Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Power of Ideas

Bascom Hill Historic District

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

1. The Power of Ideas Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

As president of the University of Wisconsin from 1903 to 1918, Charles Van Hise championed a mission of public service that became known as the Wisconsin Idea. Calling for professors to share the wealth of their teaching and research, Van Hise declared that he would "never be content until the beneficent influence of the university reaches every family in the state." Campus leaders have been guided ever since by this moral imperative that the university should work for the benefit of all.

Erected 2001 by University of Wisconsin Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 43° 4.536′ N, 89° 24.236′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from Lincoln Drive. The marker is in front of Bascom Hall at the top of Bascom Hill on the University of Wisconsin campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lincoln Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); North Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Natural Wonders (within shouting distance of this marker); Reform and Revolt (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Global Vision (about 300 feet away); Black Hawk (about 300 feet away); The First Dance (about 300 feet away); The School of Pharmacy (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers on the Wisconsin Idea.

Also see . . . President Van Hise - Wisconsin Electronic Reader. (Submitted on June 26, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Charles R. Van Hise image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

2. Charles R. Van Hise

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

3. Bascom Hill

The heart of the University of Wisconsin, with Bascom Hall at the top.

View from Bascom Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

4. View from Bascom Hall

The State Capitol as seen from the top of Bascom Hill. State Street links state government and the state university.

Van Hise Hall at the University of Wisconsin image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

5. Van Hise Hall at the University of Wisconsin

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 841 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on July 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on September 23, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.