The College of Letters & Science enjoyed a fantastic year, from research breakthroughs in every discipline, to the groundbreaking for a much-anticipated new music center that will transform campus, as well as redefine what it means to pursue a musical education at UW-Madison.
Here are just a few of the stories from a year defined by great achievements and great generosity:
Celebrating the Year of Shakespeare
The college played a leading role in the university’s year-long honoring of the Bard, which coincided with the 400th anniversary of his death and the arrival of “First Folio” on campus.
Two L&S professors teamed up to explore the playwright’s impact, challenging their students to spread the word about Shakespeare in an assignment dubbed the “Shakesconsin Idea."
Center for Academic Excellence marked 50 years of supporting underrepresented students
Over Homecoming weekend, the Center for Academic Excellence welcomed back alumni for a celebration of a program — previously called the Academic Advancement Program and the Five Year Program — that has been transforming lives since 1966.
L&S faculty showcased their election expertise
From faculty who study campaigns, elections and the impact of politics, to alumni and students actively engaged in the year's presidential race, an interest in politics pulsed through the college. Local and national media regularly called on our faculty to provide expert insights and analysis.
Ellen Zweibel won Maxwell Prize in Physics
Breaking boundaries to become the first woman to receive the prize, astrophysicist Zweibel was recognized for “seminal research on the energetics, stability and dynamics of astrophysical plasmas, including those related to stars and galaxies, and for leadership in linking plasma and other astrophysical phenomena.”
Research breakthroughs occurred in every discipline
- Limnology professor Pete McIntyre was lead co-author of a study showing that freshwater fish play a crucial role in feeding some of the world’s most vulnerable. Read more
- Psychology professor Brad Postle's research team discovered that seemingly "forgotten" information can be recalled using magnets. Read more
- The Institute for Research on Poverty was named the national Poverty Research Center. Read more.
- And assistant professor in Afro-American Studies Christy Clark-Pujara examined the impact of the business of slavery in her new book, Dark Work: The Business of Slavery in Rhode Island. Read more.
Ground broke on the eagerly- anticipated Hamel Music Center
In October, Dean Scholz and donors George and Pamela Hamel, George Mead and Susan Feith and members of the Music Board of Advisors helped break ground for the eagerly-anticipated Hamel Music Center.
The center, part of the Mead Witter School of Music, will feature a 662-seat Mead Witter Concert Hall, a 325-seat Collins Recital Hall, a large rehearsal space, ample lobby and state-of-the-art technologies. The new facility is named for School of Music Board of Advisors member Pamela Hamel and her husband George (B.A.’80, Communication Arts). The couple made a lead contribution to the $56 million project.
The L&S Career Initiative grew in all directions
The Taking Initiative course, taught by Greg Downey, filled quickly. Badger Bridge went live in August. Alumni stepped up as mentors, including Steve Pogorzelski, a member of the L&S Board of Visitors. And the Badger Internship program was created.
L&S Recognized for great teaching
Of the 12 Distinguished Teaching Awards the university gave out in February, nine went to L&S faculty, reinforcing the strong teaching reputation of the college.
Two L&S graduates earn Distinguished Alumni Awards
This fall, the Wisconsin Alumni Association bestowed its highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award — given to the most prestigious graduates of UW-Madison to recognize their professional achievements, contributions to society and support of the university — to two L&S alumni. Judith Faulkner (M.S.’67, Computer Sciences) is founder and CEO of electronic health records giant Epic Systems, and Doris Feldman Weisberg (B.S.’58, Psychology) is a former Food Network producer and educator.
Students and faculty were proud to choose UW-Madison
Here at L&S, we’re committed to attracting and retaining the brightest minds. In September, geography professor Jack Williams made a compelling case for standing by his university in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. And freshman Dahlia Tesfamichael told her story of opting for UW over Harvard, and the process of becoming a Badger.
So long for now, friends. We look forward to 2017!