This petition aims to raise awareness of Betsi Hill's recent termination from the Hawk Center, which was obliquely referenced in David Brown's email disseminated March 15th, 2023. As concerned students and alumni, we wish to emphasize that we strongly disagree with David Brown's decision to dismiss Betsi from the program. We firmly believe that Betsi's unique qualities and expertise are invaluable assets to the program, and that her absence will significantly diminish the quality of education and learning outcomes for students.  

Betsi has educated and guided students who have an interest in pursuing various investment roles, including buy-side and sell-side credit and equity research, sales and trading, corporate banking, and debt capital markets. Additionally, she assists them in finding relevant internships and full-time job opportunities. As the Investments/Asset Management Pathway Consultant for UW's Finance Department, and the Faculty Advisor for the Sales, Trading & Asset Management Club, she plays a key role in connecting students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in these fields.

She has been closely affiliated with ASAP and the Hawk Center since graduating from the program in 1989. Over the past seven years that she oversaw the fixed income portfolio team, Betsi significantly enhanced the team's proficiency in analyzing investment-grade and high-yield companies. Thanks to her guidance, the fixed income team was the sole group in which the ASAP Class of 2023 successfully secured full-time positions. It is our belief that Betsi's contribution to the Applied Security Analysis Program has been instrumental in these accomplishments.

Betsi has been a strong advocate for diversity in the Applied Security Analysis Program at the University of Wisconsin Madison by pushing for the inclusion of African Americans and women. She understands the importance of having diverse perspectives in the classroom and in the field of finance. By including more underrepresented groups, the program will be able to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment that reflects the real world. By promoting diversity, the Applied Security Analysis Program will be able to better prepare its students to work in a global economy that is constantly changing and evolving.

Our belief is that politics should not interfere with achieving the best possible learning outcomes for every student enrolled in the program. This is particularly crucial given the historical lack of guidance experienced by the fixed income team prior to Betsi's arrival. With seven incoming students joining the Regent Team, we consider it even more essential to have someone with a robust background to provide direction and support.