Giving to Bacteriology

We thank the many alumni and friends who have generously supported our programs in the past. Your gifts are increasingly critical to the success of the department. They help us attract and reward promising undergraduates and graduate students, host departmental seminar series, and provide funds for department awards, special seminars, and scholarly activities. Gifts of any size are welcome and are greatly appreciated. Here, several ways of giving are described.

Department of Bacteriology Programs

The Department also has a number of programs that can be specifically supported. For information about giving to these funds, please contact the Department Chair Richard Gourse or the Department Administrator Kari Straus. You may also call the Department at 608 262 2914.

The Microbe Place
This is a discovery learning center in the Microbial Sciences Building. We plan to use this space to expand our outreach efforts to the public and to the university community. Gifts to The Microbe Place will allow us to develop outreach materials, exhibits, and programs.

Wisconsin Project for Antimicrobial Research (WisPAR)
WisPAR is a unique public-private partnership to address the severe shortage of antimicrobial agents as emerging antibiotic resistant pathogens render the existing arsenal of antibiotics increasingly ineffective. It involves top researchers who bring new strategies to the management of infectious disease.

Moms on the Go!
This fund was established to assist nursing mothers (or other parents with legitimate reasons) who want to attend professional meetings but cannot leave their children at home. The fund can be used for on-site childcare or travel costs of a companion who will provide childcare.

Microbes on the Web
This fund is directed toward establishing a website associated with The Microbe Place, our microbial museum and center for discovery in the new Microbial Sciences Building. The virtual museum will feature current information about breaking stories in microbiology, a microbe-of-the-month, and stories about microbes and the people who study them.

Graduate Fellowships Fund
This fund supports graduate training, providing stipends for graduate students as well as support for travel to professional meetings.

Undergraduate Research Scholarships Fund
This fund is intended to support undergraduates who want to conduct research in microbiology. Dedication to providing research experiences to undergraduates is one of the special aspects of the Bacteriology Department. However, some students cannot afford time in a lab because of necessary work commitments to support their education. These scholarships will provide financial assistance to students who want to explore microbiology in the lab environment but who still need to work to meet their financial obligations.

Lecture Series

The Distinguished Alumnus Lecture Fund
This fund supports a seminar by a Department of Bacteriology alumnus or alumna.

The Marsha J. Betley Memorial Fund
This named lecture honors former Professor Marsha Betley. The fund supports a seminar in the topic area of microbial pathogenesis.

The Elizabeth McCoy Lectureship Fund This named lecture honors former Professor Elizabeth McCoy. The fund supports a seminar by a promising female assistant professor.