Blank passed away Friday evening after a seven month battle with cancer, according to an email sent by current Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin to the campus community.
Former Chancellor Rebecca Blank dies at 67 after cancer battle
The Daily Cardinal
Author: gbump
Former UW-Madison chancellor dies of cancer
Spectrum News1
A former University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor died of cancer on Feb. 17, the UW System said on Saturday.
Former UW-Madison chancellor dies of cancer
WTMJ-TV
Blank served as chancellor in Madison from 2013 up until last year when she announced plans to move to Northwestern University. Blank withdrew from that role after her cancer diagnosis.
Evers presents Miss America with certificate of recognition
WKOW-TV 27
Evers presented 20-year-old Grace Stanke with a certificate of recognition Saturday for her time as Miss Wisconsin, as a Nuclear Engineering student at UW-Madison and her accomplishment of winning Miss America.
UW-Madison students react to Becky Blank’s passing
NBC-15
Students on the UW campus said most of their peers knew of the former chancellor’s cancer diagnosis announced in July, but her death shocked many.
Rebecca Blank’s unique blend of intellect, grace and empathy
The Capital Times
Last May, Rebecca Blank was discussing what she regarded as the major unresolved issues she would leave behind at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Former NU president-elect dies of cancer
Evanston Now
She was preparing to join Northwestern after that, but in July 2022, she announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would step down from her role as president-elect in order to focus on her health and her family.
Rebecca Blank dies at 67; renowned economist led the University of Wisconsin
Chicago Sun-Times
Rebecca Blank, an economist who served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has died, less than a year after announcing that she had an aggressive form of cancer. She was 67.
‘There’s so much to love about Becky’: Rebecca Blank’s husband weighs in on her life and legacy
WKOW-TV 27
Tributes to former UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank have been pouring in from around the world since news of her tragic death came out Saturday. Now, the person who knows her best is also sharing a tribute.
UW-Madison officials acknowledge stickers with ‘language designed to provoke’
WISC-TV 3
Officials at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the UW Police Department say they are aware of transgender pride stickers that recently appeared to have been defaced.
UW-Madison dormitory evacuated after battery pack ignited
WISC-TV 3
Crews were called to Smith Hall just before 1:30 a.m. for reports of smoke coming from a fifth floor room. The building was being evacuated when they arrived.
UW-Madison fraternity mourns the loss of a brother, victim of the Michigan State University shooting
WKOW – Channel 27
Stephen Kacena is the President of the UW-Madison Chapter. Last month, he met Fraser at a conference and remembers him well. “He was super outgoing, super nice. I definitely enjoyed the brief conversation. We said our names and where we’re from, talked a little bit about school and a little bit about sports,” Kacena said.
Public History Project to build Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History
The Badger Herald
“You can only tell so many stories in a small space,” Lucchini Butcher said. “So one of the big things I think is that we want to do more research, we want to make more stories available. We want to create more curricular materials, do more public events. Just more is kind of the theme.”
Wisconsin Tuition Promise ‘probably not’ something Republicans will fund in upcoming budget, Vos says
The Daily Cardinal
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Wednesday that Republicans are unlikely to fulfill the University of Wisconsin System’s $24.5 million request to cover tuition and fees for an estimated 8,000 low-income students.
Anti-trans graffiti found in Science Hall
The Daily Cardinal
“UW-Madison and UWPD are aware of the defaced stickers recently reported in Science Hall,” a statement released by the university read. “The meaning or intent of the messages remains unclear.”
Whitney Names Its First Latino Senior Curator
The New York Times
Guerrero, who holds a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, came to the Whitney from the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, where she helped organize the 2017 exhibition “Radical Women: Latin American Art, 1960-1985.”
The EPA is updating the social cost of carbon to better fight climate change
The Indicator from Planet Money : NPR
I called up a philosopher to help me make sense of this. His name is Paul Kelleher. He’s a bioethicist at the University of Wisconsin.
