February 24, 2023

In Memoriam

Students remember Chancellor Emerita Blank

Rebecca M. Blank, an economist and educator who served in high-level U.S. government and academic positions and, from 2013 - 2022, as chancellor of UW-Madison, died of cancer on Feb. 17 at the age of 67. Some of the many, many L&S students whose lives she touched share their authentic, unedited remembrances of her remarkable impact. Watch Here

Fresh Perspective

Cultivating Curiosity

New Assistant Professor of Psychology Morgan Jerald encourages her students to cultivate their intellectual curiosity beyond the goal of getting good grades. Her research examines how media sources and stereotypes influence Black women’s gender beliefs, sexual well-being and experiences of sexualization. Watch Here

Ask a Prof

Listen to this—2023 mix

There is nothing quite like the joy of sharing new music—except maybe remembering music you loved that has somehow slipped off your playlist. Check out this new set of music recommendations from our L&S faculty members and pump up the volume.

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Life's Work

Hit Refresh

As the former public policy director for Facebook, alumna Katie Harbath (BA, Journalism ’03) was there for the social media giant’s rise in the political sphere—as well as its untimely disinformation-fueled implosion in 2016. Today, she has reinvented herself as an expert who helps clients in the political and nonprofit world navigate social media’s pitfalls.

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This story appeared in Letters & Science Magazine

Listen In

Valuable Student Connections

Why is a sense of belonging important for student success in higher education? Dr. Tony Chambers, Director of Equity, Inclusion and Innovation at the Center for Healthy Minds, answers that question in this excerpt of the L&S Elevate podcast and describes how to create a campus culture that supports resiliency, acceptance and value among students. Check out the full episode with host DeVon Wilson, Associate Dean for DEI. Listen Here

Upcoming Events

March 1

La Follette Forum: All Policy is Implementation

Free (thanks to the Kohl Initiative) / Registration required / Livestream option

Former White House chief of staff Andrew Card and host of The Takeaway Melissa Harris-Perry will serve as keynote speakers. The forum will include panels exploring: how government can address substance abuse issues; how to bring underrepresented communities into the implementation process; and a reflection on responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 23

NSF Presentation on New Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate with Dr. Gianchandani

Free / Registration required / Livestream option

In a fireside chat on March 23, Dr. Erwin Gianchandani will share insight on the newly-formed Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) within the National Science Foundation. TIP advances use-inspired and translational research.

Madison Moment

Chancellor Rebecca Blank sitting in between Jeff Levy and Marv Levy

Photo by: Colton Mansavage / College of Letters & Science

During her time as Chancellor, Rebecca Blank was a constant supporter of the liberal arts. In 2021 she spoke on behalf of the University, thanking Jeff Levy ’72 (pictured on right) and Marv Levy ’68, JD ’71 (pictured on left) for their transformative $20 million lead gift toward the new Letters & Science Academic Building, Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall. View many more photos of Chancellor Emerita Blank’s time at UW-Madison. View Here

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