Wisconsin Alumni Association seeks nominations for awards

Ever since the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) created the Forward under 40 award three years ago, great things continue to happen: Award winners have heard from former classmates and professors inspired by their stories, and some of them have returned to campus to speak with students.

Nominations are now open for the 2011 Forward under 40 awards. This annual honor from WAA recognizes UW–Madison graduates who live the Wisconsin Idea—the 106-year-old guiding philosophy behind UW outreach efforts to aid people in Wisconsin and throughout the world.

One honoree making a difference is James Kass, who is helping the country’s youth use the gift of communication through his nonprofit organization, Youth Speaks, which produces poetry slams, festivals and workshops created by teens for teens. Kass, who graduated from the UW in 1991, was the featured speaker at the 2010 spring commencement ceremonies. Another is 2008 Forward under 40 recipient Leslie Goldman, a 1998 graduate, who was so moved by the efforts of fellow honoree and 1992 UW graduate Janet Olson to rescue animals that she wrote a story about Olson that was published in a national magazine.

“It’s been an honor to tell the incredible stories of our award winners over the last three years,” says Paula Bonner, WAA president and CEO. “Their commitment to the Wisconsin Idea and demonstrated, continued ties to the UW have been overwhelming, and we’re looking forward to bringing a new group of dedicated Badgers into the mix with the 2011 awards.”

Nominations for the Forward under 40 awards will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., Central time, on Thursday, July 8. Honorees will be notified in November 2010 and featured in a special publication in March 2011.

For more information, award criteria and requirements, and to nominate an outstanding young Badger, visit forwardunder40.com.

Founded in 1861, the Wisconsin Alumni Association offers UW alumni and friends a wide variety of services, including the award-winning On Wisconsin and Badger Insider magazines, career services, student scholarships, international travel opportunities and lifelong learning events. Learn more at uwalumni.com.