The Graduate School at UW–Madison welcomed five outstanding scholars into the university’s chapter of the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society this academic year, including two PhD students from the School of Education.
- Virginia Downing, PhD student in Educational Policy Studies
- Tracy C. Guan, PhD student in Counseling Psychology
The Bouchet Society celebrates the legacy of Edward Alexander Bouchet, who in 1876 was the first African American to earn a PhD in the United States. The society aims to build a community of scholars who demonstrate academic excellence, foster supportive environments, and serve as leaders and advocates for students traditionally underrepresented in academia.
“It is a great honor to get to know these outstanding doctoral students and future leaders,” said William J. Karpus, dean of the Graduate School. “I am in awe of their passion and talent, as well as their innovative contributions to scholarship and research. They embody the values of Dr. Bouchet and of the society, as well as the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea.”
This marks UW–Madison’s 15th year participating in the Bouchet Society. Since its inception, 75 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars have been inducted into the university’s chapter.
“We’re profoundly pleased with the longevity of this program,” states Abbey Thompson, assistant dean in the Graduate School. “Our past inductees have gone on to launch brilliant careers. We are extremely proud of our new inductees for their outstanding contributions to their academic disciplines and positive impact on those around them.”
The Graduate School celebrated the new Bouchet Society inductees on Dec. 2 at the Pyle Center. Each scholar was introduced by a mentor or member of their academic community and received a medallion and sponsorship certificate as they became part of a national community spanning 20 chapters across the United States.
The inductees are invited to present their work at the Bouchet Annual Conference at Yale University in the spring.
Read more about this year’s Bouchet Society inductees.