The Morgridge Center for Public Service is celebrating its 30th year of connecting campus and community.

Launched in 1996 and supported through a generous endowment by UW-Madison alumni, John and Tashia Morgridge, the Morgridge Center has supported thousands of students, faculty and community partners over these years in making a positive difference in the world.

The Morgridge Center is meant to embody the Wisconsin Idea, which anchors on the belief that the university extends its impact beyond the classroom and into communities. The concept of public service remains at the forefront of UW–Madison history and community engagement has always existed as a true reflection of what the university prioritizes and bases its values upon. 

“When Morgridge was created 30 years ago, it was a really exciting time in the world where people were really looking at service and volunteerism as a way to solve serious social problems,” Faculty Director Travis Wright says.

Community partners that have worked with Teaching Faculty Angela Johnson [MFA ’16] call her exceptional, experienced, resourceful and meaningful. Johnson, a long-time community-based educator and teaching faculty, provides her students with intentional and reflective learning experiences, resulting in personal and promotional growth.