From left to right: Michael Finley, Ab Nicholas, Devin Harris

MADISON, Wis. — There are many ways to measure the generous legacy of Albert O. Nicholas involving the Wisconsin Athletic Department, but perhaps none more telling than of his last.

A proud UW graduate, a former men's basketball player, a business titan in the state, the man known as Ab and his wife, Nancy, created the Nicholas Match Program designed to fund endowed scholarships for UW-Madison students.

As part of a $50 million gift to the university, the Nicholas family earmarked $20 million for UW Athletics with the idea that other individuals would match it for a total of $40 million.

That project, which began in June of 2015, has reached the finish line. UW Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez announced Wednesday that 66 parties have combined to provide gifts totaling $20 million.…