Five Questions With…

Todd Friske is a project manager for the Division of Information Technology (DoIT). He works with financial systems, including the shared financial system and WISDM.

1. How long have you worked at UW–Madison?

I transferred to UW–Madison from UW-Whitewater in 1987 as a COBOL programmer for ADP, the predecessor to DoIT. I developed systems for the Division of Housing for many years until moving to financial systems a couple of years ago.

2. What made you want to work at UW–Madison?

I grew up in La Crosse thinking that UW–Madison was about the coolest place in the world. I also wanted to apply my IT skills in an organization where I supported their mission.

3. What has made you want to continue working at UW–Madison?

The people on this campus are incredible: bright, talented, dedicated and proud. I enjoy working closely with both technical and functional professionals as a project manager. IT is always changing, and DoIT is on the forefront in many areas. Biking to campus on a beautiful bike path is a nice perk.

4. What is your favorite memory of UW–Madison?

Hundreds of people waiting in hot summer weather to see and smell the rare and putrid corpse flower. This would not happen in La Crosse.

5. What is your favorite place on campus and why?

The Lakeshore Path is my favorite: the views from Picnic Point, passing the stately residence halls, watching the crew teams practice, the sailboats on Late Mendota and then beer or Babcock ice cream waiting at the Terrace.