Wisconsin Union: Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, Wisconsin Alumni Association, Partners Present Week of Homecoming 2023 Events, Activities

MADISON – University of Wisconsin–Madison Homecoming is back for its 113th year with eight days of events and activities from Sept. 30-Oct. 7. The Wisconsin Homecoming Committee will present free celebrations, including a concert featuring rap artist Armani White, the long-established parade through downtown Madison, and – new this year – a parade after-party on Library Mall. The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) will host additional events, including a block party and pep rally at the Memorial Union Terrace featuring fireworks, weather permitting. This year’s homecoming coincides with the university’s celebration of its 175th anniversary. 

The Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, WAA and partners present the following Homecoming events for students, alumni, faculty, staff and honorary Badgers:

Now through Sept. 20

• Coloring page contest, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Sept. 30

• Homecoming Kickoff Concert featuring Armani White and D.A.R.S., presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee

Oct. 1

• Paint the Town: opportunity for students to decorate Memorial Union and State Street windows, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 2-6

• Medallion Hunt: daily treasure hunt with prizes, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 2-7

• Window Display Showcase featuring windows painted by UW–Madison registered student organizations, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 2

• Cocoa with HoCo: free hot chocolate outside Memorial Union and Union South, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 3-5

• UW Homecoming Blood Drive, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 4

• Shindig at the Sett featuring bingo, bowling and karaoke, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee
• Family-Friendly Virtual Scavenger Hunt, presented by WAA

Oct. 5-6

• Fill the Hill: annual fundraising initiative to benefit UW–Madison, presented by WAA

Oct. 6

• Badger Games featuring outdoor games on Library Mall, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee
• UW Homecoming Parade, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee
• New: Homecoming Parade After-Party, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee
• UW Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally, presented by WAA
• Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show, presented by WAA, the UW–Madison DDEEA, and UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life
• Badger Meet Up–Hoco Edition, presented by WAA

Oct. 7

• Badger Bash: Wisconsin vs. Rutgers University, presented by the Wisconsin Union
• Divine Nine Plaza Kickback, presented by WAA and UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life
• Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate and Watch Party, presented by WAA, UW–Madison DDEEA, and UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life

Attendees can read the most up-to-date list of Wisconsin Homecoming Committee events at wiscohoco.com and the most up-to-date list of WAA Homecoming events at uwalumni.com/homecoming. 

One of the week’s most popular festivities, the UW Homecoming Parade, will kick off an evening of celebration on Oct. 6, including circus specialists and other performers. The parade will begin on the corner of Gilman Street and Wisconsin Avenue at 6 p.m., proceeding down Gilman Street to State Street and ending on Lake Street at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Both UW–Madison student organizations and non-university groups are invited to apply to walk, dance, bike, or build a float for the parade.

After the parade, the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee invites attendees to make their way to Library Mall to enjoy the Homecoming Parade After-Party before bringing out their Badger spirit at WAA’s UW Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally. Individuals can then swing by the Multicultural Yard Show, featuring performances by members of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) of UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life. 

 “Every year, the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee is able to create and plan a wide variety of events for the greater campus community,” Wisconsin Homecoming Committee President Katherine Reed said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the team that brings UW–Madison and the greater Madison area together to celebrate our shared Badger identity!”

The Wisconsin Homecoming Committee is a nonprofit, student-run organization in the Wisconsin Union that aims to bring the community together to celebrate what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger. Whether someone is a past, current or future Badger or a Badger-at-heart, everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities.

This year’s Committee executive board members include President Katherine Reed, Vice President Mariana Ray-Hernandez, Director of Marketing and Communications Amari Mbongwo, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Caasi Woji, Campus Events Chair Ella Matz and Parade Representative Sophie Gerstman.

“The Wisconsin Alumni Association is excited to celebrate UW’s Homecoming with alumni near and far, and proud to offer a variety of activities for alumni, students and the Madison community in partnership with the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee,” said Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. “One of our longest-standing annual events, Homecoming is a special time for all Badgers to show their spirit, particularly this year during the university’s 175th anniversary.”

MSCR: Fall 2023 Day Trips – Explore Kohler Arts Center & The Holocaust Museum: History & Memory

September 6, 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact: Nicole Graper at ngraper@madison.k12.wi.us or 608-204-3017 

Fall 2023 Day Trips – Explore Kohler Arts Center & The Holocaust Museum: History & Memory

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is offering fun and interesting, cultural day trips this fall. Explore the Kohler Arts Center & Preserve and the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s core Holocaust exhibition. Register at mscr.org or please call 608-204-3021 for more information. Fee assistance is available for Madison School District residents.

Kohler Arts Center & Preserve
This trip takes place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 7:30am-5:30pm.

