Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents
A fire in UW-Milwaukee’s theater building in April could have been devastating, but the community rallied around students and faculty. Shorewood High School offered space to rebuild the set, and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater offered its stage. And the show went on.
Members of the UW-Superior community took part in an important conversation to help prevent sexual assault at the Speak Out Superior event. This program engages new voices in the fight against sexual assault.
Research by a UW-Stout student was in the spotlight at the U.S Capitol. Alexis Econie’s research on the Red Cedar River watershed was highlighted at Posters on the Hill. This event gives students the opportunity to showcase their research to members of Congress.
UW-Stevens Point is among the 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. The award acknowledges the university’s leadership in a comprehensive approach to sustainability. UW-Stevens Point is one of nine postsecondary awardees in the nation.
UW-River Falls received a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation worth nearly $1.5 million to support the STEMteach graduate program. STEMteach produces highly qualified teachers in STEM fields to help meet state and regional needs.
UW-Platteville chemistry professor James Hamilton has received a grant from NASA to develop his telescope-cleaning polymer. With the help of students, Dr. Hamilton will develop a polymer system specifically for the special needs of NASA’s Starshade Telescope Project which will be launched in the next decade.
UW-Parkside students Phillip LaBar and Ashley Marchetti took home the championship title at the National Collegiate Sales Competition. Parkside’s business department now holds more than 36 national sales and marketing awards.
UW-Oshkosh’s Engage magazine marked its 10th anniversary with their Spring 2017 issue. Engage serves as the cornerstone communications vehicle to share the university’s success stories with alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
A local car dealership celebrated Earth Day by donating an electric vehicle to UW-La Crosse. The car carries food waste to a community vermicomposting project that originated at UW-L. This partnership helped the new Student Union earn Gold LEED building certification for excellence in green building.
UW–Madison’s Dairyland Initiative helps dairy producers build barns that keep their cows happy and productive. Based on scientific principles developed by the School of Veterinary Medicine, these barns maximize cow comfort.
An updated strategic plan for the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce highlighted the necessity to expand UW-Green Bay. The plan noted that student talent drives economic development. Chancellor Miller spoke at the event, sharing the university’s support for the plan and his optimism about the future.
UW HELP, a part of UW-Extension, developed an exciting new app that gives students a starting point to find the UW System campus that fits them best. UW Journey will be available in the App Store and Google Play this month.
Student and faculty researchers from UW-Eau Claire are studying the quality of surface water and groundwater in western Wisconsin. This research will help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources establish reasonable and responsible regulations for the silica sand mining industry.
UW Colleges recently held Undergraduate Research & Performance symposiums. Eight campuses highlighted student research in various fields. The event at UW-Marinette reached a significant milestone in celebrating its 20th year.
UW-Whitewater students participated in the popular Hired Before Graduation campaign. Graduating seniors who have landed jobs before commencement are invited to have their photos taken and posted to social media. This year, UW-Whitewater set a new record with 200 participants.