Badger Kari Temkin (BS ‘09, Double Major: Community & Nonprofit Leadership and Women’s Studies) has been awarded the School of Human Ecology 2016 Early Career Alumni Award. Kari’s experiences as an undergrad at the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology propelled her into a life of public service. In her current position as the Badger Volunteers coordinator, Kari leads the operations, quality and growth of the program, a career that blends her passion for working with students with building community. In a recent interview, Kari stated, “I have the pleasure and honor of connecting over 800 students each semester with consistent and meaningful volunteer experiences.”
Following graduation, Kari completed two years of national service; with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and with Public Allies. After earning her Master’s in Public Service from Marquette University she joined the Morgridge Center for Public Service at UW-Madison.
“Be brave and explore new things, new ideas, new places, and new people.” Kari Temkin, 2015
It’s fitting that Kari’s career follows her passion for helping others. Referencing her 40+ hour work week, she states, “I want to make those hours count, work toward a mission I value and believe in, and be surrounded by compassionate, creative, and fun people.” When she is not at work, Kari serves as the board president for Young Nonprofit Professional Network Madison Chapter where she has been instrumental in supporting the launch of a membership model, increased outreach, promotion, and awareness of the group. And when responding to the question How did your experience as a SoHE student prepare you for your career?, Kari recently remarked, “What I learned through my studies was practical and immediately applicable.”
About the Award
The Early Career Alumni Award recognizes outstanding graduates who have received a degree or certificate from a program within the School of Human Ecology in the past ten years. Selection is based on demonstrated achievement and leadership within a chosen field and the potential for continued growth and success.
For nearly 113 years, alumni of the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made outstanding contributions in their field and in their communities. SoHE alums work in fields that contribute $65 billion to Wisconsin’s economy, and $3 trillion to the nation’s economy. The School of Human Ecology is proud to honor those individuals whose vision, passion and tenacity helped them improve the human experience.
2016 SoHE Alumni Awards Committee:
Laurie Reed, Chair (BA 1982, L&S; MS 1988, Consumer Science)
Brenda Chamberlain (BS 2002, Interior Design)
Mary Jaeger (BS 1978, Textile and Apparel Design; MS 1980, Related Art)
Yolanda Jenkins, vice chair, SoHE board of visitors
Kay Villa (BS 1979, Interior Design and Related Art – Textile Design)
Improving the Educational Experience
Annual gifts provide immediately available discretionary funds that the Dean uses develop students’ educational opportunities in ways that encourage more than intellectual growth. Individual support makes a profound impact on inspiring the next generation of Badger leaders and ground-shakers.
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