December 20, 2010

WISCONSIN INSTITUTES FOR DISCOVERY: LEADING THE WORLD IN RESEARCH



Guests: John Wiley, former UW Chancellor and Interim Director, Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
Laura Heisler, Director of Programming, WARF and head of public programs for the WID Town Center and teaching labs

The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, comprised of a public half (the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery), a private half (the Morgridge Institute for Research) and joined by a Town Center, designed to engage the public in science and stimulate entrepreneurship and industry collaborations, has officially opened its doors on the UW-Madison campus. The magnificent glass-plated building is a one-of-a-kind research institution in the world and positions Wisconsin as a global leader in life science research. Through the generous contributions of John and Tashia Morgridge, the state of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the two biomedical research institutes have become a reality.

Within an atmosphere that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, researchers will be seeking breakthroughs on how to improve human health through scientific discovery while inspiring the next generation of scientists and helping all people better understand the remarkable science that is moving forward The Wisconsin Idea. Hear John Wiley and Laura Heisler describe the WID from an insider's perspective. The marvel of their work has just begun. For more information, go to: www.discovery.wisc.edu



December 13, 2010

The Baton Passes At Monona Terrace



Guests: Jim Hess - retiring Director, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Greg McManners - incoming Director, Monona Terrace
George Nelson - Community Leader, Monona Terrace Commission

It seems impossible that Monona Terrace was a topic of major controversy in Madison for nearly 60 years before it was finally built in 1997. George Nelson remembers well, for he headed a commission of community leaders who were charged with getting the Frank Lloyd Wright designed community and convention center built. His recollection of that experience makes it seem like it was just yesterday.

But to Jim Hess, managing Monona Terrace was the exclamation mark on his length career in facility management. Now, after 10 years serving in that position, Jim Hess is retiring, and Greg McManners, Director of Operations for 8 years, is moving into the top position. Jim shares highlights from the years he helped Monona Terrace emerge onto the national scene while Greg looks to the possibilities that lie ahead.



December 7, 2010

Light The House



Guests: Kevin Huddleston, Executive Director Ronald McDonald House Charities - Madison
Amber & Chris Boll, parents of Eli and frequent RMH residents

Since 1993, the 18-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in Madison has provided a "home away from home" to over 15,000 families whose lives have been turned upside down because of the life-threatening illness of a child. The need continues to grow but for good reason. The medical facilities in Madison provide some of the finest care available for critically-ill children and the stories of successful outcomes are on the rise. The Ronald McDonald House has welcomed families from around the world who seek the premier care Madison offers. If you weren't quite sure what the Ronald McDonald House means to family support, you will be inspired by this program.

To learn more about how you can help "Light the House", call (608).232.4660 or go to www.rmhcmadison.org. Donations can be sent to: RMHC-Madison 2716 Marshall Court, Madison, WI 53705