The Rath Foundation - An Enduring Legacy at UW-Madison

THE RATH FOUNDATION AN ENDURING LEGACY AT UW–MADISON

“Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.” — UW Board of Regents, September 18, 1894

“To give away money is an easy matter, and in any person’s power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose, is neither in every person’s power nor an easy matter. Hence it is that such excellence is rare, praiseworthy, and noble.”

— Aristotle

Duane Rath in the 1962 Badger yearbook

The breadth of Rath Foundation funding is a testament to the incredible potential of one person's commitment to making a difference. The ripple effect of supporting and elevating high-achieving scholars is evident in the following sentiments from just a few of the students, faculty, and staff who have been touched by your generosity.

“The scholarships will be given in the belief that knowledge is power and that, in the future, education will become increasingly important.”

Duane Rath, December 17, 1989 Janesville Gazette

On the announcement of free tuition for children of the Rath Manufacturing Co. employees

Dear Rath Foundation Trustees,

I am honored to share with you this message of impact on behalf of the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB). WSB prides itself on being both prestigious and accessible, creating transformational educational opportunities for talented Wisconsin students from all backgrounds. The Rath Foundation has been a critical partner of this mission and has, more than any other entity, helped us attract incredibly accomplished students who might not otherwise pursue a business degree at the University of Wisconsin. As you will see in the pages that follow, together with your partnership, we have changed the course of many students’ lives. Of course, our students must also learn from the accomplished scholars who are on the forefront of research and knowledge creation, and your support of the V. Duane Rath Faculty Fellowship has helped foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, exploration, and excellence among the prestigious faculty members who have received the fellowship over the years. Thanks to the generosity of your fellowship, 16 faculty awards have enabled business faculty members to make the most of their sabbatical experiences. Recipients are continuously grateful for the support of their intellectual pursuits, which in turn impact so many students. I would also like to convey that the unwavering advocacy and partnership of Kate Fleming in helping to carry out this legacy has made an indelible impression on WSB, our student experience, and the impact of our graduates in the world. I am perpetually grateful for the Rath Foundation’s impact on our Business Badger community and hope to continue our partnership for many years to come.

Thank you once again, and on, Wisconsin!

Vallabh Sambamurthy Albert O. Nicholas Dean, Wisconsin School of Business

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The Rath scholarship provided a level of financial independence and freedom that most college students don’t get the opportunity to experience. It allowed me to focus my energy on coursework, student organizations, and extracurricular activities. Most importantly, it allowed me to graduate from the UW debt-free. As a Rath scholar, I was offered multiple internships with well respected organizations. One of those internships led to a fulltime position after graduation. I also progressed through a series of professional actuarial exams relatively quickly thanks to my UW actuarial program education. I am still working for the company that hired me upon graduation from the UW, and I have made significant career strides since then, thanks in large part to my UW education.

Nick Bauman '11 Waunakee, Wisconsin

Thank you!

Actuarial Science Risk Management & Insurance Graduated with Distinction

“As a Rath scholar, I was offered multiple internships with well-respected organizations.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

My experience at the UW has been significantly shaped by the dynamic and diverse community nurturing my personal and professional growth. The student body is a blend of unique, talented individuals, some of whom will be my lifelong friends. Together we are traversing the triumphs and trials of college life. The dedicated faculty at the UW challenge and inspire me, expanding my academic horizons, sharpening my skills, and molding my perspective. Their passion and dedication fuel my quest for knowledge and growth. Moreover, the connections I have made with upperclassmen and alumni are invaluable. They serve as mentors, providing guidance and exposing me to new opportunities that I would have otherwise overlooked. In essence, my time at the UW is much more than academics. It is an enriching journey of self discovery and personal transformation. The Rath scholarship has had a profound impact on my student experience. With your financial support, I have been able to commit to my studies and career aspirations without the distraction of having to work. This unburdened focus on academics has been invaluable. Additionally, the scholarship has allowed me to become more involved in campus organizations, which have enriched my university experience and developed my leadership and teamwork skills. The financial freedom has also facilitated travel opportunities, allowing me to gain a broader worldview and cultural understanding. Furthermore, having the means to pursue passions outside of school not only enriches my life on a personal level but also provides a balance that enhances my productivity and drive in academic and work contexts. My education at the UW has enabled numerous accomplishments, the most important being the internships I secured every summer during my undergraduate studies. These opportunities, especially the most recent ones in data engineering at financial services companies, have allowed me to cultivate my passion for the intersection of finance and technology. The hands-on experience and industry exposure gained from these internships have been pivotal in developing my technical skills and industry knowledge. Moreover, they guided my career aspirations, and I am now strongly considering pursuing a master's degree in either data science or financial engineering. This academic and career direction was largely shaped by the robust education and opportunities provided at the UW.

