University of Wisconsin–Madison
Outdoors of Vilas, three students walk down the stairs on a fall day.

Communication Arts Partners (CAPS)

A distinguished group of alumni, faculty, and friends who champion the Department’s teaching, research, and outreach through time, expertise, and giving.

About CAPS

Communication Arts Partners (CAPS) is a group of distinguished alumni, faculty, and emeritus friends of UW–Madison who serve as the board of visitors for the Department of Communication Arts.

Members volunteer their time and expertise, provide financial support, and work alongside Department leadership to advance teaching, research, and outreach — drawing from all Comm Arts disciplines and a shared commitment to the Department’s excellence.

Supporting Communication Arts

CAPS members generously support students and the department through multiple initiatives — from funding internships to championing Day of the Badger.

Hellum Internships

Supporting Communication Arts students through the Hellum Internship Fund, enabling hands-on professional experiences that shape careers.

Career Development

Assisting students like Ariadna Marquez, who interned with the Office of Strategic Communication at UW–Madison, through mentorship and career guidance.

Day of the Badger

CAPS members are strong supporters of Day of the Badger and thank all alumni who contribute to the department’s continued excellence.

Our Mission

CAPS serves as an advisory and support group dedicated to advancing the mission and priorities of Communication Arts. Working in collaboration with the Department’s leadership, CAPS members pursue a range of initiatives that contribute to the Department’s well-being — including advocating on behalf of the Department, offering professional insight and counsel, and volunteering time, expertise, and financial support.

Red Bubble with Speech Bubble Icon

Offering professional insight and counsel to Department leadership.

Championing Comm Arts to alumni, industry, and the broader community.

Volunteering time, expertise, and financial support for students.

Helping the Department advance its mission and long-term priorities.

CAPS in Action

Real stories of how CAPS members are making an impact.

Group of CAPS board members holding up W fingers.

Badgers on Building Careers

Twice a year, CAPS brings alumni and students together in cities across the country. Meetings incorporate networking and presentations from members.

Engineer Boyd Hillestad operates the Lasergraphics ScanStation film scanner.

A Generous Gift From Comm Arts Alumni

When film archives were at risk of being lost forever to deterioration, a group of alumni stepped in with a high-tech save.

Stories & Highlights

Hear from leading Comm Arts graduates across disciplines — candid insights on building careers in film, advertising, journalism, and media from the people who’ve done it.

From Comm Arts to Creative Arts Agency

Adam Schweitzer (BA’99) has helped architect the careers of actors like Cillian Murphy and Christoph Walz at CAA. Hear his favorite stories and best advice for students looking to break into talent representation.

Sean Hanish on Mastering Your Craft

Sean Hanish (BA’90), director of the Emmy-nominated Return to Zero and president of Cannonball Productions, has been sharing his expertise with Comm Arts students ever since graduating. Hear his story.

Shifting Directions

Scott Broetzmann (BA ’82, MA ’18) has enjoyed a successful career as the founder, president, and CEO of the consulting firm Customer Care Measurement. He shared his takes on career shifts and the multifaceted ways students can use their Comm Arts degrees.

Support Comm Arts

Whether you give, mentor, or advocate — CAPS members and generous alumni make the difference for the next generation of Comm Arts students.