The Wisconsin Week Wire — Oct. 24, 2007
Top News
Chancellor Wiley’s statement on the 2007–09 biennial budget
“This challenging budget cycle has resulted in some budget reductions for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, but we are confident that we can manage these cuts and maintain a strong, world-class university.”
New mechanical engineering building set for generations of innovation
The 270,000 square feet of renovated space in the Mechanical Engineering building is souped up to accommodate some of the university’s most cutting-edge research, employing everything from massive laboratory instruments to nanoscale devices.
Research
Researchers underscore limitations of genetic ancestry tests
Although many people rely on commercially available genetic tests for insights into their ancestry, consumers should be aware of significant limitations in such testing, according to a review in the journal Science that includes two UW–Madison experts.
Study finds dairy farming a satisfying profession — on farms big and small
Farmers who follow either of the divergent paths of small family farm or major commercial operation in modern dairy farming are equally satisfied with the quality of their lives, according to a new study.
UW–Madison center will expand farm-to-school food programs in Midwest
The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems has been named as lead agency in a six-state area for a new national program to encourage schools to serve more locally grown food.
Features
A food scientist muses on the upcoming ‘candy season’
In anticipation of the candy season — those sugar-packed months stretching from Halloween through Easter, marked by a succession of candy corn, chocolate turkeys, ribbon candy, candy hearts and chocolate eggs — food scientist Rich Hartel answers some questions about candy and the candy business.
On Campus
Events calendar
More ‘Wisconsin Reflections’ programs to be taped before live audiences
Audience members are currently being recruited for the taping of two new “Wisconsin Reflections” conversations with prominent alumni for the Big Ten Network.
Is a strike on Iran inevitable? Iran expert to speak Oct. 25
Gary Sick, principal White House aide during the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the U.S. hostage crisis, will give his talk, “Is a U.S. Strike on Iran Inevitable?” on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m. in the Morgridge Auditorium in Grainger Hall.
Flu shots available starting Oct. 29
The Environment, Health and Safety Department will again offer a variety of times and locations for on-campus employee flu shot clinics.
Grant from Thai Embassy advances Thai studies
The Royal Thai Embassy has granted the Center for Southeast Asian Studies nearly $100,000 to support the university’s Thai studies program.
Center offers care option when kids are sick
Chicken Soup LLC, an innovative child care facility at 3553 University Ave., offers services to take care of children who are mildly ill or have a regular child care provider who is unavailable.
‘Tales From Planet Earth’ film fest coming Nov. 2–4
A three-day environmental film festival will be held Friday-Sunday, Nov. 2–4.
School of Music to honor violin professor with concert, CD
The School of Music will honor the memory of the late Vartan Manoogian, professor of violin, with a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1.
Activities abound during Homecoming
A week’s worth of fun and games from students and the Wisconsin Alumni Association will rev up spirit levels on campus before Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Milestones
Alumni raise $569,000 for student scholarships
UW–Madison students received nearly $569,000 in scholarships this year, thanks to the efforts of local chapters and affiliates of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
UW–Madison fares well with international Fulbright scholarships
Twenty-four students from UW–Madison won Fulbright awards for 2007–2008, of which 18 accepted the fellowships.
Senior management changes announced at UHS
Longtime University Health Services (UHS) Executive Director Kathleen Poi will retire on Nov. 9, to be succeeded on an interim basis by UHS director of prevention services Susan Crowley.
Professor’s Native American soldier documentary to air on PBS
An associate professor of life sciences communication has produced a documentary that explores the motivation of Native American soldiers to fight in the U.S. military, for a country that considered them outsiders.