Why should you support the Computer Sciences Department?
It's no surprise that the UW-Madison Computer Science Department is accomplishing great things.
Our alumni network is large over 6,500 strong talented, and very supportive of our mission.
Over a third of our alumni have helped advanced our programs by participating in our affiliates programs,
mentoring and hiring students and providing the financial resources needed to sustain a world-class Computer Sciences Department.
As you may know, state support for the university has waned in recent years, due to rising state obligations
for health care and other non-discretionary items. Since 1989-90, the state's share of UW-Madison's budget
has dropped from 34% to less than 20% today. This state tax money provides a significant portion of our
core educational budget, while keeping tuition to the second lowest in the Big 10. Constricting state
funding reduces the Department's ability to develop new programs, attract and support top undergraduate and
graduate students, and recruit and retain outstanding faculty members, which will ultimately determine the quality of everything we do.
The challenge we face today is how to prevent an erosion in quality commensurate with the erosion in
state support. While the state faces legitimate fiscal strains, we must act now to maintain excellence
at UW-Madison. This will require increased alumni support and judicious use of those resources.
While nearly one-third of our alumni have donated to the university in the recent past, and over 10% have
given gifts of $500 or more, only a small percentage direct their gifts to the Computer Sciences Department.
Please consider making an annual gift to directly support the initiatives of the Computer Sciences Department.
Making a gift sends a strong signal about the value you place on your University of Wisconsin
Computer Sciences degree. Gifts made to the Computer Sciences Department Annual Fund provide
the resources needed to invest in new initiatives, recruit and retain outstanding faculty members,
provide competitive support for graduate students, and build excellence in the undergraduate program.
With increased alumni support we can provide the following returns:
A degree with a strong reputation
Financial support enables the Computer Sciences Department to attract and retain high
quality faculty, provide innovative programs, attract high-caliber students, perform world-class
research, and provide state-of-the-art facilities. These elements play a key role in maintaining
the reputation of the UW-Madison Computer Sciences Department as one of the highest quality undergraduate programs.
Enhanced alumni experience
Gifts from alumni and friends of the Computer Sciences Department help us provide the services
we offer Wisconsin alumni, including free alumni email accounts, Alumni Connection, and the Badger
Bytes newsletter. Additional gifts will help us expand these services, including alumni networking
events to help you stay connected with the department and your peers.
Outstanding future computer science students and leaders
Financial gifts will provide scholarship assistance, student organization support and opportunities
for professional development that will help future students prepare for their careers.
We look forward to working with you to make a strong future our reality.
Thank you for your support!