University recognizes community partners

The Wisconsin Idea is taking new forms in Dane County through innovative partnerships between the university and area community groups.

The university will celebrate some of those best efforts during its Fifth Annual University and Community Partnerships event Wednesday, June 13, 5-7 p.m., at Olin House, 130 N. Prospect Ave.

Chancellor John Wiley will recognize individuals behind 18 different civic improvement projects in which university employees partner with city, county, state and private leaders. These 18 projects represent a cross-section of hundreds of similar partnerships campuswide.

The programs cover a range of interests, including reducing high-risk drinking, helping new parents, and encouraging people to explore life science. About 200 invited guests are expected for the event, 5-7 p.m.

“University-Community partnerships bring our good neighbor policy to life,” says LaMarr Billups, special assistant to the chancellor for community relations. “These vibrant connections to real people and institutions across the Madison and Dane County area help to build and sustain healthy families, educate and prepare youth for the future, stimulate economic development and celebrate our diverse cultural experiences.”

The university-community partnerships being recognized include:

RWJ High-Risk Drinking Project; T.S. 528, Basic Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy: A Service-Learning Course; Center for Quick Response Manufacturing; American Red Cross Hemophilia Treatment Center; School Readiness Project: Allied/Dunn’s Marsh School Community Project; Service Learning for First-Year Professional Pharmacy Students; Shape Tutoring Program: Students Helping in Achievement in Public Education; Parenting the First Year; PEOPLE (Pre-college Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence); Business Counseling and Small Business Access Line; SMHFC – Harambee Center; BioTrek: Biotechnology Center Outreach Education Program; Bridges to Work; Wisconsin Health Alert Network; Dane County Hunger Prevention Council; Expanding the Humanities; Arts Institute/Wisconsin Film Festival; and Madison Professional Development School Partnership.