The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences — a unique, forward-thinking collaboration focused at the intersection of technology and humanity — is announcing a $175 million private investment and launching an effort to raise an additional $50 million to establish a new beacon for high tech in Wisconsin housed in a state-of-the-art facility in the center of campus.
CDIS brings together UW–Madison’s highly ranked Computer Sciences and Statistics departments and the Information School. The new facility will be a hub for the bustling tech ecosystem in Wisconsin, fostering academic research, supporting booming student interest, and hosting collaborations with industry and community partners. Designed to be the most sustainable building on campus, the new facility will also focus on creating a more inclusive and diverse tech community.
“The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences is a place where our faculty and students will shape the way technology influences and enriches our lives. This is an investment that is central to the future of the university, as these fields are infusing and changing all other academic disciplines,” says UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank. “We are fortunate to have the support of visionary alumni John and Tashia Morgridge and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, a partner in extending the impact of UW–Madison ideas to the world, to build a new home for the school’s vital work.
Tashia and John Morgridge PHOTO BY DAVID NEVALA
With a commitment of $125 million from the Morgridges — $50 million of which is in the form of a challenge grant, providing a 1-to-1 match to raise another $50 million from other generous donors who see the importance of CDIS’ mission — and $50 million from WARF, UW–Madison will use these funds to build a new, 300,000-square-foot home for the school. The gifts were announced today at an event in the Discovery Building, across the 300 block of Orchard Street from the site of the planned CDIS building.
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