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WSB Class of 2020: Business Badgers Light the Way Forward

By Wisconsin School of Business

May 9, 2020

1,094 Business Badgers Light the Way Forward

This weekend, 1,094 Wisconsin School of Business students will graduate, having demonstrated the knowledge, accomplishment, and perseverance demanded by a University of Wisconsin–Madison diploma. These students have fulfilled their course requirements, completed countless assignments, pursued internships and applied learning experiences, and bonded together as Business Badgers.

Despite the postponement of traditional commencement celebrations, the university community has found creative and innovative ways to honor graduates. At WSB, several programs are hosting virtual commencement activities, while alumni, faculty, and staff have sent more than 100 congratulatory video messages to celebrate graduating students.

These WSB programs have dedicated virtual commencement pages:

WSB graduates will be treated to a special finale to commencement weekend with the 1,094 Business Badgers Light the Way Forward live stream. Using projection mapping, the Park Street façade of Grainger Hall will be illuminated, featuring rotating graphics that include the names of every WSB graduate along with congratulatory messages. The live stream video will be available via Facebook Live from Grainger Hall on Saturday, May 9 at 9 p.m. CT.

“We are proud of our students’ perseverance and are excited to recognize their accomplishments in this special way,” says Dean Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy. “Our graduates have an important role to play in shaping the future of business. As they step into their next chapters, they’ll build on a strong foundation paired with the knowledge and optimism to lead.”

Dean Sambamurthy’s message to graduates:

WSB graduates reflect on their experience:

The Wisconsin School of Business has equipped me with many technical skills and a holistic education that will undoubtedly carry me for the rest of my life. Beyond that, though, I have been able to grow and really discover my passions. My education at WSB taught me to advocate for myself, not to be afraid of challenges, and that leadership cannot be defined by a textbook.

–Justice Hadley (BBA ’20)

Dear fellow graduates, Graduation is right around the corner, and who knows if this is our last moment all together. We have experienced an extraordinary time together as peers, and more importantly, as friends. You’re some of the most brilliant and creative minds I’ve ever encountered and you all never fail to amaze me. I can’t wait to see all the big things the Class of 2020 accomplishes!

–Sakina Toure (BBA ’20)

We are all smart and capable. Never look at a problem and think you cannot solve it. Never look at a situation and think you cannot get through it. We all have the skills to do whatever we want to do, and when we don’t, we have a lot of good friends that are willing to lend a hand. It is great to be a Badger!

–Keaton Nankivil (MBA ’20)


WSB graduates by the numbers:

755 Bachelor of Business Administration

112Master of Accountancy

41 Master of Science

78 Full-Time MBA

44 Evening MBA

51 Executive MBA

13 PhD

1,094 Total WSB Graduates


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