UWM University Advancement

2026 UWM Men's Homecoming Basketball Game
2026-01-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | UWM Panther Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Reunite with your fellow alumni while cheering the Panthers men’s basketball team to victory at the 2026 Homecoming Game, set for 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Enjoy snacks and drinks provided by the UWM Alumni Association while catching up with old friends during the pregame event in the courtside 414 Lounge, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Then watch the Panthers take on Wright State, and help honor Panthers Connect mentors and mentees, who will be recognized at halftime. Your $25 ticket (free for UWM students) grants access to the pregame event and the ballgame.
For questions, contact Zach Mock at zrmock@uwm.edu, and Go Panthers!
Get Tickets

Thankful Thursday Panthers@Work Trivia Takeover
2026-02-12 11:30 - 13:00 | UWM Student Union, 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States
UWM alumni employees are stepping into the spotlight during a special edition of Thankful Thursday. University Advancement presents a Panthers@Work Trivia Takeover in the UWM Student Union’s Gasthaus Thursday, Feb. 12, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate UWM alumni employees and the powerful connections that make our Panther community thrive. We’ll bring together alumni employees from across campus for food, fun, friendly competition and Panther pride.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch & networking: 11:30 a.m.-noon
Trivia: Noon-1 p.m.
Gasthaus | UWM Student Union
Lunch provided
Reserve Your Spot
Teams can earn prizes by:

Winning at trivia
Showing the most Panther Pride through their attire and props

Why Attend?

Celebrate and recognize UWM alumni who are serving our campus as faculty and staff
Strengthen connections within the Panthers@Work alumni employee network at UWM
Meet colleagues from across campus with whom you might not otherwise cross paths
Enjoy a fun, low-pressure break in your workday
Did we mention the prizes?!

Questions? Contact Abby Rojas at strozins@uwm.edu.

5th Annual Darwin Day
2026-02-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Lapham Hall, 3209 N Maryland Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States
Join the Department of Geosciences for Darwin Day, a public outreach event celebrating the life and times of one of the most brilliant and influential Victorian naturalists, Charles R. Darwin. Many geological and biological specimens will be available to observe, with volunteers on hand to explain their fascinating histories.
Learning tables will focus on the natural history of Wisconsin and the contributions of Thomas A. Greene to our understanding of local geology, with many rare and beautiful samples on display in the Greene Geological Museum. Other activities will be available throughout the day, including scientific lectures presented by UWM scientists and guest speakers, coloring and crafts for young kids, and free planetarium shows. This event is free and open to guests of all ages.
UW-Milwaukee Lapham Hall 1st Floor
3209 N Maryland Ave
Milwaukee, WI
Event Schedule
10 a.m. – Event Opens
10:30 a.m. – Lecture 1 Begins
11:30 a.m. – Keynote Lecture Begins
1 p.m. – Lecture 3 Begins
3 p.m. – Event Concludes
Register for the 5th Annual Darwin Day
Questions? Contact Jake Potter at potterjj@uwm.edu

Meet Author Gary Hoover, PhD, '93
2026-02-19 15:30 - 17:00 | Lubar College of Business, 3202 N. Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, WI
We’re excited to host UWM alum Gary Hoover, PhD, ’93, the celebrated author of “Ladder or Lottery Economic Promises and the Reality of Who Gets Ahead.” Dive into the inspiration behind this captivating book.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 | 3:30-5 p.m.
Lubar College of Business, Rm. S195, 3202 N. Maryland Ave., Milwaukee
Reserve your spot
Questions? Contact Prof. James Peoples at peoples@uwm.edu.
A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsor:

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

2026 Alumni Awards Evening
2026-02-20 17:30 - 21:00 | The Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, United States
Please note: Online registration is now closed. Contact Bonnie Fuggiasco at fuggiasc@uwm.edu or 414-229-5305 with ticket inquiries.
Join the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in honoring an exceptional group of alumni making positive and transformative impacts in their professions and communities. These alumni are shining examples of how Panthers power Milwaukee and the broader world with their commitment to leadership, innovation and service.
You’re invited to an evening dedicated to their inspiring journeys, stories and well-deserved recognition. Together with UWM friends and campus leadership, we’ll share our collective appreciation for the standout UWM alumni who make everyone Panther Proud.

Panther Perspectives: The Bridging Leader
2026-03-05 11:30 - 12:30
The Panther Perspective Series is a semi-annual professional development webinar series designed to engage UWM alumni at every stage of their career journey, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals.
The March 2026 session will feature Deanna Singh and Justin Ponder, ’02, ’04, ’09, and their newly published book, The Bridging Leader.
Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. | Zoom
In a rapidly changing business landscape where technical skills are increasingly automated, your ability to build strong human connections has become your greatest competitive advantage. The Bridging Leader delivers a revolutionary framework that transforms how you lead teams, solve complex problems, and drive organizational success.
Reserve Your Spot
The first ten registrants will receive a copy of The Bridging Leader. You can also order the book at https://store.deannasingh.com/
A Zoom link will be sent in the confirmation email.
Questions? Contact Abby Rojas at strozins@uwm.edu.

