Almanac

Why Files nominated for Pixie
The Why Files, a science Web magazine produced at UW–Madison, has been nominated for a Pixie Award “honoring achievement in online and broadband motion picture production.”

Nominations for what some consider to be the Internet’s equivalent of the Academy Awards were announced in Hollywood by the Directors Board of Broadband Motion Pixure Arts and Sciences. Pixies are among the top awards recognizing artistic endeavors, including animation, film and Web design.

The Why Files (http://whyfiles.org) was nominated in the “Web design incorporating motion” category for a series of interactive animations that allow users to play with lightning, build their own tornadoes, make snowflakes and hit a baseball.

The animations represent the work of Why Files designer and illustrator Sue Medaris, and UW–Madison Space Science and Engineering Center programmer Tom Whittaker. Collaborators in production of the animations include Steve Ackerman, a professor of oceanic and atmospheric science, and Darrell Schulte, Why Files webmaster.

“We’re pleased and flattered to be nominated for an award that recognizes the efforts of those who work to make the Web come alive,” says Terry Devitt, Why Files editor and project coordinator.

Alumni give to Camp Randall
Two UW–Madison alumni, Robert L. McGinnis and Jennifer A. Latwesen, have given a serious boost to the university’s Camp Randall Stadium renovation project. The couple, from Highland Park, Ill., have pledged $500,000, a gift that will name the athletics ticket office in their honor at the renovated stadium, home to the football Badgers. McGinnis received a bachelor of arts degree from UW–Madison in 1990; Latwesen graduated the same year with a bachelor of business administration degree. McGinnis is president and CEO for Life and Group Operations for CNA Insurance in Chicago.

Legislative liaison named
A Wisconsin legislative staff veteran who for seven years has served on the staffs of three Wisconsin Assembly members will become assistant director of state relations at UW–Madison. Donald Nelson will join UW–Madison effective April 15. Nelson has served as communications director and policy adviser for Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, since January 2003.

Global legal studies initiative
The Law School and the Office of International Studies and Programs have announced the creation of a global legal studies initiative to promote research in international legal studies, organize workshops and conferences, expand connections with scholars and institutions in the United States and overseas, and strengthen links with the International Institute and other campus programs.

Backward Glance
From the April 6, 1994, issue of Wisconsin Week: The Faculty Senate reaffirms its commitment to a more diverse campus by endorsing “the Madison Commitment,” a new report designed to increase the numbers of students and faculty of color. The effort differs from its predecessor, the Madison Plan, as it encourages all campus entities to mobilize and include diversity in long-term planning. “The Madison Commitment reflects the changing demographic character of both our own and the world’s population and the responsibility of public universities to adapt to those changes,” says Chancellor David Ward. … The National Science Foundation awards $1.8 million to support the renovation of Robert M. Bock Laboratory.