Will Grabowski x'24 Franklin, Wisconsin

Computer Science Certificate in Data Science

Wisconsin Track Club

“The dedicated faculty at the UW challenge and inspire me, expanding my academic horizons, sharpening my skills, and molding my perspective in a profound way. Their passion and dedication fuel my quest for knowledge and growth.”

Thank you for making it all possible. I am eternally grateful.

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Thank you so much for the Rath Foundation Scholarship. I could not believe it when I first heard the news. I remember getting ready for my after-school job and receiving an email to view my award. There is no way I would have guessed the generous blessing I was about to receive. This scholarship allowed me to pursue the Wisconsin Experience to the fullest, from my first semester on campus to my last. The countless hours I dedicated to developing myself in and out of the classroom, building relationships with my peers, and preparing to enter my field wouldn't have been possible without your generous support. The University of Wisconsin-Madison gave me unmatched preparation to enter a role on Wall Street after graduation. I started an investment banking job at Oppenheimer & Co. on the mergers and acquisitions team this July. It was clear from day one that Wisconsin gave me a top undergraduate experience that rivals any Ivy League school. There is a reputation that alumni from the undergraduate program in the Wisconsin School of Business are some of the top analysts in their classes at any given bank on Wall Street, and I have come to believe it.

Matthew Haasch '23 Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Finance, Investment, & Banking

Investment Banking Club

“Wisconsin gave me a top undergraduate experience that rivals any Ivy League school.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible impact the Rath scholarship has had on my life. Your generous support has allowed me to fully immerse myself in educational pursuits and professional aspirations without constant worry and stress. The impact of the Rath scholarship has been profound and transformative. It has not only provided me with financial relief but has also empowered me to dream big. With this support and encouragement, I am thinking about ways to pay it forward in addition to giving back to the university that has made such a significant difference in my life. I recently completed a strategy internship at Target, and I am excited for what lies ahead. This experience has enriched my skill set and provided me with real-world insights that will undoubtedly contribute to my academic and professional growth. This fall I returned to the UW to finish my MBA degree. Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Rath Foundation directors for their generosity and belief in my potential. Your support has not only shaped my present but is guiding my future in ways I could have only dreamed of. I am committed to upholding the spirit of stewardship and impact that this scholarship embodies.

Sarah Hogue '14, MBAx'24 Wausau, Wisconsin

Economics and Statistics European Studies Certificate

Marketing

Hoofer Sailing Club Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Study Abroad: London

“I am committed to upholding the spirit of stewardship and impact that this scholarship embodies.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The Rath scholarship has helped me make the most of my student experience and be open to diverse opportunities without the constant worry and stress of financial constraints. It has also helped me focus my time on my academic and professional goals while building meaningful relationships. I came to the MBA program at UW–Madison to learn more about Product Management. At the end of my first year, I secured a position for the summer interning as a product manager at a market research consulting firm. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for all you do to mold the experiences of students. Your generosity leaves an indelible mark. I hope to one day extend my support for future students so they might have similar opportunities.

Rishabh Lakhotia MBAx'24 Kolkata, India

Operations & Technology Management

“Your generosity leaves an indelible mark.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Double majoring in both finance and operations, with a supply chain certificate. Without the Rath scholarship, I would only have been able to choose one major in order to graduate as fast as possible Serving as president of the Wisconsin Consulting Club, which directly tied to my career goals. Without the Rath scholarship, I would have needed to put any extra hours in my day toward a job over extracurriculars My time at the UW was very special thanks to the Rath Foundation. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to spend my four years at the UW diving into academic, extracurricular, and career interests without worrying about the long-term financial burden. There are countless examples of what this looked like, and I want to share a couple: This impact has spilled into my postgrad life as well. After graduation, I started my dream role with the Boston Consulting Group. The Rath scholarship played a significant role in landing this job thanks to the depth of academic and extracurricular pursuits on my résumé. I’m still working for the Boston Consulting Group and love giving back to Badger causes whenever I can — both in time and through financial gifts. I often engage with student orgs on campus to speak about life in consulting. I’ve also been inspired to pay it forward to the areas on campus that meant the most to me, like the libraries and the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management.

Rachel Ley '19 Stevens Point, Wisconsin Finance, Investment & Banking Operations & Information Management

Supply Chain Management Specialist Certificate

Wisconsin Consulting Club Investment Banking Club

I will be forever grateful for the Rath scholarship — I know that it fundamentally changed the course of my life. On, Wisconsin!

