Alumni, students, faculty, and university leaders converged on Washington, DC, last week for the annual UW–Madison Day — and by nearly every measure, they left their mark. Organizers called the three-day event a resounding success, capping an intensive stretch of meetings, receptions, and conversations with elected officials from across the country.
The nearly 150 UW–Madison advocates who made the trip were unified around a clear message: federal investment in university research is not an expense — it is an engine. Advocates pressed lawmakers on the transformative returns that research funding generates in health care breakthroughs, agricultural innovation, clean energy development, and national security. They also demonstrated how every federal dollar invested in campus research multiplies through additional university spending and partnerships with private industry.
Into every corridor of power
Over the course of the event, the delegation visited 45 congressional offices — including those of every Wisconsin member of Congress. The week opened with a dinner alongside Wisconsin congressional delegation staff leadership, setting a collaborative tone that carried through the days ahead.(
A reception brought together participants, Badger alumni working on Capitol Hill and across federal agencies, and current UW students enrolled in the Wisconsin in Washington program — a gathering that made vivid the reach and depth of the university’s presence in the nation’s capital.
Quantum computing and AI take center stage
UW–Madison Day also spotlighted some of the university’s most cutting-edge work. Faculty researchers working on quantum computing and artificial intelligence had the opportunity to brief congressional audiences on their leading-edge projects and the exciting possibilities emerging from collaboration between the university, government, and the private sector. Their presentations illustrated, in concrete terms, exactly what federal research dollars make possible. “UW–Madison Day is a wonderful venue for our world-renowned quantum researchers to connect with senior leaders and policymakers in our nation’s capital and share not only their expertise but also the importance of federal support for this research in Wisconsin,” said Dave Schroeder, director of national security initiatives for UW–Madison. “Winning the quantum race is more critical than ever to our economy and national security.”
“UW–Madison Day was a success because we were able to highlight the combined impact of the university, our alumni, and our students on the future of our state, our nation, and the world,” said Mike Fahey, managing director for state and university relations at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.
Fahey added that the week made clear just how broadly UW–Madison’s research, education, and outreach touches American society — from rural agriculture to cutting-edge technology to the nation’s defense apparatus. “We were able to demonstrate that this week to members of Congress and leaders in the federal government,” he said.
Honoring a Badger in service
During the evening reception, the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association recognized UW–Madison alumnus Michael Duffey ’01 — currently serving as undersecretary for procurement and acquisition at the U.S. Department of Defense. Duffey was introduced by Wisconsin congressman Tony Wied (R-WI-08) and UW–Madison vice chancellor Craig Thompson ’91 and honored for his leadership in Washington and his enduring commitment to the university, its students, and fellow alumni.
Badgers returned to Madison with handshakes exchanged, arguments made, and a renewed conviction that the work on their campus — from quantum labs to student seminars — is worth fighting for in every corridor of power that will listen.
