The need for continuing, bipartisan support of the UW System was the main message at a rally outside the University Union late Wednesday afternoon (March 4). A crowd of about 75 braved bitter cold — single-digit temperatures and 20-mph winds — to participate in the gathering organized by the campus chapter of the statewide group UW Students Against Education Cuts. The event’s primary speaker, State Sen. Dave Hansen, Class of 1971, described the difference college made in his own life. He spoke of difference-making UW research statewide, the System’s power as an economic engine, and the fact that, traditionally, the state’s universities have enjoyed broad public support and bipartisan legislative consensus. He noted that in previous years he has worked closely with Republican legislators including State Sen. Rob Cowles, another UW-Green Bay grad, and former Assembly Speaker John Gard to fund key initiatives for local campuses. See coverage.