‘Wisconsin Idea’ lectures set for summer months

The UW–Madison Summer Forum, June 15-July 8, will focus on “The University and The State: 1848-Present.” The free lecture series brings together an assortment of specialists to discuss how the “Wisconsin Idea” has influenced the lives of people statewide and throughout the world.

The program will focus on the university’s contributions in economics and politics, environment and agriculture, medicine and science, education practice and policy, the “town and gown” connection, University Athletics, and more.

Lecturing during the series will be:

• Professor John Cooper, an expert in Progressivism, will discuss the germination of the Wisconsin Idea;
• Don Kettl, director of the LaFollette Institute will develop the “Idea” in its modern political incarnation;
• Richard Barrows, associate dean, Agricultural and Life Sciences, will speak on the University’s impact on agriculture;
• James Crow, professor emeritus of genetics, will focus on the University’s contribution to medicine and science;
• Phillip Certain, dean of Letters and Science, will illuminate the workings of the University’s first college;
• University historian John Jenkins will explain how the University has had an effect on educational practice and policy far beyond Madison;
• David Mollenhoff, writer of Madison history, will narrate the relationship between the campus and the city;
• Professor Diane Lindstrom, former member of the UW–Madison Athletic Board, will demonstrate how the importance of University athletics runs beyond ingesting brats and beer.

Lectures will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Grainger Hall, 975 University Ave. A detailed summer forum lecture schedule is available from the Division of Continuing Studies, 905 University Ave., (608) 262-1156.