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A series of images show Bucky Badger doing pushups after a score at the Rose Bowl, a collage showing a Terrace sunset and a space-telescope image of distant stars, a collage of a tractor harvesting a field and the Agriculture Building, and Bascom Hill. The following text animates over these images. From Academic Powerhouse to Powering the State. Where an idea can change the world. From pushups to pushing limits. Where an idea can change the world. From terrace sunsets to NASA moonshots. Where an idea can change the world.

bascom hall
Where an idea can change the world
Double image. Monona Terrace overlaying the stars
From terrace sunsets to NASA moonshots
bascom hall
Where an idea can change the world
Bucky badger doing pushups in foreground and football field in background.
From pushups to pushing limits
bascom hall
Where an idea can change the world
agriculture building on campus with a farm image overlay.
From Academic Powerhouse to Powering the State

Celebrate 175 years of UW–Madison

From 1848 to today, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has been home to both dreamers and doers. Badgers are driven by public service, pushing beyond our boundaries and solving society’s largest problems. We call it the Wisconsin Idea. Because this is where an idea can change the world.

Learn more about UW 175

Moments captured from the anniversary

Two alums in red University of Wisconsin–Madison attire posing for photo in front of backdrop sitting on sunburst terrace chairs.
Pile of red and white Demisemiseptcentennial flags in woven basket.
Person posing with Bucky Badger in front of red and white truck decorated for the 175th anniversary.
Bucky Badger statue in foreground with fireworks booming over lake during summer evening in background.
Several trumpet players performing to group of onlookers.
Close up of people seated smiling and laughing during presentation.
3-D display stating, “Where an idea can change the world” in front of circular 175th anniversary logo positioned between uplight indoor trees.
Three people posing for photo in front of Ho-Chunk banners hanging between building columns of Bascom Hall on autumn morning.
Undergraduate student sitting on ground cross-legged working on laptop wearing headphones in front of Bascom Hall decorated with a 175 banner.
Undergraduate student on stage performing spoken-word piece to crowd of people in foreground.
Child and parent meeting mounted patrol horse alongside an officer.
3-D printing machine on red table creating 175-themed medallions.
Bucky Badger meeting group of smiling young children and family members.
Group of spectators watching metalsmithing demonstration.
Observatory telescope peering through dome-slit during evening stargazing event.
Two people looking at small rocks, minerals, and fossils on table available for purchase.
Graduates standing shoulder-to-shoulder in red and black cap and gowns facing stage with fireworks set off in background.

Join the festivities

To mark our 175th anniversary, the UW is hosting events on campus and across the state. Join us in celebrating the UW’s world-changing impact on the past, present, and future.

See the UW 175 event calendar
Arched bridge passing over river with city buildings on one side and trees on other side.

State Tour | La Crosse County

September 11, 2024, 5-7 p.m. Hatchery Riverside - 410 E. Veterans Memorial Dr., La Crosse, WI

Celebrate the UW’s 175th anniversary along the mighty Mississippi River at the Hatchery Riverside. Listed on the National Register of Historic places and exuding a European regal vibe, the Hatchery Riverside makes for a perfect destination to commemorate the partnership between UW–Madison and La Crosse County. You’re sure to be inspired and entertained as you mingle with fellow Badgers, learn about the UW’s connections with area businesses, and enjoy fun family activities.

Experience 175 years of pushing beyond boundaries

Groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Life-saving medical advances. Pioneering fields of study. Barrier-breaking social movements. UW–Madison has always been home to history in the making. Here’s your chance to experience it all.

Explore a timeline of UW–Madison
Historical line drawing of UW–Madison's early campus buildings including South Hall, North Hall and Bascom Hall seated atop College Hill.

1851 If you build it, they will climb

North Hall becomes the first building on campus, where 56 students eat, sleep and study in one place.

Learn more
Close up of a badger

1889 Picking a mascot is no miner matter

The UW goes with “Badgers” for its mascot in a nod to the state’s nickname — the origin of which may surprise you.

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Margaret H'Doubler in dance pose kneeling on one leg with arms extended looking up.

1926 Doubling down on dance

Under the direction of Margaret H’Doubler, the UW begins the nation’s first college dance program.

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Edwin Witte presenting to the House holding piece of paper while smiling.

1935 The New Deal adopts a Wisconsin idea

President Franklin D. Roosevelt taps UW professor Edwin Witte to draft the landmark Social Security Act.

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Verner Suomi looking up at E7 Explorer satellite.

1959 Say cheese: Satellite photos are something special from Wisconsin

The UW contributes to NASA’s groundbreaking Explorer 7 launch.

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Students leading chant at rally outside of Bascom Hall during 1969 Black Student Strike.

1969 13 demands, thousands of allies

Black students launch a campuswide strike to educate the community about racism and rally around change.

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Collection of 1,700 bones, teeth and skeletal remains from Homo naledi lined on long black table

2013 The human family tree sprouts another limb

UW paleoanthropologists play a key role in discovering a new branch on the human family tree: Homo naledi.

Learn more
UW Badgers women's hockey team and coaching staff celebrating their 2023 National Championship victory on the ice.

2023 Rink rank: Most women’s titles ever

The Wisconsin women’s hockey team sets a new national record by winning its seventh championship.

Learn more

Watch UW–Madison at 175

Share your spirit

Join our virtual celebration of UW–Madison’s 175th anniversary by using #UW175 on social media. (After all, “demisemiseptcentennial” anniversary has a few too many characters.). Select posts will be featured below.

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