University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Thursday, September 25, 2025
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SHAQ’S DJ SET SLAYS SYLVEE
MELTDOWN IN MADTOWN
A student’s retelling of Shaq’s DJ set showcases the basketball star’s fluid transition to music.
Wisconsin football is facing rock bottom after a devastating 27-10 loss to the Maryland Terrapins.
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Chancellors talk state of higher ed By Zoey Elwood COPY CHIEF
Former Chancellor Donna Shalala and University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin discussed the fragility of research institutions, the importance of undergraduate education and Shalala’s experience as the first female chancellor in the Big Ten at a fireside chat in Union South Monday. Shalala served as UW-Madison chancellor from 1988 to 1993. After she stepped down from the role, she became the 18th
United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under former President Bill Clinton and served in Congress representing Florida’s 27th district from 2019 to 2021. Shalala also led Hunter College, the University of Miami and The New School in New York City. As chancellor, she notably strengthened the university’s undergraduate education and research facilities and began the Madison Plan, which aimed to recruit and hire minorities. She was also a champion for UW Athletics.
Shalala highlighted the importance of investing in research universities like UW-Madison, but noted the current climate surrounding university investments is fragile. “We have ways that we can improve, no question,” Mnookin said. “But at the same time, there’s so much that is valuable. And if those glasses get broken, there’s no guarantee they’re going to be put back together.” Shalala said research universities are “economic engines for our country,” and they’re important in state, national and international
BLK PWR COALITION VIGIL
economics. Mnookin emphasized this, saying these institutions also have a role in fostering innovation, prosperity and opportunity. On Oct. 7, 1991, Shalala made remarks to the Faculty Senate regarding issues threatening the university’s future, such as political correctness, tuition increases and budget constraints. Mnookin read the remarks aloud during their conversation, noting its relevance in the present day.
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Campus-area housing group restarts By Wilder Gervais STAFF WRITER
JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Blk Pwr Coalition hosts Library Mall vigil for Mississippi men found hanging By Alexa Cattouse STAFF WRITER
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Blk Pwr Coalition (BPC) honored Demartravion “Trey” Reed and Cory Zukatis, the two Mississippi men found dead hanging from trees in different parts of the state on Sept. 15, at a vigil on Library Mall Thursday. Vigil attendees called out the prevalence of anti-Black hate crimes nationwide and the history of violence against Black people in Mississippi. Although police ruled Reed’s death a suicide, many believe the death of Reed was intentional due to the history of lynching in the southern United States. Attendees also drew attention to a recent hoax targeting of predominantly Black colleges after the killing of Charlie Kirk. “I’m thinking about those two men that lost their lives. I’m thinking about the hurt in our community because this isn’t something that one person feels on an individual level. It’s something everybody feels,” Keisha Osman, a junior at UW-Madison and member of BPC, told The Daily Cardinal. The vigil began at 8 p.m. with about five minutes of silence, where around 100 attendees were seen in a circle lighting each other’s candles, praying and reflecting on Reed and Zukatis.
The body of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student at Delta State University, was discovered hanging from a tree on campus early on Sept. 15. Hours later, a second man, identified as 35-year-old Cory Zukatis, was discovered hanging from a tree about 100 miles south of the university. Police ruled Reed’s death a suicide. His family called for a second, independent autopsy after receiving “conflicting accounts” about the nature of his death. Mississippi police are still investigating Zukatis’ death, but authorities do not believe the two deaths are connected. Zukatis, who was white, was homeless, and the BPC said on Instagram growing violence toward homeless populations was sparked by “right-wing” commentary, referencing a recent Fox News comment about “involuntary lethal injection” of mentally ill homeless individuals. Attendees expressed dismay that on-campus vigils are becoming increasingly common, recalling another vigil last year for Marcellus Williams, a Black man executed in Missouri amidst serious doubts about the legitimacy of his murder conviction. BPC members said they felt proud witnessing support from their community and non-Black students.
“It’s crucial to recognize the importance of how the Black community can cause an impact, especially with the rise of anti-Black crimes and needing to acknowledge the fact that Reed was hanged,” BPC Event Cipher Madison Hird said. “Knowing that no one is alone and that we have a strong support system is important, but also acknowledging and not sweeping under the rug that things like this happen,” Hird continued. BPC members hope the vigil will inspire other schools across the nation to draw awareness to anti-Black and anti-homeless crimes. The vigil opened the floor to attendees to voice concerns about the hangings. A poem critiquing American society’s “hypocrisy” when it comes to Black culture was written and performed by Evan Epps, a sophomore and member of BPC. Epps said students should use their freedom of speech to spread awareness on the causes they care about. “When you see a community like this, you have more power than you realize,” Epps said. At the end of the vigil, Epps and other BPC members led attendees in chanting a quote from activist Assata Shakur: “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”
University of Wisconsin-Madison students reinstated the Campus Area Neighborhood Association this past school year, with the aim of working with housing developers and leasing companies to preserve student tenant rights. Co-chairs Megan Mladucky and Genevieve Lambert said they restarted the organization to help advocate for student renters amid a growing housing crisis in Madison. “Our plan, mainly, is to get students in places where they feel like they have a voice,” Mladucky said. Lambert said CANA can also serve as a touch point for students to contact their city about their living conditions. “Unless students know their alderperson, they don’t know who to go to,” she said. The Campus Area Neighborhood Association (CANA) is one of over 20 neighborhood associations recognized by the City of Madison. CANA holds a significant level of influence in the campus area by advising housing developers and the city on campus-area developments. “We’re able to put together a steering committee who will negotiate directly with the developer, and they can push for whatever they want,” Lambert said. This change comes at a crucial time for developers as well, with several student housing projects popping up around campus. CANA is unique in that it is entirely student-run and any student can volunteer, something Mladucky and Lambert stress as central to the organization’s identity and integral to its future success. “When you’re talking to other students, they are more likely to back you up,” Mladucky said. Lambert agreed, stressing students should get involved regardless of their personal interests. “Anything students care about, if there’s an avenue for that type of advocacy on CANA, it’s a great way to have an impact,” she said. Mladucky said CANA was reinstated after being delegitimized by city government two years prior because “of a lack of student participation in the group.” Due to its recent reinstatement, CANA has a long road before it can provide students with the resources other neighborhood associations can, such as community events and community centers like Greenbush’s Neighborhood house. “We may not be able to provide the same things as other neighborhood associations can just because we are students; we don’t have a budget,” Mladucky said, adding that a public forum on housing would be something CANA would be able to provide to students as they establish their presence on campus. CANA will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Student Activity Center’s Caucus Room.
“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”