27 Jul UW celebrates 175 years of life-changing ideas, achievements
University of Wisconsin’s 175th anniversary gathering Photo by Jeff Miller
Hundreds gathered Wednesday alongside a shimmering Lake Mendota on a warm summer night to celebrate the University of Wisconsin’s 175th anniversary.
A proclamation from Gov. Tony Evers praised the university’s notable discoveries, prestigious prizes and legions of successful alumni.
Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin harkened back to UW’s first chancellor, John Lathrop, who cautioned not to “mistake the shell for the kernel,” meaning that it’s the people who make a truly great university.
“So it was important to me to launch this anniversary year with all of you, because you are the people whose leadership and support help to make UW–Madison one of the greatest universities in the world — thank you!” she told those gathered in Memorial Union’s Great Hall for a reception amid the festivities.
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez presented Mnookin with the proclamation that marked UW’s 175th anniversary and thanked everyone involved for their dedicated service to the state.
“UW–Madison proudly serves as Wisconsin’s flagship institution and is one of the leading universities in the world, affiliated with projects that seek to exemplify the ‘Wisconsin Idea’ of working together to solve real-world problems to make a difference in the lives of others beyond the boundaries of the classroom,” the proclamation reads.