Skip Navigation
Donate Now
Apply For Scholarship
Scholarship Donor Portal

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.”

“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.”