String of Pearls
The UW System celebrates 30 years at anniversary dinner

More than 350 people from all over Wisconsin attended the "String of Pearls" dinner at the Milwaukee Public Museum on Oct. 11, celebrating the 30th, or "pearl," anniversary of the UW System. The dinner was organized by UW System University Relations.

Former Govs. Patrick Lucey and Lee Dreyfus received the first-ever UW System President's Medal for their roles in the merger of the Wisconsin State University System and the University of Wisconsin. Music was provided by the UW-Manitowoc Lakeshore Big Band. State Financial Bank underwrote the dinner, which helped launch a new UW System President's Fund campaign. The campaign already has raised more than $15,000.

At the conclusion of the evening, the Board of Regents personally presented Katharine Lyall with a special tribute: a string of pearls, symbolic of the 26 campuses and statewide extension that make up the UW System.

UW System Katharine Lyall enjoys meeting with (from left) State Sen. Joanne Huelsman, Don Schneiders, Regent Lolita Schneiders, and Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow.

Regent President Jay Smith welcomes guests to the 30th Anniversary dinner in front of the UW-Manitowoc Lakeshore Big Band.

Former Gov. Patrick Lucey addresses the crowd after being presented with the UW System President's Medal by Katharine Lyall.

Former Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus shares a joke during his speech after receiving the UW System President's Medal from Katharine Lyall. Photos by Jay Salvo.