UW-Whitewater Government Week to highlight Wisconsin politics
Released: March 25, 2002
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s annual Government Week on April 8-12 will feature numerous state political leaders, including Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow, exploring a theme of “Advancing Wisconsin.”
Government Week will include issues-related panels, keynote speeches and debates on topics of statewide interest. All events are free and open to the public.
“This event gets our elected officials to come to campus and see firsthand where the state’s budget investment goes,” said Dain Hendrickson, Whitewater Student Government (WSG) president. “It also gives students, faculty and staff a chance to get involved in issues that matter to Wisconsin.”
The opening ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday (April 8) in Irvin L. Young Auditorium will celebrate Government Week in a higher education environment. Speakers include Farrow; state Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater; state Rep. Neal Kedzie, R-Waukesha; UW System Regent President Jay Smith; and UW-Whitewater Chancellor Jack Miller.
Other speakers scheduled throughout the week include:
Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, will speak on Friday (April 12) in Esker Hall 108 about federal initiatives impacting Wisconsin;
Secretary of State Douglass La Follette will speak on Tuesday (April 9) at 7 p.m. about environmental politics (location to be arranged);
Elizabeth Burmaster, superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction, will speak on Wednesday (April 10) from 1:30-2:30 p.m. about promoting public school achievement (location to be determined).
Other speakers include UW-Whitewater Foundation Board member, alumnus and Illinois State Rep. Judy Erwin, D-Chicago; state gubernatorial candidates Kathleen Falk, Gary George and Ed Thompson; state Senators Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield; Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau; and Robert Welch, R-Redgranite; and UW System Regents Jonathan Barry and Gerard Randall.
For a complete schedule, contact WSG at (262) 472-1166.
There will also be two discussion panels held throughout the week, titled “Women in the Media” and “State of the Arts in Wisconsin.” Speakers include some of the top names in southern Wisconsin arts and media.
Hendrickson said students, faculty and community members may want to get involved to meet their elected officials and seek information on proposed state budget cuts. The event gives the university a chance to make a positive impression on state leaders during a difficult budget time, he added.
When the campus tradition started 18 years ago, it was recognized as a one-day event where local officials and lawyers came to speak. Since then, the day has evolved into a weeklong event that incorporates leaders and issues from the entire state. The event is sponsored and organized by WSG.
- Dena Rindy,npa@uww.edu
