Skip to main content
University of Wisconsin–Madison
UW Crest
Morgridge Center for Public Service
Bridging Campus and Community Through Service and Learning
  • Home
  • About Expand Collapse
    • About
    • Our Staff
    • History
    • Pathways of Public Service
    • Civic Action Plan
    • Strategic Plan
    • Equity and Anti-Racism
    • Annual Report
    • Advisory Board
    • Jobs
    • Contact Us
  • Students Expand Collapse
    • Get Connected
    • Graduate Student Resources
    • Badger Volunteers
    • Badger Volunteers – Tutoring & Mentoring Programs
    • Wisconsin Idea Fellowship
    • Community-based Learning Courses
    • Meet with a Peer Advisor
    • Creando Comunidad
    • Student Organization Partnership Program
    • Transportation Options Programs
    • Workshops and Presentations
    • Volunteer Resources and Opportunities
    • Awards
  • Faculty & Staff Expand Collapse
    • Get Connected
    • Community-based Learning
    • Community-based research
    • Community Engagement Commitments
    • Funding and Award Opportunities
    • Professional Development Resources
    • Community Partnerships & Outreach Staff Network
    • Morgridge Fellows Program
  • Community Expand Collapse
    • Get Connected
    • Badger Volunteers
    • Public Service Fair
    • UW South Madison Partnership
    • Community-University Mixers
    • Community University Partnership Awards
  • Events
  • News
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Are We There Yet? 2023 Wisconsin Idea Conference Explores UW–Madison’s Commitment to Community Engagement

Are We There Yet? 2023 Wisconsin Idea Conference Explores UW–Madison’s Commitment to Community Engagement

Posted on February 13, 2023 | By Erin Gretzinger

If you are a part of the UW–Madison campus community, odds are you have heard about the Wisconsin Idea.

One of the university’s long-standing traditions, the Wisconsin Idea holds that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom. This mission propels the university’s work in Madison, around Wisconsin and across state lines to the rest of the world. 

However, to fulfill the vision of the Wisconsin Idea, a key question must be answered: Are we, as a university, ready to engage with our community meaningfully?

The 2023 Wisconsin Idea Conference tackles this question by examining our relationship to the Wisconsin Idea through the lens of community-university engagement. Hosted by the Morgridge Center for Public Service, the first-of-its-kind conference on campus will bring together community-engaged scholars, staff, students and local leaders to deepen our understanding of our state and local community and reflect upon how we cultivate a culture of community engagement at UW–Madison.

“The Wisconsin Idea Conference is really an opportunity for folks interested in community engagement to gather and learn about how our university is already engaged with local communities while also exploring avenues for better engagement,” says Cory Sprinkel, the Morgridge Center’s community-engaged scholarship specialist.

The Wisconsin Idea Conference will be held on Monday, March 27 at Union South with select talks streamed online. Registration closes on Sunday, March 12. Faculty, staff, and students who have an interest in university-community engagement are encouraged to attend. Community partners are also welcome, though the conference’s content is designed for campus audiences for this first iteration of the event.

UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will give opening remarks. The conference’s keynote speaker is Reverend Judge Everett Mitchell, who was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court and previously served as the UW–Madison’s director of community Relations.

The conference features speakers from across the community, including faculty and community partners connected to the UniverCity Alliance, a program that connects UW to projects with local governments. A lunchtime panel will highlight the voices of local leaders in the South Madison Community. Breakout sessions will showcase examples of community partnership from multiple disciplines, including the Indigenous Learning Lab project through Curriculum and Instruction and Esperanza, a partnership between Centro Hispano and Counseling Psychology focused on culturally appropriate mental health services.

“We want to highlight outstanding work that’s already going on and provide an opportunity, particularly for those who may have not done as much community engagement,  on where to start,” says Haley Madden, the Morgridge Center’s assistant director of community-engaged scholarship.

“It’s also a chance for community engagement practitioners to reflect on some of the challenges and questions that come up in their day-to-day work and help solve some of those problems to move our university forward.”

Tickets provide access to the full day of events, which includes breakfast, lunch, and a snack. Tickets are free for community partners, community members, and undergraduate and graduate students. UW Standard Registration ($34) is appropriate for those who have professional development funds to support their attendance. For those who would like to help offset the cost of tickets for others to attend, consider purchasing the UW Sponsorship Registration ($64). 

“We don’t want cost to be a barrier for anyone, so any individual who needs a no-cost registration can have one,” Madden says. “Sponsors ensure we can offer those registrations for people who need some financial support.”


Sponsors will be highlighted in conference promotional materials. Organizations that have already pledged sponsorship include: UniverCity Alliance, UW–Madison Community Relations, and the Division of Extension.

If you would like to provide additional sponsorship support, please reach out to Haley Madden. For questions about the event, please reach out to Cory Sprinkel.

Posted in NewsTagged civic engagement, Community-based Learning, Community-Engaged Scholarship, Mcfps, Research, Service

Post navigation

Previous post: Explore Opportunities and Build Connections at the Spring Public Service Fair
Next post: Remembering Rebecca Blank: A life of Leadership, Scholarship and Service

Site footer content

University logo that links to main university website Part of the Universities of Wisconsin

Find it Fast

  • Badger Volunteers
  • Community-based Learning Courses
  • Volunteer Advising
  • Morgridge Mail Newsletter
  • Engaged Scholarship Listerv
  • GridgeFridge Podcast
  • Advisory Boards

Wisconsin Idea

  • “The least commendable purpose of acquiring knowledge…is to apply it to one’s own advancement – to achieve worldly success. A higher purpose is to fit one to live the intellectual life…A third and the highest purpose of acquiring knowledge is to use it for the benefit of mankind.” — Former UW President Charles Van Hise

Contact Us

  • Red Gym, Suite 154
    716 Langdon Street
    Madison, WI 53706

    Business Hours:
    Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Map map marker
  • Email: info@morgridge.wisc.edu
  • Phone: 608-263-2432
    • facebook
    • x twitter
    • instagram
    • youtube

Website feedback, questions or accessibility issues: xxiong9@wisc.edu | Learn more about accessibility at UW–Madison.

This site was built using the UW Theme | Privacy Notice | © 2025 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.