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Wisconsin School of Business at 125 Years – A Legacy in Motion
Grainger Hall

Unapologetically Curious.

Relentlessly Innovative.

An old black-and-white photo showing people standing outside a building that says "Commerce".

Rooted in Transformation
and Excellence

Students walk through Grainger Hall's west atrium during their passing period. A large red WSB banner hangs overhead.

Honoring the Past,
Leading the Future

An old black-and-white photo with business school graduates shown walking in their caps and gowns.

Inspiring Student
Success Since 1900

Two male students, dressed in their graduation caps and gowns, smile and shake hands at graduation.

Doing Business
the Badger Way

Wisconsin School of Business

Celebrating 125 Years of A Legacy in Motion

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.

An Unstoppable Force

Professor Page Moreau writes on a board during one of her classes. Text over the image says "125 years of redefining"
Professor Page Moreau writes on a board during one of her classes. Text over the image says "125 years of redefining"

An Unstoppable Force

Our legacy is built on more than tradition—it’s rooted in transformation. Never settling for the way it’s always been done, WSB fosters a culture of curiosity and entrepreneurial thinking that dares to ask: What’s next?

Leading the Way for 125 Years

Explore the enduring legacy of the Wisconsin School of Business through key moments of the school’s rich past.

A black and white photo showing graduating students walking in their caps and gowns in 1918.

1918

Walk the walk

Business students participate in their graduation procession in Spring 1918 during World War l.

View more 1910-1920 events
A black and white photograph from a 1949 UW football game showing two students help lift the new Bucky Badger mascot head onto another student's head.

1949

Bringing Bucky to life

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.

View more 1940-1950 events
A black and white photo showing one man kneeling and wearing a hard hat, a second man scooping mortar out of a container, and two other men smiling. A large stone with the year 1954 engraved on it sits on the ground nearby.

1956

A dedicated business building

The cornerstone for the Commerce building—WSB’s previous home—is placed during its formal dedication.

View more 1950-1960 events
Robert Haugen teaches a class while a man records him with a video camera on a tripod.

1985

Business beyond the classroom

A class is recorded in an early experiment to bring business education to a wider audience.

View more 1980-1990 events
Professor Robert Bock sits and talks with two students.

1993

Expanding the MBA experience

Under Dean Robert Bock’s leadership, the school launches the Wisconsin Executive MBA program, its first degree offering designed for working professionals.

View more 1990-2000 events
A large group of alumni stand in Grainger Hall's atrium as red and white balloons are dropped from above.

2007

Some names are worth keeping

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.

View more 2000-2010 events
Students sit and work on their laptops in the Learning Commons.

2018

An uncommonly good addition

WSB debuts the state-of-the-art Learning Commons, providing students with cutting-edge learning and study spaces loaded with technology.

View more 2010-2020 events
A racially diverse group of students are smiling and chatting in the Multicultural Center. Students can be seen sitting on couches in the background.

2021

Cultivating community and fostering belonging

The first-of-its-kind Multicultural Center opens, building community and fostering cultural fluency.

View more 2020-present events
Student Akik Aziz (BS ‘25) showcases his semester-long project at UW–Madison’s Tech Exploration Lab while wearing a VR headset. Two people stand behind him, watching.

2025

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.

View more 2020-present events
See WSB's full timeline

Toast WSB on 12/5

Join WSB for a special toast on Friday, December 5 to unite Business Badgers worldwide. Watch our events hub for the latest updates on where and how to participate.

See upcoming opportunities

Anniversary Events

The party comes to you! Join WSB and fellow Business Badgers for celebrations across the country.

Sep 16

WSB in MKE: 125 Years of Doing Business the Badger Way

Tuesday, September 16 | 5:30pm–8:30pm
Sep 17

WSB in CHI: 125 Years of Doing Business the Badger Way

Wednesday, September 17 | 6:00pm–9:00pm
Oct 9

125th Gala: A Legacy in Motion

Thursday, October 9 | 6:00pm–9:00pm
See more upcoming events

Be Part of an Unforgettable Gala

Come celebrate 125 years of Business Badger pride on October 9. Join alumni, donors, and friends for an elegant evening honoring the school’s historic past and exciting future.

RSVP for the gala today

Read the Latest Anniversary News

Get the scoop on how the Business Badger community is celebrating the school’s 125th anniversary.

Red background with a white logo for the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin School of Business

Watch: Kicking Off 125 Years of WSB

June 10, 2025
A group of students gather around a computer of some sort as part of an investment class in the business school.

Photo Gallery: The Changing Face of Business Education

June 5, 2025
125 Things to Love About WSB; animation of Grainger Hall and lots of people doing different activities

Business Badgers Share What They Love About WSB

February 13, 2025

Leave Your Mark

Try your hand at these WSB-infused coloring panels, inspired by the theme of what it means to be a Business Badger.

Get coloring!

Reasons to Love WSB

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)