The Wisconsin Week Wire — Oct. 31, 2007
Top News
Approved state budget includes ‘major victories’ for higher education
The 2007–09 biennial budget signed into law Oct. 26 by Gov. Jim Doyle contains a number of promising provisions for state public universities, including a Growth Agenda package and a faculty retention initiative.
Historic donation preserves business naming rights
The Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has received an unprecedented gift totaling $85 million from a small group of alumni who have formed the “Wisconsin Naming Partnership” to support the school’s mission.
UW–Madison, College of Menominee Nation enter historic partnership
Students from the College of the Menominee Nation will have a new and easy path to transfer to UW–Madison as a result of a historic new partnership agreement between the two institutions.
Domestic partner benefits: ‘We will keep trying’
Although the overall budget picture was largely positive for both UW–Madison and UW System, the exclusion of benefits was a setback for a faculty and staff committee that spent numerous hours on the issue during the past year.
Research
Project aims to reduce risk of falls among the elderly
With one-third of elderly Americans suffering falls every year, medical professor Jane Mahoney has devoted her clinical career to strategies for reducing this major public health risk.
Questions remain on what makes a perfect rain garden
Since their public introduction more than 10 years ago, rain gardens — small garden plots that are designed to collect and filter storm water — have created quite a storm among environmentally minded homeowners. But as their popularity has grown, so have opinions about what makes the perfect rain garden.
Features
UW–Madison film center offers glimpse into Hollywood titan Kirk Douglas
Letters, photos and other documents Kirk Douglas donated to the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research are available online through a new Web site that tells the story of his career both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Classes explore environmental film’s power to motivate
Gregg Mitman believes in the power of a well-told story. He should — he’s living proof that a good story, told with passion and heart, can influence an audience.
On Campus
Events calendar
Series focuses on the arts of Japan
The arts of Japan will capture the campus spotlight in exciting and colorful presentations of exhibits, receptions, film screenings and lectures during November.
Faculty concert explores movement through dance and music
Dynamic, physical movement accompanied by music ranging from live contemporary to classical will be showcased in the Fall Faculty Dance Concert on Nov. 15–17.
University Theatre presents ‘Yellowman’ and ‘A Nervous Smile’
Two plays dealing with uncomfortable topics, including racial stereotypes, family dysfunction and discrimination against disabled people, mark the University Theatre directorial debuts of UW–Madison MFA directing students.
Panels examine intersection of science, religion and contemplation
The study of the human mind and how the worlds of science, religion and contemplative practice intersect will be explored during two panel discussions in November.
Writer, philanthropist Tracy Gary keynotes philanthropy forum
Tracy Gary, an heir to the Pillsbury fortune and a noted philanthropist and writer, will be the keynote speaker Nov. 8 for the Eighth Biennial Forum on Philanthropy, sponsored by the Women’s Philanthropy Council at the UW Foundation.
Alumni in Residence program launches with visit from ‘Renaissance man’
A modern-day Renaissance man will present talks and tastes on campus and around Madison during the inaugural Alumni in Residence program.
Milestones
AAAS honors five UW–Madison members
Five University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty and staff members are among the 471 scientists, engineers, educators and communicators who have been selected as fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
UW–Madison distinguished engineering alumni honored
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to fields ranging from nanotechnology and information management to medicine, materials and agriculture, the UW–Madison College of Engineering honored nine influential alumni Oct. 26 at its 60th annual Engineers’ Day celebration.