Celebrating its 175th anniversary, UW–Madison continues its legacy of forging a path forward. Because this is — and always has been, and always will be — where an idea can change the world.
Celebrating 175 years of world-changing ideas
From 1848 to today, Badgers have found shared purpose in a principle called the Wisconsin Idea — an unwavering belief that our teaching, research, and public service should push beyond the boundaries of campus to improve the lives of all.
This is where dance, poverty, and conservation became fields of study. Where the ABCs meant the discovery of vitamins and the dispatching of disease. Where bone marrow was first transplanted, and stem cells first cultivated. Where we turned a toxin into warfarin and saved a president. Where we put the first observatory up in space and down in Antarctica.
See why UW–Madison is where an idea can change the world.
Examining our past to create a better future
UW–Madison is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background. And we recognize that part of creating a better future is confronting the difficult parts of our 175-year history. That’s why in recent years we’ve invested in a full examination of our past, highlighted the historical contributions of marginalized members of our community, and forged ongoing partnerships with the First Nations of Wisconsin.
Sifting & Reckoning Exhibition
The UW Public History Project’s exhibition Sifting & Reckoning is a comprehensive multimedia account of the university’s history of exclusion and the contributions of marginalized people who pushed back.
Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History
The new Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History will educate the campus community about the university’s past in ways that will enrich the curriculum and bolster efforts to achieve a more equitable university.
Our Shared Future
Our Shared Future is a multiyear effort to educate the campus on the Ho-Chunk Nation and its history and to make institutional commitments to a shared future between the UW and the First Nations of Wisconsin.
Involvement and support
Committees and sponsors
With gratitude, we thank our 175th anniversary planning committees and sponsorship partners for their support and commitment to the anniversary.
Grant recipients
Nearly two dozen campus community members received funding to assist with 175th anniversary-related programming, including events, community outreach, artistic works, and more.
View the approved grant proposals