“I’ve also been inspired to pay it forward to the areas on campus that meant the most to me, like the libraries and the Grainger Center for

Supply Chain Management.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The Rath scholarship provided me with opportunities to succeed at the UW, specifically within the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB). As one of 60 freshmen who received direct admission into the Wisconsin School of Business, I immediately was able to take business courses, which helped me become a leader within the school and put me on a fast-track to attaining my actuarial credentials. The Wisconsin School of Business set me up for immediate success in my professional career. Now six years removed from graduation, I am an assistant director and actuary at Northwestern Mutual and am also a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. In recent years, I’ve been able to give back to the WSB, specifically the risk and insurance program, by helping support students taking actuarial exams. Being a Rath scholar was an honor that I never took for granted, and I always wanted to prove that I was a worthy recipient of that honor. This pushed me in my academics and extracurriculars to always do my best and achieve more, and it continues to push me in my professional work to always be a hard worker, a strong leader, a good teammate, and a man of integrity.

Peter Mattiacci '17 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Actuarial Science Risk Management & Insurance Finance, Investment & Banking Graduated with Distinction

“Being a Rath scholar was an honor that I never took for granted, and I always wanted to prove that I was a worthy recipient of that honor.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

My experience at the UW was memorable for a number of reasons, including combining a business and sustainability curriculum, studying abroad in Bhutan, lasting friendships, and of course Badger football games, which were all made possible by my generous gift from the Rath Foundation. Simply, the Rath scholarship allowed me to attend the UW and take advantage of opportunities that wouldn't have been available to me otherwise. Because of the Rath scholarship, I was afforded experiences like study abroad that expanded my horizons and opened my mind to become a global citizen and lifelong learner. As a direct admit to the Wisconsin School of Business, I knew that I wanted to channel my passion for sustainability and stewardship through the opportunities provided by the business world. Specifically, a UW–Madison education helped me identify opportunities to utilize business operations in order to benefit the world. Having a Rath scholarship motivated me to work even harder towards success. Someday I hope to have the resources and success that allow me to create a similar foundation that can have the impact to young students' lives like the Rath scholarship impacted mine. The Rath scholarship allowed me to start my personal and professional life on a clean slate without student debt. Being able to focus on career development and invest in bettering myself, as opposed to paying student loans, has been a significant advantage for which I am deeply grateful. Thank you for generously making my goals and dreams attainable. I strive to live up to your example and expectations every day.

AJ Minucci '18 Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Operations & Information Management Environmental Studies

Office of Sustainability Intern

Study Abroad: Bhutan

“[My] UW–Madison education helped me identify opportunities to utilize business operations in order to benefit the world.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The Rath scholarship enabled me to fully immerse myself in the UW experience. I was able to prioritize my studies, making the dean's list all eight semesters I was at Madison. Additionally, I was able to get involved with extracurriculars such as the Actuarial Science and Gymnastics Clubs; the latter for which I served as president and learned valuable leadership and organizational skills. My UW education has been instrumental in my career success. The career fairs and networking events allowed me to build relationships with potential employers and culminated in a job offer at a local employer (TruStage), where I still work today. The strong actuarial program provided me the knowledge and discipline that resulted in my becoming an Associate of the Society of Actuaries in winter 2018. Staying in the area after graduation has also given me the opportunity to interact with current students by attending employee presentations and other events. I'm incredibly grateful for having been a recipient of the Rath scholarship. Having much of the financial burden of college alleviated opened up tremendous opportunities both during school and afterward.

Tyler Okonek '18 Waunakee, Wisconsin

Risk Management & Insurance Actuarial Science

Actuarial Club Gymnastics Club Hoofer Mountaineering Club

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Ten years ago, I envisioned pursuing an MBA from a top U.S. business school, and my dream became a reality through the Rath scholarship. I was an international student from Vietnam, and this financial support relieved me from the burden of tuition, allowing me to fully focus on my growth and contributions to the MBA community at the Wisconsin School of Business. The scholarship made my learning journey enjoyable and transformative, shaping me into a more confident professional with advanced knowledge and skills for future success. I am profoundly grateful to the Rath Foundation and the Wisconsin School of Business for this life-changing opportunity, and I am eager to utilize my expertise to make a positive impact on the global business landscape. Thanks to the opportunity to attend UW–Madison , I had a lifetime of new experiences, such as being a leader of the Graduate Consulting Club — where I doubled membership and offered meaningful training to members — and a product manager intern at Intuit, one of the best tech companies in the U.S. Leveraging learnings from my UW education, I look forward to making further impacts as my career progresses. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Rath Foundation trustees for offering me this precious scholarship. It has changed my life in many ways, and I'm forever grateful for your kindness and generosity. I wish you health and happiness!

