UW–Madison had a lot of reasons to celebrate this year. Students, faculty, and staff all reunited after more than a year of online work and learning, the university took the top spot in a Washington Monthly poll of best public universities, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) announced its largest-ever annual investment in UW–Madison’s research and education.
The Office of Business Engagement (OBE) welcomed Dean Welch and Sara Braas to the team as Business Engagement Managers, as well as a new Managing Director—John Garnetti—who shared his thoughts on university-business partnerships and the future of OBE.
As December comes to a close, the OBE team is looking back on some of the top stories to come out of the university in 2021.
Sustainability Shines Bright on Campus
As organizations around the world push to make their businesses and the world more sustainable and environmentally sound, UW–Madison students and staff are making their mark.
- State Leaders Tour UW Facilities to Learn about Sustainable Building Solutions
- UW–Madison wins federal Green Ribbon Schools Postsecondary Sustainability Award
- Environmental Studies majors make their mark on industry
UW–Madison Champions DEI
A new Chief Diversity Officer and the launch of new support initiatives keeps diversity, equity, and inclusion a top priority across the university.
- Raimey-Noland Campaign to seek gifts supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and UW–Madison Launch Diversity in Brewing Award
- LaVar Charleston named UW–Madison’s next chief diversity officer
- Record-setting freshman class maintains UW–Madison’s commitment to Wisconsin families
Data Science Gets Big
With a major gift announcement, a brand-new school, and in-demand programs and majors, the future of data is bright on campus.
- New Data Science degree emerges as the fastest growing major at UW–Madison
- $175 million commitment helps launch UW–Madison School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences
- Groundbreaking entrepreneurship science lab fosters student entrepreneurs
Innovation Takes Center Stage
A $30.8 billion annual statewide economic impact. More than 400 UW–Madison-related startups. The university proved once again that it’s an economic powerhouse reaching every corner of the state.
- Madison’s tech sector booms, driven by UW innovation
- UW–Madison driving Wisconsin’s economy, now and into the future
Campus Expands Collaborations
From cycling research to corporate expansions, UW–Madison announced all-new partnerships and shared the impactful work of tried-and-true corporate collaborations.
- Aldevron celebrates lab facility expansion in Madison, UW–Madison partnerships
- Collaboration helps UW–Madison Chemists quickly evaluate technologies to clean the air
- Trek partners with UW–Madison to show health, climate benefits of bicycling