As one of the first business schools in the nation, the Wisconsin School of Business has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead. Our commitment to innovation and forward thinking has defined us for 125 years—and continues to shape a Legacy in Motion that powers us into the future.
Along with fellow students, Bill Sachse (BBA ’50) commissions the design of the very first Bucky Badger head, which is debuted at a 1949 football game.
Under Dean Andrew J. Policano’s leadership, the school launches the Wisconsin Executive MBA program, its first degree offering designed for working professionals.
13 like-minded UW alumni come together to create the Wisconsin Naming Partnership and preserve the Wisconsin School of Business name for at least 20 years.
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The AI Hub for Business provides practical knowledge, industry connections, and academic expertise to transform organizations and prepare business leaders.
On October 9, 2025, alumni, donors, and friends celebrated 125 years of Business Badger pride during an elegant evening honoring the school’s historic past and exciting future.
Whether it’s the people, places, or spaces, alumni share what they love best about the Wisconsin School of Business.
“The school and curriculum are great, but the people are the best. Badgers always look out for other Badgers, and although other schools try to claim a strong network, the Wisconsin network is the best I’ve seen.”
David Hanley (MBA ’15)
“Those giant Rice Krispies Treats from the Blue Chip Deli were amazing!”
Beth Stowell Reed (BBA ’98)
“I love the wonderful faculty in my department. I appreciate their love of knowledge and their generosity to share their knowledge and experience with the students.”
Anita Lo (MS ’95)
“World-class business curriculum in a beautiful Midwestern setting.”
Robert Skattum (BBA ’73)
“I love the energy, brilliance, and innovation of WSB! Whether you’re a student or an alum, you can always feel its positive influence in your academics, career, and life.”
Reena Vokoun (BBA ’98)
“Badger game day tailgates in Grainger Hall for Homecoming are always great!”
Kelly Lange (BBA ’08, MBA ’14)
“Student organizations. They help prepare students for competitive careers, allow them to give back to the student community, and provide plenty of social and networking opportunities.”
Jason Li (BBA ’25)
“After 38 years spent using many of the topics and techniques used in graduate school, I’m still married to the man assigned to the seat next to me in my very first class.”
Diane Foley (BA ’78, MS ’85)
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Social Showcase
Join the celebration on Instagram with #WSB125
As wisconsinschoolofbusiness celebrates 125 years, we’re proud to be part of the legacy of curiosity and innovation. 🎉
Our #UWMadisonOnline students and alumni are proof that higher education is not defined by geography, but by curiosity.
And thanks to the innovation of online learning, the dream of being a #BusinessBadger is more accessible to students from all walks of life, including parents, veterans, multipotentialites, and many more.
Congrats to WSB and all our #OnlineBadgers for being part of this story.
Read more about the history of the online bachelor’s and WSB at the link in bio!
As wisconsinschoolofbusiness celebrates 125 years, we’re proud to be part of the legacy of curiosity and innovation. 🎉
Our #UWMadisonOnline students and alumni are proof that higher education is not defined by geography, but by curiosity.
And thanks to the innovation of online learning, the dream of being a #BusinessBadger is more accessible to students from all walks of life, including parents, veterans, multipotentialites, and many more.
Congrats to WSB and all our #OnlineBadgers for being part of this story.
Read more about the history of the online bachelor’s and WSB at the link in bio!
SOOO the incredible and top tiered University of Wisconsin School of Business is celebrating their 125th anniversary AND they chose our daughter, Phoebe, to attend and represent the School of Business at the closing bell ceremony with the Dean Samba of the School of Business at the NYSE tomorrow at 3 pm! What a great honor!!
We are so proud of all of her achievements at University of Wisconsin, including becoming the first woman President of the Sales, Trading and Asset Management Club, her excellent academic record and her endless leadership.
So please allow us to indulge ourselves in a bit of a parent brag- WAY TO GO PHOEBE! Congrats to you and the amazing University of Wisconsin School of Business!! On Wisconsin!
SOOO the incredible and top tiered University of Wisconsin School of Business is celebrating their 125th anniversary AND they chose our daughter, Phoebe, to attend and represent the School of Business at the closing bell ceremony with the Dean Samba of the School of Business at the NYSE tomorrow at 3 pm! What a great honor!!
We are so proud of all of her achievements at University of Wisconsin, including becoming the first woman President of the Sales, Trading and Asset Management Club, her excellent academic record and her endless leadership.
