Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is set to name its new Computer, Data & Information Sciences building after alumni John and Tashia Morgridge following their generous gift of $140 million towards the project. The building, known as Morgridge Hall, is expected to be a hub of learning, creativity, and innovation in the fields of computing, data, and information sciences.

John and Tashia Morgridge, who have a longstanding history of philanthropy and service, have made significant contributions to UW–Madison over the years. The couple's donation, which includes a $50 million challenge grant to inspire other donors, has been instrumental in bringing Morgridge Hall to fruition. The building is scheduled to open in 2025 and will feature modern classrooms, research facilities, collaborative spaces, and a commitment to sustainability.

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin expressed gratitude towards the Morgridges, stating, "We are honored to name this transformative building ‘Morgridge Hall’ in recognition of John and Tashia’s deeply transformative contributions, both to this building and to so many aspects of our great university."

College of Letters & Science Dean Eric Wilcots highlighted the impact of Morgridge Hall, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration and innovation across campus and the broader community. CDIS Founding Director Tom Erickson also praised the Morgridges for their vision and collaboration in designing a sustainable and flexible building that will benefit students, researchers, and industry partners.

John Morgridge himself shared his hopes for the future occupants of Morgridge Hall, stating, "Thousands of young minds will walk its halls, occupy its labs and sit in its classrooms, and their assignment will be to understand and address some of the world’s most pressing problems." The building is designed to be the most sustainable structure on campus, incorporating features to conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and utilize solar energy.

The construction of Morgridge Hall, the largest privately funded project in UW’s history, is a testament to the Morgridges' commitment to education, research, and community engagement. The facility is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing education, research, and service in the state by bringing together a diverse set of disciplines in innovative ways at UW–Madison.