On the road again: UW 175 tour heads to Fox Valley
The University of Wisconsin 175th Anniversary state tour is back on the road this summer, relaunching with a visit to the Fox Valley on Thursday to celebrate the university’s longstanding partnership and connection to local businesses, community groups, leaders, alumni and future Badgers.
Focused on education
Through Bucky’s Classroom, UW–Madison student ambassadors have met with more than 200 students at Maplewood Middle School in Menasha to discuss their post-secondary education options. UW–Madison representatives including Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and even Bucky Badger himself started their day of celebration with Maplewood students.
Bucky Badger, along with members of UW–Madison’s Bucky’s Classroom team, meet with 7th-grade students at Maplewood Middle School in Menasha, WI. Photo: Bryce Richter
UW Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, along with members of UW–Madison’s Bucky’s Classroom team, meet with 7th-grade students at Maplewood Middle School in Menasha. Photo: Bryce Richter
In addition to student connections through Bucky’s Classroom, nine UW–Madison School of Education graduates who have taken the Wisconsin Teacher Pledge have found placements in Fox Valley schools.
Engineering impact
In the afternoon, UW–Madison leaders, including Chancellor Mnookin and College of Engineering Dean Ian Robertson, visited industry partner Plexus Corporation in Neenah, where nearly 80 alumni — including Plexus CEO Todd Kelsey — are currently employed. Plexus is a long-time partner of the university, supporting classroom spaces and programs, as well as the new College of Engineering building.
Ian Robertson, dean of the College of Engineering, speaks with a gathering of UW–Madison alumni employees at the Plexus Neenah Operation Center. Photo: Bryce Richter
Mnookin speaks with some of the UW alumni who now work at the Plexus Neenah Operation Center. Photo: Bryce Richter
Two anniversaries to celebrate at Mosquito Hill
The UniverCity Alliance hosted a co-celebration with the Mosquito Hill Nature Center in New London, which is celebrating its own 50-year anniversary. Through the UniverCity Year program, UW–Madison students worked to bolster the nature center’s stream of visitors and revenue.
Sarah Schutt, executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, speaks with attendees at a UniverCity event held at the Mosquito Hill Nature Center in New London. Photo: Bryce Richter
Community bash brings UW favorites
The last stop of the day brought UW representatives to Appleton, where the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association hosted a community-wide celebration. More than 220 guests joined the festivities, enjoying free Babcock ice cream, games and Wisconsin camaraderie at Poplar Hall on the Fox River.
UW alum Ann Muenster shares a happy moment with Bucky Badger during a University of Wisconsin 175th celebration held in Appleton. Photo: Bryce Richter
Jay Burmeister gets the opportunity to meet one of his idols, Bucky Badger. Photo: Bryce Richter
Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin talks with UW alumni during the celebration in Appleton. Photo: Bryce Richter
Alumni and their children enjoy food and activities during the celebration. Photo: Bryce Richter
Follow the state tour this summer
The state tour will continue throughout the summer, with a stop in Rock County on June 25.
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