MADISON, Wis. — John and Tashia Morgridge, University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni, have pledged $85.2 million to support the renovation of the 139-year-old Science Hall, a project expected to begin in 2027.
This gift is the leading private contribution to UW-Madison’s $163.2 million plan to restore and modernize the historic building.
The Morgridges have a long history of philanthropy at UW-Madison. They previously donated $140 million toward the construction of Morgridge Hall, home to the new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence and included a $50 million challenge grant to inspire other donors.
Additionally, they contributed $25 million to support UW-Madison’s new College of Engineering building.
“We have been partners in everything — in life, in our love for Wisconsin, and in our belief that the more personally involved you become with the places you care about, the more effective you can be,” Tashia Morgridge said in a press release. “Science Hall has stood at the heart of this campus for more than a century… We want every student who walks through those doors to feel the full weight of what is possible.”
Science Hall has stood at the heart of the UW-Madison campus since 1887 and is used today as the Department of Geography and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. The five-story building spans about 98,000 square feet, was listed in 1993 on the National Register of Historic places and is the oldest lecture hall at UW-Madison that is still in active use.
The project will preserve the Science Hall’s historic character while bringing the building up to modern standards.
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of John and Tashia Morgridge, Science Hall will become an even more vibrant home for curiosity, collaboration and human connection that spark discovery,” Eric Wilcots, UW-Madison interim chancellor said in a statement.
Planned exterior renovations includes restoring the building’s iconic red brick, original wood doors and stone staircases. The plans also involve a roof replacement, repairs to masonry and terracotta features and windows upgrades to meet modern energy-efficiency standards.
Interior renovations will focus on mechanical updates and accessibility improvements, including safety upgrades, Americans with Disabilities Act work and HVAC needs. Plans also include removing non-historic partitions to restore accessible, collaborative spaces.
This gift also holds a personal meaning for John. His brother, Dean Morgridge spent a significant amount of time in the Science Hall, as a geology graduate student.
“Science Hall shaped how I think about what UW stands for,” John said. “Tashia and I owe a great deal to this university. Our first check to the UW was for $5. Today, we have the means to do more, and it is our duty to do it. We hope this investment honors the past while giving the next generation of students and scholars the tools they need to tackle what comes next.”
This gift from the Morgridges includes a portion of their wealth that they have committed to donate to philanthropic causes and will help the Science Hall to flourish on the UW-Madison campus.
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