The Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Rings The Closing Bell®
Surrounded by cheering alumni and copious amounts of red, members of the Wisconsin School of Business and University of Wisconsin–Madison communities rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on October 22, 2025: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity celebrating the Wisconsin School of Business’ 125th anniversary and status as a powerful force in global finance.
“Being able to ring the closing bell is an immense honor and privilege—but above all, it’s a recognition of the entire WSB community’s work to tirelessly shape the next generation of leaders,” says Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, WSB’s Albert O. Nicholas Dean. “Having the opportunity to showcase that on a national stage is a remarkable moment for our school, and a true signal of where Wisconsin’s impact is headed.”
Alongside Sambamurthy on the bell podium was distinguished UW–Madison alumnus Jeff Sprecher (BS ’78), chair and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange—parent company of the New York Stock Exchange—who generously hosted WSB and made the event possible. The two were joined by more than a dozen prominent Business Badgers, including members of WSB’s Wisconsin Business Alumni Board and External Advisory Board, alumni and industry leaders, a student leader, and more.
An additional 50+ Business Badgers, from faculty to representatives of the alumni-led Badgers in Finance organization, packed the NYSE trading floor as part of the closing bell ceremony, lending even more excitement to the proceedings.
Additionally, Scott R. Baker, an associate professor of finance at WSB, appeared on air from the trading floor with J.D. Durkin on NYSE’s Taking Stock. He joined the program to talk about the rise of speculative investing—bringing WSB expertise straight to the financial spotlight.
While the day’s trading may have ended with the bell and Sambamurthy’s strike of the gavel, the night’s celebration was just getting started. More than 170 alumni packed the NYSE’s historic halls for a spirited anniversary event, WSB in NYC: 125 Years of Doing Business the Badger Way.
There, alumni and friends engaged in lively conversations, made new connections, and engaged with a presentation from school leadership highlighting WSB’s bold future and investments in artificial intelligence. They also heard from local WSB board members, including Cynthia Chu (BBA ’99), chair of the school’s External Advisory Board, about what has made WSB special for the last 125 years.
“Just like New York City, the Wisconsin School of Business is really a true melting pot: a place where people from all over the world can come to and thrive,” said Chu, the CFO and chief growth officer at Audible, in her remarks. “Each person in attendance tonight really is part of the school’s legacy in motion, and this anniversary is as much a celebration of your success as it is the school’s success.”
Over the past decade, WSB has become a powerful engine for top-tier finance talent. WSB now sends nearly 100 students to Wall Street each year, and in the past four years alone, has grown total finance career placements by 70 percent. In the New York metro area alone, student placements in finance have more than tripled, and the number of firms hiring WSB graduates has nearly tripled, as well.
“Wisconsin shapes exceptional talent—people who lead with humility, grit, and a growth mindset,” adds Chu. “There’s a quiet confidence in the way they show up; they’re not chasing headlines, they’re building trust and getting the work done.”
There’s still time to get in on WSB’s 125th anniversary celebration! Come celebrate 125 years on 12/5 by participating in WSB’s Global Toast. Find a toast near you today.
Note: NYSE does not recommend or endorse any investments, investment strategies, companies, products, or services.