Student Named ‘Young Philanthropist of the Year’

Alex Haunty, third from left, joined by Gary Klein, Catherine Zdeblick, and College President Scott Flanagan at National Philanthropy Day.

Madison, Wis. (November 13, 2015) – Alex Haunty, a student at Edgewood College, has been named the ‘Young Philanthropist of the Year’ by the Madison chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Haunty was honored at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon at the Overture Center in Madison.

“Alex’s generosity and spirit are inspirational to us all,” President Scott Flanagan said. “He exemplifies the sense of selfless service Edgewood College strives to cultivate in all of our students. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of such recognition than Alex.”

Haunty is a native of Middleton, Wis. and a student in the College’s Cutting Edge program. An aspiring artist, he is honored for his unique approach to helping others enjoy the arts. Haunty sells his paintings and uses the proceeds to host dozens of fellow students and others to attend musicals at the Overture Center. He was recently commissioned by the Overture Center to create a work to thank arts benefactors Pleasant Rowland and Jerry Frautschi. That painting, “Take A Bow,” now hangs in the Center.

More information about this remarkable young person may be found at www.inspiringartbyalex.com

About the Cutting Edge program

The Cutting Edge program was initiated in 2007. It is the only program in Wisconsin and one of only about 40 programs nationwide that offers a fully integrated higher education experience for adult learners with intellectual challenges and other developmental disabilities like Down syndrome, autism spectrum, traumatic brain injuries, and cerebral palsy. Using a structure of student-centered

individualized advising and peer mentorship with graduate and undergraduate students, Cutting Edge students are encouraged and assisted in their efforts to take courses, live independently on campus and in the community, take part in campus social events, clubs, interest groups and activities, and participate in community service, internship, and employment opportunities. The goal of the program is to offer students a full college experience that helps them develop the skills and self-determination necessary for post-school success.

(Photo courtesy Overture Center)