The Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program (MJLSP), a foundational program in the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA), is celebrating four decades of inclusive excellence. This important milestone comes as the DDEEA celebrates 15 years, recognizing a decade and a half of work powering community, access, and belonging on campus and beyond.
Forty Years of Leveraging the Wisconsin Idea
Founded in 1984 by the late Dr. Mercile J. Lee, MJLSP is a four-year tuition scholarship program serving nearly 500 high-achieving undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The program is grounded in the philosophy of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service and offers comprehensive and intentional support to students throughout their academic journey, starting as freshmen.
Dr. Lee believed that part of the Wisconsin Idea was creating opportunities that would attract academically outstanding students who reflected the diversity of abilities, talents, backgrounds, and experiences within and among targeted minority groups. She believed a merit-based program would improve the university’s retention and graduation rates of underrepresented students. Upon establishment and approval by Chancellor Emeritus Irving Shain and the late Vice Chancellor Emeritus Bryant Kearl, six scholars were enrolled in MJLSP’s inaugural class.
Celebrating Alumni and Staff
Today, the program serves almost 500 students annually and has over 2,600 alumni worldwide. Two of our notable alumni in the region are:
- Dr. Wendy Ledesma, the Chief Medical Officer for Sauk Prairie Healthcare
- Joe Maldonado, who served as an alderman in local city government in Fitchburg, WI
MJLSP scholars are mentored and supported by the program’s outstanding advisors and leaders. Their associate director, Kao Yong Thao, recently won the DDEEA Outstanding Leadership Award, enacting the vision, mission, and strategic approach of the DDEEA and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to educational innovation and excellence.
Envisioning a Forward-Thinking Future
Dr. Faran Saeed, director of MJLSP, is committed to continuing the legacy of Dr. Lee and the program’s rich 40-year history. He is proud of the scholars and staff who make up the program, stating, “Our students are some of the brightest scholars, and the MJLSP staff is committed to helping them become global citizens, ready to leave a positive mark on the world.”
Dr. Saeed’s vision for MJLSP’s future is to see the program continue evolving while serving scholars in the best possible way. His priorities for the program are:
- Enhancing MJLSP’s service commitment
- Strengthening alumni engagement
- Increasing the program’s brand visibility
As MJLSP celebrates its 40th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and service Dr. Lee envisioned. With an unwavering dedication to the Wisconsin Idea and a commitment to educational innovation and excellence, the MJLSP team is excited to continue fostering inclusive excellence and shaping the next generation of leaders.