 | Mention Harpreet Singh to Jerry Rudman (’60 BA L&S) and he will tell you, with almost parental pride, that he, Larry Spungin (’60 BA L&S) and Howard Feldman (’60 BBA Bus, ‘64 LLB Law), his Pi Lambda Phi fraternity brothers, took Singh to his first Badger football game. Mention Badger football to Harpreet Singh, and his handsome face lights up. What makes this picture interesting is that Rudman, Spungin and Feldman are Jewish; Singh is a Sikh.
Increasing cultural understanding on campus was the objective Rudman and his fraternity brothers had in mind when they established the Pi Lambda Phi Omega Scholarship in 2004. Singh, the first recipient, not only is a deserving choice, he is an inspiring example of how difficult achieving such understanding can be and what persistence can accomplish.
Hostility toward Sikhs, a minority religious group in India, brought the Singh family from the Punjab region to the United States, where they eventually settled on Milwaukee’s south side. Lacking formal education, Singh’s parents have held low-paying, often unsteady jobs. Singh learned immediately that realizing his goals would be hard work.
As a student at Rufus King High School, he was charged with caring for the school’s live animal menagerie, often skipping lunch to tend to them. He knew his calling was veterinary medicine and the UW-Madison was the place to learn. The TRIO program, through the School of Education, has helped him from the beginning. |
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| TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded program that provides academic and ancillary support to students from low-income families, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. Services are available to students from their first day on campus to graduation. These services include tutoring and academic support, financial aid and housing assistance, career advising and social activities.
Still, university life was not always easy. Singh, like all observant Sikh men, wears a full beard and a turban. This religious practice would attract attention in any American city; in post 9/11 Madison, some of this attention has been negative. Singh, however, viewed quizzical looks and outright taunts as an opportunity.
With several other Sikh students—there are about 20 currently on the UW-Madison campus—he co-organized the Sikh Student Association (SSA). At dormitory meetings and other campus venues, SSA members explain the Sikh beliefs of peace, equality and acceptance. Throughout his nearly four years on campus, Singh has lived in the dorms and worked with various multicultural initiatives to help build cultural bridges. Currently, he works for University Housing as Multicultural Resident Consultant in the residence halls. |
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| It was the TRIO program that brought Jerry Rudman, the Pi Lambda Phi Class of 1960 and Harpreet Singh together. Assistant dean and TRIO director Walter Lane told Singh of the scholarship. Singh’s impressive academic performance and volunteer activities earned him consideration for the award. When the fraternity members met Singh, they recognized special qualities that can’t be recorded on paper.
“He’s diligent, smart and interesting,” said Feldman. “I also love people who adhere to their beliefs and do it with dignity while still adapting to their environment.”
“The Pi Lambda Phi class of 1960 has an annual reunion,” explained Rudman. “We never miss a year. In 2004 , nearly 300 people in classes from 1927 to 1967 came for a special reunion. We wanted to remember and commemorate this event by creating a scholarship that would fund the dreams of a minority student. Harpreet is the kind of young person we wanted to help. He has a quality of persistence and doesn’t get discouraged. We have learned a lot from Harpreet. Americans are a community of immigrants connected by a shared vision of a better life. When you lack understanding of another culture, you become judgmental.”
Spungin heartily agrees. “There is a significant Sikh community in Los Angeles, where I live, so I was curious to learn more. Diversity was not a priority when I was a student. I did not realize then what a hard time minority students had adjusting. I also felt it was important to find someone we could continue with so the student would know he or she could rely on our support. I am proud to be part of this.” |
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| “Let’s be honest,” added Feldman. “Pi Lambda Phi was very social. We had a good time. But what Wisconsin did for me was provide a foundation, a basis to move on, to convert dreams to reality and do things I never dreamed I could do. For Harpreet this is important because now he, too, can do the things he dreams about doing.”
The path Singh has chosen is a long one. After completing his undergraduate degree this May, he has several years of veterinary training ahead. A passionate conservationist, he hopes to work as veterinary cardiac surgeon and possibly treat endangered tigers and large cats. Singh is deeply grateful for the scholarship and the friendship the Pi Lambda Phi’s have offered to him. “I want them to know that for a low income, first-generation college student, this scholarship means a great deal.”
Rudman understands and also sees a bit of himself in the intense young Singh. “I spent the first half of my life chasing success.” said Rudman. “I am spending the second half chasing significance.” If Harpreet Singh’s smile is any indication, Rudman has captured both. |
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| | What is the TRIO Program? |
| TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded program that provides academic and ancillary support to students from low-income families, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.
Services are available to students from their first day on campus to graduation. These services include tutoring and academic support, financial aid and housing assistance, career advising and social activities.
Visit the TRIO Web Site |
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