UW–Madison 175th Anniversary

UW–Madison at 175 years

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.

From July 2023 to July 2024, the UW marked its 175th anniversary with a yearlong celebration of historical achievements and future aspirations.

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.

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.

Anniversary events

Throughout the year, the UW hosted more than 120 events and activities for the campus and community.

Visit the event archive

Fireworks over Lake Mendota with Bucky in foreground.

Launch Day Celebration

The Launch Day Celebration officially kicked off the anniversary at the Memorial Union Terrace with an evening of music, fireworks, and more.

175 truck parked outside Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

The State Tour

Highlighting the connection between UW–Madison and Wisconsin communities, the UW hosted nine events across the state during the State Tour.

Children jumping in a red and white inflatable bounce house decorated with Bucky Badger and Wisconsin Athletics motion W.

Community Open House

The UW opened its doors to the public for the Community Open House, a weekend featuring family-filled events that included science activities, scavenger hunts, building tours, performances, and more.

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