It’s Homecoming week at the University of Wisconsin–Madison: a time for students, alumni, and other members of the Badger community to come together and celebrate their shared passion for the university.
In other words, it’s the best week of the year.
A full week of activities is scheduled for October 6–11, including Fill the Hill, the Homecoming parade, and of course, the annual football game. This year, the Wisconsin Badgers will square off against the Iowa Hawkeyes (the same opponent the Badgers trounced 27-7 during the 2021 Homecoming game).
While Homecoming has looked different over the decades, the spirit of the tradition has always remained the same. And even though the Wisconsin School of Business is not hosting its annual Homecoming Bash this year, due to construction in the building, there are still plenty of ways for Business Badgers to celebrate—including taking a look back at how Homecoming at UW–Madison and WSB has evolved throughout the years.
UW–Madison alumni walk on the field during the university’s 1952 Homecoming celebrations. Photo ID# S03572
In 1953, the Badgers also squared off against the Iowa Hawkeyes during Homecoming—and just like today, students found their own creative ways to clown the opposing team. Photo ID# S14241
The crowd cheers on the Badgers at the 1974 Homecoming game. Photo ID# S03604
Flamingos cover Bascom Hill in 1979 as part of a Pail and Shovel party prank. The spirit of that act lives on today a beloved Homecoming week tradition: Fill the Hill. Photo ID# S11910
Students pose with Bucky Badger during the 1998 UW–Madison Homecoming parade. Photo ID# HC19983
Business alumni, friends, and members of the UW Marching Band crowd Grainger Hall’s West Atrium at the 2006 Homecoming Bash.
In 2010, alumni celebrate and snap photos under a banner highlighting the Wisconsin Naming Gift: an $85 million investment to preserve the school’s name for at least 20 years. The gift was officially unveiled at the 2007 Homecoming Bash.
Faye Bergemann (BA ’74, MS ’80) is sandwiched between friends during a performance of Varsity at the 2015 Homecoming Bash.
Members of the UW Marching Band belt out nostalgic favorites to a spirited crowd in Grainger Hall’s East Atrium during the 2017 Homecoming Bash.
A host of WSB alumni, friends, and students join Bucky for a group photo at the 2018 Homecoming Bash.
After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Homecoming Bash returned with flourish in 2021, with alumni jumping at the chance to gather and mingle after many months of isolation.
WSB alumni Ken Thompson (MS ’94) and Patsy Thompson (BBA ’78) pose for a photo with family and show off their Badger pride during the 2023 Homecoming Bash.
Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy bonds with Bucky during the Homecoming Bash on a beautiful Saturday evening in 2024.
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