In 2025, the Wisconsin School of Business celebrated a major milestone that few other business schools in the United States have reached: 125 years.
While the anniversary was a natural opportunity for a good celebration, it also propelled and elevated the school’s reputation across the board by showcasing its collective impact, enduring legacy, and unwavering commitment to innovation.
Here are just a few of the notable numbers and successful outcomes from WSB’s 125th anniversary celebration.
57%
of alumni surveyed said they were aware of WSB’s 125th anniversary. They were also significantly more likely to recommend WSB, feel proud to be alumni, and feel connected to both other alumni and the school.
30+
Events hosted from September to December 2025, including WSB’s Legacy in Motion gala. This marked the highest concentration of WSB events and participation ever in a four-month time frame.
64%
of alumni who were aware of WSB’s anniversary read anniversary communications, with 55% reading the special issue of Update magazine.
“This incredible milestone of 125 years is much more than just a number. It represents a legacy that’s been built by alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends, all of whom have made WSB what it is today.”
—Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, Albert O. Nicholas Dean, Wisconsin School of Business
1,000+
Attendees participated in anniversary events, with nearly 500 alumni and friends attending WSB’s regional event series across four cities: Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York City (where WSB rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange).
~1M
Total impressions across all anniversary social media posts.
25
Global Toasts hosted across 12 U.S. cities and 13 international cities.
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