With red blankets scattered across the lawn and tables covered in classic red and white checkered tablecloths, the grounds of Olin House once again became the welcoming place for new UW–Madison faculty members and their families. Hosted by Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, the annual picnic gives new faculty members a chance to mingle with each other and UW–Madison leadership, and of course, to enjoy a perfect summer evening in their new city.
From left to right, guest Fang Liu; Duo Xu, assistant professor of biochemistry; Wenhui Zhou, assistant professor of radiology; and Sanna Herwald, assistant professor of radiology share a laugh during the new faculty picnic at Olin House. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–MadisonMore than 200 UW–Madison leaders, new faculty and their family and friends mingle during the picnic. Pictured from right of center, Joel Ferguson, assistant professor in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, talks with Paul Robbins, dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies while Andrea Miranda González (wearing floral dress and wife of Ferguson) talks with Micha Espinosa (back to camera), professor of theatre and drama. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–MadisonNew faculty members and their families enjoy seasonable temperatures and classic picnic fare. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–MadisonSisters Constance (left) and Lucie Philippe blow bubbles during the event. The two are daughters of Sébastien Philippe, who joins UW–Madison as an assistant professor of nuclear engineering and engineering physics. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–MadisonFrom left to right, Jason Delborne, associate professor in the La Follette School of Public Affairs; spouse Tonya Delbourne; Lydia McComas, City of Madison clerk; and Ross Dahlke, assistant professor in the School of Journalism & Mass Communication take a moment for introductions and light conversation. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–MadisonUW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin and her husband and professor, Joshua Foa Dienstag, make welcoming remarks to the crowd. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–MadisonFrom left to right, Micheal Hagenow, assistant professor of computer science, wife Rachel Hagenow and their eight-month-old son Parker, chat with Eric Wilcots (at far right), Dean of the College of Letters and Science, during a new faculty picnic on the grounds of Olin House at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Aug. 27, 2025. In the background is Bowen Zhan (background in center), assistant professor of design studies, and Daijiang Li (background at right), assistant professor of botany. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–MadisonIt wouldn’t be a Wisconsin welcome without Bucky Badger. Heangjin Park, an Anna Julia Cooper Fellow in Asian languages and cultures, takes a picture of his son Linus Park with UW–Madison mascot Bucky Badger. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison
