On behalf of the entire International Division, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Class of 2021! The culminating year at UW–Madison is always a challenging one, given rigorous classes, professional development, and other activities outside the classroom. These challenges are no doubt complicated further by navigating the ongoing pandemic. Nonetheless, the fact that we are able to celebrate the accomplishments of these incredible Badgers is a testament to the character, drive, and spirit of each individual. We are proud of your achievements and know you will continue on to great things.
This commencement marks an extra special year as we also welcome the first King-Morgridge Scholars into the ranks of our alumni. While the journeys for the four graduating King-Morgridge Scholars may have begun four years ago, the story begins with the vision and generosity of Robert and Dorothy King and John and Tashia Morgridge, who sought to empower the next generation of young leaders and help them to apply their talents toward poverty alleviation in their home countries and abroad. The four-year scholarship they founded is awarded to high-achieving students from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and South Asia who are selected for their drive, academic success and commitment to making positive change in their own countries.
This year’s graduates include Chumani Mokoena, nuclear engineering, South Africa; Cheryl Mulor, civil and environmental engineering, Kenya; Lusayo Mwakatika, agricultural business management, Malawi; and Miranda Tichareva, community and non-profit leadership and psychology, Zimbabwe. Watching these students during the past four years has been wonderful. They have sought out and gained valuable experience through internships and other professional development opportunities, excelled in the classroom, created learning opportunities for their peers, and have forged powerful bonds with fellow students. I have no doubt we can expect great things from them in the future and that they will help fulfill the grand vision laid out by the Kings and Morgridges.
These scholars are just a few examples of the remarkable students who are graduating today. We take pride in each and every graduating student and applaud all of those who sought to add a global dimension to their UW–Madison experience. I have no doubt those experiences will serve you well in the future.
Congratulations to graduating King-Morgridge Scholars, international students, international studies majors, WIScholars, and all new alumni. Graduation is not the end of your relationship with UW–Madison—rather, it is the beginning of your relationship as alumni. Be sure to stay connected to campus and look for ways to create opportunities for the next generation of Badgers.
On Wisconsin!