Gift of $500,000 Establishes Professorship in Biological Systems Engineering

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering is receiving its first endowed professorship. Emeritus professor and former BSE Department Chair Patrick Walsh and his wife, Noreen Warren have committed to a gift of $500,000 to establish a named professorship in our department.

Pat and Noreen's incredible gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar through a "Morgridge Match" that will double its value to $1,000,000. In fall 2014, John and Tashia Morgridge pledged $100 million designated to match gifts toward new endowed professorships at UW-Madison. The names of these endowed chairs are those of the matching donors, not the Morgridges. Their donation is the largest-ever gift by a single donor to the university. Pat and Noreen's gift qualified for this matching fund opportunity. The professorship is to be used at the discretion of the department to support critical faculty contributions to our teaching and research missions.

Opportunity to match all donations to BSE Professorship fund until June 8, 2015!

Because of the tremendous support shown by friends of UW-Madison, the Morgridge match fund was fully committed in less than one year. To show appreciation for this support, the Morgrides offered to match any and all funds that are pledged by June 8, 2015. This creates the opportunity for a second professorship in BSE, or additions to the Walsh/Warren Professorship fund that will be doubled by the Morgridge Match. This is a unique, limited time opportunity to give to the department and have that gift increased dollar-for-dollar. Gifts must be pledged by June 8, while funds transfer can occur at a later date. The faculty and students of BSE are extremely grateful to Pat Walsh and Noreen Warren for their generous gift that is inspiring our contributors to redouble their efforts to support our teaching and research.

If you would like to make a contribution please contact Barb McCarthy at the UW Foundation (barb.mccarthy@supportuw.org 608-265-5891) or Department Chairman Doug Reinemann ( doug.reinemann@wisc.edu608-262-0223)