So please allow us to indulge ourselves in a bit of a parent brag- WAY TO GO PHOEBE! Congrats to you and the amazing University of Wisconsin School of Business!! On Wisconsin!
125 years of wisconsinschoolofbusiness: excellence and innovation — and a legacy still in motion! 🎉 From innovative AI programs to alumni shaping industries worldwide, it was wonderful to celebrate everything #WSB125 on Thursday and look forward to the future.
125 years of wisconsinschoolofbusiness: excellence and innovation — and a legacy still in motion! 🎉 From innovative AI programs to alumni shaping industries worldwide, it was wonderful to celebrate everything #WSB125 on Thursday and look forward to the future....
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Meet Donald Goerke: #WisconsinMBA 1951 Alumni! 🎓
Donald founded the infamous SpaghettiOs, known as “the neat round spaghetti you can eat with a spoon”, and launched the product in 1965. 🍝
The MBA he earned at the Wisconsin School of Business enabled him to succeed in his marketing career at both the Valentin Blatz Brewing Company and the Campbell Soup Company!
Donald’s son attests to his father’s legacy: “To have somebody who knew the numbers and could work with agencies and creative types… it’s not a usual kind of combination.” 💬
Goerke’s impact also extended past SpaghettiOs… he helped launch over 100 products that collectively earned about $500 million in sales for Campbell! 🌟
Our alumni make a real impact - read about more trailblazers on our website: Link in Bio 🔗
Donald founded the infamous SpaghettiOs, known as “the neat round spaghetti you can eat with a spoon”, and launched the product in 1965. 🍝
The MBA he earned at the Wisconsin School of Business enabled him to succeed in his marketing career at both the Valentin Blatz Brewing Company and the Campbell Soup Company!
Donald’s son attests to his father’s legacy: “To have somebody who knew the numbers and could work with agencies and creative types… it’s not a usual kind of combination.” 💬
Goerke’s impact also extended past SpaghettiOs… he helped launch over 100 products that collectively earned about $500 million in sales for Campbell! 🌟
Our alumni make a real impact - read about more trailblazers on our website: Link in Bio 🔗
We’re celebrating 125 years of continuous curiosity and innovation at the Wisconsin School of Business! 🎉
Our alumni shared some of their "125 things to love" about the Wisconsin School of Business:
“The school and curriculum are great, but the people are the best. Badgers always look out for other Badgers, and although other schools try to claim a strong network, the Wisconsin network is the best I’ve seen.” - David Hanley (MBA ‘15) 💬
The WisconsinSchoolofBusiness continues to strive for growth, learning, and great ideas! Celebrate this milestone with us and stay tuned for specialized events: https://business.wisc.edu/125-years/ 🔗
We’re celebrating 125 years of continuous curiosity and innovation at the Wisconsin School of Business! 🎉
Our alumni shared some of their "125 things to love" about the Wisconsin School of Business:
“The school and curriculum are great, but the people are the best. Badgers always look out for other Badgers, and although other schools try to claim a strong network, the Wisconsin network is the best I’ve seen.” - David Hanley (MBA ‘15) 💬
The WisconsinSchoolofBusiness continues to strive for growth, learning, and great ideas! Celebrate this milestone with us and stay tuned for specialized events: https://business.wisc.edu/125-years/ 🔗
This #GivingTuesday, we invite you to be part of WSB’s 125th anniversary campaign and support future business leaders.
As Business Badgers, we recognize the importance of giving back, lifting each other up, and working together to achieve a shared goal. That`s what WSB`s 125th anniversary campaign is all about.
Gifts made today will fuel student success through new investments in:
🤝 Industry partnerships 💼 Experiential learning 💻 Emerging technology
Vallabh ""Samba"" Sambamurthy, WSB`s Albert O. Nicholas Dean, will also make a $2,500 gift to our campaign once we reach 125 donors!
Link in bio.
P.S.: Don`t forget to share your gift on social media using the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #WSB125
This #GivingTuesday, we invite you to be part of WSB’s 125th anniversary campaign and support future business leaders.
As Business Badgers, we recognize the importance of giving back, lifting each other up, and working together to achieve a shared goal. That`s what WSB`s 125th anniversary campaign is all about.
Gifts made today will fuel student success through new investments in:
🤝 Industry partnerships 💼 Experiential learning 💻 Emerging technology
Vallabh ""Samba"" Sambamurthy, WSB`s Albert O. Nicholas Dean, will also make a $2,500 gift to our campaign once we reach 125 donors!
Link in bio.
P.S.: Don`t forget to share your gift on social media using the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #WSB125...
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Meet Deanna Singh (MBA ‘12): one of Update Magazine`s 8 to Watch in 2017. 👏
Founder of a vast number of organizations dedicated towards helping people in continual poverty, Deanna prides herself in her ability to harness resources in a way that gives back to the community. 🤝
“I think my big life goal and purpose is to be able to exponentially impact the lives of others through the opportunities and blessings that I’ve had given to me… If I can live a life of meaningful service, then I will feel like I have done my job.” 💬
As the WisconsinSchoolofBusiness celebrates our #LegacyinMotion through 125 years of business education, leaders like Deanna remind us of the school’s enduring tradition of fostering purpose-driven innovation and community impact.
Meet Deanna Singh (MBA ‘12): one of Update Magazine`s 8 to Watch in 2017. 👏
Founder of a vast number of organizations dedicated towards helping people in continual poverty, Deanna prides herself in her ability to harness resources in a way that gives back to the community. 🤝
“I think my big life goal and purpose is to be able to exponentially impact the lives of others through the opportunities and blessings that I’ve had given to me… If I can live a life of meaningful service, then I will feel like I have done my job.” 💬
As the WisconsinSchoolofBusiness celebrates our #LegacyinMotion through 125 years of business education, leaders like Deanna remind us of the school’s enduring tradition of fostering purpose-driven innovation and community impact.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of my alma mater, the wisconsinschoolofbusiness (WSB)! It was one of the first business schools in the country and has gone on to become a consistently top ranked school, provide students with an innovative, cutting edge and practical business education, produce CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, humanitarians, global leaders and more.
The WSB and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in general, have had a major impact on my life for over 3 decades! From my world-class undergraduate education as a business student, to receiving immense support during my corporate and entrepreneurial careers, to meeting my husband, who is a fellow Badger alumni, to taking our now teenage sons to Badger football and basketball games since they were babies, to serving on alumni boards, to mentoring students, to being featured in WSB marketing campaigns and on the alumni spotlight wall, it’s truly been an honor and a pleasure, and I’m excited for all that’s to come!
Cheers to the next 125 years and beyond for the WSB and “On Wisconsin!” ❤️📚✨
This year marks the 125th anniversary of my alma mater, the wisconsinschoolofbusiness (WSB)! It was one of the first business schools in the country and has gone on to become a consistently top ranked school, provide students with an innovative, cutting edge and practical business education, produce CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, humanitarians, global leaders and more.
The WSB and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in general, have had a major impact on my life for over 3 decades! From my world-class undergraduate education as a business student, to receiving immense support during my corporate and entrepreneurial careers, to meeting my husband, who is a fellow Badger alumni, to taking our now teenage sons to Badger football and basketball games since they were babies, to serving on alumni boards, to mentoring students, to being featured in WSB marketing campaigns and on the alumni spotlight wall, it’s truly been an honor and a pleasure, and I’m excited for all that’s to come!
Cheers to the next 125 years and beyond for the WSB and “On Wisconsin!” ❤️📚✨
This week, #BusinessBadgers have a unique opportunity to help shape the future of business education at WSB.
As we continue celebrating WSB`s 125th anniversary year, we`re setting the stage for what comes next. Through new investments in experiential learning, industry partnerships, and emerging technology, WSB is laying the foundation for today`s students to be the trusted leaders of tomorrow—and we need your help to continue this critical work.
When you support WSB’s 125th anniversary campaign, you`re fueling the enduring Legacy in Motion that has defined the school for 125 years. Gifts made December 1–7 will help create even more powerful opportunities for the next generation of Business Badgers to thrive.
Be among the first to give and help us reach our goal of 125 donors!
This week, #BusinessBadgers have a unique opportunity to help shape the future of business education at WSB.
As we continue celebrating WSB`s 125th anniversary year, we`re setting the stage for what comes next. Through new investments in experiential learning, industry partnerships, and emerging technology, WSB is laying the foundation for today`s students to be the trusted leaders of tomorrow—and we need your help to continue this critical work.
When you support WSB’s 125th anniversary campaign, you`re fueling the enduring Legacy in Motion that has defined the school for 125 years. Gifts made December 1–7 will help create even more powerful opportunities for the next generation of Business Badgers to thrive.
Be among the first to give and help us reach our goal of 125 donors!
