Tour UW-Madison with ‘Walk Wisconsin’ on Big Ten Network

Haven’t had time to fully explore the campus? Only familiar with the Kohl Center or Camp Randall? Learn more without leaving the comfort of home, as the Big Ten Network (BTN) premieres an hour-long visual mosaic of campus life on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. Central.  The program will re-air Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. Central.

“Walk Wisconsin” is a chance for viewers to see a side of UW–Madison’s 935 acres they may have missed. From Bascom Hill and North Hall, constructed in 1851, to beautiful Picnic Point and the state-of-the-art UW Hospital and Clinics, this campus travelogue connects visitors, alumni, future students and their families to UW–Madison’s scenic landscape and all that it offers.

Hosts Emily Barsness and Nick Gonzales, both veteran tour guides for UW–Madison’s Visitor and Information Programs, add their own flair to the many facts presented onscreen.

Barsness, currently working toward her Spanish and ESL teaching certification, received her bachelor’s degree from UW–Madison in Spanish. A resident of Lakeville, Minn., she sings with a choir and serves as both a coach and competitor on the UW Speech Team.

Originally hailing from Milwaukee, Gonzales will graduate this month with a history major and European Studies certificate. During his time at UW–Madison, he has studied abroad in Italy, played intramural sports and served as both a Powers-Knapp scholar and Davis-Gerstein undergraduate fellow.

“Emily and Nick represent the intellect and creativity that are fostered as part of the UW–Madison student experience,” says Amy Toburen, director of University Communications and executive producer of the show. “Their enthusiasm really exemplifies what makes UW–Madison a special place.”

“Walk Wisconsin” is part of 60 hours of non-athletic programming allotted annually to each Big Ten university. The show was created in collaboration with production company John Roach Projects.

The Big Ten Network is available through Charter Communications, Direct TV, the Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, Comcast Corporation and multiple local cable operators. In addition, the Big Ten Network is available to students and staff throughout campus via residence hall cable TV and Digital Academic Television Network (DATN). Please check with your provider for the specific channel assignment.