University of Wisconsin-Extension Conference Centers — Celebrating 50 Years!

It's been more than 50 years since the Wisconsin Center for Adult Education, now The Pyle Center, first opened its doors on the UW-Madison campus. Dedicated April 11, 1958, the Center was the result of the UW Foundation's first capital campaign to provide a "roof for the Wisconsin Idea," — extending the boundaries of the University to the boundaries of the state.

Today, those boundaries extend globally. UW-Extension Conference Centers (ECC) now includes three facilities and hosts tens of thousands of visitors annually from around the world.

Over the years, ECC has built an exceptional reputation as a leader in the continuing education and hospitality industries, assisting adult learners to expand their knowledge, skill and ultimate performance in the workplace and beyond. Serving the entire UW System, State of Wisconsin agencies, and other governmental and educational organizations, ECC provides a full range of quality meeting spaces, distance education, catering, lodging, conference planning, registration services and more. We've worked hard to mindfully upgrade facilities and services to correspond with new technologies, changing demographics, and the evolving needs of an increased number of sophisticated and discerning customers.

Thank you to all of the supporters and stakeholders who have helped ECC build a solid foundation upon which it can continue to grow. We look forward to the next fifty years with enthusiasm and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

To celebrate ECC's 50th Anniversary, a series of special events took place the week of April 7 – 11, 2008:

• Displays and exhibits to raise awareness and generate interest in the UW-Extension Conference Centers including historical timeline, archival items, and key customer showcase.
• Guided tours of The Pyle Center and The Lowell Center.
• A special welcome to the Board of Regents who will be Meeting at The Pyle Center on Thursday and Friday, April 10 & 11.
• A "by invitation only" commemorative program and reception on Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2008 at The Pyle Center. Members of the Board of Regents will be joined by other guests from the UW System, State Government, other agencies and the broader community. The program will include speaker presentation(s); refreshments and musical entertainment.

Additional events are expected throughout the year. Thank you to all of the supporters and stakeholders who have helped ECC build a solid foundation upon which it can continue to grow. We look forward to the next fifty years with enthusiasm and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Also visit the UW Colleges & UW-Extension News and Ideas feature article.