$781K in scholarships awarded to ECE undergraduates

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) proudly recognized outstanding students at its 2025 Undergraduate Scholarship Reception. This year, 146 students were awarded 180 scholarships totaling $781,500, made possible through the generous support of alumni and partners of the department and the College of Engineering. This investment underscores the community’s deep commitment to advancing student success and academic excellence.

Department Chair Susan Hagness welcomed guests to the event and spoke directly to the recipients. “Technology is evolving at a pace that is both exciting and daunting, and our society faces new and pressing challenges that demand thoughtful, innovative engineering solutions.  So, when I look at all of you, I see a talented generation of emerging engineers with the knowledge, creativity, and determination to shape a better future.”

Hagness touted the achievements of the scholarship recipients who, beyond stellar academic records, contribute to their community through student organizations, volunteer opportunities, tutoring and mentoring, and undergraduate research. “Collectively, you ALL represent the very best of what it means to be an ECE Badger: curious, ambitious, and ready to take on challenges.”

Zach Gunderson, a senior studying computer engineering, shared his perspective on receiving his fourth scholarship. He talked about how the scholarship allowed him to spend more time helping others, pursue internships, and hold a student research position. Gunderson stated that he was given the gift of financial help that “opened up my focus towards how to develop my career rather than find my next meal.”

Gunderson finished his remarks by thanking scholarship sponsors as well as “the professors who teach their wonderful wisdom, and the students who are along for the ride with me. All of which help make being a Badger amazing.”

Hagness closed the program with a message to students, “As you continue your journey, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity, remain bold in your ideas, and remember that the skills you are building here have the power to improve lives and transform communities.”

Photo at top of page: Hagness with Layla Tijani Badrul Hisham, recipient of a Harold A. and Marion F. Peterson Undergraduate Award

Images by Todd Brown, UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health – Media Solutions