Thank you for another successful Day of the Badger! With 14 gifts, we’ve raised $2,598 for the Andrea Michelle Sperka Scholarship.
This undergraduate scholarship fund was created in memory of dedicated Sociology Student, Andrea Sperka. Throughout her undergraduate years, Andrea carried a demanding academic schedule while working to help meet her educational costs. In addition, Andrea often served as a volunteer, including her work with homeless children in Madison and in a township in South Africa.
Last year’s scholarship winner, Abby Grabowski, is co-founder and co-president of BridgeMadison, a local chapter of BridgeUSA. The group facilitates respectful discussion on political and social issues across differences, with an aim to minimize polarization in a critical moment for political engagement and understanding. Abby is also a Research Assistant at Collective for Reproductive Health Research & Justice.
Andrea has said, “Studying sociology helped me better understand the impact of a person’s conditions on their life chances…” She also acknowledged, “My sociology degree has challenged my pre-existing ideas about society and individuals, and made me confident in my ability to question the world around me and realize the possibility for change.”
We’re so proud of the sociology majors who carry on Andrea’s legacy of generosity and service, and we’re grateful to everyone who donated to the scholarship on Day of the Badger!