Statement From UWM Chancellor Thomas Gibson on the Passing of Tashia Morgridge
MILWAUKEE_Below is a statement from UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Thomas Gibson about Tashia Morgridge, who passed away on Friday, Oct. 30, at age 93. With her husband, John, she was co-founder of the Morgridge Institute for Research and a generous philanthropist.
“On behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tashia Morgridge, who passed away Friday. Her thoughtful advocacy and generous support for education have changed the lives of countless students across Wisconsin.
“Tashia believed in the equal value of every person and in each individual’s potential to shape their own future and contribute to the future of our society. She understood that higher education’s impact extends beyond a degree, strengthening personal well-being, deepening civic involvement, and helping people lead lives of purpose.
“Through the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars – created in 2007 by a gift of $175 million from John and Tashia Morgridge – UWM students have received more than $30 million. The Morgridge family has also generously funded scholarships for foster care students and other independent youth at UWM.
“Every day at UWM, the Morgridge family’s generosity helps students succeed, opens doors to opportunity and advances research that addresses society’s challenges. Her legacy lives on in the students whose futures she helped shape, the discoveries she made possible and the communities strengthened by both.
“Tashia represented the very best of Wisconsin. We join people across our state in honoring her life and expressing our gratitude for all she made possible.”
About UWM
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has an ambitious mission as both a top-tier research university and an access institution, striving to ensure that students have equitable opportunities to earn a college degree. UWM educates a diverse student body of more than 23,000 students from 83 countries. About 43% of its undergraduates are first-generation college students. Its unique and top-rated programs include Wisconsin’s only accredited schools of architecture and public health, the only North American school dedicated solely to freshwater sciences and a film program ranked among the top 50 in the world. It has the largest and top-rated online education program in Wisconsin. UW-Milwaukee partners with leading companies to conduct joint research, promote entrepreneurship, provide student internships and serve as an economic engine for southeastern Wisconsin. The Princeton Review named UW-Milwaukee a 2026 “Best Midwestern” university based on overall academic excellence and student reviews.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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