UW crest

Events

Several special campus events and activities are planned April 3–15. These events bring the campus, community, and guests together to celebrate the university, its traditions, and people.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public.

 

  • Apr 3 Mon

    Campus Community Mural

    12:00 pm TITU, Union South

    As you reflect on the UW–Madison campus 175 years from now, in the year 2198, what one idea do you have for the future of the university? Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to contribute their idea to one of 175 mini canvases. The final artwork will be displayed during the investiture.

  • Apr 4 Tue

    Campus Community Mural

    12:00 pm TITU, Memorial Union

    As you reflect on the UW–Madison campus 175 years from now, in the year 2198, what one idea do you have for the future of the university? Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to contribute their idea to one of 175 mini canvases. The final artwork will be displayed during the investiture.

  • Apr 11 Tue

    2nd and 3rd shift employees Recognition Event

    Part of Investiture Week 10:30 pm The Kohl Center

    This is a special event to recognize second and third-shift employees.
    This event is part of Investiture Week and Chancellor Mnookin will provide remarks at 11:30 p.m.
    Employees will also have time to meet and talk with colleagues and listen to music played by the UW Band.
    Food and beverages will be provided.
    Free parking in Lots 87 and 91 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Enter the Kohl Center through Gate A.
    If you are interested in joining, please talk to your supervisor.

  • Apr 12 Wed

    “Bucky’s Big Event” Service Day

    All day

    In partnership with the Morgridge Center for Public Service and the Office of Sustainability, students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in the first Bucky's Big Event, a campuswide service project focused on giving back to the Madison community. Volunteers can choose from 7 service activities. A volunteer sign up is available.

  • Apr 12 Wed

    Wisconsin Ideas: Inspiration and Insights from Extraordinary Badgers

    3:00 pm 2nd Floor, Gordon Dining and Event Center

    Hear from several extraordinary faculty and alumni, each sharing compelling stories about their life-changing work and their connections to the UW–Madison community. Learn about what motivates and inspires their work and what drives their curiosity and success. Celebrate the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea that makes our university so excellent!

    Moderated by John Zumbrunnen, the UW’s vice provost for teaching and learning, six faculty and alumni will take turns sharing their experiences in a 10-minute lightning talk format. The event will be available virtually and in-person. Registration is required due to limited capacity.

  • Apr 12 Wed

    Cooking with Chancellor Mnookin

    6:00 pm Varsity Hall I, Union South

    Sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Cuisine, students are invited to join Chancellor Mnookin, a foodie, and a professional chef for a live cooking demonstration. Try Chancellor Mnookin’s favorite dishes as you learn new recipes to prepare at home.

  • Apr 13 Thu

    Discover Past, Present, and Future: Black Holes, Neutrinos, and Life in our Galaxy

    1:30 pm Marquee Theater, Union South

    Featuring Nobel Prize winning astrophysicist UCLA Professor Andrea Ghez as well as UW-Madison luminaries, our panel will discuss the arc of discovery that unveils the secrets of the Milky Way beginning with UW–Madison Karl Jansky’s detection of radio emission from deep space. Professor Ghez will discuss the extraordinary discovery of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Professor Ghez will be joined by UW–Madison Hilldale Professor Francis L. Halzen who will talk about the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and what it tells us about some of the most energetic events in the Universe. We will wrap up by looking forward to what could be the next great discovery as Susanna Widicus Weaver, Vozza Professor of Chemistry and Astronomy, discusses her work to understand the origin of life in the Galaxy. The discussion will be moderated by Eric Wilcots, Dean of the College of Letters & Science and Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy.

    Susanna Widicus Weaver, UW–Madison Vozza Professor of Astronomy and Chemistry. Widicus Weaver conducts research in the emerging field of prebiotic astrochemistry. The field investigates the chemical mechanisms in space that lead to the development of biological systems.

    Francis Halzen, UW–Madison Vilas Research Professor and Gregory Breit Professor, theoretician studying problems at the interface of particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Since 1987, Halzen has worked on the IceCube project, which began with the AMANDA experiment. The experiment led to the construction of IceCube, a kilometer-scale neutrino observatory at the South Pole.

    Andrea Ghez, UCLA Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Lauren B. Leichtman & Arthur E. Levine Chair in Astrophysics, Head of the UCLA Galactic Center Group. In 2020, Ghez received a Nobel Prize.

    The event will be available virtually and in-person. Registration is required due to limited capacity.

  • Apr 13 Thu

    Investiture Reception and Dinner

    5:00 pm Champions Club (South End Zone), Camp Randall Stadium

    Invited guests may join Chancellor Mnookin for an evening with live music, dinner service, and a reflection on the university’s past, present, and future.

    5 to 6 p.m. Reception
    6 to 9 p.m. Dinner

    Registration required.

  • Apr 14 Fri

    Investiture Academic Procession

    9:30 am Rehearsal Hall, Hamel Music Center

    The investiture ceremony will begin with a procession that includes delegates wearing academic regalia. Universities around the state, nation, and world, as well as faculty, students, civic leaders, and elected officials, will be represented.

    8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Breakfast
    9:30 to 10 a.m. Academic Robing and Procession

    Registration required for in-person attendance. The academic procession will be live streamed.

  • Apr 14 Fri

    Investiture Ceremony

    10:00 am Rehearsal Hall, Hamel Music Center

    The investiture ceremony will formally welcome Jennifer L. Mnookin as chancellor and 30th leader of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The event will feature several speakers, a presentation of symbols of the office, music and performances, and prepared remarks from the chancellor.

    Registration required for in-person attendance. The ceremony will be live streamed.

  • Apr 14 Fri

    Campus Community Picnic Celebration

    12:00 pm Library Mall

    After the investiture ceremony, a celebratory picnic will be held for the campus community at Library Mall. The picnic will include live music, entertainment, free food, and the inaugural serving of Chancellor Mnookin’s ice cream flavor. The event is open to all faculty, staff, students, guests, and Madison community members.

  • Apr 15 Sat

    Wisconsin Film Festival Feature: ‘We Are Not Ghouls’

    3:30 pm Shannon Hall, Memorial Union

    Hosted by the Wisconsin Film Festival, watch the 2023 documentary 'We Are Not Ghouls' directed by Chris James Thompson and starring Lt. Col. Yvonne Bradley. Chancellor Mnookin will introduce the film.

    Purchase tickets online through the Wisconsin Film Festival.