From left to right. clockwise, are photos of The Family Center at Edgewood University; a student mentor and student participating in LARY Buddies at Lawrence University; the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics volunteer and van; and the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured student volunteers.

It’s a Way of Life Strengthening Wisconsin Communities

Every morning on our campuses, long before classes begin, students from our twenty Wisconsin private colleges can be found helping neighbors by tutoring local children, packing meals, supporting shelters, or lending their growing talents to nonprofits that support the region.

Students don’t just learn on our campuses. They lead, give, and lift others up. This spirit of service is woven into daily life on campus, forming a bond between the college and the community that is as strong as it is heartfelt.

These stories of generosity and service unfold against the backdrop of Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges generating a remarkable $5.4 billion in economic activity statewide.

While the numbers highlight statewide influence, it’s the human stories, the people, partnerships, and purpose-driven work that reveal how deeply our colleges enrich the communities they call home.

Ask any student why they chose a Wisconsin Private College, and you’ll likely hear about the sense of belonging, the opportunity to make a difference, and the college’s commitment to strengthening the community. This sense of community is shared with staff and continues with our alumni.

And it’s this cooperative spirit that motivated WAICU-member faculty, staff, students and alumni to volunteer 440,000 hours in 2024-2025.

Every corner of the state holds examples of this community service. Below are a few examples:

• At Edgewood University, The Family Center offers confidential, affordable psychotherapy services for children, teens, individuals, couples, and families of Southcentral Wisconsin.
• At Lawrence University, students help children discover the joy of reading through LARY Buddies. This program pairs student mentors with K-5 learners at Edison Elementary for one to two hours each week of academic support, encouragement, and connection.
• The Marquette University Law School’s Office of Public Service supports pro bono work statewide through the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics, partnering with other organizations.
• At the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), the Saturday Clinic for the uninsured is a primary care clinic run by MCW medical and pharmacy students. The clinic offers free health services to uninsured patients in Milwaukee.

These volunteer shifts are part of each college’s identity.

Service work gives purpose, enriches academic studies, and builds bridges between campus and community that last long after graduation.

Rural, suburban, and urban communities throughout the state benefit from the volunteer and philanthropic spirit embodied at many private, nonprofit colleges and universities. This spirit of giving back is rooted in the founding missions of private, nonprofit institutions.

For more information about the Economic Impact Report visit our website or email WAICU Researcher LinhAhn Le.