Recent Sightings: Lake on the rocks January 9, 2013 Share As winter sets in, ice begins to form on the surface water of Lake Mendota at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. For more on the lake ice, click here. Photo: Bryce Richter Editor’s picks UW–Madison’s reach throughout Wisconsin adds up to $38.9 billion a year The university supports more than 287,000 jobs and helps drive private-sector growth. ‘Being part of something bigger than you’ with Badger Volunteers UW–Madison students head into the local community to find purpose and make a difference. UW–Madison again named a ‘new Ivy’ by Forbes The university was selected as one of the best in the country at "preparing and graduating the talent" that meets today's workforce needs. UW–Madison graduate programs ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News Nearly 20 programs ranked in their respective Top 10 lists, shining a light on the breadth and depth of the university’s graduate offerings.