Campus Connection

UWL economist earns $400,000 grant to hold workshops, public lectures and more in the field of economics

A UWL economist has received a $400,000 grant that aims to increase people’s exposure to economics at UW-La Crosse and throughout the La Crosse community. Adam Hoffer, UWL assistant professor of Economics, earned a Wisconsin Initiative for Economic Research grant. The award will be used to sponsor economics events focusing on topics from basic economics and financial literacy to public policy discussion. Over a two-year period, the grant will fund not only regional economic events, but also a weekly economics discussion group at UWL, a speaker series and the hiring of a resident research economist who will help run and organize programs for the initiative, as well as lead economics research projects. The grant-funded speaker series begins with a public presentation from Byran Caplan, a professor of economics at George Mason University. He’ll discuss "The Myth of the Rational Voter” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in 1309 Centennial Hall. This seminar presentation will look at democracies and how the public gets the policies — and policy makers — they do. “When you look at the field of candidates in Election 2016, you may find yourself wondering: How did we get here? Are these the best candidates America has or did something go wrong along the way?,” explains Caplan in a description of his presentation topic. Hoffer was excited to learn he received the grant in August. “I think the new initiative has the potential to have a significant impact here in La Crosse,” he says. “I think the benefits of the grant funding will be shared by not only UWL students, faculty, and staff, but also throughout the La Crosse Community.” More on the grant The $400,000 Wisconsin Initiative for Economic Research grant from the Charles Koch Foundation promotes academic openness and rigorous economic inquiry. The initiative will include several events open to the public, including Caplan's lecture, a workshop on undergraduate research to be held in February and the second annual Sports Economics Symposium to be held in spring. Several other major public events are being finalized. If you go — What: Public lecture, "The Myth of the Rational Voter” When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 Where: 1309 Centennial Hall