Minh Tran MBA'23 Hanoi, Vietnam

Master of Business Administration in Operations & Technology Management

Graduate Consulting Club

“Ten years ago, I envisioned pursuing an MBA from a top US.. business school, and my dream became a reality through the Rath scholarship.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The Rath scholarship has had a profound impact on my student experience. It has played a crucial role in relieving all my financial burdens, enabling me to fully immerse myself in student life. I am a family person with one child and from a developing country, so this support is of utmost importance to me. Thanks to my UW education, I am achieving a great deal. Firstly, I am fulfilling my dream of studying in the USA, with my family, in one of the world's best education systems. The experience allows me to live independently in a new environment and establish valuable international connections. I am gaining innovative knowledge and access to well-respected professors who enrich my learning journey. The emotional satisfaction and improved well-being of my family have been additional rewards of this educational pursuit. May God bless everyone involved in the Rath Foundation. Your unwavering support has made a significant difference in the lives of students like me. Please continue the noble work you are doing, as every recipient of your help will forever remember your generosity and aspire to give back in the future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Sakhib Salikhov MBAx'24 Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Supply Chain Management

“Every recipient of your help will forever remember your generosity and aspire to give back in the future.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Anonymous '04 Niagara, Wisconsin

My time at UW–Madison was made exceptional by the variety of people and the well-rounded academic experience. Traditional rigorous academics combined with a vibrant college life created a compelling undergraduate education. The Rath scholarship provided a sense of empowerment; given my family would not have to support me. It was the first step on my way to financial independence. There’s not enough space here to capture all that I’ve been able to accomplish thanks to the scholarship award. In short, my degree was a prerequisite for a career in investment banking. This career path has allowed me to create a wake to welcome fellow Badgers into the industry. Having just read The Billionaire Who Was I have been thinking about the Rath Foundation scholarship and am inspired to think big about how I can make an impact on future generations. I was very fortunate to not take on student debt, which opens doors and provides a sense of freedom and choice that many college graduates are not able to experience. Thank you for this selfless generosity. Thank you for my scholarship and for providing an unexpected boost to students’ confidence, security, and motivation. Knowing someone believes in you enough to invest in your education and future is an incredible gift.

Finance, Investment & Banking Economics

International Business Student Association Investment Banking Club

“Knowing someone believes in you enough to invest in your education and future is an incredible gift.”

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

"It's been a long, slow-growing process, and I really do feel strongly that business has a responsibility to the people who participate and cause the success. I look at our employee group as an extension of our nuclear family."

Duane Rath December 17, 1989 Janesville Gazette

On the announcement of free tuition for children of the Rath Manufacturing Co. employees

November 28, 1995

Mr. Jack Pelisek 7615 N. River Road Milwaukee, WI 53217

Dear Jack:

Happy holidays! I hope you are having an enjoyable holiday season and that all is well.

I want to thank you, Jack, for your marvelous support of the Wisconsin School of Business. I have just learned that the Rath Foundation, Inc., has already completed its pledge to the school. This is terrific news that will allow us to accelerate the V. Duane Rath Faculty Fellows Program and actually begin the program next fall! Jack, of all the support that the community has given to the school, I can honestly say that this program is the most critical for our competitive standing. The establishment of a developmental leave program will allow us to recruit, develop, and retain a top-caliber faculty. Your support and the support of the Rath Foundation is sincerely appreciated by every faculty member in the school. For years to come, the name V. Duane Rath will symbolize excellence in our faculty. I can't put into words the true meaning of this gift — let me just offer our most sincere gratitude. Best wishes for a great holiday season.

Sincerely,

Andrew J. Policano Dean, Wisconsin School of Business 1991–2001

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Dear Rath Foundation Trustees,

My 2011–12 sabbatical allowed me to travel to Washington, DC where I spent time working with people from the National Cancer Institute. I had undertaken work with some of their staff on an earlier project and the sabbatical opportunity allowed me to continue that work and develop another project. It was a meaningful experience to be working with others in person (long before the Zoom days). The knowledge gained during that time has been useful in the development of course material and the creation of new courses, as well as thinking about other research. Having the time away to think about new topics and learn new approaches and perspectives was and continues to be incredibly valuable.

Margie Rosenberg

Professor

Department of Risk and Insurance

Thank you for making my sabbatical possible.

