Alumni in Residence program launches with visit from ‘Renaissance Man’
A modern-day Renaissance man will present talks and tastes on campus and around Madison during the inaugural Alumni in Residence program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Fred Plotkin, a 1978 graduate of UW–Madison, will share his expertise on classical music and Italian cuisine at a series of events from Nov. 9 to 15. Plotkin is a native of Manhattan, N.Y., who studied Italian Renaissance history and theater while at the UW–Madison.
"Fred Plotkin brings something for every intellectual appetite," says Paula Bonner, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. "People who meet Fred often gain a new understanding of art, music and travel. Students may also find themselves inspired to study abroad or think in new ways about their future careers."
Sponsored in part by the WAA, the Alumni in Residence program brings an outstanding graduate back to campus to interact with students, parents, faculty, community members, alumni and friends through unique events and discussions.
Using his UW–Madison education, Plotkin has been a performance manager of the Metropolitan Opera, has directed at La Scala, and lectured for Smithsonian, Juilliard and major companies. He frequently appears on National Public Radio, and is the author of "Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera," as well as six books on Italian cuisine and culture. His latest work is a biography of Michelangelo.
Plotkin’s week at UW–Madison will include lectures for students and community members on campus and around Madison. Highlights include:
— Friday, Nov. 9: "The Private Michelangelo: The Man Behind the Art." From 2 to 3 p.m. as part of WAA’s Fall Day on Campus, Plotkin will discuss the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Registration for this event includes a whole afternoon of Fall Day on Campus events.
— Monday, Nov. 12: "Opera with the Experts." Participants will engage with Plotkin from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for a panel discussion with Allan Naplan, general manager of the Madison Opera, and UW Artist in Residence Bill Lutes, a 1978 UW graduate.
— Wednesday, Nov. 14: "In the Footsteps of Michelangelo: Sculpting a Biography." This free event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. will feature a preview of Plotkin’s in-progress book about Michelangelo.
— Wednesday, Nov. 14: "Mediterranean Diet: Fact and Fiction." Plotkin will provide insight about how 29 nations practice this ancient approach to living. This free event begins at 7 p.m. and is part of Wednesday Nite @ the Lab.
— Thursday, Nov. 15: "Columbian Exchange: How Christopher Columbus Changed Food, Wine, Commerce and Politics in Europe and the Americas." Plotkin will host a lunch and lecture from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. about Columbus’ influence in the history of cultural exchange, and how we grow and eat food today.
— Thursday, Nov. 15: "The Wonderful Food of Italy: Creating a Cookbook." Foodies can join Plotkin at 4:30 p.m. to learn what it really takes to write a cookbook at this free lecture, sponsored by Friends of the Library.
UW-Madison co-sponsors of the Alumni in Residence program include the College of Letters and Science Honors Program; Division of Continuing Studies; Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UW–Madison; Anonymous Fund; University Lectures Committee; and Friends of the Library.
Founded in 1861, WAA offers UW alumni and friends a wide variety of services, including the award-winning On Wisconsin Magazine, Badger Insider Magazine, career services, international travel opportunities and lifelong learning events.
