The Wisconsin School of Business has been delivering an unmatched business education since 1900. That’s something that hasn’t changed.
What has changed over the decades, however, is the way that education is delivered—and the spaces, tools, and technology that make it possible. With the passage of time, booming lecture halls have gradually given way to smaller, collaborative spaces, while room-sized computers have shrunk in size, increased in power, and now take the form of sleek laptops and virtual reality headsets.
The face of business education may have evolved throughout the years, but through it all, WSB has remained on the forefront of innovation while always prioritizing student success.
As WSB celebrates in 125th anniversary in 2025, we take a look back at what business education has looked liked throughout the years.
Smiling students enjoy a lecture in personnel management in 1957—just three years after the grand opening of the Commerce Building. Photo ID# S16652
Business students work in a computer lab in the early 1960s. The computer pictured is an IBM 1410. Photo ID# S06077
Students attend a smaller-scale lecture in 1977. Photo ID# S16643
A student works through a problem on a desktop computer in 1989. Photo ID# S00056
Adult students attend a summer workshop in 1994 through WSB’s Management Institute (now know as the Center for Professional & Executive Development). Photo ID# S17206
Students bring their laptops for a study session on the first day of operation for WSB’s Learning Commons on May 5, 2018.
Highlighting the growing importance of technology and industry relations, a student participates in the inaugural Business Analytics Industry Meet-up on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
UW–Madison student Mason Baloun experiments with augmented reality at WSB’s Tech Exploration Lab on April 24, 2025.
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