Tashia Frankfurth Morgridge, who partnered with her husband John Morgridge in multiple university endeavors, including the Morgridge Institute for Research that bears their name, has passed away at age 93.
The Wisconsin native died on Friday, Oct. 30, and she is being remembered as a passionate educator and generous philanthropist.
Literacy was one focus of her philanthropy. To encourage faculty to improve reading education, she established UW–Madison’s Tashia Morgridge distinguished chair in reading and literacy.
Interim Chancellor Eric M. Wilcots said Morgridge “brought strength, grace, warmth, and inspirational humility” to the people who had the privilege of knowing her.
“It is impossible to overstate the impact she — in deep partnership with her husband, John — had on the University of Wisconsin–Madison,” Wilcots said in a university press release.
“She will be greatly missed. On behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to John, their children, family, and friends,” Wilcots said.
