 to 2019, and served with dedication and distinction as President of the Madison College Foundation board from 2011 to 2013. During his board tenure he was a member and chair of the Finance & Investment Committee, which led to the development of a solid investment policy. Ashok was the treasurer of the Madison College Friends Group that worked on passing the $133.7 million referendum in 2010.
“I was heartbroken to learn of Ashok’s passing. Words are not enough to express the gratitude I hold in my heart for Ashok. He was a passionate ambassador to both the college and foundation and a mentor to many board members. It was an honor and privilege to work beside him for many years,” Tammy Thayer, CEO Madison College Foundation.
Ashok’s legacy is amplified by the generosity he has shown to Madison College students in honor of his late wife. He has been a generous donor and has established two funds, including the Devi Bhargava Opportunities Endowment Fund and Devi Bhargava International Opportunities Endowed Fund to permanently assist students of Madison College. His support continues to impact students with disabilities. He was a very kind and generous man.
You can read his obituary here.
If you would like to donate to the funds he established honoring his wife, Devi, you can do so here:
The Devi Bhargava Opportunities Endowment Fund
The Devi Bhargava International Opportunities Endowed Fund
“I feel honored to have been able to work with Ashok Bhargava, as well as his wife Devi who proceeded him in passing. Ashok and Devi were both passionate about international learning and helping students.
In 2010, after already creating awards in Devi’s name to support students with disabilities and faculty and staff who support them, Ashok reached out to me to indicate that he would like to memorialize his wife with a new award to support international students. We worked together to craft an award that recognizes international students who embody the humanitarian and international characteristics that were an integral part of Devi and Ashok’s life and work, and created a fund that could be used to support students who were facing unexpected financial pressures of crises in their home countries.
Ashok’s commitment to supporting students is evidenced by his years serving on the Madison College Foundation Board as well as his own generous financial commitment. He will be missed, but Ashok leaves an enduring legacy of support for our students.”
- Geoff Bradshaw, Madison College Associate Vice President of Global Strategy
“Ashok has truly made a difference in the lives and educational experiences of students with disabilities at Madison College via the Devi Bhargava faculty/staff and student awards he endowed after his amazing wife, Devi, passed away in 1999. Devi worked at Madison College as a Disability Resource Specialist and his generous support has kept her vibrant spirit alive in the recognition of these amazing students and faculty/staff each year. Since 1999, over 50 students and faculty have been recognized for their work in advocacy, partnership and distinction in their academic success. By believing in them and investing in their futures, Ashok has helped provide these students, faculty and staff the confidence and self-esteem they need to continue their success while supporting access and equity and in a world that can often be unwelcoming to those with disabilities.”
- Scott Ritter, MS
Director, Disability Resource Services & Testing and Assessment Services
Student Development and Success
The Evjue Foundation has partnered with Madison College Foundation for 55 years, since 1968! The Evjue Scholarship is an important resource for many in our community. Evjue’s latest gift funded 56 scholarships in the 2021-22 academic year, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to attend Madison College and fulfill their educational goals in various programs. Their investment made a demonstrable impact for them and the community.
“Supporting education was a passion of William T. Evjue’s during his lifetime, and the Evjue Foundation has always made decisions based on that interest,” said Paul Fanlund, Publisher of the Capital Times and a member of the Evjue Board of Directors. “Madison College has been a strong partner and its students have always been worthwhile recipients of our support.”
“My journey would not be possible if not for philanthropic donors such as yourself. This scholarship will be put to great use. I can’t thank you enough for giving me the help I so desperately need. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
-William T. Evjue Foundation Fund Scholarship Recipient
This month we took the opportunity to interview three Madison College Foundation donors who work with students at the College. They are Shawna Carter, who is Madison College Vice President for Academic Affairs; Rhoda McKinney, Adult Recruiter; and Bill Bedker, teacher in the school of Human & Protective Services in the Legal Studies/Paralegal and Criminal Justice programs. All are long-time employees who work directly with our students — Shawna for 20 years, Rhoda for over 24 years, and Bill for 25 years.
We asked Shawna, Rhoda, and Bill why each of them gives to the Foundation. Their replies were surprisingly similar and speak to the roots of the dedication our donors feel to the students who benefit:
Shawna said, “I appreciate the values of the college and transforming students’ lives. This is the one thing I can do to give back to students…. I, myself, am also a first-generation college student and in this way I can identify with the students we serve at Madison College.”
