Governor Jim Doyle has high praise for the generosity of John and Tashia Morgridge: $175 million to support a Fund for Wisconsin Scholars , and provide need-based financial aid for thousands of students. Still, Doyle wants to make sure the Legislature doesn't get the wrong idea. Doyle says the generous gift doesn't let the state off the hook for providing financial aid.
Doyle notes that many Wisconsin families are unable to afford the costs of a college education for their kids. The gift from the Morgridges comes on top of a $40 million endowment from the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation , aimed at providing financial aid for students who sign the Wisconsin Covenant.