Margie

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Dear Rath Foundation Trustees,

The sabbatical made possible thanks to Rath funding offers invaluable opportunities to remove ourselves from administrative tasks and focus on learning and thinking. This freedom allows us to do better and broader research as well as to try new initiatives in the classroom. The 2005–06 sabbatical I took allowed me to visit Saint Gallen in Switzerland and George Washington University in Washington, DC. While in Saint Gallen, I met Hato Schmeiser, Martin Eling, and Nadine Gatzert. Martin and Nadine were doctoral students at the time. We have become excellent coauthors and colleagues. Nadine pushed my research on reputation risk in a positive direction, leading to several publications and knowledge I could translate into the classroom. Martin and I have done work on insurance regulation, microinsurance, and cyber risk. More important than the work, however, is the intellectual curiosity and engagement they offer and imbue me with in the long run. It has kept me going since, with a second sabbatical in Saint Gallen as well.

Joan Schmit '78, MBA'79

American Family Insurance Distinguished Chair in Risk Management and Insurance

Thank you.

Joan

William H. Kiekhofer Distinguished Teaching Award

Erwin A. Gaumnitz Excellence in Teaching Award

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Dear Rath Foundation Trustees,

I was fortunate to take a sabbatical in 2009–10, which was generously supported by a grant from the Rath Foundation. At the close of the sabbatical year, I prepared a letter summarizing my activities and expressing my gratitude for the Rath Foundation support to give me the opportunity to re-energize my research and teaching programs at that time. Reflecting on the influence of the sabbatical now, 13 years later, I cannot emphasize enough the value of the sabbatical program. Indeed, the activities I was able to engage in at that time spurred my productivity as a scholar and faculty member. Those experiences enhanced both my professional and personal profile, which were critical in my being promoted to full professor and being appointed the PwC chair and taking on leadership roles as the chair of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems (2012–20), as chair of the University Committee (2019– 20), and as WSB senior associate dean (since 2019). Thus, the sabbatical paid dividends to me, the school, and the university. Thank you again for Rath Foundation support for the sabbatical program, which helps our faculty maintain and enhance our margin of excellence among business schools and universities.

Terry D. Warfield

PwC Chair in Accounting Senior Associate Dean Department of Accounting and Information Systems

Sincerely,

Terry D. Warfield

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Dear Rath Foundation Trustees, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the 2005–2006 sabbatical opportunity you generously provided. The experience was transformative, not just for my professional growth but also for my personal development and the enrichment of my department. From a professional standpoint, the sabbatical allowed me to delve deeply into areas of financial analysis, accounting and reporting, and the globalization of business. I was able to engage in extensive reading, research, and discussions with leading experts in the fields. This has not only broadened my intellectual horizons but has also made me a more effective educator. Courses such as Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Reporting, and Research in Accounting have been directly enhanced by the knowledge and insights I gained. On a personal level, the sabbatical was a period of intellectual rejuvenation. The time away from my regular teaching and administrative duties allowed me to focus on areas that I am passionate about. This rekindled my enthusiasm for teaching and research, making me a more engaged and effective faculty member. The impact of the sabbatical extends to my department as well. The online learning aids and technology-driven instructional materials I developed are resources that can be shared and adapted by my colleagues. I am also in the process of creating additional learning resources for the accounting principles course, which I coordinate. This will benefit not only current students but also future cohorts, thereby elevating the overall quality of education in our department. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect has been the immediate, albeit less tangible, benefit of the enriched knowledge I bring to each class I teach. This is something that is felt by both my under-graduate and graduate students and contributes to a more dynamic and informed learning environment. In summary, the sabbatical was a period of immense growth and reflection. It allowed me to contribute more effectively to my field, enriched the learning experience for my students, and helped develop resources that benefit my department. None of this would have been possible without your generous support. Thank you once again for this valuable opportunity. I am more committed than ever to making meaningful contributions to my field and to the education of my students. Warm regards, John

John J. Wild '79, MS'81, PhD'83

Professor

Department of Accounting and Information Systems

WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

“We desire as a company and as a family to put something back into the system. This is simply our way of saying thank you.”

