Message From the Dean—October 2026

There are few signs of autumn as definitive as the golden leaves on Picnic Point, the red pullovers of pedestrians on State Street, and the pink flamingos sunning themselves on Bascom Hill! Fill the Hill is an annual fall event where supporters give to designated funds and, in return, receive a flamingo to place on …

Love and thanks: Yung Hae Chun’s lifelong pursuit of the piano

Before Yung Hae Chun had a piano, she had a piece of paper. Her mother drew a keyboard across it so her young daughter could practice even when no instrument was available. In the years following the Korean War, a piano was a rarity where Chun lived. She recalled an entire city having one or …

Recapping International Education Week 2026 at UW–Madison

From classroom stories in local libraries to policy discussions at the heart of campus, International Education Week (IEW) at UW–Madison was a celebration of the Wisconsin Idea without borders. With more than 20 events spanning academic departments, student services, and public venues, the week highlighted how international education strengthens our broader Madison community, connects local …

Impact of “pocket rescissions” on IFLE programs

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is aware of the White House’s September 25 announcement of an $810 million “pocket rescissions” package that affects $70 million in funds that Congress had appropriated for International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) programs. IFLE has historically funded Title VI grants that supported the National Resource Centers (NRCs) in the UW–Madison …

Global Gateway Immerses Students in Korean History and Culture

At the end of Ella Logterman’s first day in South Korea, she texted her parents to say she wanted to live there. Logterman, a UW–Madison Korean language and culture studies major from Delavan, Wisconsin, developed an interest in Korea through its media and later became increasingly drawn to its language and culture. Logterman knew that …

Hessen delegation visit marks 50 years of Wisconsin–Hessen partnership

A delegation of leaders from the German state of Hessen visited Wisconsin Aug. 24–26 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sister-state partnership between Wisconsin and Hessen and to explore new opportunities for academic and research collaboration. Timon Gremmels, minister of the Hessen Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK), led the delegation. …

Tasting the Difference: A Passion for Better Dairy

Not all dairy is made equal. Dairy lovers in Wisconsin know this best of all. But even among the most critical connoisseurs, Pratishtha Verma stands out. She has spent much of her career figuring out what makes a dairy product great and how they can be made even better. That work has taken Verma into …

Global, Together: Q&A with Dean Vavrus

On September 1, the University of Wisconsin–Madison launched Global, Together—a 5-year strategic internationalization framework designed to guide international engagement. The framework reflects input from campus leaders and stakeholders and offers a roadmap for growing opportunities across campus and beyond. The framework’s four pillar goals aim to enhance student opportunities, develop innovative partnerships, expand global outreach …

International Internships Prepare Badgers for the Global Workforce

International internships through International Academic Programs (IAP) extend the Wisconsin Idea across borders by connecting Badgers with professional opportunities around the world. These hands-on experiences allow UW–Madison students to expand their technical skills and global networks while developing critical soft skills such as problem-solving, time management, and cross-cultural communication. To support different academic goals, IAP …

UW–Madison Announces Fulbright U.S. Student Awards for 2026-2027

UW–Madison is pleased to announce that 16 Badgers have received Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2026-2027 academic year, with 15 accepting the grant.  Close to 2,000 Fulbright U.S. students—recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals—pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English in schools abroad each year. They are recognized alongside …