To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I’ve had tremendous privilege and opportunity and my UW degree and relationships have contributed significantly! I remain connected because of stewardship, engagement, continued learning, and the pure joy of seeing students whose potential is so great. I believe those of us with life experiences and practice knowledge can really help aspiring engineers.
Why is it important for alumni to support the college? Everyone must answer this for themselves—whether loyalty for what was given them or investment in what the university can do for the future. I believe in both. I believe Why we give we achieve in part because our forebears provided us the opportunity—and I am enormously grateful.
My most memorable experience: The final exam in Intermediate Thermodynamics taught by Edward F. Obert, a true genius. He advised us to allow an entire day for the exam, which was on a Saturday. He arrived with a grocery bag of popcorn, 2 liters of soda, a handful of Garcia Vega cigars, and a clunky old black-and-white television with rabbit ears. He distributed the exam (upon which a significant portion of our grade depended), and then turned on NFL playoff football while smoking, eating and drinking the supplies he’d brought. He’d make us set our pencils down and watch replays of especially exciting plays with him. I think I got an AB, which astounded me.”
John Nelson (MSME '76) and Linda Laurinec (MS accounting '82)
Why I Give
Richard Antoine and Dorothy O'Brien
Robert Cervenka and Debra Cervenka
Patrick Heaney and Kate Heaney
Gifts to the UW Foundation may be in the form of cash, appreciated securities, personal or real property. Pledges may be made over a period of years. Gifts to the UW Foundation are fully tax deductible.
For more information please contact:
Ann Leahy,
UW Foundation Director of Development - Engineering
1848 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53726
608/265-6114
ann.leahy@supportuw.org
To learn more about College of Engineering programs and involvement opportunities, please contact:
Brian S. Mattmiller,
Assistant Dean for Alumni and Corporate Relations
2630 Engineering Hall
1415 Engineering Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1691
608/890-3004
bsmattmi@engr.wisc.edu