2026 Planning & A Pint: Engagement Stories, Lessons & Laughs
2026-03-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Falcon Bowl Historic Bowling Alley & Event Hall, 801 E. Clarke Street, Milwaukee, WI
The annual Planning & A Pint is back for another year on March 5, 2026, and it returns with a story slam focused on community engagement experiences. Planners and allied professionals will tell personal stories that highlight the lessons they’ve learned while sharing funny moments and heartwarming interactions. Don’t miss your chance to join the UWM Urban Planning Alumni Group for fun, camaraderie, networking and a light dinner with a cash bar.
While this is a free event, attendees are encouraged to consider a donation at the time of registration to the Welford Sanders Scholarship Fund for Urban Planning students.
Lessons from the Property Lines: Planner Stories About Engagement
Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Falcon Bowl Historic Bowling Alley & Event Hall
801 E. Clarke St., Milwaukee
Event Schedule:
5:30-6 p.m. Doors Open/Dinner/Cash Bar/Networking
6-7:30 p.m. Story Slam
7:30-8 p.m. Networking
8 p.m. Event Concludes
Reserve Your Spot
Please RSVP to attend this event by March 5, 2026.
This event is currently under review for AICP certification maintenance credits and is pending approval.
Call for Speakers!
This year, Planning & A Pint is turning the mic over to audience members for a story slam! If you have a story to share about public engagement, the UPAA event planning team wants to hear from you. Please send the following information to UPAA President Zac Roder at zmlroder324@gmail.com by Feb. 11:

A title or hook for your story (keep it to a few words)
A short pitch (1-2 sentences) describing the story
A few words describing the story’s tone (inspiring, funny, informative, etc.)

Each speaker will have 5 minutes to share a personal story related to engagement. The UPAA will review and select story submissions based on topic and relevancy, and will reach out in mid-February if your story is selected.
Questions? Contact Bonnie Fuggiasco at fuggiasc@uwm.edu or call 414-229-5305.
A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors:

A Toast to the Senior Class
2026-04-02 10:00 - 11:00 | UWM Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI
We know you have worked hard to graduate, which is why we’re taking time to toast your efforts. The UWM Future Alumni Network and UWM Student Government are teaming up for this Toast to the Senior Class, featuring a free breakfast and nonalcoholic mimosas. You might even call them Faux-mosas.
Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 10-11 a.m.
UWM Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
UWM Alumni Association Board member and planetary scientist Darian Dixon, a 2015 graduate, will welcome you to the event. You’ll also learn about the 2026 Senior Class Giving Campaign and what to expect as an Alumni Association member. But most of all, we’ll take some time to reflect on your many accomplishments and the promising paths that will carry you forward.
Register for the Toast
Advanced registration is required.
Questions? Contact Zach Mock at zrmock@uwm.edu | 414-251-7231

414 for UWM Giving Days 2026
2026-04-13 - 2026-04-14
Paving the Path of Possibilities
April 13-14, 2026
Five years. Thousands of UWM community members. Millions of dollars. Countless possibilities.
The story of 414 for UWM Giving Days is one of extraordinary support, powered by people like you who raise critical funds for scholarships and programs that pave the way for our students’ success. Make your gift to the sixth annual 414 for UWM Giving Days today and help create an even greater impact for our students and community.
Get a head start and make a gift today at uwm414day.org.

Grad Bash 2026
2026-05-13 16:00 - 18:00 | UWM Fountain/Garland Hall Parking Lot, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States
You’ve been working for years toward your graduation, and now that it’s finally here, you deserve to celebrate it right. So join Student Involvement and the UWM Alumni Association for Grad Bash 2026, set for Wednesday, May 13, from 4-6 p.m. at the famed UWM Fountain.
Enjoy free food from local food trucks, take a professional regalia photo in front of the fountain, and, if you participated in the Senior Class Gift, pick up your special commencement cord. Campus resource representatives will also be available to answer any questions. Most importantly, you’ll have one more opportunity to celebrate with the many UWM friends you’ve made along the way.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
UWM Fountain/Garland Hall Parking Lot
2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI
Register for Grad Bash
Questions? Contact Zach Mock at zrmock@uwm.edu or Hannah Mauch at hlmauch@uwm.edu

Senior Screenings
2026-05-14 00:00 - 2026-05-16 23:59, 2026-05-14 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-15 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-15 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-16 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-16 15:00 - 17:00
The Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres is proud to celebrate the graduating class of 2026 and their fantastic thesis films! Seniors work all year on their thesis films; writing, directing, producing, editing, and polishing these films. Come celebrate their hard work and watch some of the most unique and exciting films from the next generation of artists and filmmakers coming out of Milwaukee!
Dates & Times
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Receptions are held one hour before each screening.
UWM Union Cinema
2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee

2026 UWM Retirees Association Spring Luncheon
2026-06-03 11:00 - 13:00
Dine with your friends among the Zelazo Center’s beautiful stained-glass windows and hear from WUWM’s David Lee at the UWM Retirees Association Spring Luncheon on June 3.
The luncheon provides a wonderful opportunity to catch up with your fellow retired UWM faculty and staff while enjoying a delicious, family-style meal. Lee, the event’s featured speaker, is president and general manager of WUWM 88.9 FM, Milwaukee’s National Public Radio affiliate.
Wednesday, June 3 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
UWM Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
2419 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee
Schedule
11 a.m. – Check-in & Mingle
Noon – Lunch
12:30 p.m. – Speaker David Lee
1 p.m. – Conclusion
Register for the Luncheon
Questions? Contact Bonnie Fuggiasco at fuggiasc@uwm.edu.
