Senior class of 2012 unveils Wisconsin Idea Scholarship

The 2012 senior class officers have announced a new service-based scholarship to commemorate the Wisconsin Idea centennial and inspire the future of the university’s time-honored service mission.

Coinciding with the Year of the Wisconsin Idea, the Wisconsin Idea Scholarship will attract some of the most innovative young leaders to UW–Madison and will be the first major student-created scholarship endowment at UW–Madison.

Steven Olikara, senior class president, emphasizes the importance of inspiring young public service leaders through the Wisconsin Idea.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to engage the world’s student innovators and introduce a new generation of students to the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea,” Olikara says.

Formed in partnership with UW Student Foundation, the Wisconsin Alumni Association, the UW Foundation, ongoing support for the Wisconsin Idea Scholarship will be provided largely by graduating seniors, alumni, and current students.

“Students are the driving force behind this endowment,” says Katie Lorenz, senior class treasurer. “It is imperative that we give and make this a record year for student donations.”

To view a video on the scholarship, click here.

To reflect the increasingly global Wisconsin Idea, the scholarship seeks to actively engage the best and brightest students abroad, as well as top in-state and out-of-state students. Students can learn more about the Wisconsin Idea Scholarship and make a contribution or pledge by visiting http://wisconsinideascholarship.wisc.edu.

Events explaining and supporting the endowment will also be held throughout the semester.

The senior class officers are comprised of President Steven Olikara, Vice President Adam Johnson, Treasurer Katie Lorenz, and Secretary Brandon Williams. They are elected to serve the senior class of 2012 and establish the senior class gift. Additional assistance in the creation of the Wisconsin Idea Scholarship has been provided by UW Student Foundation President Seamus Fitzgerald.