Spring 2026 BBA Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 7 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Let’s Celebrate
Join us for the Wisconsin School of Business Spring Undergraduate Graduation Celebration on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at the Kohl Center. Doors open at 4:00 pm, the program will run from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Graduates and guests are invited to the celebration event recognizing the accomplishments of the BBA Class of 2026.
A milestone moment, in the place that made it possible
The Wisconsin School of Business Undergraduate Program is proud to host this year’s graduation celebration on campus, offering Business Badgers and their guests a truly authentic and memorable campus experience.
Soak in all Madison and campus has to offer over the weekend including UW Commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium from 12 – 1:30 pm.
Introducing the 2026 BBA Graduation Celebration Student Speaker – Bella Shim, BBA ’26
The Wisconsin School of Business is proud to announce Bella Shim as the 2026 BBA Graduation Celebration student speaker. Bella, a native of Glenview, Illinois, and graduate of Glenbrook South High School, has made a lasting impact at UW–Madison through her leadership, involvement, and commitment to building community among her peers.
Throughout her time at Wisconsin, Bella held leadership roles across multiple student organizations, serving on the leadership boards of the Real Estate Club, Women in Business, and the UW Club Gymnastics Team. Across each of these communities, she demonstrated a passion for collaboration, mentorship, and empowering fellow students to grow both personally and professionally.
After graduation, Bella will begin her professional journey as an Acquisitions Analyst at Blue Vista Capital Management in Chicago, Illinois. She attributes her success to the strong network of support that shaped her undergraduate experience and extends heartfelt thanks to her parents, Angela and Steve Shim, for their constant encouragement, as well as the Career Engagement Studio faculty for their mentorship and guidance over the past four years.
In her commencement address, Bella will celebrate the shared experiences that have defined the graduating class and reflect on the ways the Wisconsin community has supported, challenged, and inspired its students. Her message encourages graduates to carry forward the spirit of connection and leadership as they step into the next chapter of their lives and continue lifting others along the way.
“We were supported, challenged, and lifted by this community, and now it’s our turn to lift the next generation of Business Badgers.”
Stay Informed
Please check back closer to the event date for the most up to date information.
All graduation updates will be provided to May 2026 graduates via email announcements. If you are a family member, guest or December 2025 graduate, and would also like to receive updates please complete the Graduation Information Request Form.
Information for Graduates
Apply to Graduate
Students must apply for graduation to attend the ceremony and receive their diploma. There is no additional sign up for the ceremony. Apply to graduate by Friday, March 20.
You are required to complete the application, even if you have missed the deadline for your name to be listed in the program. If you applied by the deadline, your name will be in the printed program.
Post-Graduation Survey
Please fill out this Post-Graduation Survey sharing with us your plans after graduation. The data helps inform students of what makes an offer competitive, so by completing this survey, you will help us help future Badgers.
Dress Code & Conduct
Graduates should wear academic regalia (cap and gown) over business professional attire for the Spring BBA Graduation Celebration and the official campus Commencement at Camp Randall. View the campus commencement site for information on your regalia.
Graduates are expected to demonstrate appropriate conduct during the entirety of the event such as remaining seated or in designated areas unless directed and not interrupting speakers or the proceedings.
Prohibited items include signs, flags, sticks, noisemakers or bullhorns.
Diploma Covers
Graduates will receive a red diploma folder at the BBA Graduation Celebration. The actual diploma will be mailed six to eight weeks after grades are entered to the permanent home address listed in the MyUW Student Center.
Name Reading
Upon arrival, graduates will need to check-in and pickup their pre-printed cards. Hold onto the cards until you cross the stage where it will be read and displayed.
Arrival & Seating
More information to come.
Guest Information
Food and Beverage
More information to come.
Arrival and Seating
Doors open at 4:00 pm, and we ask that all guests are seated by 5:30 pm to begin the program. No tickets are required to attend. Guest seating is general admission, first-come, first-served. There is no limit to the number of guests that graduates may bring. Please review the accessibility arrival and seating instructions if you or your guests have accessibility requests.
Only graduates and staff escorts are allowed on the floor during the entirety of the event.
Live Stream
The program will be live streamed starting at 5:30 pm CST. A link will be provided on this website closer to the event.
Program
An downloadable program will be available on the website closer to the event.
Ceremony Etiquette
To create and preserve a memorable experience for graduates and guests, we ask that all attendees adhere to our ceremony etiquette guidelines and decorum.
Accessibility and Parking
Parking
Complimentary parking is available in several campus parking lots over the weekend. Additional parking details to come closer to event.
Accessibility
Our accessibility resources for the Kohl Center include information on day-of parking and drop-off, mobility, and accommodations for seating and hearing. To make arrangements, please email bbagraduation@wsb.wisc.edu.
Check it out – 2025 Graduation Celebration
View photos and recording from the May 2025 BBA Graduation Celebration that was held at the Alliant Energy Center.
bbagraduation@wsb.wisc.edu