Category Society & Culture
Meet Sawyer Getschman, student speaker for Winter 2024 Commencement
During her youth, Getschman attended seven schools in four countries on three continents — including six years in Japan.
15 top-tier colleges wanted her. She chose UW–Madison. Here’s why.
What won her over? A combination of things, including UW–Madison’s world-class reputation, the friendliness of the campus community and a financial aid offer she couldn’t refuse.
What’s in a candidate’s name? Plenty.
Stav Atir's research found that people are more than twice as likely to refer to male professionals by surname than female professionals, which can undermine women's perceived status and accomplishments.
‘Top Chef’ standout will whip up a speech for UW’s winter commencement
Dan Jacobs is the head chef and co-owner of acclaimed Milwaukee restaurants EsterEv, a globally inspired tasting menu concept, and Dandan, a modern Chinese American concept with Midwest sensibility.
‘Go Big Read’ seeking suggestions for 2025-26 book
Go Big Read, UW–Madison’s common reading program is seeking title suggestions of any book relating to contemporary issues of broad interest to the campus community. Book suggestions can be made on the Go Big Read website through Nov. 13.
An up-close look at climate coverage
Great Lakes Climate Solutions reporter Isabelle “Izzy” Ross visited journalism classes, met with experts in clean energy and learned about Madison’s (and arguably the world’s) most studied lake, Lake Mendota.
For these siblings, UW’s new tribal initiative is a financial boost, hopeful sign
UW–Madison’s new Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program offers financial support to cover the full cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree for Wisconsin residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribes.
In helping students find housing, ‘Mama Erin’ brings the TLC and hard-won street smarts
Erin Warner reviews budgets and housing options with students, looking for ways to help them save on rent. She encourages them to differentiate between wants and needs, throwing some hard truths their way.
Kindred spirits: Senior class president, vice president bonded over similar experiences
Duties of the Senior Class Office include helping to plan winter and spring commencement ceremonies, selecting the class gift, organizing senior-inspired events, and advocating for the entire class.
Monica Neugebauer awarded 2024 Packard Fellowship
Neugebauer, who joined UW–Madison’s Biochemistry Department in 2023, discovers and engineers novel enzymes with functions beyond what is commonly found in nature.
UW–Madison case study investigates gap in quality of life for Hmong nursing home residents
Mai See Thao believes it’s essential to factor in refugees’ past experiences as they age in care facilities, to avoid reproducing feelings of isolation, abandonment and uncertainty.
From cattle farmer to college freshman: Bucky’s Pell Pathway eases the way
Emma Mason is one of about 1,150 new freshmen and transfer students this fall benefiting from Bucky’s Pell Pathway, now in its second year.
UW–Madison unveils strategic vision to boost entrepreneurship
The comprehensive plan outlined in the study aims to create a thriving entrepreneurial environment, leveraging the university's existing strengths and capabilities along with its ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across campus.
Maraniss shares insights with journalism class
Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post journalist and bestselling author David Maraniss answered questions from students and shared insights from his career during a Feature Storytelling class at College Library on Wednesday.
UW–Madison ranked 39th in nation by U.S. News
UW undergraduate programs received top 20 rankings in engineering, computer science, business, and economics, as well as in many subspecialties. The Wisconsin School of Business’s undergraduate real estate program was ranked first nationwide.
UW’s 5 hottest certificates: Students seek skills with real-world value
Overall, more students are getting certificates, with 4,210 undergraduate certificates awarded in 2022-23, compared with 1,544 a decade earlier.
Burning and Learning
UW–Madison instructors, land care managers and students, along with the help of volunteers and farmers, are returning fire to landscapes on and off campus to restore the beauty of native tall grass prairies and oak savannas.
UW–Madison nationally recognized for greatest overall turnout in 2022 Big Ten Voting Challenge
In addition to winning greatest overall turnout in the 2022 Big Ten Voting Challenge, UW–Madison was recognized for having the highest student voter registration and voter turnout among four-year colleges in Wisconsin and certified it as a platinum campus for its level of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections.
Author, Washington Post journalist David Maraniss to visit UW–Madison as fall Journalist in Residence
During his residency, Maraniss will connect with faculty and staff, conduct classroom visits and meet with students of history, journalism and African American studies, among other disciplines, to share experiences from his career as a chronicler of America.
Washington Monthly ranks UW as No. 1 national public university
The rankings are based on a school’s contribution to the public good in three categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service.