Barry and Cindy Alvarez Campaign Co-Chairs Barry Alvarez is now in his third year as Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin, but his first without the additional title of head football coach. Alvarez served as A.D. and Football Coach in 2004-05 and guided Wisconsin’s football fortunes for 16 seasons (1990-2005). He piloted Wisconsin to three Big Ten and Rose Bowl titles (including back-to-back in 1998-99) en route to becoming the winningest football coach in school history (118-73-4 record). Alvarez was just the 10th coach in Big Ten history to win 100 games at one conference institution.

In May 2004, Barry’s mother died of cancer, his wife Cindy, lost both her parents to cancer. Their experience of living with cancer in their own family – as well as their continuing desire to “give back” to the community and the University – lie behind their commitment to help bring Gilda’s Club Madison to fruition.

Cindy Alvarez has played an active role in Madison community affairs since she and her family arrived in the city in 1990. In addition to Gilda’s Club Madison, she is also involved with Junior League of Madison, Attic Angels Association and University of Wisconsin Athletics. Cindy and her husband Barry are the parents of three grown children: Dawn, Stacy and Chad and grandparents of five.

“Wisconsin has been so good to us that Barry and I really want to give back,” Cindy said simply. We’re excited to do all we can to help bring Gilda’s Club—a free cancer support center for everyone—to Madison.”