$10 Million Gift to Chancellor’s Scholars Program Announced

Anonymous donors have committed a $10 million matching gift to inspire others to support the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program (CSP), the UW Foundation announced today.

The CSP was established in 1984 to increase educational opportunities for academically talented, underrepresented ethnic minorities – African, Hispanic, Native and Southeast Asian Americans – and socioeconomically disadvantaged undergraduates. The scholarship covers tuition and fees and an annual book award of $800.

There are currently 255 CSP recipients enrolled at UW-Madison who represent a wide diversity of majors and areas of interest. The program is currently under the direction of Dr. Gloria Hawkins.

UW-Madison Chancellor's Scholars with Emeritus Director Mercile Lee.
UW-Madison Chancellor’s Scholars with Emeritus Director Mercile Lee.

“The Chancellor’s Scholarship program has connected me with tools and people that I need to make my education possible,” says Negassi Tesfamichael, a sophomore studying political science and English within the Letters & Science Honors Program. “Expanding the program will help students of color and the university as a whole by tapping into potential that previously was not tapped into.”

Dr. Gloria Hawkins, Assistant Dean.
Dr. Gloria Hawkins, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director

Many of the Chancellor’s Scholars assume leadership roles in student organizations and invest in the progress of the campus. Tesfamichael manages the newsroom at The Daily Cardinal, gives back to the community with Badger Volunteers and participates in the Pi Sigma Alpha political science honors society.

“It can be a struggle for (underrepresented) students to navigate their way through a university like UW-Madison on their own. But the constant support throughout the four-year Wisconsin Experience really does make a huge difference for students,” he says.

CSP_BannerThe Chancellor’s Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program that attract, support, and develop the gifts, abilities, and potential of academically talented students.  The program started in 1984 with a total of six Scholars.  Scholars are selected based on abilities and talents that reflect academic excellence, passion, commitment to serving others, and leadership skills that will contribute to the university’s rigorous educational environment.

CONTACT: Alisa Robertson, Alisa.Robertson@supportuw.org, 608-609-5664, @UWFoundation