Category Society & Culture
Ducking into spring
Several mallards celebrated the first official day of spring on March 20 by taking a swim on the rapidly expanding patches of open water on Lake Mendota.
System President Tommy Thompson given a warm good-bye at Bascom Hall
“President Thompson really answered the call two years ago when we badly needed a leader at System. I can’t imagine a better person to have been president of System during the pandemic,” UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said.
Government spending bill funds major research initiatives at UW–Madison
“This legislation provides crucial funding for cutting-edge university research and projects, and will improve health, drive innovation and create a more prosperous Wisconsin,” said UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca M. Blank.
‘Sower in the Field’
Moving crews installed South African artist Mary Sibande’s sculpture "Sower in the Field" at UW–Madison's Chazen Museum of Art on Feb. 27. Sibande's works, exhibited in leading museums around the world, deal with race, gender and labor in South Africa, including her family's forced domestic work imposed by the then-apartheid state.
War in Ukraine draws concern, action on campus
UW–Madison has reached out to its Ukrainian and Russian students on campus to offer support. Although campus is heading into spring recess on March 11, several events and activities are planned in the coming days.
A science trailblazer retires: Stem cell researcher James Thomson’s legacy changed the future of biology
After more than 30 years with UW–Madison and 12 years with the Morgridge Institute for Research, Thomson has announced plans to retire in July.
Morgridge Center has new director, new home
Travis Wright, a nationally recognized expert in school-based support for children and families undergoing trauma, has been named faculty director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service.
New facility will preserve irreplaceable library resources
The building will expand current shelving space that is nearing capacity for the storage of rare and distinctive research materials in preservation-level environmental conditions.
Alumna Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, to speak at spring commencement
“I know that what I’ve achieved in my life is the result of the extraordinary education I received at this university and the connections I made here,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield has said.
At bioenergy crossroads, should corn ethanol be left in the rearview mirror?
New research shows that the carbon emissions from using land to grow corn can negate or even reverse any climate advantages of corn ethanol relative to gasoline.
Dave Black inspired many student journalists at WSUM 91.7
He took special pride in mentoring students, empowering them to make the station truly student-run and use the skills they’ve learned to grow professionally.
‘Stroll’ wows crowd at Kohl Center
Members of UW–Madison "Divine Nine" fraternities and sororities performed a stroll — a dance often performed in a line by Greek letter organizations to represent power and unification — on Feb. 12 at the Kohl Center.
First Wave: Hip-Hop’s next generation speaks through academics, arts, and activism
As a First Wave scholar, Corina Robinson works in the artistic mediums of poetry and spoken word. Robinson continues to create change, art, and communal spaces for Black and Brown voices in Madison.
Jerome Chazen leaves lasting impact on UW–Madison and the arts
“Jerry was deeply devoted to the arts and to education,” says Chancellor Rebecca Blank. “His commitment to UW–Madison will live on in the Chazen Museum of Art and the many lives he touched.”
Helen Faith elected to chair National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
UW–Madison’s director of student financial aid has worked to continue expanding access and affordability to Wisconsin students, and is a leader in policy, practice and funding for student financial aid.
Cannabis marketers targeting kids on social media, despite prohibitions
A new study led by the UW School of Medicine and Public Health finds many recreational cannabis companies market their products in a way that appeals to children and teens, despite state-based regulations prohibiting it.
UW–Madison partners with regional leaders to launch Midwest Climate Collaborative
The MCC is a network of organizations committed to accelerating climate action in the Midwest by leveraging research, shaping public understanding, advancing solutions and developing future leaders.
Bus shelters to get solar-powered displays
In a collaboration with student organizations interested in sustainability, Transportation Services will start installing solar panels, lights and screens with real-time arrival information on bus shelters in 2022.
Researchers seeking study participants to lose weight — by phone
Log2Lose, an 18-month study, aims to help people build habits for a healthier lifestyle by sending them motivational text messages and providing an app to keep track of what they eat.
Video: From weather to wonder
The Wonders of Physics traveling show is back in action at schools and public events. It is now presented by UW–Madison outreach specialist Haddie McLean, a former TV meteorologist. In this video, she visits Pecatonica Elementary School.