Then and Now

Visually documenting what happens on a university campus with the breadth and depth of the UW is an ever-evolving mission. Photographs are a unique medium, providing a sense of place and time; capturing people, styles, and milestones; and preserving a historical record.

I’ve had the privilege of capturing moments in the university’s ongoing story (and not always in ideal weather) for the past 25 years. These are just a few of the images that I made during my first year on campus, paired with scenes from campus today.

UW–Madison is a big, complex institution that can be a struggle for the meek. It’s also full of opportunities — many of which I’ve embraced, occasionally stumbled through, and sometimes failed to conquer. But I’ve always grown in ability and character as a result.

View the complete Then and Now series.

Jeff Miller is senior photographer for University Communications at UW–Madison.