As Badgers, we’re mindful that choices we make can leave a lasting impact on the quality of life for future generations. And as UW-Madison alumni, we have the knowledge, curiosity and commitment to enhance our world in ways that benefit future Badgers and the greater good.
Sustainability means more than just being green. This year, as the world celebrates the Year of the Humanities and the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the Wisconsin Alumni Association is doing its part to sustain resources and nourish opportunities close to Badger hearts and minds — healthy environments, respectful communities, access to a UW education, interest in lifelong learning and understanding our UW history and our shared Wisconsin Experience.
We are inspired in part by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s commitment to preparing students for a global economy, providing an understanding of the world’s many social, political and cultural factors, and nurturing the abilities to communicate in new ways to serve genuinely human ends and protect the planet.
Working with UW alumni, friends and the UW-Madison campus to be responsible stewards of our resources and opportunities makes us even prouder to be Badgers. And here at WAA, we're putting these ideals into practice:
- At Work: WAA is proud to partner with the We Conserve campaign as one of the first campus organizations to participate in a post-consumer composting program. By collecting organic food waste and contributing it to the cross-campus program, WAA is helping to reduce waste that goes to landfills and create nutrient-rich soil that can be used to beautify spaces on campus.
We're also proud to announce that both On Wisconsin and Badger Insider magazines are now printed on recycled paper certified by the Forestry Sustainability Council. - At Home: We encourage alumni and friends to recycle and share their alumni magazines and other communications they receive in the mailbox. By keeping e-mail addresses and online alumni profiles updated, grads can also reduce the need for paper communications.
- At Play: As we celebrate the Badger spirit in Madison and around the world, we’re using sustainable supplies like reusable tote bags and recyclable beverage cups at many of our alumni events, and we’re recycling materials after alumni gatherings whenever and wherever we can.
- Sustaining the Wisconsin Experience: Throughout the Founders' Day 2010 season, UW faculty and staff experts are talking with alumni and friends about sustainable practices in their work and how they share traditions and ideas in their fields of interest. We also celebrated UW’s history and Wisconsin tradition through Founders’ Day events on campus on February 5, and the celebration continues in about 70 cities nationwide during the spring.
- Day on Campus: Food Summit: This year's Day on Campus during Alumni Weekend will feature lectures focused entirely on food-related issues. With a keynote speech from George McGovern, former presidential candidate and a leader in combating world hunger, this is one program you’ll really be able to sink your teeth into.
- Distinguished Alumni: We’re recognizing alumni who have demonstrated their own commitments to supporting and sustaining important causes with the 74th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards, to be held on April 22, 2010 — Earth Day. Our invitation features original, keepsake artwork, inspired by Wisconsin's landscapes and natural beauty.
- Earth Day: Earth Day was founded by UW grad and former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson LLB’42. WAA is looking forward to helping the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
- Bucky Wagon Goes Green: Badger fans always recognize the spirited Bucky Wagon by its bright-red exterior, but inside, the historic vehicle’s engine is going green. Students from the College of Engineering are renovating the Bucky Wagon into an electric-powered vehicle with power hydraulic brakes, as well as power steering for safety.
- The Red Shirt™: Proceeds from The Red Shirt, Second Edition, support scholarships that sustain the ability of students to access a UW-Madison education. The program is also aligned with the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates, which sustains the high quality of education, instructors and opportunities UW-Madison. And by proudly wearing The Red Shirt, alumni everywhere sustain their Badger spirit.
- Go Big Read: Alumni are joining UW-Madison’s common book program, “Go Big Read.” This year, we’re reading “In Defense of Food,” by Michael Pollan, which focuses on the topic of sustainability in food. Keep the conversation going by attending a local book club or check out the Go Big Read blog.
- Arts and Culture: Our lifelong learning programs showcase and support the best in arts and performance from the University of Wisconsin and appreciate the unique history and culture of Wisconsin.
- Around the Globe: From rainforests to arctic waters to island paradise, WAA’s travel destinations offer the chance to experience magnificent places and appreciate efforts to protect and preserve our world’s most beautiful natural treasures.
- Badger Relationships: WAA's alumni chapters throughout Wisconsin, across the United States and around the world make it possible for Badger grads to grow the relationships they have with fellow Badgers, support future generations of Badgers and sustain their connection to their alma mater.
- Student Scholarships: WAA chapters help sustain opportunity and access to a UW-Madison education by supporting scholarships for UW students from their local communities.
- Exploring our National Parks: WAA and Wisconsin Public Television brought together alumni to view Ken Burns’ new documentary about our National Parks and offered insights into Wisconsin’s role in preserving protected areas like Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior.
What are your ideas for how WAA can protect what Badgers hold dear for future generations? How do you sustain and support what’s important to you? E-mail us at sustainability@uwalumni.com.
Local Events
- Wisconsin Evening and Executive MBA Information Session - June 5
- Wisconsin Science Festival - September 27