Join MSCR for an artful escape to The John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Art Preserve in Sheboygan, WI. View contemporary American art with an emphasis on craft-related forms, folk traditions, new genres and the work of self-taught artists in a docent-led tour. After lunch, continue the guided tour exploring the newly added Art Preserve. It is the world’s first museum dedicated to the presentation, care and study of over thirty-five artist-built environments, embodying the idea that works of art are created everywhere. Round out your time in this creative environment with a hands-on art workshop. No art experience necessary. Fee includes tours, workshop, lunch and motorcoach. The bus loads at 7:15am on Pflaum Rd in front of LaFollette High School.

The registration deadline is Friday, September 15. The fee is $117 for MMSD residents. Register at mscr.org, course #37162

The Holocaust Museum: History & Memory
Takes place on Sunday, October 22, 2023, 7:30am-5:30pm.

Take history to heart with a tour of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s core Holocaust exhibition. Travel through history as you explore life before, during and after the Holocaust through over 500 artifacts donated by Chicagoland Holocaust Survivors. Fee includes tours, lunch and motorcoach. The bus loads at 7:15am on Pflaum Rd in front of LaFollette High School. The registration deadline is Thursday, October 12. The fee is $88 for MMSD residents. Register at mscr.org, use course #37160

MSCR is Madison’s public recreation department offering a variety of recreation programs for all ages. Please go to mscr.org for more information or call 608-204-3000.

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WPS hires new Vice President of Enterprise Strategy, Marketing, and Corporate Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS hires new Vice President of Enterprise Strategy, Marketing, and Corporate Development
Kaley Wilkinson to focus on company growth

MADISON, Wis.—Sept. 5, 2023— WPS Health Solutions has a new Vice President of Enterprise Strategy, Marketing, and Corporate Development. Kaley Wilkinson brings with her expertise in forward-thinking health care strategy, transformation, sales and growth, strategic partnerships, and more. Her extensive background includes leading organizations to accomplish aggressive growth targets and unlock business value in an effort to transform the health care system.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the tremendous talent at WPS Health Solutions,” Wilkinson said. “I believe that together we will become market leaders and outpace the competition. The market is hungry for innovation and there is no place better positioned to lead the charge than WPS!”

Wilkinson has held a variety of executive leadership positions in the Minneapolis area over the last dozen years. She held strategic and growth positions at Target and Optum; developed employer benefit strategies, led business development for innovation, and led strategy for the Federal Practice at Mercer; led sales and enterprise strategy at Everside Health; was the growth leader at Proactive MD; and most recently was Vice President, Strategic Growth for Learn to Live.​ She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in health services administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Master of Health Administration from The University of Iowa.

“Kaley has the right skills to drive profitable growth for WPS​​,” Rochelle Myers, WPS Chief Growth Officer, said. “She is a go-getter with loads of experience in different organizations who is able to bring people together and drive positive changes.”

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 2,800 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Accuray Moves HQ to Madison

Accuray – a global leader in precision radiation therapy and makers of CyberKnife, TomoTherapy and Radixact – now with FDA VitaHold Breast Package has just moved its headquarters to Madison, WI.

The company is expanding its footprint in Madison with expansion of its manufacturing facility and a new, state-of-the-art training center where it will train customers on its latest technology and radiotherapy platforms.

Accuray held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 29. Accuray CEO Suzanne Winter and Secretary Missy Hughes, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, made brief remarks, and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and State Senator Kelda Roys were on site, in addition to Accuray staff, business leaders and other dignitaries.

The event marked the completion of two projects at their Madison location – the expansion of its manufacturing facility and the completion of a new, state-of-the-art training center where it will train customers on its latest technology and radiotherapy platforms.

This announcement reinforces the company’s commitment to Madison’s health tech sector with 289 employees in Madison and 319 in Wisconsin.

ABOUT ACCURAY:
Accuray develops, manufactures, and sells radiotherapy systems for advanced cancer treatments, enabling patients to live longer and better lives. Accuray is the only major U.S. manufacturer exclusively manufacturing its systems in the U.S. for export around the globe. The company is committed to building our business in Wisconsin and contributing to the state’s growth as a global leader in biomedical and healthcare technology. Accuray is devoted to fighting cancer with innovative treatment options that can provide lifesaving and cost-effective therapy to patients.

UW–Madison Division of the Arts hosts Indian Dalit theatre practitioner Sri Vamsi Matta as 2023–24 Interdisciplinary Artist-in-Residence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2023

Media Contact: aryn kresol, Arts Residency Programs Coordinator at UW–Madison Division of the Arts, akresol@wisc.edu

URL: go.wisc.edu/Matta

Link to media assets: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/1c187t0l7tpdhunjhieqlfl8w0z6qj42

Link to article: https://artsdivision.wisc.edu/2023/08/29/matta-year-long-residency/

UW–Madison Division of the Arts hosts Indian Dalit theatre practitioner Sri Vamsi Matta as 2023–24 Interdisciplinary Artist-in-Residence

Madison, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of the Arts and the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures (presenters) are excited to welcome Sri Vamsi Matta as the inaugural academic year-long Interdisciplinary Artist-in-Residence for 2023–24. Vamsi is a Dalit theatre practitioner (writer, actor, director), educator and visual artist from Bengaluru, India. 

