Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion Laboratory (Wei LAB) Director and Chief Research Scientist Jerlando F. L. Jackson spoke at the UW Multicultural Homecoming Reception on Friday, Oct. 16 at the Pres House, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Tracy Williams–Maclin, Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is responsible for building relationships with diverse alumni and driving the annual Multicultural Homecoming as an opportunity to advance the diverse landscape of UW alumni and celebrate those efforts across campus and beyond. As an example, this year’s iconic Badger tradition The Red Shirt™ incorporated a new limited edition designed by Virgil Abloh ‘03. This new collaborative effort is a demonstration of the power of engaging a diverse alumnus who is making a global impact to make an impact here on campus.
The intention of UW Multicultural Homecoming is to ensure all alumni feel connected to UW and are able to participate in various platforms that enable diverse Badgers to network, attend panel discussions, watch the Homecoming game, and participate in special tours of campus. The weekend launched with the UW Multicultural Homecoming Reception which hosted 150 participants representing a broad base of alumni, faculty, staff, students and shareholders. The event specifically highlighted the accomplishments of former student-athletes Japheth Cato ‘14, currently training for the Olympics.
Dr. Jackson provided remarks that encouraged alumni engagement and mentoring through the alumni network particularly in support of student athletes. Dr. Jackson noted the multifaceted complexities placed upon student athletes based on empirical evidenced generated by Beyond the Game (BTG Solutions), a translational project that seeks to maximize post-graduation outcomes for student athletes.
“Student-athletes have many competing demands for their time that goes beyond the normal expectations of college students,” Jackson said. “Therefore, intentional efforts are required on behalf of Athletic Departments and Universities to create opportunities for them to focus on their post-graduate opportunities.”
Jackson has worked closely with student-athletes during his eight terms on the Athletic Board at the University of Wisconsin-Madison regarding their academic identity, development, career aspirations, and post-graduate outcomes. In 2010, the Wei LAB received funding to develop and implement BTG Solutions, designed to support student-athletes in their academic achievement and assist them in identifying viable career options outside of athletics. The program was implemented in the Athletic Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011 and is currently being expanded to other institutions.