Oral History Interview, David Musolf (1078)

Abstract

In his nine interviews with Bob Lange, David Musolf details his long involve-ment with the University of Wisconsin and restoration ecology from the 1950s to 2010, when the interview was conducted. He began by recounting his early interest in the natural world, living close to the shores of Lake Mendota, and continued by discussing the influential role of family, the UW, Peace Corps, in forming his professional and personal skills. Following a discussion of his years working for MACC and IES, he spent significant time discussing his work as Secretary of the Faculty, especially his role on the University Committee, its chairs and significant issues it had faced over his two-decade involvement with it. Toward the end of the interview, he also chronicled his long involvement with prairie and wetland restoration in Lake Mills WI with the Madison Audubon Society and his partner, Roger Packard. Throughout, Musolf offered his opinions and perspectives on significant UW figures such as Donna Shalala, John Wiley, and Biddy Martin; University Committee chairs and members; faculty policies and procedures; shared governance; a recent restructuring proposal by Provost DeLuca; and his role in commencement ceremonies. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the UW-Madison Oral History Program.