The Wisconsin Week Wire — April 23, 2008
Top News
Computing research brings Microsoft to Madison
Microsoft, the world’s largest computer software company, will open an advanced development laboratory in Madison later this spring, helping expand on a highly productive 20-year research and alumni relationship between the company and the UW–Madison computer sciences department.
We Conserve yields results
An energy-saving campaign launched at UW–Madison two years ago has identified annual energy savings of $3.7 million and reductions of carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 28,000 tons a year.
Features
Rethinking disaster management with a development focus
Donald Schramm teaches people in government agencies and local communities around the world how to lessen the impact of a disaster.
With cell as muse, art fuels scientist’s quest
For Ahna Skop, the tipping point to a career in science was a dance and a food fight.
Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the center ring
The exuberance of the circus will take center ring at the Chazen Museum of Art when it presents two exhibitions: “Ringmaster: Judy Onofrio and the Art of the Circus,” and “Harry A. Atwell, Circus Photographer.”
On Campus
Events calendar
Employee Matters
UBS makes gift to need-based scholarship initiative
The University Book Store has joined a faculty fundraising effort for need-based scholarships at UW–Madison.
UW–Madison opens Center for the First-Year Experience
The Center for the First-Year Experience, formerly Orientation and New Student Programs, officially opened this month.
Art department to host memorial for Gelsy Verna
The art department will host a public memorial service at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in honor of art professor Gelsy Verna, who died in Madison on March 11. The memorial will be held in the banquet room of the University Club.
Students available for spring chores
Students in the Concert Choir want to help community members get their yards spruced up for spring.
Tornado drill scheduled for April 24
Gov. Jim Doyle has declared April 21–25 as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, and a statewide tornado drill will be held on Thursday, April 24.
Employee Appreciation Ice Cream Social set for May 8
The sixth annual Employee Appreciation Ice Cream Social will be held from 1–2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, on Bascom Hill.
Libraries, DoIT to host May 2 symposium
Two national leaders in digital research in the humanities are key presenters this spring in a symposium jointly sponsored by the libraries and the Division of Information Technology (DoIT).
Family establishes Zimmermann memorial fund
Brittany Zimmermann’s family has established a scholarship fund designed to honor her memory and assist other worthy students with educational expenses.
Child care office offers family photo day
The Office of Child Care and Family Resources presents a family event: “Family Photo Day,” to be held from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.
Dance Program celebrates season with spring concert
Choreography by Alan Sener and works by Dance Program artists will be showcased in the Spring Dance Concert at 8 p.m. on –Saturday, April 24–26, at Lathrop Hall.
Hoofers holds first outdoor gear resale
The Hoofers is launching its first Outdoor Gear Resale, to be held from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, in Tripp Commons of the Memorial Union.
Students embrace Arabic in new International Learning Community
Baytunaa, the Arabic floor in the International Learning Community, houses five undergraduate students dedicated to speaking Arabic and learning about the different Arabic-speaking countries and cultures.
Four named UHS director finalists
Four candidates have been selected as finalists for the position of executive director of University Health Services (UHS).
Wear red to celebrate Badger Spirit Day on Friday
Badger Spirit Day will be on display on Friday, April 25, as alumni and friends around the world show their support for the university.
Milestones
Academic Staff Award winners honored
Nine individuals have been honored with the 2008 Academic Staff Excellence Awards in recognition of their achievements.
School of Education honors faculty, staff
Seven people have received 2008 Distinguished Achievement Awards, the highest honor the School of Education bestows upon current faculty and staff.
UWPD distributes Chief’s Awards
The UW Police Department recently honored 15 members of the university community with Chief’s Awards.
Student Personnel Association distributes annual awards
The Student Personnel Association honored seven staff members with Outstanding Achievement Awards.
UW–Madison ‘originators’ honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards
Seven UW–Madison alumni will be honored next month with the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards, presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
College of Letters and Science announces honors
Gary Sandefur, dean of the College of Letters and Science, announces the winners of the 2007–08 College of Letters and Science Academic Staff Excellence Awards, Advising Awards and Classified Staff Excellence Awards.
Community
Engineering class infuses green ideas into local building projects
UW–Madison civil and environmental engineering students are working to create plans that will benefit the planet and its inhabitants for years to come.