On August 25, 2022, the UW South Madison Partnership building was filled with happy community members enjoying food, music, games and face-painting during its third Community Celebration, and first since it opened in a new, larger space. UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin stopped to chat with attendees and discuss the outreach role of the partnership.
Mnookin noted that the Wisconsin Idea is UW–Madison’s mission to help people and communities to thrive by sharing our innovations and knowledge. “But that’s a two-way street,” Mnookin said. “SMP highlights the equally important notion that communities have valuable insights and knowledge to share with the university, which help shape our research and teaching.” Along with Chancellor Mnookin, Alder Sheri Carter, Judge Everett Mitchell, and poet Dr. Fabu Carter made remarks.
The event showcased new murals by local artist Lilada Gee and an exhibit of photos of South Madison by local photographer Hedi Rudd. Mark Espanol, current Odyssey Project student and alumnus of Odyssey Beyond Bars, DJed the event live. And no celebration is complete without Bucky Badger, who was also in attendance.
“The relationship between UW–Madison and our surrounding community continues to grow and deepen,” says Brenda González, UW–Madison’s Director of Community Relations. “We’re excited to celebrate the South Madison Partnership’s bigger, better space and to finally welcome everyone inside to see what’s happening.”
This was the first Community Celebration held since SMP moved into its new, larger space—four times the size of its prior office—in 2020. The UW South Madison Partnership opened in 2015 to connect UW–Madison with an area of the city whose residents historically have had less access to university programs and resources.
Individuals and groups can reserve rooms for a variety of meetings and activities in the 12,902 square foot space. Fifteen community partner organizations, six UW schools and colleges, and eight UW divisions, centers and institutes use the space, which averages 1300 visits per month. Ongoing programs include classroom education, a neighborhood law clinic, exercise classes, and much more.
Find out more about the UW South Madison Partnership here, and contact UW–Madison Community Relations staff with any questions.
- When: Thursday, August 25, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Where: UW South Madison Partnership, The Village on Park, 2238 S. Park St., Madison.
- Who: The event is free and open to all.
The UW South Madison Partnership Community Celebration is made possible through wide-spread collaboration with community and campus partners.