Rhoda told us, “I give to the Foundation because I am an Alumni of Madison College, and my journey was not an easy one. I am blessed by my humble beginnings in education to have secured a living wage job that allows me to “pay it forward” to our current Madison College students.”
And Bill replied, “I can generally say that I have an understanding of what it’s like to have limited means growing up, and some of the challenges associated with being the first in one’s family ever to pursue higher education. I made a promise to myself that one day, if I ever had the means to do so, I would try my best to “give back” and help others. Giving to the Foundation is one small way of fulfilling this promise that I made to my much younger self.”
These comments say so much about the value first-generation students place on their education, how hard it is to attain, and the personal value systems that cause these former students to pay it forward by helping other students — and prospective students — who are following them up the ladder. For these donors, education is not simply an obligation or a routine, but instead a living gift to be nourished and shared. And the steps through education are not easy! People need help, and that’s what the Madison College Foundation tries to provide.
We also asked our three donors if they ever had the opportunity to connect with a student who was helped by their support, and what this meant to them. Bill had this to say: “Yes, several times. It’s impossible to put into words. Students are so appreciative, and I am often struck by how what might seem to be a relatively modest gift can make a significant impact in students’ lives. To be able to play a small role in helping students realize their dreams and take hold of their futures is extremely uplifting.”
Rhoda described her experience in this way: “I have received personal letters from students who were directly impacted by my giving, and it meant the world for me to hear their personal story and how it has affected their success at Madison College.”
And Shawna gave us this description: “I’ve gone to the Foundation’s breakfast and have been able to meet students. It’s meaningful to meet the students who get those awards. While I was a Dean and attending the Scholarship Breakfast, there were so many students from that area and their parents were there. I met their parents and they were so proud of their kids as they shared their journeys.”
Shawna Carter
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Madison College
Rhoda McKinney
Adult Recruiter, Madison College
Bill Bedker
Teacher in the school of Human & Protective Services, Legal Studies/Paralegal and Criminal Justice
So how can others begin to support the Foundation in this work? We asked our interview subjects how they got started, and what forms their support can take.
Rhoda explained, “I structure my giving through annual payroll deductions. It’s also a good way to give back all year long and feel good about it. I like to think of it as the gift that keeps giving, all year through.”
Rhoda also started a scholarship in honor of a dear friend and colleague, an example of how donations can be tailored very specifically to express gratitude or respect for person or group of people.
Similarly, Shawna told us her contributions are a combination of payroll deduction and one-time gifts, and she gives through Emergency Grants and scholarships. Bill uses payroll deductions to give. It’s easy to set these deductions up — Rhoda reminds us “it’s a secure way to give and you do not notice the decrease in your paycheck.”
We closed by asking our generous subjects what makes Madison College different from other academic institutions?
Rhoda, Adult Recruiter for the College, was very specific about what makes Madison College different: “Madison College accepts all students who have submitted their high school transcripts or proof of their, HSED or GED, regardless of age, degrees already earned or previous GPA as long as your ACT or Accuplacer scores align with the scores needed to succeed in our programs transferrable degree credits, making for a more diverse student body. If these test scores do not align with college readiness, we have tuition free, college prep courses that you can take and pass with a “C” or higher to be eligible to begin your degree courses to earn an Associate or other degree options.
Shawna, as Vice President for Academic Affairs, oversees a wide variety of programs and views the College as part of the larger community: “Its amazing that we educate and train students that go back into our community to work and serve or we are giving them an on ramp for transfer. It’s very powerful work. We are community builders. I love that we have a diverse student population. We are so lucky to have a diverse student population and I’m grateful for the gifts they bring to our college.”
Bill, from the viewpoint of a teacher, had this to say about the college and the students: “Whenever I walk through the doors of a building on campus and regardless of who I encounter, I always feel a genuine sense of caring for our students and an authentic, unwavering devotion to their success. It’s almost like being part of one great big extended family. I cherish this feeling, as I recognize how exceptionally rare this is.”
No matter what your own relationship is to Madison College, we hope the thoughts of these Foundation supporters will fill you with pride and inspire you to consider the examples they shared. We all have different reasons for supporting the College, its programming, and its students, and it’s so easy to do. Let’s work together to make 2023 a great year for education and for our community!