The word Dalit is a rebellious outcast-identifying label. For centuries, caste has remained the organizing principle of society across South Asia. Determined by birth, caste draws distinctions between communities, determining one’s profession, level of education and potential marriage partners. The lowest in this pecking order, and cast outside the hierarchy altogether (and therefore dehumanized) are the Dalits, once termed “untouchable.” Though the Indian government legally abolished untouchability in 1950 with the adoption of India’s Constitution, the practice  is still rampant in the subcontinent, translates into a myriad forms of microaggression and gatekeeping, and has been carried along wherever Savarnas (people higher up on the pyramid of caste) migrate globally.

“I want my presence to be felt and interacted with through my performances, teaching, workshops and public interventions during my time in Madison,” says Vamsi. “Through my presence, I want to be able to engage with America’s imagination of performing arts and what constitutes aesthetics, and to find crossroads where our notions of the other intersect on questions of caste, race, sexuality, ethnicity or gender.”

During the fall 2023 semester, Vamsi will teach a three-credit course, “Whose Art Is It Anyway? Exploring Folk Performance from South Asia.” Throughout the semester, students will examine various folk performance traditions from across South Asia, their roots, and the appropriation, weaponization, or dilution of practices by dominant groups. The course will juxtapose the history of these performance styles with practices of performance-based activism in the United States, and how the performing arts can be and have been catalyzed for community building and challenging socio-political inequities.

“This is the first time this content will be taught by a Dalit artist and scholar themselves, thus inviting others from similar backgrounds of identity-based oppression into the classroom,” says Zara Chowdhary, lecturer in Hindi in the Department Asian Languages and Cultures and residency lead. “Madison, the university student and staff community, and the state have so much to offer in the fields of storytelling, music and culture. This residency is structured as a bridge between these diverse and vibrant communities to spark conversation and to invite questions, collaboration and contribution.”

Vamsi’s residency and presence throughout the academic year will unify campus and Madison communities through public programming, including an October 5 workshop at the YWCA Racial Justice Summit (October 3–5, 2023, register by September 4) and an October 21 performance the annual Conference on South Asia (October 18–21, 2023), among others. A residency-long engagement with playwrights and songwriters at UW–Madison will lead up to a final production debuting at the end of the spring 2024 semester. Additional event details will be announced.

The residency is presented in partnership with the Division of the Arts and the Department Asian Languages and Cultures, with Jamal Jones, Assistant Professor, as lead faculty and Zara Chowdhary, Lecturer in Hindi, as residency lead. Co-sponsors for the residency are the Department of History,  Human Rights Program, Center for Humanities, International Learning Community, Center for Research on Gender and Women, Center for South Asia, Department of Theatre and Drama, and the Center for Visual Cultures.

About the Artist

Sri Vamsi Matta, (Vamsi, he/him), is a Bangalore-based theatre actor, writer and director. His practice is influenced by his Dalit identity, experience and social location. The histories of his family and community inform the questions, topics and mediums that Vamsi engages with through his work. His most recent traveling solo show performance, ‘Come Eat With Me’ –– an invitation to folks from all caste, faith and race locations–– has received a tremendous response in the national and regional media across India. His play, ‘Star in the Sky’ about the institutional murder of a Dalit PhD scholar in 2016, often seen as a moment of reckoning for Indian academia’s inherent caste biases, won second place at the prestigious Tata Literature Live! Sultan Padamsee Award For Playwriting Sultan Padamsee Playwriting Awards. While in Madison, Vamsi is excited to engage with UW Madison’s own reckoning with historic inequities and contributing to its present campus culture and goals of fostering a greater sense of inclusion and belonging through the arts. 

About the Presenters

The Division of the Arts’ Interdisciplinary Arts Residency Program brings innovative, world-class artists to the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, providing students with extended learning experiences with a working artist, increasing diversity of teaching staff on campus and strengthening programmatic ties among individual departments, programs and other campus and community arts entities. Since 1999, the program has hosted 51 residencies involving 55 artists-in-residence and more than 140 guest artists from 20 different countries, engaging over 50 university units and more than 40 community organizations. All residencies center interdisciplinary arts, recognizing that interdisciplinarity can break down barriers and silos, advance intellectual artistic diversity and give opportunities to people who do not fit into the traditional modes of inquiry and practice (see the Division of the Arts’ guiding principle of The Arts for Everyone, Everywhere). The program often brings together artists, faculty, staff and students from various disciplines across the arts, sciences and humanities, sustaining the Division of the Arts’ mission tounify and catalyze the arts at UW–Madison.

Asian Languages and Cultures is home to nearly 20 faculty whose research and teaching specialties include the following: traditional medicine in India; the history of yoga; diversifying contemporary mindfulness practice with insights from Tibetan Buddhism; Hindi-Urdu poetry of protest, human rights in Thailand; Chinese ghost stories; traditional poetics and philology; sociolinguistics and discourse analysis of the Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian languages; analysis of classical Japanese tale fiction, early modern comedic narratives, manga, anime and Japanese counterculture.

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