The Rath Foundation - An Enduring Legacy at UW-Madison

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