Classes have begun at Madison College and the virtual energy is contagious. Very similarly to last semester, 70% of the courses are virtual, while classes that do have an in person component are being conducted as safely and responsibly as possible. You can watch it here.
We have had a few donors who had planned to donate all or part of their Required Minimum Distribution to us near the end of 2021 decide to take advantage of the strong market by giving now. We would be happy to talk about how your gift can be designated to fulfill your philanthropic goals. Of course you should consult your own tax advisor before making this type of gift to ensure you receive full tax benefits. Here is an article that covers the basics.
This scholarship was created to help bridge the racial gap in information technology, specifically at Madison College. The fund was established by an IT Faculty Member, and already many faculty and community members have joined in supporting this fund. Read the full story here.
When looking at creating an equitable program, there are many facets of this inequity that could be addressed. One is the lack of mentorship, encouragement, and financial support that is missing. This scholarship is intended to address a small part of that.
This fund is endowed and will be dispersed in the fall and spring semesters.
If you are interested in being part of this change, please consider a donation today. Every gift matters!
Derartu
My family has experienced financial challenges throughout the years. My adoptive mother, who worked as a nurse, was disabled for 4 years due to an injury, and we needed to use food stamps and assistance programs to survive. She is back working, but has raised six children as a single mother and cannot pay for our college expenses as her savings were used up during the time she was unable to work. In high school, I worked at Subway and was able to save a small amount, but I took my education very seriously and also devoted a lot of time to studying. I have needed to spend extra time with my education in order to succeed in my studies, especially since I have static encephalopathy. Several weeks ago, I got a job at Red Lobster and was able to make a small amount to help me pay some of my bills. Now because of the Coronavirus, the restaurant is closed and I can’t work at all for some time.
All of these things have led to it being difficult to figure out how to fund my college education. Therefore, getting this scholarship helped me greatly because I am able to focus more on doing well in my classes instead of worrying too much about work and how to pay for college.
Currently I am in the liberal arts transfer program, and I am planning to transfer into the UW system to get my degree in Spanish. This scholarship would impact my long-term educational goals because making it to graduation successfully would be one of my biggest accomplishments.
Lhaki
I am currently entering Sophomore year this Fall of 2020 in the Liberal Arts Transfer-Pre-Professional Health Program. While attending school, I have been able to maintain a 3.0 GPA while participating in the Scholars of Promise and the AVID\TOPS Program. Along with taking challenging courses over the Summer and successfully completing them, earning all A’s
After I continue to earn my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at Madison College, I intend on transferring to UW-Madison Nursing School to further my education. I look forward to pursuing a career in Nursing and plan to graduate Madison College in June of 2021. This scholarship will help me pursue my education by helping pay for my Tuition expenses which alleviates my financial burden and allows me to focus on my studies during this Pandemic.
Abigal
I am first and foremost, a mother of two incredible daughters. If this is where my story ends, that would be enough. However, I’m also passionate about becoming a nurse. I finally realized that I wanted to be a nurse when I had my first daughter, Audrey. The nurses caring for me left such an impression that I knew that I needed to be by the patient’s side, holding their hand when they needed it most.
I opened my email this morning to see this wonderful gift you have given me. I have been working all summer to supplement my school year income, sometimes with COVID patients.
As a single mother, any additional help when it comes to paying for college and all the expenses that it entails, is hugely appreciated. I will continue to work while in school, however, I can only work part time since I will be a full time student. This program requires additional supplies such as a stethoscope and special shoes. I appreciate your consideration. My daughters and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Joshua
I am a first generation college student. I recently moved from Illinois in July 2019 to come to Wisconsin for a better education. That was a major life change for me. Coming to a state where I knew no one. Although it’s been difficult to fit in, I have found a great sense of community here in the Madison area. I struggled academically throughout school due to a learning disability. But a sudden change in schooling and living situation, helped me earn the best grades of my academic life.
This scholarship would help me financially complete my education. Being a first generation college student, finances for college haven’t been available for me. But this scholarship can allow me to stay in Madison and Madison Area Technical College, and transfer to my secondary college UW Lacrosse.
I appreciate you, giving me the opportunity to continue my academic achievements. Your scholarship helps me succeed in life. Thank you for your generosity.
Patricia “Parts Pat” Ann Prihoda worked at Madison College, serving in the Auto Parts Store. During that time she influenced hundreds of students on their career paths in the trades. She retired in 2012 after dedicating 37 years. Please find the full obituary here. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In honor of Pat, a scholarship was established, the “Auto Parts Pat Scholarship”. Gifts to this scholarship can be made here. All donations to this scholarship support students in the trades.
To find out how you can set up your own scholarship find more information here.
