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Early Beginnings of the Wisconsin Idea
Along with courses in civil polity, algebra and Latin, the university’s first students study “useful arts” and “industrial pursuits,” such as the fundamentals of agriculture — revealing a commitment from the university’s earliest days to teach graduates practical skills so that they could contribute to the state’s industry. -
Morrill Land-Grant Acts Are Passed
Congress passes the Morrill Act, which granted public land to institutions that taught agriculture and other technical skills. UW became a “land-grant” institution in 1866, when 240,000 acres of federal land in Wisconsin were sold to create an endowment for the university. The grant helped solidify UW’s agricultural programs and set into motion its long history of agricultural research and training. -
UW Scientists Solve Exploding Cans
UW bacteriologists discover new techniques for canning vegetables that solve a persistent problem for the state’s canning industry — exploding cans. -
La Follette Elected Governor
Robert M. La Follette becomes the first UW alumnus to be elected governor of Wisconsin. A former roommate of Charles Van Hise, he articulates a progressive view of politics that sweeps Wisconsin and the nation, leading to legislative reforms in labor laws, social security and education. “The State will not have fulfilled its duty to the University nor the University fulfilled its mission to the people until adequate means have been furnished to every young man and woman", La Follette said. -
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UW Extension Created To Aid The State
The university creates an extension division to carry the university’s educational resources to citizens around the state. Extension programs in public health are conducted for school children and adults throughout the state, focusing on nutrition, sanitation, safety, prenatal health and the prevention and control of communicable diseases. -
WHA Broadcasts to the State
WHA Radio’s “School of the Air” broadcasts lessons in civics, music, art, nature and health, and within a decade, nearly 300,000 elementary and high school students are tuned in as regular listeners. -
Aldo Leopold Publishes Best-Selling Book
Professor Aldo Leopold publishes A Sand County Almanac, a timeless bestseller that has become the wellspring for modern efforts to preserve the environment. -
UW Law School Pitches In
The UW Law School establishes the Center for Public Representation, which provides free legal assistance to health-care consumers and elderly, disabled and low-income people. -
UW Contributes To New Technology
Responding to the need for businesses to capitalize on new technology, UW–Madison partners with industry to create the Wisconsin E-Business Initiative, which helps companies find new ways of using Internet technology to exchange goods, services and information, and deliver value to customers. -
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Year of the Wisconsin Idea
UW-Madison celebrates the Year of the Wisconsin Idea, the university’s longstanding commitment to applying its research, teaching and outreach to issues and opportunities facing the state.
