‘First Lady of Badger Sports’ to headline Sept. 29 W·O·M·E·N reception in Madison

Cindy Alvarez

Cindy Alvarez, who was a behind-the-scenes force in the rise of UW-Madison athletics over the course of three decades, will speak Sept. 29 at the annual W•O•M•E•N reception in Madison.

Cindy Alvarez is the wife of Barry Alvarez, the retired UW-Madison athletic director and former head football coach who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Over time, Coach Alvarez has credited Cindy for keeping them from becoming coaching “vagabonds” and for being a sounding board in good times and bad.

During a low point in his inaugural 1990 season in Madison, in which the Badgers were 1-10, Alvarez said he confided in Cindy: “I can never show weakness to anybody but you.”

Cindy Alvarez will share her memories of the couples’ 33 years in Madison during the annual reception, which over time has featured speakers such as Sue Marks, Eve Hall, Toni Sikes, Demetria Menard, Darcy Luoma, Dr. Susan Turney and a panel of women investors.

The W•O•M•E•N (Women, Opportunities, Mentors, Entrepreneurs and Networking) reception has been held in each of the last seven years. Open to attendance by men and women, the reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the J.H. Findorff & Son headquarters, 300 S. Bedford St. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The cost is $25 for Tech Council members, $10 for students and returning veterans, and $50 for general admission. Sponsors of this year’s W•O•M•E•N reception are Findorff and Promega.

“We’re excited to shine a light on Cindy Alvarez, a familiar figure in Madison and Wisconsin as well as someone whose personality and stories will bring back memories for many people,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. The Tech Council produces the event.