I am a 31-year-old student at Madison College attending the ADN program. While others may look at me and think I must have failed so much to be trying to start a career in nursing at age 31, I know that it is because of all my successes, by the grace of God, that has brought me this far. I started my life with the odds stacked against me, during the heart of America’s crack epidemic with parents who were actively involved in the statistics. My two brothers, two sisters and I, had been causalities of our environment sustaining years of neglect, and many different forms of abuse. I eventually ended up in a foster home with a single woman who adopted me at age 12. Although my mother loved me dearly and took wonderful care of me, my formative years were still instilled in me, and hard for me to combat, leaving me with many years of confused, angry and sad emotions that lead to being a pregnant teen. I eventually got my HSED from Madison College and I became a CNA at 19. I have worked as a CNA for the last 12 years providing a life for my family my 2 biological kids and my 2 biological nephews. Besides being a parent, getting into the nursing program at Madison College and having a successful 2 semesters are my biggest accomplishments thus far. I chose to become a nurse because I have been taking care of people for as long as I can remember. As a child, I remember protecting my siblings and sharing the food I had for their sake; and now, as a mother taking care of my family, as a daughter taking care of my 73-year-old mother as needed and, professionally as a CNA. I used to feel burdened by being responsible for so many, but I can see that what I once viewed as a burden is really a blessing and I find pleasure and fulfillment in caring for others.
As many know, it is very unlikely for children in foster care to graduate high school let alone go on to college, but this scholarship will greatly impact my success and continue to make my long-term educational goals possible in many ways. This scholarship will surely relieve some of the stress associated with the very competitive and difficult ADN program, as well as, the responsibilities I hold within my family by loosening up the financial restraints related to college. This scholarship will allow me more time to spend with my family and focus on school by allowing me to put in less hours at work and still pay my bills. My long-term goal is to complete my ADN at Madison College and then to go on work with troubled adolescents, who I can so deeply relate to. I eventually hope to go on to get my BSN, and this scholarship will provide me with a stepping stone I need in order to accomplish my long-term goals.
Last, but definitely not least, I would like to personally thank you making this scholarship possible. There are no words that can truly express my gratitude for bestowing this scholarship on me. It is a life changer for me. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
-Madison College Nursing Student
Every winter break Wendy Franczak, an Administrative Specialist at Madison College, and her husband Matt choose a few charities that are meaningful to them and they generously donate. In 2018, they had more expenses than usual so they skipped that year. In 2019 they knew they wanted to give more to make up for the previous year and thought, “where can we make the most impact on the community?” Instead of donating to several organizations, they decided to make one larger donation to the Madison College Foundation and established an endowed fund that will support students into perpetuity.
“Many of us spent late May and June, 2020 watching as this country grapples with police violence and continuing racism. Wondering how we can help change things for the better. Maybe we joined in demonstrations, educated ourselves on black history and racism or supported the efforts of anti-racism groups. Maybe we persevered with the work we were already doing with more urgency than before. Maybe we constructively talked about race with friends and coworkers for the first time, ever.
One thing that Tyler and I kept going back to during this time was what we could do to make a lasting change to move towards equality and representation in our community. What could we do to help remove just one barrier on a young person of color’s path to be represented or in a position of influence in Dane County. What could we do to increase diversity in the criminal justice field to bring more empathy and understanding for persons of color.
In that spirit, we have established the Pay it FRWRD Scholarship Fund to help finance a person of color to attend the criminal justice program at Madison College.
Meg, Tyler and the FRWRD Hospitality Group”
To support the Pay it FRWRd Scholarship click here.
Over 70% of the classes are completely virtual. While the format is different, faculty and staff spent the summer adapting their material and approach so that students continue to receive a top class education.
The classes that do require in-person hands-on instruction are being held with new safety standards. Barriers have been installed when appropriate and classrooms have been reconfigured to allow for safe distancing. We have strict health and safety standards for anyone on campus. No one is allowed on campus without a specific purpose and authorization. They must complete a COVID-19 screening before entering campus and masks are required inside. Exercise facilities have been restricted to student athletes who are conditioning. No outside groups are currently allowed on campus.
The student newspaper, the Clarion, shared about the steps the college has taken and the details behind the thoughtful approach for the fall 2020 semester. You can read it here.
21 years ago, Retired UW-Madison Professor Roberto Sánchez established a scholarship to inspire academic excellence by local Latino/a youth and to build a pathway for those in high school and postsecondary institutions to achieve their academic dreams. His scholarships began by supporting young people in the MMSD system and continuing to provide funding through Madison College and UW-Madison. When he passed he gave an endowed gift to ensure that this program has funding into perpetuity.
The impact that the program through this legacy has and will continue to have is life changing. Madison365 recently highlighted the current Sanchez students. “I’m really happy and glad and grateful that not only the students but the families allow us to share in that adventure and undertaking because it is hard,” she says. “The kids put in a lot of effort and work and sacrifice to their education.
If you are interested in what a planned gift could look like at Madison College, learn more about our Emil J. Frautschi Society or contact Tammy at tthayer2@madisoncollege.edu or 608-695-1960