Mary Williams and Shirley Abrahamson awarded Bill Kraus Award for Lifetime Achievement in Civic Engagement

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) presented the Bill Kraus Award for Lifetime Achievement in Civic Engagement to Mary Williams and, posthumously, to Shirley Abrahamson.

Mary Williams, a former member of the Board of Regents, citizen activist, and advisor to Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus, was recognized for her longstanding commitment to public service and civic leadership in Wisconsin. Williams’ career reflects sustained engagement in public institutions and a dedication to strengthening democratic participation.

The award was also presented posthumously to Shirley Abrahamson, who served as Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Abrahamson was widely recognized for her influential legal career, leadership on the court, and lasting impact on Wisconsin’s judicial system and civic life.

The Bill Kraus Award honors individuals whose life and work demonstrate the highest qualities of civic leadership, including a commitment to civil dialogue, positive change, and service to the public good. The award recognizes the entirety of a recipient’s career and lasting contributions to Wisconsin’s civic landscape.