Introduction
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, also known as UW-Platteville, is a public university located in Platteville, Wisconsin. Founded in 1866, UW-Platteville has a rich history and has become one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the region. With over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled, the university offers a wide variety of majors and programs. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the fun facts about the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Fun facts about University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The Origin of UW-Platteville’s Pioneer Mascot
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is home to the Pioneer mascot, which represents the school’s history and values. But have you ever wondered how the Pioneer came to be? The Pioneer mascot was first introduced in the 1930s as a symbol of the university’s commitment to innovation, exploration, and progress. The term “Pioneer” was used to honor the early settlers who came to the area to build a new life.
The Pioneer mascot has undergone several changes over the years, but the current version of the mascot was introduced in 1996. The mascot is a rugged figure with a determined expression, a fur cap, and a musket. The musket is a nod to the university’s engineering program and its commitment to innovation and progress. The Pioneer mascot is one of the most recognizable symbols of UW-Platteville and is a source of pride for students, alumni, and faculty alike.
UW-Platteville’s Unique Underground Tunnels
Did you know that the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has an intricate system of underground tunnels? These tunnels are a part of the university’s steam heating system and were originally built in the 1920s. The tunnels connect the campus buildings, and they were used to transport coal to the heating plant. Today, the tunnels are used to transport steam and hot water to the campus buildings.
The tunnels are an essential part of the university’s infrastructure, and they have a rich history. In the 1960s, the tunnels were used as a training ground for the university’s ROTC program. The tunnels were also used during the Cold War as a fallout shelter. In fact, the university still maintains a fully-stocked fallout shelter in one of the tunnels.
UW-Platteville’s Award-Winning Dairy
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is home to an award-winning dairy, which has been recognized for its exceptional cheese and ice cream. The dairy is a part of the university’s School of Agriculture and offers hands-on experience for students interested in dairy science.
The dairy has won several awards over the years, including the World Cheese Championship in 2018 for its feta cheese. In addition to cheese, the dairy also produces ice cream, which is available for purchase on campus and at local stores. The dairy’s ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients, including milk from the university’s dairy cows.
UW-Platteville’s Innovation Center
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is home to the Innovation Center, which is a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. The center offers resources for students and community members interested in starting their own businesses or developing new products.
The Innovation Center features a 3D printing lab, a prototyping lab, and a maker space, as well as a variety of other resources. The center also hosts workshops and events to help students and community members develop their entrepreneurial skills. The Innovation Center is a testament to UW-Platteville’s commitment to innovation and progress, and it is a valuable resource for students and the surrounding community.
UW-Platteville’s Pioneer Farm
The Pioneer Farm is a working farm that is operated by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The farm covers over 430 acres and is home to a variety of livestock, including dairy cows, beef cattle, and pigs. The farm also grows crops such as corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.
The Pioneer Farm is more than just a place to raise livestock and grow crops, however. It is also a valuable educational resource for students in the School of Agriculture. Students have the opportunity to work on the farm and gain hands-on experience in all aspects of farm management, from animal care to crop production.
In addition to its educational value, the Pioneer Farm is also a popular destination for visitors. The farm hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including an annual corn maze and pumpkin patch. Visitors can also purchase fresh produce and meat products from the farm store.
UW-Platteville’s Unique Engineering Program
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is home to a unique engineering program that combines hands-on experience with classroom learning. The program is known as the “Engineering Professional Development” (EPD) program, and it is designed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the engineering field.
The EPD program is a four-year program that is open to all engineering majors. Students in the program have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain hands-on experience in their field. The program also offers professional development opportunities, such as resume workshops and networking events, to help students prepare for their future careers.
One of the unique aspects of the EPD program is the “Cooperative Education” (Co-op) component. Co-op students alternate between semesters of coursework and semesters of full-time work in their field. This allows students to gain valuable work experience while still completing their degree.
Conclusion
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a vibrant and unique institution with a rich history and a commitment to innovation and progress. From its award-winning dairy to its intricate system of underground tunnels, there are many interesting facts to discover about this university. Whether you are a student, an alum, or just someone interested in learning more about UW-Platteville, there is always something new to discover.