UW Day highlights campus creativity

Some of UW–Madison’s most creative explorations, from furniture as art to fuel-efficient trucks, will be on display Wednesday, March 7, during “UW Day,” a showcase of how the UW System benefits students and the state.

The one-day celebration will involve all 15 UW System institutions, the UW System Board of Regents, alumni, local and state legislators, and other friends of state higher education. The event, expected to draw more than 1,500 people, will be held at the Monona Terrace Convention Center.

A reception will feature musical performances from campuses and exhibits on cutting-edge technology and educational partnerships. A brief program will feature remarks by UW System President Katharine Lyall, Regent President Jay Smith and Gov. Scott McCallum.

UW–Madison work on display will include:

–A look at “Moollennium,” the sport utility vehicle of the future designed by UW–Madison engineering students. It’s part of a national college competition to create a new generation of cleaner-running, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

— Examples of “sculptural furniture” created by art Professor Tom Loeser and his students in the Art Department’s woodworking shop.

— A tour of research on “nutriceuticals,” or foods such as sauerkraut, blueberries and grapes that produce disease-fighting anti-oxidants. A hands-on test will reveal which foods have the most antioxidant activity.