UW-Extension Financial Education Team Receives Chancellor’s Award
Team reached more than 42,000 people with financial education during tough economy

A team of UW-Extension Family Living Educators from across the state was honored for its work addressing economic challenges faced by Wisconsin families and communities with an award from the Chancellor of UW-Extension and UW Colleges.

The Family Living Financial Education team received the Award for Excellence for leadership and success in financial security education that enables Wisconsin residents and communities to make better consumer and financial management decisions, said Ray Cross, Chancellor of UW-Extension and UW Colleges.

Cross presented the team with its award at the institutions’ annual Chancellor’s Awards Reception, Sept. 22, in Madison. The awards recognize UW Colleges and UW-Extension partners, supporters and employees for their outstanding contributions that enhance the quality of life in Wisconsin.

“Today’s award recipients have been chosen by their peers because of their exemplary commitment to bringing the resources of the university to the people of the state. It’s my privilege to draw attention to their good work,” said Cross.

Between 2008-2010, Family Financial Education team members and colleagues provided financial education to more than 42,000 individuals, from preschoolers to senior citizens. The team also trained almost 2,000 community volunteers on the basics of household financial management so that volunteers from human service agencies, food pantries and financial institutions were better equipped to counsel about budgeting and wise use of credit. The team’s website, “Managing Personal Finances in Tough Times,” logged over 21,000 visits during the past six months.

The team is led by Peggy Olive, Family Living Educator from Richland County UW-Extension and Michael Collins, Family and Consumer Economic Specialist and Director of the UW-Madison Center for Financial Security.

Team members include:

UW-Extension includes Cooperative Extension offices in 72 counties and three tribal nations, 12 Small Business Development Centers, and outreach and e-learning programs delivered via the 26 UW System campuses and distance-learning channels, as well as the statewide networks of Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television.

For more information on family financial education, contact Michelle Tidemann, UW-Extension Fond du Lac County, 227 Administration Extension Bldg., 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac WI 54935 at 920-929-3174 or visit the UW-Extension Fond du Lac County web site: https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu