Introducing On Purpose, a blog bringing you monthly inspiration, ideas, and ways to engage. I’m deeply grateful for the warm welcome and inspired by the collaboration, compassion, and curiosity in our community. I look forward to working together to put the Wisconsin Idea into action.
In On Purpose, I will explore why we are here, working and learning at the nation’s first school of medicine and public health — and how that is no accident.
Today I want to reflect on what I’ve learned so far about being a Badger. But first, thank you to everyone who has warmly welcomed me to the school, the University of Wisconsin, and my new home in Madison. I was overjoyed by the energy at the recent Wisco Welcome event. It was wonderful to meet and talk with so many of you.
There are many reasons I was drawn to UW. It is the spirit of collaboration I see in our researchers. During my finalist visit last fall, the the Health Sciences Learning Center Atrium was covered in student research posters, and I knew this was the right place. It is the compassion I see in our faculty physicians caring for patients. It is the community I see, that feeling I get when the soft notes of the piano in the Atrium drift up to my office.
I have loved learning about the Wisconsin Idea, the profound principle that our work here uplifts our communities. It perfectly encapsulates what I’ve experienced so far: we work hard day after day for something bigger than ourselves.
I recently watched videos by Badger football star J.J. Watt, including his UW commencement address. He introduced me to “the Wisconsin way.” He talks about dreaming big and working hard. And he shares how to turn challenges into fuel for our dreams. While we may experience changes, challenges, and uncertainty, our shared commitment to the Wisconsin Idea can sustain us.
I have found a unique spirit here — one of groundedness and grit, drive and big dreams. That’s the well of inspiration we’ll draw on as we write our next chapter together. Let’s stay curious, push boundaries, and innovate boldly.