Dressed in their finest attire—with Badger flair—over 160 Wisconsin School of Business alumni and friends descended upon Madison’s Garver Feed Mill for an unforgettable anniversary gala celebration on October 9.
The event, A Legacy in Motion, celebrated 125 years of WSB’s bold ideas and boundless impact. Surrounded by elegant Madison-themed decor, guests enjoyed delicious food and beverages, had fun with Bucky Badger, and sang along to the musical stylings of Piano Fondue.
During the event’s main program, attendees also heard remarks from school and campus leadership, including UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin and Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WSB’s Albert O. Nicholas Dean.
Festive Badger-inspired decor adorns Garver Feed Mill as guests prepare to arrive at WSB’s 125th anniversary gala.
WSB alum Bill Rauwerdink (BBA ’72) and his wife, Ann, admire an immersive exhibit that highlights the school’s transformational impact over its 125-year history.
Before the event’s main program, WSB alum Phillip Stefonik (BBA ’70) and Professor John Surdyk (MBA ’03) engage in a lively conversation.
Jon Eckhardt, WSB’s Pyle Bascom Professor in Business Leadership and special advisor to the chancellor for entrepreneurship, smiles for a photo with alum Harsha Tipirneni (MBA, MS ’98).
The evening’s speakers raise their glasses to WSB. From left to right: Alisa Robertson (BA ’94, MBA ’03), president and CEO of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association; Cynthia Chu (BBA ’99), chair of WSB’s External Advisory Board; Chancellor Mnookin; and Dean Sambamurthy.
U-Rah-Rah! Bucky Badger shows off his dance moves while the University of Wisconsin Marching Band performs some of their classic songs.
Alums Thomas Leske (BBA ’85) and Liz Henry (BS ’83, MBA ’96) (center) teamed up to provide custom ice and a signature cocktail, the Grain-ger Splash, for the evening’s festivities. They’re joined by Jeannie Leske and Kyle LaFond (BS ’00).
As the band plays, Bucky Badger links arms with fellow attendees—including Update magazine’s Sean Jacobsohn (BBA ’94) (right)—to participate in a timeless UW–Madison tradition: the singing of Varsity.
Chancellor Mnookin (center) and Dean Sambamurthy (right) gather with fellow speakers, Business Badgers, and WSB External Advisory Board members for a cheerful group photo.
WSB alum Zena Stephens Joy (MBA ’17), a 2025 “8 to Watch” selection who appeared on the cover of Update magazine, proudly displays the “W” with Bucky Badger while Piano Fondue performs in the venue’s Canvas Room.
With a photo of Grainger Hall as a backdrop, Dean Samba and Chancellor Mnookin showcase their Wisconsin pride from iconic Memorial Union Terrace chairs to close out the unforgettable evening.
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The gala might be over, but the anniversary celebration continues! Join WSB’s Global Toast on 12/5 to celebrate 125 years of WSB with fellow alumni and friends in your area. RSVP now for a toast near you.