This fall, young alumni in select cities have a unique opportunity to maintain and grow their connection to the Wisconsin School of Business through an exciting new initiative: BOLD Circles.
Designed for WSB alums who have completed their undergraduate degree in the last 10 years, BOLD (Badgers of the Last Decade) Circles is WSB’s first program created specifically for young alumni, and keeps recent graduates plugged into the Business Badger community while offering career-boosting opportunities.
“Young alumni are integral members of WSB’s nationally recognized alumni network, and we’re thrilled to build something specific to their needs and interests,” says Betsy Lundgren (BA ’03, MA ’05), director of alumni relations at WSB. “We’ve heard from recent graduates that they want WSB’s help in enhancing their connection to this network, and BOLD Circles facilitates that in a way that’s personal, genuine, and fun.”
With support and guidance from members of the Wisconsin Business Alumni Board, WSB has spent the last year developing the framework for BOLD Circles: small groups each consisting of roughly a dozen young alumni living in the same region. Each Circle is led by an alumni volunteer who organizes events and facilitates connections for its members, with support from WSB’s alumni relations team.
As for what alumni actually do in a BOLD Circle—well, that’s up to them. A big differentiator of BOLD Circles is that there’s no formal agenda dictated by WSB. Members of each individual Circle get to design their own experience by deciding as a group which activities they’re most interested in pursuing. This can range from professional development and networking opportunities to casual events like happy hours or Badger game watch parties. Regardless of activities chosen, BOLD Circles are meant to be fun, informal, and welcoming—with the common denominator being a shared identity as a Business Badger.
The idea of building a community for young alumni, especially among those living in a new city, is something that appealed to Lilly Gullickson (BBA ’22), who jumped at the opportunity to join and lead a BOLD Circle in Chicago.
“I moved to the city three years ago and while I was intentional in my efforts to build community, I found it challenging at first,” says Gullickson. “Now that I’m more rooted here, I’m excited to take on a leadership role and support others who are just beginning that journey. I want to help create the kind of welcoming network I wish I had when I first arrived.”
BOLD Circles are currently piloting in Madison and Chicago, with the intention of expanding to additional regions over time. Feedback from pilot participants will help shape the future of the program, identify additional areas of focus, and further enhance the young alumni experience.
“I want to help create the kind of welcoming
—Lilly Gullickson (BBA ’22)
network I wish I had when I first arrived.”
Additionally, BOLD Circles offers members opportunities to forge even deeper connections with WSB, whether it’s attending a local WSB alumni event, exploring volunteer opportunities, or coming back to speak with students.
“I highly recommend giving BOLD Circles a chance,” adds Gullickson. “It’s a valuable way to stay engaged with the WSB community, build meaningful connections, and grow your professional network in the city.”
You can learn more—and find your Circle—on the BOLD Circles webpage. Questions about BOLD Circles can be directed to Sadie Heirigs at sadie.heirigs@wisc.edu.