UWM University Advancement

Panther Perspectives: The Bridging Leader
2026-03-05 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago)
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.