Duane Rath December 17, 1989 Janesville Gazette

On the announcement of free tuition for children of the Rath Manufacturing Co. employees

Dear Rath Foundation Trustees,

The Rath Foundation’s generosity has had an enormous positive impact on UW Law School and the lives of our students. The Frank J. Pelisek Law Scholarship was created in 1998. Over the past 25 years, 95 scholarships have been awarded to law students who exhibit exemplary merit. These scholarships allow us to attract an outstanding group of aspiring lawyers and give them experience working closely with faculty on areas of special interest, while keeping their debt at manageable levels so that they can pursue their careers of choice. The Law School’s mission is “to educate a diverse group of exceptional lawyers and leaders through our Law in Action approach to teaching …” The support provided by the Rath Foundation allows us to do just that. As the only public law school in Wisconsin, we have a special responsibility to provide access to the legal profession. The Rath Foundation’s ongoing support helps us ensure that the outstanding legal education we offer is accessible to all who have the capacity to excel as lawyers and leaders. We are very grateful for your support, and would like to especially express gratitude to Kate Fleming for her partnership, trust and ongoing support. I am committed to being a good steward of resources now so that future generations of law students have access to the great opportunities that UW Law offers. Thank you for your steadfast support.

Sincerely,

Daniel Tokaji Fred W. and Vi Miller Professor of Law Dean of the Law School

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

My classmates and sense of camaraderie made my UW experience meaningful, and the Rath scholarship allowed me to attend the UW without the crushing burden of three years of out-of-state tuition. Your generosity has inspired me to give back by representing numerous employees who have been discriminated against and otherwise wronged by their employers. I have helped small employers comply with the law and do right by their employees.

Anonymous JD'10 Minneapolis, Minnesota

Juris Doctor Graduated with Honors

Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society Remington Center

The Rath scholarship provides an amazing leg up to starting your law career.

“Your generosity has inspired me to give back by representing numerous employees who have been discriminated against.”

Thank you for helping pay for my education! I wouldn’t have wanted to attend any other school, and your generosity made it possible. Thank you so much!

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

The research assistance position I had as a result of my Rath scholarship connected me with professors with whom I’m still in touch. They guided me toward post-graduation career opportunities and continue to be trusted resources with whom I discuss my career path. I feel grateful to be in a position to make charitable contributions to causes that matter to me. But the way I think about paying it forward from my Rath experience is through mentorship. I’m surrounded by colleagues who attended elite private, primarily Ivy League, colleges and law schools. I try to make myself available to young people considering law school, or law students looking at clerkships and jobs, and share my perspective as someone who attended a public university but had opportunities through my Rath scholarship that enabled me to have access to competitive professional experiences. I had relatively modest student debt after undergrad, but paying off those loans drove my personal and professional choices during that period. By not having student debt after law school, I’ve been able to take opportunities regardless of financial concerns. I was able to complete two clerkships — and my husband was able to move with me to do so — because I didn’t have the burden of student debt.

Anna Collins Peterson JD'18 Madison, Wisconsin

Juris Doctor Summa Cum Laude

Wisconsin Law Review

“I feel grateful to be in a position to make charitable contributions to causes that matter to me.”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

My experience at the UW has been incredibly memorable thanks to the connections and friendships I've made that will last a lifetime. It has been wonderful to come back to Madison, the city I consider home, and to get a world-class education at a school I have always loved. My Rath scholarship has allowed me to pursue an education and career path free from financial limitations. Before receiving my Rath scholarship, I thought that I would have to work part-time to be able to afford law school, which would have undoubtedly limited my opportunities outside of the classroom. After receiving the Rath scholarship, I have been able to pursue pro bono and extracurricular activities that have allowed me to give back to the community and grow my legal skills. My Rath scholarship has also given me the opportunity to work as a research assistant to an amazing faculty member. The work and research that I have assisted with has significantly enriched my education. Learning about the law in a classroom setting can often be sterile and feel removed from the realities of the world. The work has allowed me to see the law in a practical and real sense, through real people’s perspectives and lives. I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far. While a second-year law student, I was able to work as a student attorney in one of our legal clinics and assist the families of three children who left their home country due to violence and death of parents. This involved getting guardianships in place and receiving findings in state courts that they could use to petition immigration courts for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, putting them on a path to green cards and permanent residence. I also spent two summers interning in indigent defense and helping some of the most vulnerable in our society. Receiving a Rath scholarship has reminded me of the value of giving back and paying it forward. While still a student, my financial means are limited. However, I donate and give back to my community in other ways. I donate my time and skills to help others in need. I look forward to the day I can give back to the UW in a more substantial way. I think the most important part of Rath scholarships to students at the UW is the financial freedom and opportunity. As an undergraduate student at a different institution of higher education, I did not have the financial freedom to focus all of

