March 26, 2026

Alumni News

Collage of 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame candidates.

Meet the L&S Historian Voting on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Every spring, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announces its nominees, and fans immediately begin debating who deserves induction. But behind the headlines is a large and eclectic voting body that includes musicians, critics, industry insiders — and a historian from the College of Letters & Science. Alexander Shashko (’94), an alumnus and full-time lecturer in the Department of African American Studies, discusses his experience as one of those voters.

Life’s Work

Cloud-9, as captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Discovering a Failed Galaxy

Over the years, many astronomers have had the opportunity to celebrate the discovery of a new galaxy. Elena D’Onghia was recently part of an international team of astronomers who discovered what may be the first failed one.

Discourse Across Differences

Students discuss during Advancing Public Policy in a Divided America course.

Civics & Democracy Collective Highlights L&S Course Options

The new collective unifies courses that are already being taught in L&S across disciplines by aligning their frameworks and learning objectives. Ultimately, the aim is to create a defined space for civics learning within L&S.

From the Magazine

Christy Clark-Pujara reviewing research paper.

Hidden in Another Story

Christy Clark-Pujara innovates for the public good by uncovering the hard-to-find stories of Black settlers in Wisconsin.

Research

The Politics of Personal Data

Societal reliance on data and technology demands serious conversations about the ethics of their use. Sociologist Martin Eiermann tracks the intersections of AI and privacy.

Student Spotlight

Understanding Global Health Through Travel

L&S honors student Jess Randall has spent her collegiate career traveling around the world, learning lessons in and out of the classroom about leadership, world health and more. Hear about her journeys on the L&S Elevate Podcast.

The Arts

How Music Makes Us Human

In the age of artificial intelligence, Mead Witter School of Music director Dan Cavanagh passionately defends individual creativity.

Save the Date

Day of the Badger 2026 Wear Red promo banner.

5 Ways to Celebrate Day of the Badger

Join L&S on April 14-15, 2026, for the party to pay it forward — our seventh annual Day of the Badger! Here at the College, we’re excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our incredible community and raise critical funds to support the next generation of Badgers.

Madison Moment

Students enjoying spring warm weather at Memorial Union Terrace.

When the Sun Comes Out, Badgers Show Up

Wisconsin’s weather has been playing with us. From false spring to blizzard conditions to the real arrival of spring on the calendar, the campus community has experienced snow banks and fresh blooms all in the month of March.

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