Almanac
Cancer Center awarded $7 million
The National Center for Research Resources approved a $7 million construction grant for the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center, in addition to $3 million from the National Cancer Institute. The funding will finance space for interdisciplinary breast cancer research in the HealthStar Interdisciplinary Research Complex, which is scheduled for groundbreaking in 2005. The IRC will be adjacent to the Clinical Sciences Center that houses the UW Hospital and Clinics, and existing UWCCC research space. The funds are in addition to a $7 million construction grant for interdisciplinary prostate cancer research announced in September.
Scholar wins grant
David Williamson Shaffer, assistant professor of learning science, has won a $585,000 National Science Foundation grant to explore how professions can serve as models for student learning. Shaffer will analyze learning environments in which students gain science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills by employing professional practices that are not usually part of conventional education programs.
Children’s Hospital gift honors Rennebohms
A $1.5 million donation to the new American Family Children’s Hospital from the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation will honor UW Foundation president emeritus Robert Rennebohm and his wife, Jean.
A 1948 alumnus, Bob Rennebohm served as the foundation’s first president, from 1945 until his retirement in 1988. Jean Rennebohm has long been a community volunteer and tireless supporter of the university and the Madison community.
Construction of the $67 million, 80-bed hospital at the UW Hospital and Clinics is slated to begin this fall. It should open in 2007. The Rennebohm gift will support a diagnostic pavilion that will provide short-term care for children who need services that can be completed during the day.
Alumnus endows chair
Funds donated by graduate Bruce R. Ellig will establish the Bruce R. Ellig Chair in Pay and Organizational Effectiveness in the Department of Management and Human Resources in the School of Business. The faculty member who will hold the chair has not yet been named.
Grad School merges offices
The Graduate School has combined its Admissions office with the Office of Fellowships and Academic Services. Assistant Dean Lois Beecham is director of the merged office. “This new structure will allow for a more seamless progression as students make their way from applicants to enrolled students, to graduates,” says Graduate School Dean Martin Cadwallader.
Music clinic marks 75 years
Some 870 music students helped the School of Music’s Summer Music Clinic celebrate its 75th anniversary in June and July. “The students were wonderful and talented — it was a great way to mark the anniversary,” says program manager Anne Aley. Since 1929, thousands of students have polished their musical talents under the tutelage of educators from around the state and nation. Information: http://wiscweb3.wisc.edu/smc.
Backward glance
From Wisconsin Week of August 24, 1994: In response to a new tax relief plan OK’d by Gov. Tommy Thompson, the Board of Regents approves a “zero-increase” budget for 1995-97. It features modest tuition increases and adjustments in state aid to help pay for already approved systemwide programs. … The seventh annual Wisconsin Welcome welcomes new students and, in part, familiarizes them with how to use electronic mail. … Chancellor David Ward assumes responsibilities of the vice chancellor at the Center for Health Sciences. … Steve Van Ess is named director of student financial services.
