MADISON — UW-Madison sophomore Manal Mustafa and freshman Delenn Gillaspie are the recipients of the 2023 John and Katie Baumann Inspiration Project Scholarship.
This scholarship assists undergraduate students who graduated from Green County high schools and are attending UW-Madison. Both students represent the values consistent with the Wisconsin Idea.
“Katie and I are so proud to offer these two outstanding young women scholarships to help them attend one of the greatest institutions in the country, and our alma matter, the University of Wisconsin,” said John Baumann, former Colony Brands president and chief executive officer.
A child of immigrants, Manal Mustafa helped her family juggle day care for her sister, Nour, along with handling family chores and completing her homework, while her father worked 12-hour shifts at a restaurant and her mother ran a small business. Now studying political science and international studies at UW-Madison, she is driven to excel academically. She hopes to eventually attend University of Wisconsin Law School.
“This scholarship lifts the constant worry off my shoulders, allowing me to fully pursue my education without the constant worry of financial strain,” said Manal. “Receiving this scholarship isn’t just aid; it’s a promise of a brighter, more empowered future.”
For Delenn Gillaspie, engineering is the path for her to help change the world. As a member of Engineers Without Borders, Society of Women Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineering, she decided that she would like to pursue an education in mechanical engineering. Delenn won many math and science awards during her high school career. Her post-high school education choice has been clear for years.
“UW-Madison is a school that I have wanted to go to since I was a freshman [in high school],” said Delenn. “I never understood school pride until I came to UW-Madison.”
John Baumann (’82) and Catherine Doyle-Baumann (’85) initiated this scholarship fund. They are passionate members of the Badger community. John served on the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association Board of Directors for 11 years. He retired from his role as president and CEO of Colony Brands, Inc., after 35 years with the company and now serves as the president of the Colony Brands Foundation.
