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.
A centralized resource for artificial intelligence
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)
previous slide
next slide
Social Showcase
Join the celebration on Instagram with #WSB125
Toasting the WSB for their 125th Anniversary! Here’s to many more🥂 #wsb125
🥂 Raising a Global Toast to 125 Years of Legacy in Motion 🌍 It’s an honor to join the Global Toast celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Wisconsin School of Business — a milestone that reflects more than a century of excellence, leadership, and global impact.
From generations of innovators to today’s changemakers, this legacy is truly in motion. Proud to stand with alumni around the world as we celebrate our shared roots, lifelong connections, and the future we continue to shape together. Once a Badger, always a Badger. ❤️🦡
🥂 Raising a Global Toast to 125 Years of Legacy in Motion 🌍 It’s an honor to join the Global Toast celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Wisconsin School of Business — a milestone that reflects more than a century of excellence, leadership, and global impact.
From generations of innovators to today’s changemakers, this legacy is truly in motion. Proud to stand with alumni around the world as we celebrate our shared roots, lifelong connections, and the future we continue to shape together. Once a Badger, always a Badger. ❤️🦡
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!
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!
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....
115
0
#WSB + @phoebe.vanna = @nyse ?! 🤔🤩🏙️
We are excited to announce that the @wisconsinschoolofbusiness will be ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange @nyse this Wednesday 🔜🔔👨⚖️
AND! We are flying out one of our very own #BusinessBadgers to join in on the festivities!
✨ Phoebe Vanna (BBA ‘26) @phoebe.vanna Major: Finance, Investment, and Banking Involvement: @mjlscholarsprogram, WSB Global Programs Peer Advisor, Sales & Trading and Asset Management Club, & @dgwisconsin
➡️ Swipe to see Phoebe’s parents’ reaction to the exciting news.
Phoebe will be doing a takeover while she’s in New York 🍎💫 Stay tuned for it this Wednesday, October 22nd!
Did we mention we’ll also be having a watch party for the official bell ringing?!
Join us Wednesday 10/22 from 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. in the West Atrium of Grainger Hall for cookies and community while we watch the live stream together 🫂📺
We are excited to announce that the @wisconsinschoolofbusiness will be ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange @nyse this Wednesday 🔜🔔👨⚖️
AND! We are flying out one of our very own #BusinessBadgers to join in on the festivities!
✨ Phoebe Vanna (BBA ‘26) @phoebe.vanna Major: Finance, Investment, and Banking Involvement: @mjlscholarsprogram, WSB Global Programs Peer Advisor, Sales & Trading and Asset Management Club, & @dgwisconsin
➡️ Swipe to see Phoebe’s parents’ reaction to the exciting news.
Phoebe will be doing a takeover while she’s in New York 🍎💫 Stay tuned for it this Wednesday, October 22nd!
Did we mention we’ll also be having a watch party for the official bell ringing?!
Join us Wednesday 10/22 from 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. in the West Atrium of Grainger Hall for cookies and community while we watch the live stream together 🫂📺
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/ 🔗
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!” ❤️📚✨
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....
