MONROE — World-renowned futurist and economist Rebecca Ryan will be in Green County to help launch  UniverCity Year in a free kickoff event at 4 p.m. Aug. 21 in the M-Room at Monroe High School Performing Arts Center. 

A networking session will be held at 4:30 p.m. with light hors d’oeuvres and a visit from Bucky Badger. The University of Wisconsin ice cream truck will also be on hand, scooping up complimentary dishes of Babcock ice cream. 

At 5:30 p.m., attendees will move to the PAC to learn more about projects UW students will be taking on throughout Green County.

Ryan’s presentation will begin shortly before 6 p.m. and conclude by 7 p.m. She’ll get participants thinking about the future, rather than rehashing the past. 

The UniverCity Year program matches University of Wisconsin-Madison courses, students and faculty with the needs and projects of communities. Students will be working on Green County projects starting this fall and continuing through spring semester 2019. 

Known as the “human spark plug,” Ryan motivates community members and business owners to chart their path based on the future. When Ryan last spoke in Green County in 2008, she provided the spark that powered initiatives like the Young Professionals of Green County and Future Forward! Green County.

Those who lead a community or organization are encouraged to attend the presentation, as well as business owners and their employees. 

To RSVP for this free event, call the Green County Development Corporation at 608-328-9452 or email gcdc@tds.net to ensure a seat.