Public History Project to become the Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History
The Daily Cardinal
After a successful “Sifting and Reckoning” exhibit at the Chazen Museum of Art, staff will continue work in a new center named after the former University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor.
Gov. Evers’ 2023-25 budget spends big for UW System, tech colleges
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Democratic governor on Wednesday proposed a $305 million increase for University of Wisconsin System campuses over the next two fiscal years. That’s less than the $435 million UW System asked for, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Even so, top UW leaders praised the proposal, saying it would help schools educate the state’s future workforce.
Micro-internship gives students experience without barriers
Inside Higher Ed
In 2021, only 21 percent of college students completed an internship, compared to pre-pandemic numbers—50 to 60 percent of students—according to the National Survey of College Internships from University of Wisconsin at Madison’s Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions.
Opinion: A reckoning for the Audubon Society
The Capital Times
Muir, the UW alum who inspired President Teddy Roosevelt to create the national park system and is credited with founding environmentalism, was discovered to be a racist who disparaged native Americans and Negroes as “dirty and lazy.” He founded the Sierra Club in 1892, serving as its president until he died in 1914, but during all that time only whites could be admitted as members.
Temple’s tuition withdrawal for striking was not unprecedented
The Washington Post
First, graduate assistant unions have been around for more than 50 years, starting with the Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1966. The TAA has engaged in collective bargaining since 1969, so the movement is hardly a “nascent” one.
Invasive Rusty Crayfish Appear to Be Dying Off and It’s Not Clear Why
Newsweek
“It can be tough to get an actual population estimate because there’s so many rusty crayfish in a lake,” lead study author Danny Szydlowski, a Ph.D. researcher at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Limnology, told Newsweek.
How a one-day gig turned into 25 years as Wisconsin men’s hockey PA announcer
Wisconsin State Journal
His public address announcer voice carries through the Kohl Center speakers with a signature phrase before the band breaks into “On, Wisconsin!” as the Badgers skate onto the ice. “All right fans, it’s time for period number two, are you ready? Because here cooooommmme the Badgers!”
Letter: Candidates’ law schools are telling
Wisconsin State Journal
According to U.S. News rankings, the UW-Madison Law School is ranked No. 43 in the nation. That’s candidate Everett Mitchell’s alma mater. Farther down the list is Marquette University Law School, ranked No. 105 — that’s where Janet Protasiewicz graduated. Both Daniel Kelly and Jennifer Dorow list Regent University as their law school. It ranks considerably lower, at No. 142 nationally.
UW-Madison creates endowed professorship named for former Chancellor Rebecca Blank
Wisconsin State Journal
The endowment, the first to be created in honor of Blank, is funded by donations from alumni and supporters.
Expanding paid family leave ‘critically important’ to attracting workers, Gov. Tony Evers says
Wisconsin State Journal
“Having access to paid family leave makes it more likely that people will stay in the labor force after having a child,” said Sarah Halpern-Meekin, a UW-Madison associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
Rusty crayfish disappearing from some northern Wisconsin lakes — and that’s a good thing
Wisconsin State Journal
Many of the lakes have seen steady declines of the crustacean, with a handful of lakes falling to nearly zero. Szydlowski, who is now working on a PhD in freshwater and marine science at UW-Madison’s Center for Limnology, said that the declines could be caused by a fungal disease and by crayfish destroying their own habitat.
Two ProPublica Projects Named Finalists for Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics
ProPublica
The Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison announced Monday that two ProPublica projects, “Words of Conviction” and “The Night Raids,” are among five finalists for the Anthony Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics.
Rural Americans hit harder by inflation, economists say
WCIV
“I think that the rural households are getting sort of nickel and dimed on inflation,” said Tessa Conroy, an economic development specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ex-‘Shark Tank’ guest star Matt Higgins: Ditch backup plans to succeed
CNBC
In a 2016 Wharton and University of Wisconsin-Madison study, two groups of research participants were given the same assignment and the same plan for completing it. One group had a backup plan. That group performed worse, and lost motivation to see their initial goal through.
