Looking back and looking ahead:
As we step into 2026, we celebrate the milestones of the past year and look forward to even greater achievements. Last fall, UWM welcomed its largest freshman class since 2011 and marked Chancellor Gibson’s first semester leading UWM. In December, he presided over his first UWM commencement, where more than 1,500 graduates crossed the stage in front of proud families and friends.
We begin 2026 being recognized for the third time for outstanding community engagement, and are one of only 32 universities nationwide distinguished for high access, community involvement and research excellence.
Here’s to building on this momentum and making 2026 another remarkable year for UWM and our Panther community!
Sharing UWM’s good news is one of the best ways you can help us. Here are a few news pieces we suggest for sharing.
- UWM men’s January 15 basketball game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU
- Carnegie recognizes UWM for community engagement, UWM Report
- UWM alum honored with Environmental Hero Award for positively impacting environmental education in Milwaukee (37-Minute Mark), WTMJ
- UWM professor uses sport psychology research to solve real-world problems, UWM Report
- UWM athletic director to head selection of NCAA women’s basketball tournament teams, UWM Report
- Chancellor Gibson speaks with UWM library director about how students use the library, WUWM
- UWM ranked as best in Milwaukee, and best value, UWM Report
Attend:
Please consider attending upcoming UWM events.
Thursday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. – UWM Panther Arena, and broadcast nationally on ESPNU
Root for the Panthers as they take on the Oakland Golden Grizzlies!
Friday, Jan. 16, 5 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. – UWM Klotsche Natatorium
Cheer on the Panthers!
Saturday, Jan. 17, 1 – 3 p.m. – UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium
Celebrate the UWM Planetarium’s 60th anniversary with cake and 20-minute indoor stargazing shows!
Monday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m. – Lloyd Barbee Montessori School, 4456 N Teutonia Ave., Milwaukee
Join the UW-Milwaukee community for a day of service honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Feb. 5 – 7, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8, 2 p.m. – UWM Theatre Building, Mainstage Theatre and virtual
Peck School of the Arts Winterdances will present dance works that uplift the human connection through storytelling, joy and resilience.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Northwestern Mutual, virtual registration available
Learn how leading Wisconsin companies and academic institutions are shaping educational models and curricula to equip students and the workforce with essential skills.
Follow:
Please follow us on social media and like and share our posts to help amplify our message.
- NEW! Follow Chancellor Gibson on Instagram as he engages with students, faculty & staff and community and industry leaders
- The main university social media channels are:
- Many UWM schools and departments have social media accounts where they share updates specific to their organizations.