UW-Madison is noted for its community and the lasting impact it has on its students, especially finance-major Ted Kellner ‘69 and his wife, education-major Mary Kellner ‘68, co-founders of the Milwaukee-sourced Kelben Foundation. As Mequon natives, the couple has always found comfort branching out to their Wisconsin community.
Among other generous donations to school systems, the two have been public servants for most of their careers: Mary served as an MTSD guidance counselor and Ted has established and run two local fiduciary companies. More recently, the couple hopes to fund future UW-Madison graduates on their endeavors by donating $7 million to the School of Education. This donation is a grand effort to help thousands of new students on their journey to giving back to their community as Mary did as an educator.
Associate Dean for Teacher Education at UW-Madison Thomas Owenby is a first-hand witness of the generosity of the Kellners and Kelben Foundation. As a leader in the School of Education, he sees the impact this will have for years to come, especially in the Pledge Program.
“The $7 million Kellner gift has helped us to extend the UW-Madison School of Education Wisconsin Teacher Pledge Program until 2029, provide ongoing professional development to UW-Madison teacher education alumni to support retention in the education field through our Early Career Teaching Institute and to develop and fund innovative, high-quality teacher preparation programs,” Owenby said.
This program, which promises to reimburse education-major graduates completely if they teach in Wisconsin will not only impact future educators but that of their whole community.
“The Teacher Pledge pays the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing and licensing costs for students who pledge to teach in any public or private school in Wisconsin for at least four years — or three years in high-need subject areas or school districts. Through the Teacher Pledge, Early Career Teaching Institute, and our other efforts in the Mary T. Kellner Teacher Education Center, we plan to continue to play a leading role in preparing passionate, skilled teachers to serve the students and families of Wisconsin,” Owenby said.
From the perspective of an undergraduate, this gift and the Pledge Program encompass that of the world to them.
Isa Travanty, ‘25 music education-major, is just one of thousands who will graduate knowing she doesn’t bear the burden of student debt.
“I think funding programs for future educators will help the education field a lot. Many teachers are underpaid and helping them with funding during college can combat student loans significantly,” Travanty said.
Among other things, the Kellner’s 2024 gift is something that will fuel the drive of an already-amazing education program at UW.
“I chose to study education at UW-Madison because UW is known for both their music and education schools. At the end of the day, the quality of education I would receive here is better than what I would’ve gotten at my other top choices for college,” Travanty said.
For graduates of the School of Education, this gift is something to look forward to and be grateful for.
Spanish teacher Sarah Rossman graduated Madison with the same community aspect the Kellners donated upon.
“I grew up knowing the academic strength as well as Badger spirit that UW-Madison encompasses. Even though I had the support of my family to go to a four-year university, cost was still a consideration, like it is for any student. If someone is willing to put the work in to go to college and achieve a higher education, this donation will help them accomplish their dreams,” Rossman said.
