Blank’s Slate

On August 6, the University of Wisconsin–Madison removed a 42-ton boulder formerly known as Chamberlin Rock from our main campus. This was not, as some have assumed, a knee-jerk decision. Rather, it came after more… Read More

We welcomed the largest freshman class in our history last week, and as I stood before these new students at Convocation, I was struck by the level of sheer joy and excitement I felt in… Read More

Probably anybody over the age of 30 has memories of September 11, 2001. I was teaching a class that morning. I walked back to my office to see everybody clustered around a radio. Someone said… Read More

UW-Madison’s commitment to community outreach is an important part of our campus culture. The Wisconsin Idea holds that our campus responsibilities extend to the boundaries of the state and beyond. That philosophy undergirds work done… Read More

The following message from Chancellor Blank was sent to UW–Madison faculty, university and academic staff on May 19. To our employees, Nearly two weeks ago, I had the chance to look out at our assembled… Read More

Remarks as prepared for delivery: 4 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 UW-Madison Spring Commencement Ceremony for Doctoral, MFA and Professional Degree Candidates Camp Randall Stadium Good afternoon. Welcome to Camp Randall Stadium and the 2021… Read More

Remarks as prepared for delivery: Noon, Saturday, May 8, 2021 UW-Madison Spring Bachelor’s Degree Commencement Ceremony Camp Randall Stadium Good afternoon. I am Chancellor Rebecca Blank. After one of the strangest years any of us… Read More

Climate change is an existential threat to our state, our country, and the global community. As weather changes, storms become more intense, and the resilience and health of our ecosystem deteriorates, we are all affected…. Read More

As the world knows at this point, Barry Alvarez has announced that he will retire in June, stepping down from the Athletic Director position he has filled so spectacularly for the last 17 years. To… Read More

As I walk around campus and my neighborhood, I see hopeful signs that winter is finally ending. Snow piles are almost gone, lake ice has melted, and crocuses have sprouted in neighbors’ lawns. Similarly, while… Read More