“All the nominees represent the Wisconsin Idea which is the century-old guiding philosophy that UW-Madison outreach efforts should positively impact the lives of people in Wisconsin and throughout the world,” stated the press release.[break]
“I’m continually inspired by the ideas and ambitions that flow from the young people the UW graduates every semester,” said Paula Bonner, WAA’s President and CEO.
“These particular alumni are extraordinary, even by university standards.”
Khanal is honored for his outstanding contribution in promoting sustainable development in Nepal and throughout the world.
In his last semester before graduation, tsunami struck several Asian countries.
Shisir began to volunteer with Sarvodaya USA, a Madison-based organization. Sarvodaya USA was a small volunteer organization run by university staff, students and faculty.
“As Executive Director, Shisir has transferred a volunteer organization into a viable and vibrant organization that is supporting programs in South Asia and hopes to expand its reach in other developing countries,” said Richard S. Brooks, Chairman of Sarvodaya USA Board.
Since 2005, Khanal has raised more than US$5 million to build a thousand homes and a regional development center and to supply food for 35,000 refugees and hundreds of thousands of others who lost homes to the tsunami and war in Sri Lanka.
Khanal is working on possible high school programs in Haiti, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
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