Menard Family Initiative

We had an amazing time on Wednesday celebrating the achievements of our researchers and discussion group students! The event showcased the impressive semester research projects presented by students and faculty, sparking thoughtful questions and lively engagement from attendees. Following the presentations, we honored this semester's discussion group students, who have engaged in open and free discussions on readings and current events related to our topics of interest, as well as exploring associated interdisciplinary topics. These discussions aim to encourage students to think critically and approach problems and current issues with an economic perspective.

Join us this Wednesday, December 4th for our fellow presentations! We will hear from students and faulty on a wide range of topics. 📈👥

Our fall semester student fellow op-eds are now available! Check out the attached pdf or this link to read more: https://lnkd.in/g8wUgwcP

This past semester, I had the opportunity to be a University of Wisconsin La Crosse Bridging The Divide Campus Leader. In this role, I led and organized events that focused on fostering civil discourse. Bringing students together from different ideological backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue. Not to debate but to gain insight and understanding of different perspectives.                   This experience helped me to sharpen my leadership and communication abilities, while also challenging me to think critically about how to build bridges in complex, multifaceted situations. Navigating these interactions required careful planning, strategic problem-solving, and collaboration.                   I would like to thank Armando Taurino Garcia, Nicholas McFaden, Kali Ysquierdo, Michael Lueder, the Menard Family Initiative, and the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership for making it all possible.

On Friday, November 15th, we proudly hosted Part 1 of our Colloquium Series for the academic year. Students from diverse academic backgrounds, including history, economics, and finance, came together to discuss Joseph Schumpeter's, Can Capitalism Survive?: Creative Destruction and the Future of the Global Economy. The discussion explored Schumpeter’s concept of creative destruction—the relentless process of innovation that disrupts industries, generates economic growth, and reshapes society. Key topics included the transformative role of artificial intelligence in today’s world, the strength of capitalism and socialism in the face of technological and societal shifts, and the challenges posed by monopolistic power. Students engaged in lively debates about whether capitalism can continue to thrive in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and increasing global inequality, as well as how AI might redefine the very principles of competition and innovation. This thought-provoking session set the stage for continued conversations on the future of the global economy and its intersection with societal change.

We are excited to share our Visionary Ventures Newsletter that highlights this years winning business ideas!

I am beyond grateful that I was able to showcase my growing business idea, Northern Lights at the Visionary Ventures portion of the Menard Family Initiative Entrepreneurship Conference. What started in my hometown of Tomahawk, WI, as a simple idea to help vacation homeowners enjoy their time off, has grown into a comprehensive vacation home service. From cleaning and grocery stocking to seasonal maintenance, our goal is to take care of the chores so families can focus on making memories. Thankful for the connections, feedback, and inspiration from this experience, and with the scholarship from Garrett Lauderdale and the Idea Fund, I’m excited to invest in growing Northern Lights!

This morning, I had the privilege of kicking off the third annual Menard Family Initiative Entrepreneurship Research Conference. Here is a snippet from my prepared remarks: This conference is made possible through the support of the Menard Family Initiative, whose mission is to further our understanding of the free market and the political, economic, financial, and social institutions that guide its function. This aligns closely with the essential work of the academe—the “sifting and winnowing” of ideas—to explore, challenge, and refine our understanding of these foundational structures. If you are not familiar with this phrase and the Wisconsin Idea more generally, it comes from the Regents of the University of Wisconsin coming to the defense of the progressive economist - Richard T Ely. They said:  “As Regents of a university with over a hundred instructors supported by nearly two millions of people who hold a vast diversity of views regarding the great questions which at present agitate the human mind, we could not for a moment think of recommending the dismissal or even the criticism of a teacher even if some of his opinions should, in some quarters, be regarded as visionary. Such a course would be equivalent to saying that no professor should teach anything which is not accepted by everybody as true. This would cut our curriculum down to very small proportions. We cannot for a moment believe that knowledge has reached its final goal, or that the present condition of society is perfect. We must therefore welcome from our teachers such discussions as shall suggest the means and prepare the way by which knowledge may be extended, present evils be removed and others prevented. We feel that we would be unworthy of the position we hold if we did not believe in progress in all departments of knowledge. In all lines of academic investigation it is of the utmost importance that the investigator should be absolutely free to follow the indications of truth wherever they may lead. Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere we believe that the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.” A special thank you to the Menard Family for their continued support. This past spring, we received additional funding from them, which has enabled us to expand these critical programs and provide experiences that our students would not otherwise have. Their generosity enriches our students' learning and prepares them for impactful roles in our society. Thank you all for being here, and I look forward to a thought-provoking and rewarding conference.

What a fantastic Entrepreneurship Research Conference held by @Menard Family Initiative at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Wonderful speakers and opportunities to discuss, learn, and interact with scholars and students! Thank you so much Mita and Adam for the organization and invitation!

We are excited to announce this years Visionary Ventures presentation winners! 1. Kiara Lyons, TJ Medical Supplies, $1,000 2. Madeline Marino, Nothern Lights Vacation Services - Idea Fund scholarship recipient, $500 3. Ella Poeschel, Heating Band, $200 Congratulations to all three winners for their outstanding ideas and dedication! Stay tuned for a deeper story into their ideas.