Photo gallery Former speaker Ryan meets with students, talks policy.
On a visit to campus on Sept. 26, former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan visited with graduate students and faculty, and shared his views during a Q&A with Susan Webb Yackee, director of the UW–Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs. He discussed policy and the U.S. economy, bridging political divides, lessons from his time in Congress and the 2024 presidential election. The event was funded by the Kohl Initiative and American Family Insurance.
Ryan took time to talk to students about everything from the potential government shutdown to the direction of the Republican Party. Photo by Focal Flame
As Paul Ryan visited with students and faculty, a theme was bridging political divides and working across differences. "Get out of your cocoon, spend time with people who do not look or think like you, and do not impugn people’s motives," he said. Photo by Focal Flame
During a meet and greet with La Follette School graduate students, Ryan discussed his career path and answered student questions about policy issues, the economy, the role of media in policymaking and bridging political divides. “My advice is to find common ground where it is and find where in your life you can contribute,” Ryan told the students. Photo by Focal Flame
Ryan makes a point; to his right is Carlos Puga, La Follette School Student Association president. Photo by Focal Flame
Susan Webb Yackee, director of the La Follette School of Public Affairs, speaks with Ryan during a Q&A event at Shannon Hall in Memorial Union. “For all of our country’s problems — the solutions are within our own power to solve," Ryan said. Photo by Focal Flame
Paul Ryan meets Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. Ryan told the chancellor that UW–Madison is a “crown jewel” of the state and said he’s been Badger football fan since he was a small child.