The Briefing
Shaped by imagination and driven by purpose: WSB defines bold vision for the future
WSB’s strategic vision, Lead Boldly, outlines how the school is evolving, innovating, and elevating business education. Through intentional leadership development, lifelong learning opportunities, global research impact, and more, the school is bringing this future-focused direction to life, further cementing its status as a premier business institution. Watch our newest video that highlights the next chapter in WSB’s century-plus legacy of innovation.
Wisconsin Business Alumni Board announces new members and leadership
WSB is thrilled to introduce seven new members and announce the board’s 2026-27 leadership team. Michelle Bougie (MBA ’20) will serve as board chair and Kevin Gannon (BBA ’01) will serve as vice chair. The board expands the reach of the school by advancing key priorities for alumni engagement and connection, while providing critical perspectives and industry insights.
WSB expands expertise with new faculty members
Three assistant professors joined the Business Badger community this fall, bringing state-of-the-art research and teaching programs that drive business forward and advance the Wisconsin Idea. Sean Flynn and So Hye Yoon are the newest members in the Department of Real Estate and Urban Land Economics, and Baizhi Song joined the Department of Operations and Information Management.
The Ticker
- Counting our successes: Check out notable numbers and big wins from WSB’s 125th anniversary celebration in 2025.
- New event alert!: WSB is excited to kick off its inaugural Business Forward event on October 8. Register now to forge new relationships and hear school updates in Minneapolis.
- Valuing effort over talent: A study by WSB’s Chia-Jung Tsay suggests that students learn better when they attribute an expert’s success to hard work rather than innate ability.
- Congratulations are in order: Sheldon Lubar (BBA ’51, LLB ’53) and Stephen Marcus (BBA ’57) are among the recipients of the 2026 Wisconsin Alumni Association awards.
Back to School
The Bash is Back!
Drumroll, please! WSB’s beloved Homecoming Bash has returned—and this year, we’re taking the celebration to an exciting new venue.
Grainger Hall is undergoing a transformational first-floor renovation, complete with new spaces to dine, learn, and connect. With construction limiting access to key gathering spaces, the 2026 Homecoming Bash will take place at Union South. It’s a new location, but the same spirited Bash that you know and love!
Don’t miss this year’s celebration, which includes timeless Homecoming traditions, a tailgate-style buffet with brats, and new surprises that we’re excited to unveil. Get your tickets by September 18!
Tip Sheet
Join Our Flock During Fill the Hill
The flamingos are getting ready to land on Bascom Hill! Are you ready for feathery fun?
Born out of a 1979 prank—when students peppered Bascom Hill with over 1,000 plastic flamingos—Fill the Hill is your opportunity to be silly while having a serious impact! Here’s how you can take part in this storied tradition on October 1–2:
- Support Business Badgers: Make a gift to help WSB expand and enhance experiential learning opportunities that provide problem-solving agility and industry connections for career success.
- Participate in on-campus activities: Visit Bascom Hill’s growing flock of flamingos on October 2, where you can play games and win prizes.
- Get involved on social media: Follow the Wisconsin School of Business and the Wisconsin Alumni Association for fun updates throughout the day, show your support for Fill the Hill on your own account, and share all the reasons you love UW–Madison.
During last year’s record-setting celebration, over 2,900 flockstars raised over $750,000 for important causes at UW–Madison, resulting in nearly 5,000 fabulous flamingos on Bascom Hill! Add Fill the Hill 2026 to your calendar and help us break yet another record!
Alumni Opportunities
October 3: WSB’s 2026 Homecoming Bash takes place at Union South! Get tickets by September 18.
October 6: Register now for the UW E-Business Consortium Annual Conference to learn from leaders about business best practices and emerging technologies.
October 8: Register now for Business Forward in Minneapolis, which blends alumni connection and camaraderie with exciting WSB updates from school leaders.
October 22: Calling all Chicago alumni! Secure your spot at Badgers in Consulting: Experience to Opportunity, where you’ll connect with fellow alumni and Chicago professionals through interactive networking.
Sign up for BOLD Circles: Young alumni, there’s still time to join Fall 2026 Circles in Chicago, Madison, and New York City.
Join the Alumni Voice Survey Panel: Share your opinions and help improve the alumni and student experience by taking short surveys throughout the year.
Team up with WSB: Follow the school’s Industry Relations LinkedIn page for exclusive access to partnership opportunities, WSB news, and ways to engage with the school.
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