MADISON, Wis. — The 20th Annual Forever Badgers Endowment Donor Appreciation Luncheon took place on UW's campus at Union South on Friday, Sept. 27. This special event provides the opportunity to recognize and thank the many individuals who have made generous contributions to establish and support endowed funds.

Donors to Wisconsin Athletics, Badger student-athletes, Badger coaches and administrators were present, as well as members of the UW Athletic Board.

"Endowed scholarships make a strong impact on the education of our student-athletes. We are grateful for those donors who choose to support Wisconsin Athletics in this way" said Assistant Athletic Director for Development Chad Kimmel. "The annual Endowment Donor Appreciation Luncheon provides the opportunity for our generous endowment donors to meet the student-athlete that they've sponsored."

This year, over 300 individuals attended the event. Attendees heard remarks from Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez, University of Wisconsin Foundation President and CEO Mike Knetter and Wisconsin Athletics donor Dan Rashke. Rashke and his wife, Patti, have established an endowed scholarship in support of Wisconsin men's basketball. This year's recipient of the Dan and Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation endowed scholarship is men's basketball student-athlete, Brad Davison, who was the luncheon's featured student-athlete speaker.

"Wisconsin is a very unique place "Not only do we get to compete for championships, but we also have the benefit of pursuing an education that will set us up for years to come" @braddavi34 spoke at this year's Endowment Donor Luncheon. Thanks to those who support our Badgers!

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) September 28, 2019

Davison is also this year's recipient of the Hamel Family Scholarship, the Mike and Shelley Muranyi Final Four Men's Basketball Scholarship and the Wiegand Family Scholarship.

Currently, over 250 endowments have been established for scholarship and operational support. The Wisconsin Athletic Department extends appreciation to these individuals and families for their impactful investment in the long-term academic and athletic excellence of Badgers student-athletes.

Each year the Wisconsin Athletic Department faces the challenge of funding the scholarships of nearly 450 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports. Over 14,000 donors annually contribute to help meet those needs, which include over $13 million in scholarship expenses.

For more information on the Forever Badgers Endowment Program, please visit www.SupportTheBadgers.org or contact the Wisconsin Athletic Development Office at 608-262-1000 or development@uwbadgers.com.