This past weekend, 25 outstanding students were celebrated as recipients of the 2026 Ginsberg Family Awards at a special reception in front of their family and friends. Each spring, Student Affairs honors graduating seniors whose leadership, service, and scholarship have shaped the UW–Madison experience for all.
This year’s awardees have:
- Championed health equity and cancer research
- Mentored hundreds of their peers
- Founded – and grew – campus organizations
- Driven sustainability initiatives
- Advocated for their communities
- Competed and presented at national conferences
“These are the best-of-the-best of our student leaders, and that is not a title we give lightly,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor. “Each of the recipients is a remarkable group of student leaders whose accomplishments span public health, innovation, advocacy, research, and community-building. [They] learned how to lead, how to connect, how to push through with integrity. That’s the Badger Way.”
The Ginsberg Family Awards carry a rich history on campus. The program originated in 1993 as the Meyerhoff Undergraduate Excellence Awards, distributing scholarships to hundreds of exemplary student leaders.
In 2018, the Ginsberg family stepped forward to continue the tradition by honoring the late Paul Ginsberg, who served as UW–Madison’s Dean of Students from 1970 to 1987. The Ginsberg family’s connection to the university runs deep as they remain strong advocates for students. Larry Ginsberg, Paul’s son, was the first chair of Student Affairs’ Board of Visitors and continues to serve on the board today.
Though the Ginsberg family was unable to attend the reception in person this year, a video message from Larry Ginsberg was shared during the event. His words captured the spirit his father championed throughout his years at UW–Madison. “You all represent the antithesis of apathy. You represent what my father would have really loved — the spirit of giving to the community around you…giving of your passion and your energy, taking what you learned and experienced in life … and giving back to the world around you.”