Things to do in Madison: Miss America at UW, bluegrass show and more
The Capital Times
Grace Marie Stanke, the first UW-Madison student to be crowned Miss America, comes back to campus this weekend. From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, students, staff and public can meet Stanke at a special homecoming event in the Shannon Hall Lobby at the UW Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St, along with Miss Madison 2023, Paige Alexis Eide of La Crosse, a UW-Madison sophomore, and the new Miss Wisconsin 2022, Kylene Elizabeth Spanbauer of Fond du Lac.
Tony Evers’ budget calls for paid family leave, tax cuts, more funds for schools
Wisconsin State Journal
Most public- and private-sector workers in Wisconsin would be eligible for 12 weeks of paid family leave under Gov. Tony Evers’ two-year spending plan, which also includes tax cuts for low- and middle-income residents and increased spending on public schools.
Gov. Tony Evers’ budget endorses UW System tuition assistance, drops borrowing authority push
Wisconsin State Journal
Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed 2023-25 budget would provide the University of Wisconsin System with a boost that still falls short of what it sought as it grapples with rising costs.
Proposed 380-unit project Downtown aims to cut student housing shortage
Wisconsin State Journal
AChicago-based developer that’s done several big student housing projects Downtown is proposing another 12-story redevelopment with about 380 units that could help address UW-Madison’s growing enrollment and housing needs.
Black student law association hosts law panel
The Badger Herald
The Black Student Law Association held “Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.” — a panel for Black History Month featuring Black legal professionals Monday at the Black Cultural Center in the Red Gym.
People respond positively to humanlike robots, UW researcher finds
The Badger Herald
Alumni, students and staff gathered in the Discovery Building Tuesday evening to learn about robot-human interactions. Computer Sciences Professor Bilge Mutlu gave a talk titled “What Can Robots Tell Us About Our Humanity,” which explored research on human fascination with robotic technology.
UW-Madison Turkish students organize fundraising, donation drive for those affected by earthquakes in Turkey
The Daily Cardinal
The Madison Association of Turkish Students raised over $11,200 and donated around 4,000 items to the Turkish Consulate General in Chicago.
Data science, computer science majors show biggest increase in student enrollment
The Daily Cardinal
Increase of enrollment in Computer, Data & Information Sciences is primarily due to tech sector growth and expanding job opportunities.
Bucky’s Pell Pathway seeks to increase opportunity for students in financial need
The Daily Cardinal
“Rural schools are doing a great job preparing students to be career and college ready or, moreover, future-ready,” said Jeff Eide, executive director of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance. “Bucky’s Pell Pathway is another step in supporting the financial barrier students and parents may see to higher education opportunities.”
‘Everybody’s worst nightmare’: Gard shares thoughts on Michigan State campus shooting
WISC-TV 3
Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball coach Greg Gard took a few moments after his team’s win against Michigan on Tuesday night to share his thoughts on this week’s deadly mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State.
UW police preach preparedness in the wake of Michigan State shooting
WMTV - Channel 15
UWPD Chief Kristen Roman says the department trains for an active shooter annually and offers training to campus staff, students, and anyone in Madison year-round. Last year, over 1,100 people took the department’s training course, and Roman says being prepared is crucial in any emergency for officers and the public.
UW’s Public History Project acknowledges past, lacks action for future
The Badger Herald
New permanent project expands Sifting & Reckoning exhibit, provides history but fails to address future.
UW-Madison Professor receives 2023 diversity award
The Daily Cardinal
Lori Kido Lopez received one of the UW System’s 2023 diversity awards for dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion.
Michigan State University Shooting Spotlights Campus Security Efforts
WSJ
“We aren’t going to erect fortresses around our campuses,” said Kristen Roman, chief of police at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “It’s about finding that balance, what tools do we see as necessary, what tools do we see as reasonable, and what are the resources that campuses have to procure those and implement them.”