Mackenzie "Kenzie" Bailey '18 JDx'24 Oregon, Wisconsin

Social Work Law

“I am a first-generation college graduate and at times it felt like pursuing a law degree was out of reach for someone from my background.”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

my attention on my education and building my skills and connections toward my future career. I had to have at least one job, if not two or three, the entire time that I was receiving my undergraduate education. That undoubtedly limited my opportunities and limited the attention I was able to give to my education. Now as a law student with a Rath scholarship, I have the financial freedom to focus my energy and time on my education, the value of which can never be overstated. The relief from student debt has made a tremendous difference in my life, financially and otherwise. One of the most important differences it has made is allowing me to pursue a career in public service. Student debt is a big issue for many students and often law students feel as though they need to pursue a career at a large for profit law firm in order to survive financially. I have never been interested in that type of legal career, and I am incredibly thankful to have the Rath scholarship so that I can pursue a career in public interest without worrying about the financial limitations of that sector of law. My hope is to become an defense attorney for people who are experiencing poverty, a career which is notoriously underpaid in comparison to many other legal careers. Not having significant student debt has given me the financial freedom to pursue a career where I can give back every day. Thank you for your generous gift that has made my education and my future career possible. I cannot thank you enough, from the bottom of my heart, for what you have done for me through this scholarship. I am a first-generation college graduate and at times it felt like pursuing a law degree was out of reach for someone from my background. The Rath scholarship has brought this education and a future career in public-interest law within reach.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

UW–Madison has always had a special influence on me, as I am a third-generation badger. The Wisconsin Idea has greatly impacted my life, and I knew that I wanted to be a Badger my whole life. The friends I made at the UW, coupled with the education I received, greatly impacted my life. The Rath scholarship enabled me to go to law school, as I would not have been able to attend UW–Madison if not for this scholarship. It has led me to an incredible legal career, which I am proud to say is based in Madison. I have had an amazing legal career so far, joining my dream firm in a practice area that I am passionate about. I have been able to do impactful work at a national scale while contributing to my local community through commercial and pro bono work. The Rath scholarship inspired me to give back: my friends and I created a scholarship at our high school. I look forward to making future contributions to the UW. Rath scholarships are life changing in that they enable students to receive a world-class education and focus on their development without any additional burdens. Further, following graduation, the lack of student debt allows greater flexibility and access to opportunities, including those in public service. I have been able to make significant strides since law school due to the lack of college debt. I was able to explore certain professional and personal opportunities due to this added flexibility. Thank you for the opportunity to be a Rath scholar and continue my UW journey and commitment to Madison. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and truly life changing.

Will Conley '15, JD'19 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

English and Philosophy Graduated with Comprehensive Honors

Juris Doctor

Wisconsin Law Review Lawyering Skills Course

Hoofer Ski & Snowboard Club

“The Wisconsin Idea has greatly impacted my life.”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

It's hard to overstate the importance of the Rath scholarship in my life. Because of this scholarship, I chose to attend UW Law. I was very close to choosing out-of-state schools that had offered me full scholarship opportunities. But the Rath scholarship made UW Law competitive, and Madison was already such a positive place for me. Additionally, the Rath scholarship provided me a research assistant position for my second and third years of law school, and I got the chance to work for a professor who I greatly admired and who helped me get a judicial clerkship after law school. I applied for and obtained two highly competitive federal court clerkships with federal judges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Those clerkships helped place me at the firm where I am currently employed, where I help defend clients in criminal and civil matters. These scholarships are incredibly important to recruit and retain talented students! With the number of law schools, offering students these types of scholarships can attract individuals who may otherwise seek out-of-state educational opportunities. And the hope would be that if students come to UW Law, they may stay in Wisconsin and enrich the state with their talents. Graduating with a manageable amount of debt (from undergrad and 1L year) allowed me to pursue career opportunities for reasons other than to "make as much money as possible." Thank you for … everything. The scholarship afforded me so much more flexibility in my life choices. If not for the scholarship, I wouldn't have attended Madison for law school, I would never have started dating my now-wife, and I would never have met the people I now call my closest friends.

Justin Dreikosen '13, JD'16 Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Philosophy and Psychology Criminal Justice Certificate Graduated with Distinction

Juris Doctor

Moot Court International Law Journal

“These scholarships are incredibly important to recruit and retain talented students!”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

Because of the Rath scholarship, I was able to help a clinical law professor in the Frank J. Remington Center with her academic research. While researching criminal laws and regulations, I also learned about the health care experiences of elderly prisoners. It was gratifying to assist in shedding light on some of those experiences, and it helped me to see the impact that the practice of law can have on real people. Shortly after graduation, I became very sick and was unable to work for over a year. Because I didn't have a large student debt hanging over my head, I was able to take the time I needed to recover.

