The honorees, whose careers span healthcare, humanitarian work, technology, sustainability, and community service, shared personal stories and reflections about their paths and the impact UW–Madison had on their careers. Each recipient received a custom glass award designed by UW alumna Barbara Westfall.
“These individuals are bright and shining examples of the importance of higher education and the uniqueness of UW–Madison to contribute to the common good,” said Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. “We’re here tonight to celebrate these amazing Badgers who are living the Wisconsin Idea and making a positive impact on the world.”
This year’s Luminary Award recipients included:
- Melissa Amundson ’99, oral and maxillofacial surgeon
- Victor Barnett ’82, founder and CEO, Running Rebels
- Ross Freedman ’97, cofounder, Origin
- Amed Khan ’91, president, Amed Khan Foundation
- Liz Lefkofsky ’91, president, Lefkofsky Family Foundation
- Petar Ostojic MS’05, CEO, Neptuno Pumps; executive director, Center of Innovation and Circular Economy; creator and host, Revolución Circular podcast
Amundson, who graduated with a degree in molecular biology in 1999, has performed pioneering work with Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria, treating children with devastating facial disfigurement affecting those in extreme poverty. Currently based at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Florida, she serves patients across a 14-county radius.
“Healthcare disparities is the thing that motivates me,” Amundson explained during the event. “A very outdated way of doing surgical projects was bringing doctors in from expat countries and then going back. The modernization is training surgeons that are actually local.”
Barnett, who earned his degree in communication arts in 1992, was honored for his four decades of mentorship work in Milwaukee. What began as basketball games with neighborhood youth during his college years has evolved into a nonprofit organization with 130 staff members serving more than 2,500 students across seven public schools.
“Getting them to be able to want more out of life and striving for that is so uplifting to me,” he said.
Freedman, a technology entrepreneur who earned his degree in information systems, was recognized for his contributions to data analytics and artificial intelligence. Previously, Freedman cofounded Rightpoint, which grew to an international firm with 12 offices and 800 employees before being acquired in 2019. He now mentors UW students and created the Badgers in Tech networking community.
Khan received the award for his frontline philanthropy work in conflict zones across 60 countries. A humanitarian who earned his degree in political science and international relations, Khan is the president of the Amed Khan Foundation, which conducts high-stakes operations such as large-scale evacuations, supply runs, and refugee housing efforts.
Khan shared a story about repurposing an old factory into apartment buildings for refugees during the European refugee crisis: “We spoke to the residents and said, ‘Look, you are stuck here for now. What can we do?’ The first thing was like, ‘We would love a place with a door’ because they literally had nothing.”
Lefkofsky, who graduated with a sociology degree, was recognized for her work as president of the Lefkofsky Family Foundation, which awards grants in education, medicine, human rights, and the arts. Her initiatives include programs that enable teenagers to give back to their communities.
Ostojic traveled from Chile to accept his award for pioneering work in sustainable manufacturing. As CEO of Neptune Pumps, Ostojic transformed his family’s business into a company that uses recycled parts and eliminates waste at every step of the manufacturing process. He also founded Latin America’s first Center of Innovation and Circular Economy.
“What’s going on in Chile now is amazing,” Ostojic said. “We’re one of the most conscious countries in the world in terms of circularity and mixing technology and sustainability.”
During the moderated conversation led by the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Jessica Arp, the honorees discussed how UW–Madison influenced their career trajectories and shaped the goals they still hope to accomplish.
When asked about facing challenges throughout their careers, the alumni emphasized the importance of resilience and risk-taking. “The greatest advice I was ever given is not to be afraid to fail,” said Lefkofsky. “When you’re in school, fear of failure is everything. But when you go into the workplace, fear of failure is your enemy. Your only way to go big is to not be afraid.”
Looking toward the future, the honorees remain committed to service and making a difference. Ostojic hopes to advance the circular economy to the point where it’s simply called “economy.” Lefkofsky focuses on ensuring all teenagers in America have access to reproductive choices, while Amundson dreams of establishing a non-governmental organization to expand her specialty’s footprint in underserved regions.
The evening concluded with the alumni offering advice to their younger selves, with themes of reducing stress, maintaining perspective during life’s highs and lows, and taking time to appreciate the college experience.
The Luminary Awards ceremony exemplified the Wisconsin Idea in action, showcasing how UW–Madison graduates continue to apply their education and talents toward improving communities around the world.