“It was really intellectually stimulating, a great way to get to know the state and your new colleagues outside of your discipline.”
– WIS’22 alum
“Do it. Sitting on a bus for so long and making new friends may feel weird at first, but the experiences with colleagues and with Wisconsin will change you, or at least change how you think about the application of your research to the state.”
– WIS’22 alum
“The Wisconsin Idea Seminar was an amazing (and exhausting) opportunity to hear from a wide variety of Wisconsinites and learn SO MUCH about Wisconsin, and the University. It is absolutely worth a week away from work and has really enriched the way that I think about the state. It was five days of nonstop action and information.”
– WIS’22 alum
“It’s an investment that will pay dividends throughout your career.”
– WIS’22 alum
“Don’t hesitate, it’s one of the best opportunities available.”
– WIS’22 alum
“It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Wisconsin and in the process make some awesome friends.”
– WIS’19 alum
“You’ll make 40 new best friends, you’ll learn so much about new things and things you think you already know about. You’ll hear from different and unique perspectives.”
– WIS’19 alum
“It’s an epiphany experience. You will learn, feel, hear and see things that will forever change your perspectives.”
– WIS’19 alum
“It was really intellectually stimulating, a great way to get to know the state and your new colleagues outside of your discipline.”
– WIS’19 alum
I have a deepened understanding of the relationship between the University and the state, and of the importance of the relationship to us all. I understand now that our institution reaches far beyond Madison, and that we must take seriously the implications of that reach. I look forward to continuing exploring the state and its diverse communities, in my work and as a proud resident of Wisconsin.
– WIS’16 alum
While I’m a native of Wisconsin and have a general understanding of the state, the seminar allowed me to see working companies, businesses, agriculture, institutions, that I’d never have been able to visit on my own. Not only did we see them, we were provided context and background to make it a true learning experience.
– Maj Fischer, WIS’16, International Division
The seminar took me to places that I wouldn’t see in my own travels. It helped me to understand the experience of others from Wisconsin who experience the state very differently.
– WIS’16 alum
The Seminar provided many good examples of how researchers can partner with communities and organizations. It was inspiring to see and something I hope to emulate in my future work.
– WIS’16 alum
It validated my passion about the importance of outreach and public service whether in my professional capacity or community stewardship.
– WIS’16 alum
The seminar dramatically deepened my appreciation for the Wisconsin Idea. I returned with a new sense of purpose and dedication to the citizens of this wonderful state. I felt honored and humbled by the graciousness every one of our hosts showed us.
– Bret A. Payseur, WIS’15, School of Medicine and Public Health, Medical Genetics
The Wisconsin Idea Seminar identified faces and places in Wisconsin that represent the diversity of our population and professions as well as the remarkable work being done and the daunting challenges we face. It helped me to feel like a citizen of the state of Wisconsin rather than just a member of the city in which I live.
– Laura C. Smythe, WIS’15, Law School, Pro Bono Program, UW Law School Economic Justice Institute
I met some excellent colleagues on the Wisconsin Idea tour who I may not have met otherwise, but who I hope to continue discussions with for years to come. Viewing the state through the lens of this shared experience was a great opportunity.
– Brigitte N. Fielder, WIS’15, College of Letters and Science, Comparative Literature and Folklore Studies
I was able to see embodied results of Wisconsin Idea rather than an abstract mission statement.
– Emily W. Arthur, WIS’15, School of Education, Art Department
The trip made me feel part of Wisconsin. Outreach and public service bring theories to applications in the community to improve the health and development of the state.
– Yajuan Si, WIS’15, School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Department of Population Health Sciences
I left the seminar with a much greater sense of attachment to the UW System and to Wisconsin. I left with a strong desire to get involved in public service and outreach in some significant way.
– Lesley D. Bartlett, WIS’15, School of Education, Education Policy Studies
Because of the tremendous thoughtfulness put into the itinerary, and connection with key individuals living in and leading their communities, we were able to dive quickly into key issues facing diverse communities in Wisconsin.
– Deborah B. Ehrenthal, WIS’15, School of Medicine and Public Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Population Health Sciences
The trip really helped me gain better insight to the University’s influence around the State–and to gain a better understanding of some of the enduring problems in the state.
– Karl S. Rosengren, WIS’15, College of Letters and Science, Psychology
