Category State & Global
Partying like it was 2020, virtual graduates return for an in-person celebration
Graduates of spring, summer and winter 2020 swarmed Camp Randall Stadium Saturday for festivities scheduled after the pandemic prevented a traditional commencement when they received their degrees.
$175 million commitment helps launch UW–Madison School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences, support transformative mission
The new facility will be a hub for the bustling tech ecosystem in Wisconsin, fostering academic research, supporting booming student interest, and hosting collaborations with industry and community partners.
Sculpture dedicated in Germany to honor UW alum and hero of Nazi resistance
Justus Liebig University in Germany held a ceremony Sept. 15 to celebrate the installation of “Mildred,” a reproduction of John Burbow’s sculpture located at Middleton’s Marshall Park.
States to lead Law School’s DEI initiatives
Michael States, who comes to UW from Ohio State, will serve as the Law School’s first associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion — leading DEI initiatives with an emphasis on racial and social justice.
A club for everything, from art to chess to boxing
Students got a chance to learn about special-interest groups, activities and services offered by more than 400 registered student organizations on campus during the Student Organization Fair on Sept. 14 at the Kohl Center.
UW-Madison ranked 42nd overall and 14th best public college by U.S. News
The annual report also gave UW–Madison high rankings in undergraduate engineering, business, computer science programs and nursing.
Why cities around Wisconsin are feeling the heat
While Wisconsin may be known for its “frozen tundra,” an increase in hot, humid summer days is bringing attention to Wisconsin’s urban heat islands and their impact on human health.
Scientists gain better understanding of icy plumes associated with violent tornadoes
High-resolution supercomputer simulations developed at UW–Madison are giving scientists a closer look at an atmospheric phenomenon that may be associated with above anvil cirrus plumes.
Study shows how aspen forests maintain the diversity needed to adapt to changing environments
The findings are valuable for conservation biologists who want to preserve diverse forest ecosystems in the face of global warming, invasive species and other environmental changes.
UW-Madison reports high levels of vaccination
As of Sept. 1, 88 percent of students are fully vaccinated and 91 percent of students have received at least one dose. In addition, 92 percent of employees are fully vaccinated.
VandenBosch to step down as CALS dean in 2022
“We are enormously grateful for Kate’s leadership in CALS and across campus," Provost Karl Scholz said. "She is unflappable and wise, and under her leadership CALS has created a very bright future for the many stakeholders passionate about the college.”
‘Flatten the curve’ was everywhere, but it didn’t change people’s pandemic attitudes
“Although we didn’t see a difference in people’s ideas or behavioral intentions based on their awareness of the chart," says researcher Nan Li, "the message is still beneficial."
UW–Madison ranked first among public universities by Washington Monthly
“The Monthly’s rankings are crafted to push institutions of higher learning to be engines of upward mobility, scientific progress, and democratic participation,” the magazine explains.
UW–Madison begins distributing $28.6M in emergency pandemic aid to students
The university's approach to distributing the money includes emergency grants that students with financial need can use to pay off debts or to cover costs such as tuition, food, housing, health care and child care.
Study shows effectiveness of substance-use diversion program
The Madison Area Addiction Recovery Initiative offers an alternative to the use-arrest-use cycle of individuals who committed a nonviolent, drug use-related crime.
Heather L. Reese named Wisconsin Public Media interim director
Reese will lead the division at UW–Madison that oversees Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin, following the recent death of director Gene Purcell. She is a Wisconsin native and a graduate of the UW Law School.
Pat Connaughton of NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks to speak at celebration for 2020 graduates
As previously announced, UW–Madison will welcome graduates of spring, summer and winter 2020 back to Madison Sept. 17-19 for a celebration of their achievements.
New carnivorous plant must balance trapping prey and being pollinated
In the summer, Triantha occidentalis shoots up tall flowering stems coated with sticky hairs that trap small insects like gnats and midges.
Study shows virus abundant in COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin, even among fully vaccinated
Vaccination remains critical, researchers David O’Connor and Thomas Friedrich say, since the available vaccines are effective, successful, and help prevent new, dangerous cases.
Badgers well-represented in list of Native American leaders
UW–Madison alumni — including the president of the UW System Board of Regents and several campus and system employees — are included on Madison365’s “Most Influential Native American Leaders” in Wisconsin list for 2021.