For more than 30 years, Grainger Hall has been home to state-of-the-art classrooms, quiet study spots, and one of UW–Madison’s most visited libraries. From hosting C-suite leaders and acrobatic performers (yes, really) to watching students ace midterms, land internships, and return as alumni, this building has seen it all.
Now, Grainger is preparing for its next chapter—a major first-floor renovation featuring modern study spaces, tech-forward classrooms, and vibrant community hubs. Built in 1993 and supported by generous benefactors David W. Grainger and Juli Plant Grainger, it continues to be a space where Business Badgers grow, learn, and connect. #WSB125 #GraingerHall
For more than 30 years, Grainger Hall has been home to state-of-the-art classrooms, quiet study spots, and one of UW–Madison’s most visited libraries. From hosting C-suite leaders and acrobatic performers (yes, really) to watching students ace midterms, land internships, and return as alumni, this building has seen it all.
Now, Grainger is preparing for its next chapter—a major first-floor renovation featuring modern study spaces, tech-forward classrooms, and vibrant community hubs. Built in 1993 and supported by generous benefactors David W. Grainger and Juli Plant Grainger, it continues to be a space where Business Badgers grow, learn, and connect. #WSB125 #GraingerHall...
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A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on October 26 to show all the ❤️ and #BusinessBadger spirit at WSB’s 2024 Homecoming Bash!
From tailgate shenanigans with Bucky 🕶️ to unforgettable moments with our amazing WSB alumni and friends, the night was packed with fun, food, and familiar faces.
To our WSB community—you make events like this so special. Can’t wait for more memories, more laughs, and more wins as we gear up for #WSB125 next year!
Check out more incredible shots from the event by WSB’s photographer, Paul L. Newby, II at the link in bio!
#WSBHomecoming #hoco24 #BadgerPride
1. Alum Stephanie Toney (MBA `04) grabs a duo selfie with @funnyfaceswi artist Holly Grine (right) during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024.
2. Dean Vallabh "Samba" Sambamurthy grabs a photo op with @uwbuckybadger during the Homecoming Bash.
3. Bucky fires up the crowd in Grainger Hall during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024.
4. Alum Melissa Siems (BBA `96) grabs a photo with Bucky and her friend, Aimee Jo Castleberry (right).
5. Greg Peterson displays the "W" while posing with his daughter, Lauren Peterson, a BBA Finance and Real Estate student at WSB.
6. Nora Meck, 6, tosses a bean bag as she plays the cornhole game during the Bash.
7. Alumni Chuck Olsen (MBA `00) and his wife, Marjorie Olsen (MBA `01), grab a photo op with Bucky during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024, at Grainger Hall.
8. Alum Jeanine Ubl (BBA `02) poses with her cousin Jay King (R) during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024, at Grainger Hall.
9. (L to R) Judy Thompson, Donna Dillion, and Victoria Cowan enjoy the festivities during the Homecoming Bash.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on October 26 to show all the ❤️ and #BusinessBadger spirit at WSB’s 2024 Homecoming Bash!
From tailgate shenanigans with Bucky 🕶️ to unforgettable moments with our amazing WSB alumni and friends, the night was packed with fun, food, and familiar faces.
To our WSB community—you make events like this so special. Can’t wait for more memories, more laughs, and more wins as we gear up for #WSB125 next year!
Check out more incredible shots from the event by WSB’s photographer, Paul L. Newby, II at the link in bio!
#WSBHomecoming #hoco24 #BadgerPride
1. Alum Stephanie Toney (MBA `04) grabs a duo selfie with @funnyfaceswi artist Holly Grine (right) during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024.
2. Dean Vallabh "Samba" Sambamurthy grabs a photo op with @uwbuckybadger during the Homecoming Bash.
3. Bucky fires up the crowd in Grainger Hall during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024.
4. Alum Melissa Siems (BBA `96) grabs a photo with Bucky and her friend, Aimee Jo Castleberry (right).
5. Greg Peterson displays the "W" while posing with his daughter, Lauren Peterson, a BBA Finance and Real Estate student at WSB.
6. Nora Meck, 6, tosses a bean bag as she plays the cornhole game during the Bash.
7. Alumni Chuck Olsen (MBA `00) and his wife, Marjorie Olsen (MBA `01), grab a photo op with Bucky during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024, at Grainger Hall.
8. Alum Jeanine Ubl (BBA `02) poses with her cousin Jay King (R) during the Homecoming Bash on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024, at Grainger Hall.
9. (L to R) Judy Thompson, Donna Dillion, and Victoria Cowan enjoy the festivities during the Homecoming Bash....
