University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis. — Forty years ago, in June of 1964, a new program called College Week for Women was launched on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The program was a reflection of the early women — s movement, recognizing that housewives, homemakers and non-traditional students should have access to the resources of the University of Wisconsin. This new program was one of the first in "continuing education for women" pioneered by UW-Extension.

And what were those first seminars in 1964 about? These "classes in depth" included: Helping Teens Plan Their Future, Improving Your Speaking Ability, When Women Consider Employment, Knowing Yourself as a Woman, You as a Citizen, Enjoy Family Camping, Art Appreciation, Investing, Is It For Me? and Detergents and Water Pollution.

Today, College Days provides programming on a broad variety of liberal arts and sciences and current issues topics, giving participants a taste of college life as they attend seminars, tours and lectures presented by UW-Madison and UW-Extension faculty and local experts. College Days has become known as the "education vacation," serving the educational needs of women and men, providing stimulating courses and the opportunity to make new friends on campus.

This year, College Days celebrates its 40th year June 3-5, with a special opening session by UW-Extension chancellor Kevin Reilly, and local author Jerry Apps, UW-Madison Professor Emeritus. Apps will present the history of College Days, Family Living Education, the early cooking schools and the Homemaker organization, all within the context of the history of Cooperative Extension from his new book "The People Came First."

Seminar topics range from world political hot spots and archaeology for travelers, to W.E.B. Du Bois, heirloom gardening, biotechnology and stem cells, confectionery science, Emily Dickinson, heroines of World War II, sessions in politics, history, music, art and more.

Tours will include the Nevin State Fish Hatchery, WHA Radio station, Goose Pond Sanctuary, the Olbrich Botanical Garden — s Thai Pavilion and the Deer Park Buddhist Center. An optional Wednesday luncheon will feature James Leary, Professor of Scandinavian Studies speaking on "So Ole Says to Lena: Folk Humor of the Upper Midwest." Wednesday evening entertainment will be provided by the internationally acclaimed Call for Peace Drum and Dance Company of Madison, performing dances from three different cultural traditions.

To register for College Days, call The Pyle Center at 608-265-2955 or go to the Web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/conference/ for a brochure and housing information. There is a fee of $110 for 3 days or $55 for the June 4 sessions only. There is an additional charge for the June 4 luncheon. The registration deadline is May 16.