Morgridge Book

Dear John and Tashia,

I can think of no university that has benefited more from a supportive couple than UW–Madison has benefited from your long-standing and extraordinary generosity. When I think of generosity, I mean not only your philanthropy in the narrow sense, but also your ideas, your stores of knowledge, your creativity, and your willingness to support the people whose abilities and work you trust. I have always loved and admired your modesty and loyalty, your intelligence and curiosity, and your commitment to friendship as a civic virtue as well as a personal value. I often think fondly of my visit with you at Squam Lake — the conversations, the local fair we went to, the boat ride around that gorgeous lake, the party you hosted, and the appreciation I gained of your many interests and abilities, your love of family, and your commitment to the communities to which you belong. When I wrote you years after leaving the university about an urgent problem at Amherst, you provided the contact and the support I needed in a flash. Your support while I was chancellor, especially during the difficult decision-making about change, made all the difference and will always count as an example to me of what it means for an institution’s supporters to be dedicated to an institution and its leadership when a controversial change has the potential to strengthen that university’s mission. The two of you are one (or two!) of a kind. One of the world’s great universities is in your debt in the most positive sense for its resilience and strength. I am indebted to you for so many crucial life lessons, for your friendship and the example you represent of what it means to combine intelligence, humor, success, humility, generosity, kindness, imagination, and endless contribution to the common good.

Thank you for being the people you are.

Carolyn “Biddy” Martin PhD’85 Chancellor, 2008–2011