Campus open house planned

Building on the success of last year’s Sesquicentennial Summer Celebration, university officials have organized a free Campus Open House Aug. 18-20.

Related Web site: Open House Web site

“We are designing a wide variety of interactive, educational and entertaining activities for people of all ages, which we hope will increase the public’s support and awareness of the important and interesting research, instruction and public service that goes on here at UW–Madison,” says Noel Radomski, director of the Visitor Services program.

“Together, our schools, colleges and other units will provide visitors with a snapshot of the great discoveries, instructional initiatives, outreach efforts, cultural life and athletic programs of the university.”

Free parking will be available in university lots for events that range from a performance Friday, Aug. 18, by vocalist Kitt Reuter-Foss, one of the School of Music’s most successful graduates, to scores of hands-on activities Saturday, Aug. 19, including some geared specifically for children.

Events will center on several major locations and timing will be staggered so that people can visit several sites throughout the day.

Events are grouped in several categories:

• Healthy You at the U: Health and fitness activities and exhibits, including a fun run/walk, 8 a.m.-noon.
• From Cows to Wows: Numerous exhibits and hands-on demonstrations in life sciences and biotechnology, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Stars of Heaven and Earth: Geology Museum tours, engineering, weather and space science exhibits and more, 1-5 p.m.
• Livin’ La Vida Polka: Poetry, storytelling, music, dancing and bookmaking for kids, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Hot Summer Nights: Music on the Union Terrace, 5-11 p.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 20, a free soccer clinic for kids is planned, 8:30-11 a.m., and the annual Badger Football Family Fun Day is scheduled at Camp Randall starting at 2 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, campus specialty tours will be offered, along with photo and art exhibits. Detailed information on events will be available later this month at: http://www.news.wisc.edu/openhouse/.