Joshua Engelkemier PhD'16, JD'21 Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Thank you for helping me make it through law school and for making it a memorable and enriching experience!

Doctorate in Chemistry

Juris Doctor

Lawyering Skills Course

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

Because my Rath scholarship included a research position, I had the opportunity to work with incredible scholars on the subject of state-level democracy, a topic which is interesting to me on the levels of both minute detail and broad societal importance. This research work also gave me a different perspective from that in my classes and clinics; it gave me the chance to take a step back and consider the systems that shape our country's (and states' and cities') policies, which I often experienced on a more individualized scale in my clinical work and day-to-day life. My life and work have been so enriched by my research, and I am thankful that the Rath scholarship gave me the chance to engage in such compelling and important work. I came to law school knowing that I wanted to do public interest work, especially as a public defender, but I also knew that the cost of law school would make achieving that goal incredibly difficult. Because of my Rath scholarship, I have been able to dedicate myself to public interest work both during law school and afterward. Because my tuition was covered by the scholarship, and I did not need to focus on earning enough to be able to pay for school, I was able to spend my summers working with the Legal Assistance to Incarcerated People project and Mississippi's capital postconviction counsel, developing incredible relationships with my clients and learning a great deal along the way. Additionally, because I do not have any law school debt thanks to the Rath scholarship, I have been able to accept my dream job, working as a public defender in New Jersey. I am thrilled to be able to put my education to use helping those in need. My life has been immeasurably impacted by the generosity of the Rath Foundation, and I am grateful to be able to use that benefit in service of others.

Jennifer Gisi JD'23 Fitchburg, Wisconsin

Juris Doctor Cum Laude

Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender, & Society

“My life has been immeasurably impacted by the generosity of the Rath Foundation, and I am grateful to be able to use that benefit in service of others.”

Thank you so much.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

I would not be here without the Rath scholarship which has given me immeasurable freedom to explore post-graduation options without student debt weighing heavily on me. This allows me to explore public service positions that would otherwise not be feasible for me. I am very thankful for the important relationships I've been able to forge with peers and faculty that I am confident that I will keep for the rest of my life. Having a full-ride scholarship allows me to support my friends that are tight on money in small ways. Whether it is buying a textbook in the beginning of the school year knowing they won’t be able to reimburse me until a faroff future time, or just paying for coffee when someone needs a break and a listening ear, I can do small things to keep my classmates and I going when things get tough. I also know that graduating without debt will allow me to make larger yearly contributions to organizations like the MKE Freedom Fund and Black and Pink: Milwaukee. Incredible students and professionals are born and raised in Wisconsin, but many of my peers have been drawn out of state for post-undergraduate studies and do not return after graduating. Rath scholarships allow students from Wisconsin to remain in the place they were raised, and going to school at UW–Madison has already helped me find jobs in-state that will allow me to remain in Wisconsin while doing the work I love. Being debt-free allows me to bring my whole self to class and focus on learning, not on checking certain boxes that I think will best help me pay off my loans after graduating. This has made my learning experience more enjoyable and engaging, allowing me to pursue my true interests and take care of my health in ways that have improved my academic performance. Thank you for making law school possible for me and removing obstacles to putting my law degree to use at a community-level and in positions that would be impossible with a mountain of student debt. This gift has changed the course of my life, and I hope to be able to impact the lives of others in similarly beneficial ways.

Hannah Koller JDx'25 Appleton, Wisconsin

“This gift has changed the course of my life, and I hope to be able to

impact the lives of others in similarly beneficial ways.”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

UW Law School was full of smart and interesting faculty and students, who were passionate not only about the academic part of the law, but in making great lawyers who could make a difference in their communities. It was this "law in action" focus that made my law school experience feel special, and that prepared me to hit the ground running as a lawyer after graduation. Being able to focus on my studies without additional financial pressures was a huge weight off of my shoulders. I was also lucky to be able to pursue a career after graduation without having to

focus on repaying student loan debt or focusing on compensation over quality of life in seeking out jobs.

Kelly Noyes JD'07 Lisbon, Wisconsin

I am a shareholder at one of the largest law firms in Wisconsin. I am also on the board of three nonprofits.

Juris Doctor Summa Cum Laude

I have donated to UW–Madison Law School every year since graduation in the hopes of making things easier for future Wisconsin lawyers. Philanthropy has also been an important part of my life because I know firsthand the impact that gifts can have on people's lives.

Wisconsin Law Review Consumer Law Clinic Economic Justice Institute

“I have donated to UW–Madison Law School every year since graduation, in the hopes of making things easier for future Wisconsin lawyers.”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL