MMSD Planetarium Director Recognized for National Astronomy Research Leadership

MADISON, Wis.—Ben Senson, director of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Planetarium and a science educator at Madison College, was recently recognized for his leadership in national-level astronomy research through the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP).

Senson participated as an educator mentor in NITARP’s 2025 cohort and was part of a team that presented original research at the recent winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society. The team studied infrared data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope to see how the centers of distant galaxies change over time, helping scientists better understand how supermassive black holes behave.

“The impact this experience has made on my classroom is in how it crystalised the methods and purpose of science that I communicate to my students,” Senson said..”I want them to separate what science tells us is true about the world around us and how we use that knowledge in solving problems.”

Through NITARP, small groups of educators collaborate with professional astronomers on yearlong, authentic research projects, then bring that experience back to their classrooms and communities. Since its founding, the program has supported more than 150 educators nationwide and has reached thousands of students each year.

“Ben brings an extraordinary level of expertise, curiosity and passion to his work, and that shows in the opportunities he creates for students,” said Matt Hendrickson, principal of Vel Phillips Memorial High School. “His leadership at the planetarium helps make complex scientific ideas accessible and inspiring, while reinforcing that students in MMSD can engage in real, meaningful scientific inquiry.”

Senson’s involvement in NITARP also includes a commitment to professional learning. Educators in the program complete at least 12 hours of professional development for colleagues at the local, regional and national levels, extending the impact of their research well beyond a single classroom or presentation.

“Experiences like this demonstrate the power of connecting rigorous academics with real-world application,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, MMSD assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “Ben’s work exemplifies how educators can elevate student learning by bridging classroom instruction with authentic research and national partnerships.”

Senson will continue his work with NITARP as part of a self-funded alumni research team in 2026, with plans to present findings at the 2027 American Astronomical Society winter meeting. In addition to his research, he remains deeply engaged in planetarium programming that supports science learning for students across MMSD and the broader Madison community.

For more information about the MMSD Planetarium and its educational offerings, visit the district’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

All Four MMSD Comprehensive High Schools Earn AP School Honor Roll Recognition

MADISON, Wis.—All four comprehensive high schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) have been named to the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll, a national distinction that reflects strong student participation and success in Advanced Placement coursework.

West High School earned Silver-level recognition, while East, Robert M. La Follette and Vel Phillips Memorial high schools were each named at the Bronze level. The honor is based on three key measures: the percentage of seniors who took at least one AP exam, the percentage who earned a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, and the percentage who took five or more AP exams during high school, including at least one in ninth or 10th grade.

“This is a meaningful milestone for our district,” said Tim Peterson, MMSD director of assessment. “Having all four comprehensive high schools earn a place on the AP School Honor Roll at the same time speaks to years of intentional work to expand access, encourage participation and support students once they’re enrolled in these courses.”

The recognition builds on a year of record-setting AP achievement across MMSD. This past spring, more than 2,000 students completed over 4,500 AP exams districtwide, marking significant increases in both participation and total exams taken. Student performance also continued to rise, with more than 80% of exams earning a score of 3 or higher and the district’s average AP score reaching its highest level to date.

“Students are increasingly seeing AP as an opportunity that belongs to them, and our schools are backing that belief with strong instruction and support,” Peterson said. “These results reflect both student determination and the collective efforts of educators across our high schools.”

AP courses mirror the rigor of introductory college classes and can allow students to earn college credit or advanced standing, depending on postsecondary policies. Research also shows that participation in AP coursework is associated with improved college enrollment and persistence, regardless of exam score.

“This honor reflects our commitment to academic excellence and to creating pathways that challenge and support students from all backgrounds,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “When students are encouraged, prepared and supported, they rise to the occasion. We are proud of our schools and the work they continue to do on behalf of students.”

MMSD offers a wide range of AP courses across subject areas, including math, science, English, history and the arts. The district continues to focus on expanding access, strengthening instructional supports and ensuring that students are prepared to succeed in advanced coursework.

Families interested in learning more about AP opportunities are encouraged to review their high school’s course catalog or connect with a school counselor.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

M3 CEO Honored on BizTimes’ Wisconsin 275 List

M3 is proud to share that our CEO, Mike Victorson, has been named to BizTimes Milwaukee’s Wisconsin 275, a special publication recognizing the 275 most influential executives across Wisconsin’s economic sectors. This year-long research initiative by the BizTimes editorial team highlights business leaders whose vision and impact help shape the state’s business community. We congratulate Vic on this well-deserved recognition.

Dupaco honored with Mastercard® “Doing Well by Doing Good” award

Dubuque, Iowa –Dupaco Community Credit Union has been recognized by Mastercard® with the prestigious Doing Well by Doing Good Award as part of the 6th Annual Mastercard Community Institution Segment Awards. This honor celebrates Dupaco’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. 

Mastercard® established these awards to recognize outstanding community financial institutions that exemplify the spirit of giving back. The Doing Well by Doing Good Award acknowledges organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service, philanthropy and charitable efforts. 

“Receiving this award from Mastercard is a tremendous honor because it reflects Dupaco’s deep commitment to helping members build a life worth loving and creating a brighter community for all,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union. “Through our community impact efforts, we strive to create pathways to economic well-being for individuals and strengthen the communities we serve.” 

Dupaco’s community impact approach is rooted in addressing critical challenges such as housing, workforce development, and small business growth. These efforts are amplified by the Dupaco Foundation, which also invests in individuals and nonprofit organizations working to make a meaningful difference. 

Mastercard® praised Dupaco for its meaningful contributions, stating that the credit union’s dedication to community initiatives serves as an inspiring example of what it means to “Do Well by Doing Good.” 

For more information about Dupaco’s community impact efforts, visit dupaco.com/ways-we-give. 

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION 

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 176,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

The Creative Company Named a 2025 IC100 Award Winner

MADISON, Wisc. (November 19, 2025) — In recognition of The Creative Company’s drive and commitment to helping mission-based organizations, The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City awarded Madison, WI-based The Creative Company one of its  2025 Inner City 100 awards. 

This prestigious national honor recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses across the United States. All 2025 IC100 winners will be formally recognized and receive their awards at the 2026 ICIC Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 27–28, 2026. 

As part of this achievement, The Creative Company joins an elite group of businesses: fewer than 2% of all companies that participate in ICIC programs go on to become IC100 winners. Gallagher previously completed ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program as part of the Milwaukee cohort in 2016, making this recognition a full-circle milestone nearly a decade in the making.

“Being named an IC100 award winner is a meaningful milestone for our team,” said Laura Gallagher, Founder and President of The Creative Company. “For more than 35 years, we’ve been committed to helping mission-driven organizations tell their stories, strengthen their brands, and uplift the communities they serve. This recognition underscores the power of purpose-driven work and the importance of investing in small businesses.”

Celebrating Inclusive Economic Growth
ICIC CEO Steve Grossman highlighted the significance of this year’s awardees:

“IC100 honorees are more than leaders; they are changemakers who uplift their neighborhoods while driving sustainable growth. These businesses are proof that investing in under-resourced communities generates exceptional results.”

The Creative Company is part of a network of more than 9,000 alumni businesses, only 400 of whom have been recognized as an IC100 Business—including well-known brands such as Printfresh, Angie’s List, Brooklyn Brewery, and Terracycle—that exemplify resilience, innovation, and inclusive economic impact.

A Record of Growth and Community Impact
Founded in 1989, The Creative Company provides public relations, digital marketing, branding, video production, and strategic communications services to organizations throughout Wisconsin and beyond. The firm’s client portfolio includes leaders in education, housing, economic development, healthcare, food systems, and community impact.

The Creative Company’s mission-driven approach, commitment to collaborative storytelling, and longstanding presence on Madison’s west side have contributed to both its growth and its deep involvement in the local community. The firm frequently supports nonprofit initiatives, champions small business development, and invests in next-generation talent.

About the IC100 Awards
Since 1999, the Inner City 100 (IC100) awards have celebrated the fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities across the U.S. To qualify, companies must be independently operated, privately held, for-profit businesses with revenues of at least $50,000 in 2019 and $500,000 in 2024, and headquartered in a designated under-resourced urban or suburban area.

These honorees serve as powerful examples of how inclusive economic growth strengthens neighborhoods and expands opportunity.

About ICIC
The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is the nation’s leading authority on accelerating small business growth in under-resourced communities. Founded in 1994 by Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter, ICIC advances inclusive economic prosperity through research and programs designed to create jobs, income, and wealth for local residents.

About The Creative Company
The Creative Company is a woman-owned public relations and marketing firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. Since 1989, the company has helped mission-driven organizations shape narratives, elevate brands, and create meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Guided by a belief that stories can transform people and places, The Creative Company blends strategy, creativity, and purpose to help clients grow with clarity and confidence.

Visit www.thecreativecompany.com to learn more or reach out to Laura Gallagher, President and Founder at laura@thecreativecompany.com.