Patrick J. Lucey - A Lasting Legacy
Wednesday, November 18 - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom or by Phone
Dennis Dresang
UW Madison Prof. Emeritus of Public Affairs and Political Science
FREE TO PLATO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE LINK TO ATTEND or to submit questions in advance. PLEASE REGISTER Before the event starts. QUESTIONS ARE BEST SUBMITTED BEFORE MONDAY November 16th or can be written in during the event.
As Wisconsin governor from 1971 to 1977, Patrick J. Lucey pursued an ambitious progressive agenda, tempered by the concerns of a fiscal conservative and a pragmatic realist. He was known for bridging partisan divides, building coalitions, and keeping politics civil. His legacy, which includes merging Wisconsin's universities into one system and equalizing the funding formula for public schools, continues to impact Wisconsin residents and communities.
Before rising to the position of governor, Lucey played a vital role in rebuilding the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, returning a state that had long been dominated by Republicans to a moderate two-party system. As party chair, he built coalitions among World War II veterans, remnants of the defunct Progressive Party, urban socialists, and activists in rural communities throughout the state.
Through exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to archival materials, Dennis L. Dresang shares the story of this pivotal figure in Wisconsin history, from his small-town rural roots to his wide-ranging influence.
As the lecture is online, you can use your computer or smartphone to access the lecture and see the speaker during the presentation. You will not be visible during the lecture, but you will be able to chat with the speaker by typing in your comments.
If you do not have a computer or smartphone you can also use your regular phone to dial a phone number and listen to the talk.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY:
Dennis Dresang is Professor Emeritus of Public Affairs and Political Science and founding director of the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research and scholarly publications focus on state politics, public personnel management, and community issues. He has contributed to public service in a variety of ways: directing a research and public service seminar of La Follette School students examining community health issues and youth violence, chairing two major gubernatorial task forces, and serving on numerous tribal and local government commissions. He was director of the Center for Wisconsin State, Local, and Tribal Governance during its operation from 1993-2008. Professor Dresang is a volunteer coordinator for PLATO. His class, "Whither the State: 2020 Election", is seen virtually from September-November, 2020.
