Photos capture memories we don’t want to lose: the milestones, the magic, the meaning. In 2025, the Wisconsin School of Business had a year shaped by countless memorable moments.
It was a year of visible momentum: the reimagining of Grainger Hall through the Badger Blueprint; continued investment in artificial intelligence with the launch of the AI Hub for Business and WSB’s AI Day; an inaugural national consulting case competition, and new corporate partnerships that expanded how our students learn and lead.
It was also a year unlike any other. WSB marked its 125th anniversary with celebrations that spanned campus, cities, and continents. From Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to a Global Toast uniting Business Badgers around the world, the year honored where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Below are some of our favorite images from this exceptional year, captured by WSB Senior Photographer Paul L. Newby II. Together, they tell the story of a school in motion, celebrating a remarkable chapter and a bright future.
Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy’s wife, Rekha, takes a photo of Bucky as he serenades her during WSB’s 125th Anniversary Gala, “A Legacy in Motion,” held at Madison’s Garver Feed Mill.
Thomas Leske, Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, and Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin share a funny moment during WSB’s 125th Anniversary Gala.
Distinguished Business Alumni awardee, Karen Monfre (BBA ’86), Partner at Wipfli LLC (retired), receives a hug from Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy during the WSB Alumni Awards Lunch on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Concourse Hotel in Downtown Madison.
Greg DeCroix, professor and Academic Director of Operations and Information Management, gave some helpful advice to BBA student Jordan Augustine during the Grainger Center Executive Advisory Board Meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery.
After receiving the WSB BOLD award, Ousmane Kabré, (BBA ’15 MAcc ’16), founder and CEO of Leading Change Africa and Yam Education, addresses the audience during the WSB Alumni Awards Lunch on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Concourse Hotel in Downtown Madison. Kabré is recognized for his powerful efforts to transform lives through education, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Students from 10 universities across the U.S. look over their welcome packets on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Grainger Hall, the first day of the inaugural WSB Invitational Consulting Case Competition.
Faculty Liam Kane-Grade, left, networks with Executive MBA students John Mabry and Wendy Ledesma during the Executive MBA Residency class on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Construction on Badger Blueprint, a reimagining of Grainger Hall space, kicked off in 2025.
Members of WSB’s Marketing and Communications staff hold their flute glasses in the air at the Pyle Center during December’s Global Toast event.
Grainger Center Executive MBA student Ramesh Panchadhi speaks with Manuel Scavarda of General Mills about his presentation poster during the Grainger Center Executive Advisory Board Meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery.
Ayo Kolawole poses with his mother, Beth Ridley, as they stand in front of Ayo’s portrait during the Multicultural Center’s Spotlight Wall unveiling on Monday, February 10, 2025.
MSBA student Kai Buliox was the first student to land the first catch of today while on Monona Bay on Friday, January 31, 2025 during the MSBA Ice Fishing event.
Barb Bolens, director of the Nicholas Center, addresses the audience during the Nicholas Advisory Board Meeting on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Pyle Center.
Graduates Yongha Kwon and Minah Park pose with their baby girl, Nuri, during the Spring 2025 PhD hooding ceremony.
MBA student Ashleigh King asks guest speaker Heather Wollerman, Vice President, Talent Management & Chief Culture Officer at McGraw, a question on Friday, October 3, 2025, during the SHR Symposium at the Pyle Center.
Members of the Wisconsin women’s hockey team and WSB graduates McKayla Zilisch, master’s; Sarah Wozniewicz, BBA; Quinn Kuntz, master’s; and Lacey Eden, BBA, pose for a photo during the Spring 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Camp Randall.
BBA student Nicolas Vera-Arroyo poses with Bucky during the Thank-A-Donor Event on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
WSB alum Karen Kakou, right, networks with Dean Sambamurthy during the Milwaukee Alumni Event at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy along with WSB staff and faculty members pose with their newly received medallions during November’s Investiture Ceremony at Memorial Union. The ceremony recognized the faculty and staff who hold named chairs, professorships, and directorships, and the donors who make them possible.
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