MADISON, Wis.—UW System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today:

“My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine as they fight against Vladimir Putin’s invasion of their homeland. The University of Wisconsin System educates a handful of Ukrainian international students, and we will support them to the best of our ability during this time when their attention has undoubtably turned toward concern for family and friends at home.

“We have also seen students, staff, and faculty from both Russia and Ukraine come together, as they did last week at UW-Madison, in solidarity against the invasion of Ukraine. Our students attend our universities not only for the world-class education that changes lives and builds careers, but also for the sense of purpose and community our universities foster. To those students who are struggling during this time, away from family and uncertain about their future, our counseling centers and other support services at every one of our 13 universities are positioned to help. A listing of many of these resources can be found online at wisconsin.edu/student-behavioral-health/get-started/.”


The University of Wisconsin System serves approximately 165,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the UW System is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state UW System graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The UW System provides a 23:1 return on state investment. UW System universities also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.

Media Contact

Mark Pitsch UW System (608) 265-3419 mpitsch@uwsa.edu