University of Wisconsin–Madison

News

Distinguished Alumni Awards 2025

Meet the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners   Career Impact Award Winner – Neil Willenson This award recognizes the distinguished achievements of alumni who have realized the departmental vision of making a difference in the world through effective communication. With decades of experience in public service, Neil Willenson embodies this award. Willenson is the President & …

Communication Arts 2025 Graduation

The Communication Arts Department will host a graduation ceremony for graduating seniors and PhD recipients on Thursday, May 8 from 2:00 – 4:00pm at Gordon Dining and Event Center, 770 W. Dayton St. on the 2nd floor in the Overture/Sonata/Concerto rooms. We ask graduates to arrive by 1:30pm to get checked in. Doors will open …

WBA Young Professional of the Year Focused on Next Generation of Broadcasters

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Director of Student Radio, Kelsey Brannan, is the WBA Young Professional of the Year. Brannan was selected by a subcommittee of the WBA Board of Directors from a pool of nine YP of the Month honorees highlighted since July 2024, who were recognized for making a significant impact on their stations and communities.

Expanding Our Faculty Expertise with Help from Day of the Badger

Over the last several years, Day of the Badger gift funds have been used to deepen research support for existing faculty. This year, Communication Arts is excited to announce that a portion of gift funds have allowed us to grow our research capacity by recruiting a new communication expert, Professor Diana Leon-Boys, who will be …

CAPS Welcomes Thomas Kane Back to the Board

Thomas Kane (BA’87) made an exciting return to the Communication Arts Partners (CAPS) board in Fall 2024. Kane started volunteering with CAPS 15 years ago when the board was just forming to support the department’s teaching, research, and outreach activities, but he had to step away for a few years after moving to California. Kane …

Does Technology Interfere in Our Love Stories?

In Catalina Toma’s research, one thing is obvious: Technology plays an important role in people’s romantic relationships. Her findings look into the nuances of when this is a good or bad thing.

Learning Advanced Screenwriting from New Communication Arts Instructor Craig Erpelding

The Communication Arts advanced production course “CA609: Advanced Screenwriting” engrosses students in the art of screenwriting for feature films. Over a semester, students are tasked with writing a 70-90-page screenplay while focusing on character and plot development and creating a cinematic experience through vivid writing. With the Spring semester well underway, students are focusing their …

Wisconsin Film Festival Announces Exclusive “First Look” Preview Event at Flix Brewhouse Madison

Film enthusiasts will get an early glimpse into the highly anticipated 2025 Wisconsin Film Festival at an exclusive First Look at the Fest event, scheduled for Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 PM at Flix Brewhouse Madison. This special preview evening offers attendees a unique opportunity to explore the festival lineup before the general public while …

Welcoming Dru Korab to the CAPS Board

The Communication Arts Partners (CAPS) board was delighted to welcome Dru Korab (BA’06) to the committee this past fall. CAPS members volunteer their time and knowledge to support the Department’s teaching, research, and outreach activities. With a seasoned career in video production, Korab has a wide range of ideas and experience that are sure to …

It wasn’t easy being green for the actress who originally played the Wicked Witch

Grad student Aliea Merriam-Pigg recently talked with NPR about the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West and her infamous green skin. Listen to the full story here.