The Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board provides me with a good view of the challenges that both our mechanical engineering students and the ME department face from a financial standpoint. My ME degree at Madison has been a strong source of pride to me and continues to be a strong foundation for my entire career. Most of all, my wife Cindy and I love the passion displayed by Professor Roxy Engelstad, ME chair, and many of the professors toward the students. Fortunately, Cindy and I are in a position now that we can provide some financial support to our next generation of ME students.
Two of the first people I met when I was asked to join the ME IAB were Steven Clark, assistant dean for diversity affairs for the College of Engineering, and Kelly De Haven, director of development for UW Foundation. Both of them turned out to be true friends. Steven and I spent many a discussion on how to improve and support diversity in the College of Engineering and of course his beloved Chicago Cubs. His premature passing was the seed that started me toward the focus on our scholarship fund and emphasized the need to support this important part of our UW culture.
An engineering degree at UW-Madison means something. It has been and continues to be a great institution with a rich legacy. At every ME IAB meeting we take time to have focus groups with the students to provide feedback to the department on curriculum, course materials, registration and many other subjects. It amazes me at how mature, intelligent and socially aware these students are.
I have also seen how the members of our board interact with the students by providing advice on career and job market opportunities and the department on critical changes in our global industrial demands. Alumni also have the ability to measure the education received with what the working world demands. The college must retain good talent, generate valuable research, and deliver the correct education to our engineering students. These regular contacts drive home the fact that alumni must continue to play a part in our college any way appropriate for them as individuals. The connection we have to our college and UW as a whole is critical in so many ways and being in a position to give back just makes it more rewarding.
Paul Papke, BSME '79
Vice president of sales and marketing, UGN Inc
Why I Give
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, Managing Senior Director of Development
University of Wisconsin Foundation
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