Two Business Badgers with transcendent career achievements and unparalleled records of service are among the recipients of the 2026 Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) awards.
These prestigious awards recognize alumni and supporters who exemplify the Wisconsin Idea, enhancing the positive influence of the university on campus as well as beyond its borders.
Sheldon Lubar (BBA ’51, LLB ’53) received the Distinguished Service Award, which honors individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Lubar is recognized with the award alongside his wife, Marianne Lubar (x ’54).
Lubar is the founder and chairman of the Milwaukee-based private investment firm Lubar & Co., which has been in business for over 50 years. Throughout his remarkable career—which included advisory roles under three U.S. presidents—he found numerous ways to champion higher education and his alma mater through leadership and advocacy. He served nine years on the UW System Board of Regents, including a term as president, and also served on the UW Foundation board.
In 2007, Lubar became one of the inaugural members of the Wisconsin Naming Partnership, a collaborative $85 million investment to preserve the Wisconsin School of Business name for at least 20 years. Among other successes, the partnership (which has grown to 16 members and more than $130 million in total value) has helped enrich the student experience at WSB, accelerate program growth and innovation, and retain and recruit world-class faculty.
Read more about the Lubars’ legacy of service.
Stephen Marcus (BBA ’57) received the Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors prestigious alums and their professional achievements, contributions to society, and support of the university.
For over 60 years, Marcus has been at the forefront of his family’s company, the Marcus Corporation. He has served as the organization’s president, CEO, chairman of the board, and chairman emeritus. Under his leadership, the Marcus Corporation evolved into a publicly traded corporation and a national leader in entertainment and hospitality. Today, the company owns or operates 77 theaters in 17 states, as well as 17 hotels and resorts in eight states.
Beyond his leadership in business, Marcus has also greatly influenced the cultural landscape of Wisconsin through philanthropy and service. He has held leadership roles with numerous civic organizations, including the Greater Milwaukee Committee, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
Read more about Marcus’ achievements.
“All of us at the Wisconsin School of Business owe a great deal of gratitude to Shel and Stephen, who have made our school, our university, and our state stronger through their many contributions,” says Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WSB’s Albert O. Nicholas Dean. “On behalf of the countless students they’ve impacted, I congratulate these Business Badgers on this extremely well-deserved recognition of their legendary careers, tireless dedication to service, and unwavering generosity.”
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