STEM CELLS 10 YEARS AFTER
Wisconsin is an epicenter of stem cell research, led by UW-Madison stars
James Thomson, Ian Duncan, Jon Odorico, David Gamm, and Tim Kamp.
By Harvey Black.
SOMETHING NEW FROM STEM CELLS: AN INDUSTRY
Commercial use of stem cells spawns an industry, with spinoffs
throughout Dane County and Wisconsin. By Jill Ladwig
MEET THE 2008 WISCONSIN ACADEMY FELLOWS
The Wisconsin Academy's 2008 Fellows are among the state's best and
brightest, and the Academy is happy to announce its 2008 Minerva Laureate, Leotha Stanley.
WISCONSIN'S STEWARDSHIP FUND REFLECTS LAND ETHIC
A love affair with the Coulee Region sparks preservation of precious state
land through a unique government program. By Andrea Ward
CLEANING UP WISCONSIN POLITICS
Politics in Wisconsin becomes a rich man's game, but there's hope for the
future. By Bill Kraus
GATEWAY TO AMERICA
A Hmong blacksmith shop in La Crosse brings old art to a new world and
links generations. By Anne Pryor and Shoua B. T. Lee
THE WEDNESDAY CLUB NURTURES A 127-YEAR LEGACY
A vibrant 1880s women's book discussion group is still going strong in
Appleton. By Kelly McClurg
UPFRONT
The Future of Farming project starts a second life, a Madison man sculpts
owls in soapstone, a small poetry press finds a niche, and the 2008 Wisconsin Book Festival offers some of the best and the brightest.
POETRY
Poetry Editor John Lehman selects works from local Wisconsin poets.
SECOND-PRIZE FICTION
Writer Stephanie Resnik writes a nostalgic story of youth. Photos by Alyska Bailey Peterson.
MEET THE DONORS
We offer thanks to the organizations and individuals who allow the Wisconsin Academy to flourish.
From its beginnings in 1870 when 105 men signed a charter creating the Wisconsin Academy, its mission was broad. First President Wesley Hoyt wanted a type of organization which "includes every class of searchers after knowledge." Early publications featured writers and scientists, artists and artisans, economists and industrialists, philosophers and philologists as those who should be included. Such inclusiveness distinguished Wisconsin among the states, and it was hoped would uniquely advance its people both socially and intellectually.
In 1906 another Wisconsin Academy President, John Davis, put the work of the Academy in these terms:
"He who knows but does not feel may be a bad citizen; he who feels but does not know may be fully as dangerous; he
who both knows and feels is the ideal citizen. The promotion, then, of knowing and feeling of knowledge and culture, of thesciences, the arts and letters, is the work of the Academy."
It was no easier a task to bridge the cultural divides among the disciplines 138 years ago than it is today. In May of this year, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Morgridge Institute for Research, the Center for Humanities, and the College of Letters and Sciences hosted a conference called "Bridging the 'Two Cultures' in the New Millennium." It included presentations on bridging divides between academia and the economy, science and the humanities, science and religion. I wish it had been taped and shared with a broader audience
because it included so many useful ideas from different perspectives about the value of diversity in driving needed innovation and problem solving.
At the conference, UW-Madison history professor Jeremi Suri mentioned that one of the unintentional consequences of past wars has been to teach us that the integration of knowledge is important, not just the development of knowledge. That the action of functioning in the public sphere results in "consilience," but that these public spheres must be created and that takes intentional organized activity.
The Wisconsin Academy is intentionally creating public spaces for reconciliation of different cultures as part of its 2008-09 season. One example is the James Watrous Gallery, which will feature several fascinating installations and represent two exhibitions that bring together science and art. Among the artists will be sculptors, photographers, and fiber artists exhibiting the innovation and variety for which the gallery is known.
Another effort at reconciliation is the three-part series of public conversations this fall, called "Getting to Purple: Beyond the Red and Blue of Partisan Politics," that seeks to restore civility and problem-solving to our political conversations. It is hoped that the camaraderie built during the series will foster relationships and mutual respect necessary to bridge political divides and to motivate citizen participation in fashioning a governing consensus critical to moving our community and state forward.
The goal of "Getting to Purple" is not development of specific legislation or promoting candidates. No matter who emerges from the fall elections, the president, governor, and state legislature all face daunting challenges. A new spirit of cooperation must be developed to address priorities. Pressing issues require civil discourse and fashioning an agenda both liberals and conservatives can embrace. We hope these conversations can expand the audience for improving our civic climate, increase knowledge of ways to improve our democratic processes, focus on our common interests and increase constructive participation.
A cartoon and caption contest will help us keep our sense of humor, draw attention to the series, and enlighten and entertain us as we learn to see ourselves as others see us.
Academy Evening presentations throughout the year will address other compelling topics including Great Lakes preservation, delaying Alzheimer's disease, commercial applications of stem cell research, educational benefits of digital gaming, and the future of American international leadership.
Thank you for joining us this year in bridging cultural divides. Check the calendar button on the website for the latest information at www.wisconsinacademy.org. Join me in thanking members and donors and new sponsors like the Madison Community Foundation for making possible these programs that uniquely advance our state.
