OBE Update: Grand openings, growing connections, and graduations

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UW–Madison engineering talent critical to state, national economic progress

Many of Wisconsin’s most notable companies have grown from family businesses founded decades ago into multibillion-dollar companies with an international reach — and engineers drive the innovations that underlie their progress, global competitiveness, and economic success. Read more about the impact of UW–Madison engineering graduates on Wisconsin and the Midwest.

UW–Madison is working to secure funding for the construction of a new Engineering building that would add 300,000+ square feet of state-of-the-art space to provide a hands-on education to many more students, position UW–Madison to stay competitive with our peers, and keep pace with industry growth. Learn how to support the campaign as an individual.

If your company would like more information about supporting the College of Engineering, please contact Sara Braas, Business Engagement Manager with OBE.

Support the campaign

Connection and collaboration blossom on and off campus this spring

The Office of Business Engagement has had a busy spring, bringing together university and corporate partners across multiple industries and disciplines.

Alongside our colleagues in the College of Engineering Office of Corporate Relations, OBE made sure Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) University & Research Institute manager Dr. Gabriele Librandi’s first visit to UW–Madison was an eventful one full of interactions with students and faculty, including participation in the Advanced Materials Industrial Consortium (AMIC) student seminar series.

 

Fiskars, a global company founded in 1649 with U.S. headquarters based in Middleton, WI, is looking for sharp UW–Madison talent. Fiskars’ global human resource executives spent a day learning about academic programs and industry engagement opportunities at the School of Business, the School of Human Ecology, the School of Computer, Data and Information Sciences, and the College of Engineering.

American Family Insurance and UW–Madison work together on shared strategic priorities emphasizing academic programming, talent, research, athletics, branding and charitable actions. Under the holistic agreement formalized in 2015, representatives of the university and American Family meet periodically as a steering committee, most recently at UW–Madison’s Fluno Center on April 25, pictured above.

Find out more about partnering with UW–Madison.

UW–Madison’s 175th Anniversary

On July 26, 1848, the University of Wisconsin was officially incorporated. Now, 175 years later, UW–Madison is one of the world’s leading educational institutions. Join us this year all around the state to celebrate the UW’s legacy of influencing lives beyond the classroom and expanding what’s possible.

Modernized, expanded Babcock Hall reopens

UW–Madison’s Babcock Hall Dairy Plant, known for its popular ice cream and award-winning cheeses, has undergone a major upgrade featuring the latest equipment and expanded capacity for student learning and professional training. The renovation and expansion, which includes a three-story addition for the Center for Dairy Research, was supported by a variety of companies, organizations, and individuals. Read more about the bigger, better Babcock Hall.

Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center opens on campus

On April 24, the brand-new Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center opened on the UW–Madison campus. In addition to its 29,000 square feet of fitness space, the center features spaces dedicated to supporting a variety of well-being services. The center is named for lead donors Jim and Sue Bakke; Jim is a UW–Madison alumnus and president and CEO of Madison’s Sub-Zero Group. Find out more and view a gallery of photos from the center’s opening.

Find out more about strategic investment at UW–Madison.

UW–Madison showcases statewide, county impact in latest reports

A newly released series of reports from the University of Wisconsin–Madison showcases how the university connects with each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

Based on the latest available data, these reports outline county and statewide enrollment trends, alumni counts, community partnerships, projects and financial connections. Read more about UW–Madison’s statewide impact or find your county.

UW–Madison’s Day at the Capitol

The annual event featured discussions with state legislators, graduate student research projects, and flash talks by UW–Madison faculty experts, providing an opportunity to highlight the many ways the university impacts lives and communities in the state.

This year’s talented Badger graduates are stronger than ever

This weekend’s commencement celebrations for the UW–Madison Class of Spring 2023 were filled with stories of gratitude, pride, and finding greatness in the face of adversity. A total of 8,625 students received their degrees at ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.

More stories on UW–Madison talent:

• UW–Madison graduate programs excel in latest U.S. News rankings
• Wisconsin School of Business programs for undergraduates feature job shadowing, “career treks”
• Biomedical Engineering startup class shows students how to make a successful pitch

Find out more about how OBE helps connect businesses like yours with UW–Madison talent solutions.

UW–Madison’s next provost award-winning researcher, collaborative leader

On August 1, Dr. Charles Lee Isbell Jr. will become UW–Madison’s provost, the university’s chief academic officer and second-ranking leader under the chancellor. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, he has been the John P. Imlay Jr. Dean of the College of Computing, widely viewed as one of the most innovative computing programs in the country under his leadership. Read more about Dr. Isbell.

Related: UW–Madison breaks ground on School of Computer, Data and Information Sciences facility

UW–Madison hosts event on new NSF directorate for innovation & partnerships

On March 23, the College of Letters & Science hosted a fireside chat with Dr. Erwin Gianchandani, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) assistant director of the agency’s new Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate, established to advance emerging technologies and accelerate the translation of research to the marketplace and society. Read about the event and find a recording of the event here.

See also: Advancing the next generation of semiconductor research and education

Promega Corp. sponsors 2023 Cool Science image contest

Sponsored by Promega Corporation with support from the UW–Madison Division of the Arts, the Cool Science Image (CSI) Contest celebrates the connection between science and creativity. Each year, members of the UW–Madison community submit their most striking photos and videos of objects or phenomena, from any discipline. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to submit their images and videos by June 15.

Find out how OBE helps connect businesses like yours with UW–Madison research and technology.

• Tuesday, May 23, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Green Bay: Mix and mingle with Badger alumni and friends at Badger State Brewing Company. Learn about the UW’s connections with Green Bay area businesses and celebrate the university’s 175th anniversary.

• Thursday, May 25, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, virtual: Join the UW E-Business Consortium for the second annual Wisconsin Digital Symposium. This free half-day virtual program, open to all, will explore ways to address the practical and urgent challenges of digital transformation and the volatile business environment.

• Tuesday, June 6, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Union South: UW–Madison’s Women and Leadership Symposium brings together engaged professionals for networking, professional development, learning from women leaders, and sharing of best practices.

• Wednesday, June 28, Sheboygan: Join us at Kohler’s headquarters to mix and mingle with Badger alumni and friends, learn about the UW’s connections with Sheboygan area businesses, and celebrate the university’s 175th anniversary. Details on this and future state tour stops will be announced.

• August 6-8, UW-Oshkosh: Hundreds of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the University of Wisconsin System will convene at the SPARK Symposium for networking and a showcase of faculty and student research.

• The Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development can give you and your organization tools to face future challenges with confidence through their courses and certificates, including a Professional Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• The Division of Continuing Studies offers a wide variety of flexible courses and  professional degrees and certificates online, hybrid, and in-person.
• The UW E-Business Consortium and Engineering Professional Development are now part of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro), which provides a portfolio of future-focused professional education programs and services for engineers, managers, technical professionals and partner organizations.

Contact us to learn more about how OBE can connect you with the university’s talent solutions, professional development resources, research and technology, or opportunities for strategic investment.