Wisconsin football spring game will benefit the UW’s School of Pharmacy.
Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez made the announcement on Monday. Alvarez says it’s an exciting spring game, and a very exciting opportunity for the fans. “To have the opportunity to see a new coaching staff for the first time; see a very good football team — a good nucleus coming back, the players that haven’t had a chance to play yet — for them to showcase themselves; and our fans have the opportunity to see next year’s brand of the Badgers.”
University of Wisconsin-Madison Pharmacy Dean Jeanette Roberts says they are “absolutely thrilled” to be a partner. The proceeds will help to alleviate student debt of the school’s graduates. “We will be devoting the proceeds of the spring game to our Great People Scholarship program. This is all need-based scholarships, a program that was originated two or three years ago.”
Roberts says they are also committed to promoting the fact that pharmacy education can and should be accessible for any qualified student regardless of socio-economic status. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the school. “So we’re going to use this as an opportunity, of course, to highlight the school, to highlight the role of the pharmacist, and especially to launch a new med drop site.”
Last year UW athletics partnered with the UW Center for Nonprofits in the UW School of Human Ecology, and in 2011 with the School of Nursing. Alvarez says in both those cases the Wisconsin Football Spring game has generated a minimum of $40,000 for the designated department.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:44