Today, information comes at you fast. Scrolling through news sites and social media, you get answers to questions you don’t even know you have. And when you don’t know something, you can learn the basics as quickly as you can type a prompt. It’s enough to make me wonder: When do we, as individuals and as a society, take the time to think?
Our magazine’s cover feature “Pay Attention” explores the implications of living in the age of the attention economy. As I reflect on this piece, I am reminded of the unique value of a classroom setting. It’s one of the few, precious spaces in today’s society where we are pushed to strengthen the parts of our brains that allow us to focus, think critically and solve problems. The goal is not for students to immediately know the answer to any question like a search engine. It’s for them to learn how to navigate all of the information out there — even when it’s contradictory — and make the critical decisions that push them closer to their goals, be that business success, societal change or personal growth.
And it works. We see this time after time through the alumni featured in this magazine. In “The Good Neighbor,” Mario Sims (MS’93, PhD’97) drew from his sociology major to make medical discoveries that landed him a spot in the National Academy of Medicine. Evelyn Williams (PhD’12) is in the field as a restoration ecologist doing what she calls “hopeful science” to restore natural ecosystems, relying on the deep understanding of plants she developed during her doctorate. You can read about her and two more alumni who are environmental leaders in “Green Lights.” And even though Dan Erdman (’80, EMBA’99) didn’t set out to major in art history when he started college, he has relied on the way of thinking he cultivated during his studies to support his success in real estate. In “By Design,” Erdman pays it forward, in true Badger fashion, by founding the first-ever Frank Lloyd Wright Professorship in Modern American Architecture, which opens opportunities for faculty research, student learning and some incredible off-campus trips to historic buildings. Our students are just as impressive. From Jess Randall’s world travels that have unlocked a better understanding of global health to Aishwarya Veerabahu’s discovery that an invasive mushroom is spreading across the Midwest, they exemplify the curiosity mindset that is central to a Letters & Science degree.
This magazine is a celebration of the L&S community. Our students, alumni, faculty and staff are the living embodiment of the power of a liberal arts education. Around the world, our Badgers are leading change, fueling discovery and pursuing excellence. In my role as Dean — and soon as the Interim Chancellor for UW–Madison — I see what a gift that is every day and how one thoughtful person can make an impressive impact. The world-class education, research and service in the College are a result of people like you who support L&S and our mission. With your ongoing commitment to this community, we will continue to grow and build up the next generation of learners and leaders. Thank you for championing the College of Letters & Science.
On, Wisconsin!
Eric M. Wilcots
Dean and Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy,
College of Letters & Science
