The Briefing
An unstoppable force: 125th anniversary highlights WSB’s legacy
One of the nation’s first business schools, the Wisconsin School of Business has consistently demonstrated an enduring commitment to student success, creating generations of business leaders who push boundaries, spark new ideas, and create lasting impact on industry and society. From transformational firsts that propelled WSB to the forefront of business to a collaborative spirit that makes students and alumni trusted to lead, Business Badgers will continue to shape the future of business for the next 125 years—and beyond.
Business Badgers across the nation celebrate school’s proud legacy and bright future
WSB hosted a series of events in Milwaukee, Chicago, New York City, and Minneapolis this fall to unite Business Badgers in celebration of the school’s anniversary. Attendees gained practical takeaways for leveraging AI in their careers and learned about the school’s bold vision for the future from Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy. During the New York event, alumni also rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity celebrating WSB’s growing status as a powerful force in global finance.
Update magazine commemorates WSB’s 125th anniversary with exceptional alumni stories
Dive into the special anniversary issue of Update magazine, which showcases the innovative alumni that helped shape WSB’s influence on the business world. Read about 25 alumni from the past 125 years with fascinating backgrounds, achievements, and career paths. From starting a business to making it big in the entertainment or scientific fields, these alumni all have one thing in common: a top-tier business education that made their success possible.
The Ticker
- What’s not to love?: After 125 years, there are countless reasons why Business Badgers love their alma mater. Read what some of our alumni and friends remember most fondly.
- Exemplary alumni: View photos from WSB’s 2025 Alumni Awards Ceremony and meet four Business Badgers who are among the recipients of the 2025 Wisconsin Alumni Association awards.
- Homecoming blast from the past: See how the beloved celebration of UW–Madison Homecoming has evolved over the decades (yet remains a timeless tradition!) in this photo gallery.
- By alumni, for alumni: Congratulations to Elbert Song (BBA ’25), who won WSB’s anniversary sticker design contest! Check out the fun design, “Bucky in a Suit,” and other digital swag in WSB’s 125th Anniversary Collection.
- Unleash your inner artist: Get creative with digital coloring panels that illustrate WSB’s inspiring past, thriving community, established traditions, and bold future—and learn more about their historical and present-day significance.
- Mission MBA: The full-time MBA has long been a staple of our history—and will continue to develop trusted, values-driven leaders. Learn more about WSB’s powerful investments in the program.
- The hill was filled!: Thanks to nearly 200 generous alumni and donors, over $44,000 was raised on October 9–10 during Fill the Hill 2025 to support student success at WSB.
- A night to remember: On October 9, alumni and friends gathered in Madison for WSB’s anniversary gala, a spirited event brimming with Badger pride.
- We’re #1: For the fourth year in a row, WSB’s real estate program secured the top spot in the 2025-26 annual rankings for best undergraduate business programs from U.S. News & World Report.
Back to School
Are You a WSB History Buff?
WSB’s rich past is packed with interesting facts and influential change makers. Think you know your alma mater’s history? Put your knowledge to the test with this short quiz. (Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answers.)
- Where were commerce classes first held at UW–Madison?
- A. Sterling Hall
- B. Bascom Hall
- C. North Hall
- Which UW–Madison tradition was established by Business Badger Bill Sachse (BBA ’50)?
- A. The Fifth Quarter
- B. Bucky Badger
- C. Fill the Hill
- About how many graduates has the school produced since 1900?
- A. 48,000
- B. 59,000
- C. 71,000
Need to study up on WSB’s history? Check out this timeline to learn more about the school’s key dates, people, and places.
Tip Sheet
Cheers to WSB!
On December 5, Business Badgers from every corner of the world are invited to celebrate the school’s 125th anniversary during WSB’s Global Toast. Here’s how you can celebrate 125 years on 12/5:
- Find a toast near you: Sport your best Badger gear and gather with local alumni and friends at an establishment in your area. Propose a toast to connection, camaraderie, and the shared Badger spirit that unites WSB alumni worldwide. Find your event and RSVP today!
- Raise a glass from the comfort of your own Badger den: Get cozy on the couch (preferably in Badger red pajamas) with a partner, your furry friend, or yourself. Grab any beverage from the fridge and toast to a cherished WSB memory, a favorite class, or a life-changing instructor.
- Follow along online: Tune into an Instagram live stream of Madison’s toast at 6 p.m. CST to hear Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WSB’s Albert O. Nicholas Dean, toast to the school’s proud Legacy in Motion. You can also view real-time photos and updates from other toasts all around the world on 12/5 by following WSB on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join in on the celebration by posting your own toast photos, tagging WSB (@Wisconsin School of Business), and using the hashtag #WSB125.
Alumni Opportunities
Recognize excellence and impact: Honor a deserving Business Badger by nominating them for a 2026 WSB alumni award.
Get connected: Network with other Business Badgers and gain access to exclusive resources by joining the Wisconsin Business Alumni LinkedIn group and finding a regional alumni LinkedIn group in your area.
Share your opinions: Join the Alumni Voice Panel to help improve the alumni and student experience by taking brief surveys and offering your insights.
Plug into WSB’s quasquicentennial: Follow WSB on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay current on all things anniversary, and post your own updates using the hashtag #WSB125.
Subscribe now: Stay current on the groundbreaking research and teaching excellence of WSB faculty through the school’s Leading the Way newsletter on LinkedIn.
Quiz Answers:
1. C: North Hall, the first home of the School of Commerce, was built in 1851 and still stands today as the university’s first building.
2. B: Bill Sachse (BBA ’50) commissioned the design of the first Bucky Badger head, which debuted at a 1949 football game.
3. B: 59,003 alumni (to be exact!) have passed through WSB’s doors, forging unique paths, achieving dreams, and making lasting contributions to a legacy that’s 125 years strong.
About Business Casual
Every other month, alumni and friends of the Wisconsin School of Business will receive insider updates with news about our alumni, faculty, students, and programs. If you want to share Business Casual with friends, they can sign up at go.wisc.edu/wsb-biz-cas.
Questions or comments? Email businesscasual@wsb.wisc.edu