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WISCONSIN A REPORT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN FOUNDATION SPRING 2009 insights With discretion Lily’s Fund ‘Great people’ Flexible funds help Girl inspires Gifts by the people, deans seize opportunities epilepsy researchers for the people Chancellor’s message In a word... The question I have answered most often in the past six 2. Recruitment and retention of world-class faculty months is, “How does it feel to be back in Madison?” The and talented staff during a time of increased worldwide word that seems to sum up my response is “joyful.” It is a competition and the retirements of experienced teachers joy to return to a place that is so special to me, to work and researchers. with and on behalf of amaz- 3. Excellence in our approach to research, with greater ing students, staff and faculty coordination and integration of efforts and some hard and to represent this great choices that allow us to take advantage of our unique University. But this is not the strengths and comparative advantages. only word that comes to mind 4. Accountability for the best possible undergraduate when I think of my first busy education that guides students to develop the knowledge, months as chancellor. analytical skills and independent thinking required for “Idealistic” came to mind responsible global citizenship. when I looked into the faces 5. Diversity that opens the realities of the world to all of 5,000 brand-new freshmen students so they can work, play and live with people from JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON,during UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS convocation last fall. every conceivable background. Carolyn “Biddy” Martin These fledgling Badgers and 6. Invigoration of the Wisconsin Idea through the I will forever share the beginning of a new chapter in our engagement of citizens and communities outside the Uni- lives. I have high expectations of them, as I am sure they versity and through improved strategic communications. have of me. This is as it should be. I save one final and heartfelt word for you. As the The job of chancellor of the UW-Madison is a huge University’s most generous and loyal donors, you have responsibility, one I accepted with enthusiasm and opti- invested in the University’s ability to sustain and build its mism. In my first six months, I am even more “enthusias- pre-eminence on the world stage across all disciplines and tic” and “optimistic,” but also “realistic,” about the issues to accomplish this in ways that are consistent with the val- we face globally, nationally, locally and right here on ues of the Wisconsin Idea. As a public university, we are campus. These three words define the balance necessary accountable to the public. At the UW-Madison, we also are to approach the challenges ahead. committed to the betterment of that public. As the financial We cannot and will not spend all our time and intellec- model for public higher education changes and we become tual capital on the problems we face in the short term. We more dependent on private sources of revenue, let us seek will take the long view, be inclusive in our thinking and forms of flexibility that will allow us to help ourselves tend to the things that matter most. On the basis of what while preserving our strong sense of social responsibility I know today from listening to my campus colleagues, and our pride in Wisconsin, the state that has made this alumni and friends around the country, to parents, legisla- university unique. For your partnership, your candor and tors and business leaders, I am focused on six priorities your support in the important work ahead, I am sincerely that will help set our course and ensure that we invigorate “grateful.” the Wisconsin Idea. Our faculty, staff and students are passionate about the potential for more partnerships and UWFYI a greater impact on the state, the nation and the world. FORYOURINFORMATION 1. Access and affordability for all students, undergradu- To learn more about Chancellor Martin and her plans ate and graduate, capable and ambitious enough to suc- for the University, go to www.chancellor.wisc.edu. ceed at the UW-Madison. 2 University of Wisconsin Foundation As the University’s most generous and loyal donors, you have invested in the University’s ability to sustain and build its pre-eminence on the world stage across all disciplines and to accomplish this in ways that are consistent with the values of the Wisconsin Idea. W ISCONSIN insights 3 Spring ‘09 WISCONSIN Volume 7 Number 1 insights Editorial Director Lynne Johnson Managing Editor Chris DuPré Contributing Writers Merry Anderson Chris DuPré Ann Grauvogl Sue Zyhowski Publications Production Manager Debbi Peterson Design and Layout Paul Fuchs Design insights is published 2 7 twice a year by the University of Wisconsin Foundation for donors and friends of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Address comments or questions to: Chris DuPré UW Foundation 1848 University Avenue P.O. Box 8860 Madison, WI 53708-8860 Phone: 608-263-0863 E-mail: [email protected] Visit our Web site at: www.uwfoundation.wisc.edu 12 19 O v e r v i e w 2 In a word... O n t h e c o v e r G r e a t p e o p l e . G r e a t p l a c e . Spring on Library Mall brings to mind 6 WPC has 20th anniversary gift— many things—emancipation from winter’s hold, the promise of rebirth and seniors for students contemplating life after graduation being 7 Modeling excellence in teaching just a few. Spring is a popular time for University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni 8 Helping them reach for the sun— and friends to visit campus, relive old just like the plants memories and make new ones. PHOTO: Jeff Miller, UW-Madison, University Communications 10 Fellowship funds seed plant breeding and genetics 12 Enabling deans to fulfill their missions 4 University of Wisconsin Foundation “Philanthropy will mean the difference between the maintenance of a great university and the evolution of an extraordinary one.” 8 10 19 20 22 30 UWFYI FOR YOUR INFORMATION 19 His fish story hooked her The University of Wisconsin-Madison wants to stay in touch with you. As primary man- 20 Wisconsin Union: Preserving the past, ager of the University’s alumni and friends building the future database, the UW Foundation continually seeks up-to-date contact information. You 22 Cardiovascular science in WIMR can update your information online by visit- ing www.uwfoundation.wisc.edu/survey. 24 Tracking global warming and health Please use the identification number located above your name on the insights mailing 26 “Pass it on” label to log in to the Web site. You will help us to maintain accurate information that is 28 Lily’s Fund inspires research shared selectively with the Wisconsin 30 Out of the blue Alumni Association and any other campus departments with which you may be 31 We had some fun involved as an alumnus, volunteer, faculty member or donor. Thank you! W ISCONSIN insights 5 Great people. Great place. WPC has 20th anniversary gift—for students The Women’s Philanthropy Council decided on a gift for members to see whether the idea would fly, it became clear its 20th anniversary, and, to no one’s surprise, it will bene- that we could build a nice endowed fund for this scholar- fit students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. ship effort, especially in light of the match,” she said. “One At its anniversary event in October, featuring an thing we did not want to do was take away from the sup- address from philanthropist Tashia Morgridge, Chair port Council members have for their schools or other pas- Christine Lodewick announced the Council will endow a sions on campus.” “Great people.” need-based scholarship. In a short period, calls were made, and letters went out “We were moved by the reality that these very bright, to the 25 members. “All of a sudden, the checks started to very qualified young people were perhaps being denied an flow in,” Manchester Biddick said. By the night of the cele- education through a lack of funds,” said Jean Manchester bration, the Council’s gift had grown to $75,000, which Biddick (’48 BS SOHE), the Council’s first chair. “If any- means $150,000 with the Foundation match. thing, we need to provide young people a pathway up so “We were all thrilled. This opportunity created a perfect they can make their way in the world. For our 20th example of what philanthropy is all about, giving where anniversary, it was appropriate that we do something that it’s most needed at the time. A lot of small gifts can add up symbolized our engagement with the University and our to have a tremendous impact,” Manchester Biddick said. overall vision of philanthropy.” “These scholarships certainly will change lives.” Manchester Biddick and the WPC membership got Founded in 1988, the Women’s Philanthropy Council wind of the “Great people. Great place.” initiative when the was the first such group at a coeducational institution. program was being planned. Its goals—and the one-to-one The mission of Women’s Philanthropy at Wisconsin is to match from the UW Foundation Board of Directors for inspire, encourage and advocate for women to partner unrestricted, campus-wide gifts—were in sync with the with the University to make a better world by publicly Council’s results-based approach. giving major gifts to the University area of their own “After having a few conversations with other Council passion, in their own names.

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