Morgridge Center for Public Service

Morgridge Center for Public Service is a university-affiliated organization in Madison, Wisconsin, dedicated to connecting the University of Wisconsin, Madison community with local and global partners through service, learning, and research. It serves students, faculty, staff, and community organizations by offering programs in community-based learning, civic engagement, and community-engaged scholarship. The center supports initiatives such as the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship, Badger Volunteers, and Community Health Volunteers, fostering reciprocal relationships that address critical social issues. With a 4.60 rating based on seven reviews, it is recognized for its impactful work in advancing public service across campus and beyond.

Rooted in the Wisconsin Idea, the Morgridge Center was founded in 1996 with a generous endowment from alumni John and Tashia Morgridge. It builds on decades of campus service history, including the Volunteer Services Office established in 1972 and the Peace Corps recruitment presence that began in the 1960s. The center operates under a mission to connect campus and community through service and learning, guided by values of lifelong civic engagement, community-based learning, and mutually respectful partnerships. It supports a range of programs, including academic service learning, community-engaged research, and civic initiatives like the WISCIENCE program and the Film Social Justice Series, all aligned with the six Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement developed at Stanford.

Located at Red Gym, Room 154, 716 Langdon Street, the center sits just a short walk from several prominent campus landmarks. It is about 0.1 miles from Alumni Park, the LGBT Campus Center, Inspiration Garden, and The Lantern, and less than a quarter mile from Memorial Library, one of the university’s central academic hubs. These landmarks reflect the vibrant, community-oriented environment that surrounds the center.

The Morgridge Center is widely recognized for its thorough, well-documented presence online, with a website that search engines read clearly and efficiently. Its digital footprint is strong, featuring detailed program descriptions, staff profiles, and current news, ensuring consistent and accessible information for students, partners, and the public.

By advancing civic engagement and community-based learning, the Morgridge Center strengthens Madison’s commitment to democratic values and social equity, turning university knowledge into tangible public benefit.

Services:

• Community-based Learning Courses
• Badger Volunteers Program
• Wisconsin Idea Fellowship
• Community-Engaged Leadership Retreat
• Student Organization Partnership Program