Almanac

Campus Crime Stoppers offers rewards
The Campus Crime Stoppers program encourages people who see crimes committed or other suspicious activities to call 262-8477 (262-TIPS). Callers can remain anonymous.

Someone calling Crime Stoppers between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays speaks to a coordinator who takes the information. During other hours, the caller can leave a message.

If the information proves to be useful, the coordinator recommends to Campus Crime Stoppers that a reward be given, and the group’s board decides whether to give a reward and for what amount. Four weeks after reporting a crime, the caller should call the TIPS line again to see if a reward has been approved.

“Crimes can occur at any time,” says Campus Crime Stoppers chair Mike Kinderman, assistant director of University Housing. “Many crimes happen in the middle of the day in a crowded area. Accurate descriptions are essential for successful police investigations.”

People should note a suspicious person’s age, appearance, clothing and other characteristics. For vehicles, note the license number and state, color, make, model, number of doors, the condition, and distinctive features like a loud muffler, stickers or special equipment.

“Programs like UW–Madison Campus Crime Stoppers Inc. work only if people get involved, so if you have information about a crime, call 262-TIPS,” Kinderman says.

Dean of Students statement on Seiler case
The following is part of a statement Dean of Students Luoluo Hong made April 2 after Madison police determined UW–Madison student Audrey Seiler fabricated her kidnapping. Seiler was reported missing from her Madison apartment March 27 and was found unharmed in a marsh on March 31.

“We are relieved to have some answers and the beginning of a resolution to what has been a difficult six days for both the campus and Madison communities. We realize that we have some work ahead of us in trying to come to terms with what has happened.

“Like many of you who have been following the case closely, we are experiencing a mix of emotions. Our thoughts are with Audrey Seiler, the Seiler family and her friends as they continue to go through this trying time.

“For those who are grappling with the many emotions they have experienced throughout this ordeal, we encourage you to talk about them with others.

“While we do not condone the behavior attributed to Audrey by the Madison Police Department, we fully understand that people communicate their need for help in many different ways. …

“We want to thank all of the emergency response personnel, law enforcement, students, members of the Rockford, Minn., and greater Madison communities, local and national media, and others who have devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to helping find Audrey.”

Backward glance
From the April 20, 1994, issue of Wisconsin Week: Following the resignation of head women’s basketball coach Mary Murphy, athletics director Pat Richter announces that he will begin a national search for her successor. Murphy, the third head coach in women’s basketball history, compiled an eight-year mark of 87-135. … Assistant dean of students Blair Matthews retires after a distinguished 35 years of service. He is remembered in part for his work on advising issues and new student orientation. … UW–Madison, in cooperation with alumnus Willis Ottery, launches a needs-based scholarship for Native American students. The award is to boost retention and badly needed financial support for Native American students.