University of Wisconsin–Madison

Category: Alumni News

Children’s book by UW–Madison alumna Gruener brings to life story of unsung hero

UW–Madison alumna Barbara Gruener is the author of a new children’s book, titled “Mr. Quigley’s Keys.” Gruener earned her bachelor of science in education from the School of Education in 1984. The book, which was written by Gruener and illustrated by Audrye Williams, brings to life the heartwarming story of an unsung hero. “Adapted from …

UMOJA Magazine features new UW grad Stephanie Woodson

New UW–Madison graduate Stephanie Woodson was featured in UMOJA Magazine recently, in an article headlined “McNair Scholar Demonstrates Unprecedented Strength Amid Adversity.” Woodson earned her bachelor’s degree in health promotion and health equity in May 2021 from the School of Education’s Department of Kinesiology. “Life gave Stephanie Woodson plenty of reasons to just quit. She didn’t,” …

Summer 2021 Learning Connections alumni magazine available online

The latest edition of Learning Connections, a magazine for alumni and friends of the UW–Madison School of Education, is now posted online. The ​Summer 2021 issue centers on the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the many lessons learned. The cover story, headlined “Within every challenge, an opportunity,” spotlights how COVID-19 presented an unexpected crisis. But …

UW–Madison alum Matheny will be next president of Fox Valley Technical College

UW–Madison alumnus Chris Matheny has been named the next president of Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC). Matheny earned his PhD from the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis in 2013. Currently the executive vice president for instruction and chief academic officer at FVTC, Matheny will assume his new role on August 1. “Our …

LaVar Charleston named UW–Madison’s next chief diversity officer

By Doug Erickson, University Communications LaVar Charleston, an innovative leader and accomplished researcher with nearly two decades of experience related to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education, has been named to lead the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Since June 2019, Charleston has served as the inaugural associate dean for equity, diversity …

School of Education alumna named ‘Outstanding Public Interest Law Student’ for 2021

Crystal Stonewall, a UW–Madison School of Education alumna and current UW–Madison law student, has been honored by the State Bar of Wisconsin as a 2021 Outstanding Public Interest Law Student of the Year. Stonewall earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the School of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction in 2019. Explains a story on …

Memoir by UW–Madison alumnus Lor recounts journey from Laos to U.S.

UW–Madison alumnus Pao Lor is the author of a new memoir, titled “Modern Jungles: A Hmong Refugee’s Childhood Story of Survival,” published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Lor earned his doctorate from the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, and currently holds the Patricia Wood Baer Professorship in Education at UW–Green Bay. …

Article by UW–Madison’s Bal, others examines design of culturally responsive ‘Learning Lab’

UW–Madison’s Aydin Bal, a professor in the School of Education’s Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education (RPSE), is first author of an article published in the journal Cognition and Instruction that is titled, “Inclusive Future Making: Building a Culturally Responsive Behavioral Support.” Joining Bal as co-authors of the paper are UW–Madison alumni Kemal Afacan and Halil …

New space for the arts downtown showcases work by UW–Madison art student, alum

There is a new space for the arts in downtown Madison, and work by a UW–Madison art student and a recent alumnus was featured in its inaugural exhibit. The exhibit, titled “The Burden of Reality,” showcased the art of Paulina Eguino and Tony Torres. Eguino is a BFA student in the School of Education’s Art Department, …

Anna Halprin, UW–Madison alumna and ‘transformational force’ in dance, dies at age 100

UW–Madison alumna Anna Halprin, “a dancer and choreographer who sought to move beyond what she saw as the constraints of modern dance,” died on May 24 at age 100. Halprin earned her bachelor’s degree from UW–Madison’s Dance Department in 1942. “Ms. Halprin knew her family wanted her to attend college,” explains an obituary for Halprin …