State Representative Fred Kessler and Appeals Court Judge Joan Kessler have donated $300,000 toward a new scholarship fund for Milwaukee Public School students enrolling at UW-Milwaukee.
The Kesslers are looking for students who exude leadership skills, both in student government and community outreach. By creating this scholarship, Fred Kessler said he wants to support the “judges, state legislators, and leaders of the future.” Those graduating from MPS and enrolling in the upcoming 2016-17 UW-Milwaukee school year will be able to receive up to or about 30% of tuition for a full-time UWM student. Previously, the Kesslers have given three $1,500 scholarships per year since 2008, along with other donations towards different scholarships in other’s names. By lessening the burden of how to pay for school, Kessler wants scholars to continue their passion for student government by carrying over their knowledge and leadership to college.
The Kesslers are looking for students who exude leadership skills, both in student government and community outreach. By creating this scholarship, Fred Kessler said he wants to support the “judges, state legislators, and leaders of the future.” Those graduating from MPS and enrolling in the upcoming 2016-17 UW-Milwaukee school year will be able to receive up to $2,790, or about 30% of tuition for a full-time UWM student. Previously, the Kesslers have given three $1,500 scholarships per year since 2008, along with other donations towards different scholarships in other’s names. By lessening the burden of how to pay for school, Kessler wants scholars to continue their passion for student government by carrying over their knowledge and leadership to college.
When asked why specifically this fund was set for students enrolling into UWM, Fred Kessler stated he “wants kids to make the choice to go to a four-year institution instead of a two year.”
Not only can UWM be a gateway for opportunities, but it is also known as a more affordable institution for commuters and city residents.
Coming from humble beginnings, Fred Kessler was born and raised here in Milwaukee and attended Milwaukee Lutheran High School. After graduation, he went on to earn both his bachelors and law degree from UW-Madison. Kessler has been apart of the Wisconsin County Assembly since his beginnings in 1960, as well as later being appointed as County Court and Circuit Court judge. In 2004, Fred Kessler was voted back into Legislation as Assembly District 12 State Representative. Joan Kessler, Fred Kessler’s wife, graduated from the University of Kansas and earned her law degree cum laude from Marquette University. The list of judicial activity found on Joan Kessler’s Wisconsin Court System page is extensive and includes membership in the American Law Institute, Lawyers Association for Women, and the Wisconsin Bar Association.
Understanding the obstacles low and middle-class households have to overcome in affording an education, the Kesslers have been avid supporters of public institutions and scholarship funds for those needing it the most. For the past decade, the duo has given scholarships and donations to high schools within Kessler’s legislative district based on the understanding that these schools produce exemplary graduates.