UW Credit Union is honored to support Madison College Foundation with a pledge of $50,000 to help fund the completion of the Madison College Goodman South Campus. A critical project milestone, the gift brings the total pledged from all sources to over $1 million, and will be applied toward a $3.5 million challenge grant issued by Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation and Affiliates. This milestone will help to position Madison College to raise $2.5 million in additional funds by March 31, 2018 in order to complete construction of a 75,000 square foot South campus at the intersection of Badger Road and Park Street.
The beginning phases of the project will include construction of a facility that has the capacity to serve nearly 6,500 individuals, including 3,000 students — triple the number of students who attend classes at the current site. The site will house learning spaces and student support services, and feature academic courses with a focus on STEM fields (science, health, IT), as well as business/marketing and entrepreneurship. The matching grant will support the completion of the expansion, offering student and social services and community-based organizations.
Continuing a tradition of community giving, the effort to foster continuous learning is one of UW Credit Union’s core values. “Since our founding in 1931, a belief that quality education is a vital link to economic wellbeing has been a part of our DNA,” says UW Credit Union President and CEO Paul Kundert. “We share the vision that this project is an important investment for the community — increasing the access of South Madison residents to Madison College and meeting the long-term workforce needs of growing companies.”
An important resource to help address social, racial and economic disparities in Dane County, the facility can provide a means of economic empowerment for the residents of south and southwest Madison. “We’re excited to be part of an initiative that will benefit not just the South Madison community but the entire region,” says Director of Community Partnerships Jaimes Johnson. “Providing this type of educational accessibility to residents of south Madison will truly change the potential for that community”.
The donation illustrates UW Credit Union’s well-established partnership with Madison College to promote access to education and improve overall student success. The south Madison location will help economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education and attain career goals, demonstrating the commitment of UW Credit Union to improve educational opportunities and economic stability in the community we serve.
“It is gratifying to know that there are organizations such as UW Credit Union who share our belief that the success of our communities is a foremost priority,” says Madison College President, Jack E. Daniels III. “Their generosity will help us realize our vision for a safe place where people can attend college, engage in meaningful conversations and gather as members of a community that is vibrant, strong and educated.”