The Wisconsin School of Business is pleased to honor several outstanding alumni with awards recognizing their talent, service, and ongoing commitment to the Badger community.
Karen Monfre (BBA ’86) and the three founders of The Bascom Group—Derek Chen (MBA, MS ’91), Jerry Fink (BS ’87, MBA ’90), and David Kim (BBA ’89)—are the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Business Alumni Award. This award honors individuals with exceptional careers who have made far-reaching impacts in their community, their industry, and at UW–Madison.
Will Hsu (BBA ’00) is the recipient of the 2025 WSB Impact Award. This award recognizes individuals who have volunteered their time and talent to advance the Wisconsin School of Business, and have a demonstrated track record of service to the school.
Ousmane Kabré (BBA ’15, MAcc ’16) is the recipient of the inaugural WSB BOLD Award. This award recognizes Badgers of the last decade (BOLD) who have achieved outstanding professional accomplishments in their field since graduation.
Recipients will be officially recognized in October at a ceremony in Madison.
“It’s an incredible honor to be able to recognize these talented and devoted individuals,” says Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, Albert O. Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business. “Each of these alumni have achieved significant career success, demonstrate an enduring commitment to our university, and set an example that all Business Badgers can be proud of. It’s truly inspiring. On behalf of the entire WSB community, I congratulate each award recipient on this extremely well-deserved recognition.”
Learn more about each award recipient below:
Distinguished Business Alumni Award Recipients
Karen Monfre (BBA ’86)
Partner, Wipfli LLP (retired)
Monfre has spent more than 30 years assisting clients across the fields of accounting, valuation, and investment banking. She’s recognized for her passion, dedication, and commitment to uplifting people and her community.
Derek Chen (MBA, MS ’91), Jerry Fink (BS ’87, MBA ’90), and David Kim (BBA ’89)
Founders, The Bascom Group
In addition to launching a successful private equity firm, The Bascom Group founders have worked tirelessly to create numerous opportunities for real estate students at WSB to build practical skills and make industry connections.
WSB Impact Award Recipient
Will Hsu (BBA ’00)
President, Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises, Inc.
On top of running a thriving ginseng business, Hsu gives back to UW–Madison in a multitude of ways, including serving on the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association Board of Directors.
WSB BOLD Award Recipient
Ousmane Kabré (BBA ’15, MAcc ’16)
Founder and CEO, Leading Change Africa; founder and CEO, Yam Education
Described by his peers as having an “endless supply of energy, positivity, and persistence,” Kabré is recognized for his powerful efforts to transform lives through education and entrepreneurship.
Alumni award recipients are selected through a nomination process. Nominations for the 2026 WSB Alumni Awards are now open.