As a teacher, philanthropist, and advocate, Tashia Morgridge ’55 lived out her belief in the transformational power of education. She showed that commitment in her connections with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With her husband, John, she gave some of the largest and most far-reaching gifts in the university’s history. But she also offered her time, wisdom, and experience, and she touched many lives. If you’d like to join this tribute page, please share your thoughts.
“Tashia brought strength, grace, warmth, and inspirational humility to all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. It is impossible to overstate the impact she — in deep partnership with her husband, John — had on the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She will be greatly missed. On behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to John, their children, family, and friends.”
Eric M. Wilcots, Interim Chancellor, UW–Madison
“Tashia Morgridge leaves an extraordinary legacy in Wisconsin, one built on a profound belief in the power of education to change lives. I know I speak for the presidents who came before me, and for colleagues across the Universities of Wisconsin, in expressing our deep gratitude for the remarkable generosity, encouragement, and commitment Tashia and John have shown our universities and our students over many years. Their support has opened doors of opportunity for countless people across our state. Tashia made Wisconsin better, and we will miss her greatly.”
Renée Wachter, Interim President, Universities of Wisconsin
“Tashia Morgridge embodied the very best of what it means to be a Wisconsin graduate: taking what you have learned and achieved and using it to create opportunity for others. Through their extraordinary generosity, Tashia and her husband, John, have changed lives, strengthened public higher education, and demonstrated a deep and lasting commitment to Wisconsin. On behalf of the Board of Regents, I extend our deepest sympathies to John and the entire Morgridge family, along with our profound gratitude for Tashia’s remarkable legacy.”
Kyle Weatherly ’04, MPA’06, President, Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents
“Tashia was a true visionary, with an inherent ability to see the potential of everything she supported. Her belief in people and focus on improving the lives of others was a true gift, transforming thousands of lives for the better.”
Alisa Robertson ’94, MBA’03, President and CEO, Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association
“Tashia’s belief in the power of education to transform lives, combined with her deep love of Wisconsin, really became the guiding lights for the wonderful things John and Tashia did together to advance the University of Wisconsin and the state. Tashia’s ideas and enthusiasm are part of the fabric of the Morgridge Institute and so many other parts of the university.”
Brad Schwartz, CEO of the Morgridge Institute for Research
“Tashia believed in the equal value of every person and in each individual’s potential to shape their own future and contribute to the future of our society. She understood that higher education’s impact extends beyond a degree, strengthening personal well-being, deepening civic involvement, and helping people lead lives of purpose. Tashia represented the very best of Wisconsin. We join people across our state in honoring her life and expressing our gratitude for all she made possible.”
Thomas Gibson, Chancellor, UW–Milwaukee
“Tashia was so much more than a benefactor; she was the soul of our mission. Alongside John, Tashia lived by the philosophy that generosity multiplies. While we deeply mourn her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on forever through the generations of scholars who walk the path she helped to pave.”
Kelly Ruppel, Executive Director, Fund for Wisconsin Scholars
“Tashia will always be with us in spirit. I also think of John during this time and the lifelong partner he always had by his side. What an amazing person we have lost.”
Jacquelyn Fredrick, Chair, Morgridge Institute Board of Trustees
“Tashia and John have been deeply generous in crafting dreams with faculty, students and the community — dreams that have resulted in state-of-the-art programs and facilities like the Morgridge Institute.”
Mary Gulbrandsen, Former Director, Fund for Wisconsin Scholars
“Tashia believed science belongs to everyone, not only to the people in the lab. Her generosity made sure UW–Madison research would reach classrooms, families and communities across Wisconsin. That vision is at the heart of the Wisconsin Idea.”
Erik Iverson, CEO, WARF
“As a UW–Madison alumna, Tashia gave back to her university with extraordinary generosity and purpose. She knew that bringing people together around science changes lives, from young students to seasoned researchers. The world was a better place because of Tashia. Our thoughts are with John and the entire Morgridge family.”
Deborah Keller, Chair, WARF Board of Trustees
