MONROE - Three Monroe natives recently invested in the future of Monroe High School students looking to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The John and Katie Baumann Inspiration Project Scholarship Fund and the Lori and David Nicholas Scholarship Fund were put in place to specifically provide financial aid to UW undergraduate students from MHS in need of funding assistance.
Both the Nicholases and Baumanns donated $125,000 to their scholarship funds.
"We want to target the high character of local youth," John Baumann said. "I kept in touch with Lori and we had been talking and thought this was a good opportunity for Monroe."
Lori McGraw Nicholas and John and Katie Baumann decided to establish their own scholarship funds in collaboration with the UW Nicholas Match, which was funded in 2015 by UW alumni Ab and Nancy Nicholas. A total of $50 million is dedicated to matching any scholarship funds in conjunction with it.
The Baumanns and Nicholases are alumni of the university. John Baumann said the $125,000 donation from each couple will be provided equal amounts from the Nicholas Match.
"Certainly tuition costs have gone up from our day," John Baumann said. "Things are much different now."
He specifically pointed to McGraw Nicholas, who noted in a press release from the university that when she attended UW-Madison, she paid for tuition out of pocket with a job.
"When I consider how much tuition costs have increased since that time, I don't know that a student could do the same today," McGraw Nicholas said. "David and I want Monroe students to have the same opportunities we had at the University of Wisconsin."
Through continued connection on the board of directors for the UW Foundation, John Baumann knew of the Nicholas Match and its funding potential for students in need of scholarships.
John Baumann said both scholarships are need-based. There is no requirement for field of study for scholarship applicants. But he added that he and Katie are looking to provide financial assistant to young people in Monroe who will make their communities better through volunteerism and leadership positions, whether they return to Monroe or find their place in another part of Wisconsin.
"It's the essence of the Wisconsin Idea," he said, referencing the UW System philosophy that all UW research and work be dedicated to making better a variety of facets within the state.
"Those with a little bit of brawn and a lot of heart, that's what we're looking for," John Baumann said. "I think it's a great opportunity for Monroe youth."
The John and Katie Baumann Inspiration Project Scholarship Fund and the Lori and David Nicholas Scholarship Fund were put in place to specifically provide financial aid to UW undergraduate students from MHS in need of funding assistance.
Both the Nicholases and Baumanns donated $125,000 to their scholarship funds.
"We want to target the high character of local youth," John Baumann said. "I kept in touch with Lori and we had been talking and thought this was a good opportunity for Monroe."
Lori McGraw Nicholas and John and Katie Baumann decided to establish their own scholarship funds in collaboration with the UW Nicholas Match, which was funded in 2015 by UW alumni Ab and Nancy Nicholas. A total of $50 million is dedicated to matching any scholarship funds in conjunction with it.
The Baumanns and Nicholases are alumni of the university. John Baumann said the $125,000 donation from each couple will be provided equal amounts from the Nicholas Match.
"Certainly tuition costs have gone up from our day," John Baumann said. "Things are much different now."
He specifically pointed to McGraw Nicholas, who noted in a press release from the university that when she attended UW-Madison, she paid for tuition out of pocket with a job.
"When I consider how much tuition costs have increased since that time, I don't know that a student could do the same today," McGraw Nicholas said. "David and I want Monroe students to have the same opportunities we had at the University of Wisconsin."
Through continued connection on the board of directors for the UW Foundation, John Baumann knew of the Nicholas Match and its funding potential for students in need of scholarships.
John Baumann said both scholarships are need-based. There is no requirement for field of study for scholarship applicants. But he added that he and Katie are looking to provide financial assistant to young people in Monroe who will make their communities better through volunteerism and leadership positions, whether they return to Monroe or find their place in another part of Wisconsin.
"It's the essence of the Wisconsin Idea," he said, referencing the UW System philosophy that all UW research and work be dedicated to making better a variety of facets within the state.
"Those with a little bit of brawn and a lot of heart, that's what we're looking for," John Baumann said. "I think it's a great opportunity for Monroe youth."