For 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County has been grounded in a simple but powerful belief: when young people have consistent, caring mentors in their lives, they are more likely to reach their full potential. Across six decades, thousands of Bigs, Littles, families, donors, and partners have come together to create life-changing friendships that strengthen not only individual lives, but our entire community.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re not just looking back - we’re also looking forward. One of the most meaningful ways we’re doing that is through the launch of our Alumni Ambassador Program, an initiative designed to reconnect with the people who know our impact best: our alumni.
Why Mentorship Matters - Then and Now
The need for mentorship hasn’t changed in 60 years. Many young people in Dane County still face instability, stress, and uncertainty, whether due to family challenges, systemic barriers, or lack of access to consistent adult support. Big Brothers Big Sisters exists to help fill that gap by matching youth with caring adults who show up, listen, and model what’s possible.
The ripple effects of these relationships are profound. Research consistently shows that mentored youth are more confident, more connected to school and community, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. But beyond the data are the real stories, relationships that last decades and shape lives in ways that are impossible to measure.
From a Match to a Lifetime Bond
One of those stories belongs to Joe, who was matched with his Big Brother, Nate, when Joe was in fourth grade. At the time, Joe’s family was navigating the challenges of incarceration and substance abuse, and his mother sought out Big Brothers Big Sisters in hopes of providing her son with a steady, positive role model.
Nate, then a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, became exactly that, and more. He introduced Joe to UW sports through his job at Camp Randall, shared his love of music, and took the time to talk with Joe about civic engagement, including the importance of voting and being involved in the community.
As the relationship grew, so did the opportunities Nate opened for Joe. One of the most transformative experiences was Joe’s first trip overseas, traveling with Nate to Amsterdam and Paris. Those experiences broadened Joe’s worldview and sparked a lifelong passion for travel and curiosity about the world beyond his own neighborhood.
Importantly, their connection didn’t end when Joe grew older or aged out of the program. Nate remained a constant presence, visiting Joe in Chicago, living nearby during Joe’s college years in Milwaukee, and showing up for major milestones. He joined Joe and his family in Arizona and even attended Joe’s wedding in the Dominican Republic. Today, Nate has met Joe’s children and is considered part of the family. What began as a mentorship evolved into a deep, lasting friendship, one that continues to shape Joe’s life.
Why Alumni Matter More Than Ever
Joe and Nate’s story is a powerful reminder of why alumni are essential to the future of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County.
Our alumni carry lived experience of what mentorship can do. They are the proof that one consistent relationship can change the trajectory of a life. Re-engaging alumni allows us to:
• Share authentic, lived stories that demonstrate the lifelong impact of mentorship
• Inspire new Bigs by showing what’s possible when you say “yes”
• Strengthen our community voice through advocacy, outreach, and storytelling
• Honor 60 years of history while building momentum for the next generation
Through our Alumni Ambassador Program, alumni can stay connected in ways that feel meaningful, whether that’s sharing their story, speaking with prospective volunteers, engaging with local media, or helping spread the word about the importance of mentorship.
Honoring the Past. Building the Future.
As we mark 60 years of impact, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County is built on relationships - relationships that begin with a match and often grow into something far greater.
By re-engaging our alumni and inviting them into this next chapter, we’re ensuring that the lessons, connections, and impact of the past 60 years continue to shape lives for decades to come.