Kids who play hours of video games each day test the same as non-players
WCIV
JadAllah joined researchers at the University of Houston and the University of Wisconsin-Madison on this project, which examined 10- and 11-year-old children.
If ChatGPT Can Replace What We Teach, We Should Teach Something Else
Newsweek
If AI that doesn’t really understand medicine (or much of anything else) can pass the test for being a doctor, then we need to change what we teach doctors—and everyone else. – David Williamson Shaffer is the Sears Bascom Professor of Learning Analytics and the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Learning Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Data Philosopher at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research.
Evers budget includes $2.6 billion in new Wisconsin K-12 school funding
The Capital Times
The budget would attempt to address the state’s teaching shortage through investments in “grow your own” programs that allow current staff to pursue additional higher education credits or licenses, or cover college costs for students who commit to teaching in their district of attendance after graduation. It would also provide stipends to student teachers and interns and those who agree to train and oversee them.
Hilldale movie theater to reopen for Wisconsin Film Festival
The Capital Times
The six-screen theater at Hilldale has been a part of the Wisconsin Film Festival since it opened as Sundance Cinemas 608 in 2007, and was the primary off-campus location for the festival. While the festival, produced by the UW-Madison’s Department of Communication Arts, has several screening venues on the UW-Madison campus, such as Shannon Hall and the Union South Marquee Theatre, booking conflicts have meant that campus screenings were limited to the first four days of the festival.
New UW scholarship aims to boost rural health care
Wisconsin State Journal
The Lyle L. Vandenberg Rural Health Scholarship was created by UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, the American Medical Association Foundation and Homeward, a rural health care company started last year. It is named after a 1959 UW-Madison pharmacy graduate who provided pharmacy services in northeastern Wisconsin for many years before his death in 2021.
State Supreme Court will not weigh in on UW Health nurses’ unionization efforts
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday said it would not take up a case filed by a Wisconsin health care system seeking clarity on whether it could voluntarily recognize its nurses’ unions.
Tony Evers proposes automatic voter registration for Wisconsin drivers
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The spending plan also would: Require state technical colleges and University of Wisconsin System schools to ensure they issue IDs that are valid for voting purposes.
Datamatch: Entertaining way to find love within UW community
The Badger Herald
Datamatch promises to be Bucky’s go-to matchmaking service, but is there success?
Robert Geddes, 99, Transformative Architecture Dean at Princeton, Dies
The New York Times
He spent three years in the Army Air Forces, teaching radar operations, mostly in Madison, Wis. There he met Evelyn Basse, a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin.
Matchmaking club also trains students in tech skills
Inside HIgher Ed
Other campuses offer similar enticements. The University of Chicago, where Datamatch festivities are hosted by the campus’s humor magazine, The Shady Dealer, partners with restaurants in the surrounding Hyde Park area to offer discounted meals. And the Datamatch team at the University of Wisconsin has held free events, including swing dancing, ice skating and movie nights for its users.
Animals with love lives more complicated than yours
CNN
Male Neopyrochroa flabellata beetles are attracted to a chemical called cantharidin. “Males eat the stuff like candy,” said Dan Young, a professor of entomology at the University of Wisconsin Madison. “They then sequester it away in their bodies, and they then transfer it to females when they copulate.”
UW Health union dispute won’t get Wisconsin Supreme Court review
The Capital Times
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will not hear a case in UW Health nurses’ ongoing effort to have their union recognized by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority.
Supreme Court won’t review UW Health petition in nursing union dispute
Wisconsin State Journal
The state Supreme Court has declined to review a state agency’s ruling which said UW Health does not legally have to recognize the UW Health nurses’ union.
Wisconsin volleyball offers 3 free opportunities to see team in spring
Wisconsin State Journal
The University of Wisconsin volleyball team will play three spring matches, including one at the UW Field House.
For 40 years, the Wonders of Physics has been wowing
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison professor emeritus Clint Sprott has spent half of his life making people’s hair stand on end and shooting sparks out of people’s fingertips.