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WSB in MKE: 125 Years of Doing Business the Badger Way
Tuesday, September 16 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Come celebrate WSB’s 125th anniversary at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, where you’ll build community with local alumni across industries, hear from school leadership and industry experts, and honor WSB’s transformative legacy and bold vision for the future.
During this memorable event, you’ll enjoy a cutting-edge presentation on artificial intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship with Matt Seitz, director of WSB’s AI Hub for Business, and Jon Eckhardt, WSB’s Pyle Bascom Professor in Business Leadership.
You’ll gain insights for thriving in today’s AI-powered workplace and get an inside look from Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WSB’s Albert O. Nicholas Dean on how the school is embracing new technologies, deepening industry partnerships to drive student success, and cultivating the next generation of leaders grounded in entrepreneurial thinking.
You’ll also be welcomed by local alumni board members Kevin Gannon (BBA ’01), Nathan Radue (BA ’09, MBA ’19), and Ellen Sexton (BBA ’96).
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate your alma mater’s proud milestone, discover new ways to stay connected to WSB and the alumni community, and embrace our bold Legacy in Motion. Reserve your spot today!
September 16 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Harley-Davidson Museum
All UW–Madison alumni are welcome to attend this free event, which includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Event guests receive free admission to the museum on the day of the event during regular hours (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). To access the museum, simply check in at the front desk before the event.
Location
Harley-Davidson Museum
Rumble Room
400 W Canal St.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
View parking details below
Schedule
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Social hour with hors d’oeuvres and beverages
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Opening remarks from Dean Samba
Keynote presentation with Jon Eckhardt and Matt Seitz
Special anniversary toast
7:30–8:30 p.m.
Networking with beverages
Speakers
Jon Eckhardt
Pyle Bascom Professor in Business Leadership, Wisconsin School of Business
Jon Eckhardt is the Pyle Bascom Professor in Business Leadership and a professor of management and human resources at the Wisconsin School of Business. An expert in entrepreneurship, innovation, and data analysis, Eckhardt is also the special advisor for entrepreneurship to UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin.
Eckhardt co-founded the Entrepreneurship Science Lab, which combines data science with world-class entrepreneurs to improve university-driven entrepreneurship, as well as gener8tor, one of the top business accelerators in the United States.
Prior to becoming a professor, his experiences included analyzing fixed-income securities at Legg Mason Capital Management and Legg Mason Funds Advisor (now Franklin Templeton), and economic consulting. Eckhardt received his PhD in business (entrepreneurship) from the University of Maryland and an undergraduate degree in economics from Penn State University.
What Eckhardt loves about WSB: “WSB is an exciting place to be a faculty member. We are part of a massive university that is excellent in so many domains, and there is a spirit of collaboration amongst the faculty and staff that fuels important interdisciplinary projects. What makes this place special, are the people in our community, especially our students and alumni, who help define, push, and develop our culture.”
Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy
Albert O. Nicholas Dean, Wisconsin School of Business
Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy is the Albert O. Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business. Prior to his current role, Sambamurthy served as Eli Broad Professor and associate dean of the MBA and professional master’s programs at the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.
A leading expert on how businesses compete in the digital economy, Sambamurthy’s work has been featured in leading academic journals. Several Fortune 500 firms have also engaged him as a consultant. Working with executive clients and academic colleagues in the U.S., China, Taiwan, Singapore, India, and Hong Kong, he has focused on digital business transformations, strategic alignment, governance, and innovation.
Sambamurthy received his PhD from the University of Minnesota, his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, and his bachelor of engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Tiruchirappalli, India.
What Sambamurthy loves about WSB: “As dean, I am continually inspired by the extraordinary people of WSB who have shaped an enduring 125-year legacy. United by a tradition of paying it forward, I love how our community constantly seeks new ways to innovate and lead—laying the foundation for generations of trusted changemakers and ensuring our brightest days are ahead.”
Matt Seitz
Director, AI Hub for Business, Wisconsin School of Business
Matt Seitz is a leader with a passion for driving growth through technology and artificial intelligence. A recognized thought leader in AI, data analytics, and digital transformation, Seitz brings 30 years of experience helping organizations solve business challenges through technology.
As director of WSB’s AI Hub for Business, Seitz leads initiatives to advance AI research while fostering industry partnerships and preparing students for AI leadership roles. He authors a widely read newsletter on AI, ExplAIn it like I’m busy, and regularly delivers keynote presentations on technology and AI for business.
During his tenure as director of performance for Google Retail, Seitz helped top U.S. retailers leverage AI-powered advertising and analytics to drive growth. Seitz holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and serves on the Kellogg Retail Analytics Council board.
What Seitz loves about WSB: “Its earnestness and commitment to excellence, especially as AI transforms business, education, and society faster than ever before. Leaders throughout the school are stepping up to embed AI in their classrooms, research business implications, and partner with industry on practical applications. And they’re doing it with UW’s signature earnestness and commitment to excellence.”
WSB in MKE: 125 Years of Doing Business the Badger Way
September 16 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Harley-Davidson Museum
Parking Information
The Harley‑Davidson Museum offers complimentary parking for up to 500 cars and 1,000 motorcycles.
If the Harley-Davidson Museum’s on-site lot is full, several nearby paid lots are available within walking distance. Options typically range from $3–$10 per hour:
- 305 W Oregon St. (0.6 miles)
- 302 & 400 W St. Paul Ave. (0.7 miles)
- 404 W St. Paul Ave. (“A Lot”)
- 360 W St. Paul Ave. (Depot Lot)
- 401 & 400 N 3rd St. (“B & C Lots”)
Many Milwaukee County Transit System routes (including, 19, 40U, 80, and 81) also stop right at the museum.
