Wisconsin Alumni Association seeks nominations for Forward under 40 Awards

As the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Forward under 40 awards program enters its fifth year of honoring outstanding Badger graduates under age 40, great things continue to happen.

These University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni have heard from former classmates and professors inspired by their stories, returned to campus to talk with students at events and commencement, and some are partnering with one another to make positive impacts in communities all over the world.

Nominations are now open for the 2012 Forward under 40 Awards. This annual honor from the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) recognizes UW–Madison graduates who live the Wisconsin Idea — the 107-year-old guiding philosophy behind UW–Madison outreach efforts to aid people in Wisconsin and throughout the world.

From business-savvy entrepreneurs, tech-minded engineers and grassroots organizers, to energetic educators and civil-rights advocates, WAA has shared the remarkable stories of nearly 60 young Badgers during the last four years.

One honoree making a difference is Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Lynsey Addario ’95, who takes personal risks to tell the stories of soldiers and civilians living in international war zones. And Kelly Parthen MA’99 and Shannon Seip MA’97 took their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for healthy living to found Bean Sprouts Cafe, which gets parents and children thinking about good nutrition in fun ways.

“It’s been an honor to tell the incredible stories of our award winners,” says Paula Bonner MS’78, WAA’s 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 2012 awards.”

Nominations for the Forward under 40 awards are currently open and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., Central time, on Thursday, July 7. Honorees will be notified in November and featured in a special publication in March.

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

For more information on WAA, visit http://www.uwalumni.com.