Serving Wisconsin since 1848
This one was for you, Wisconsin! Because UW–Madison is the state’s school — which makes us all Badgers. During the 175th anniversary, UW–Madison rolled into several towns throughout the state.
Each stop was filled with Badger spirit, family-fun activities, complimentary Babcock ice cream, games, giveaways, UW-themed trivia contests, music, and more.
The events were also a celebration of the impact the UW has made, and continues to make, in hometowns throughout the state. From alumni who live near you to local businesses with Badger ties, the UW has been in your area all along working to improve lives and better the community.
State Tour visits
Let’s look back at where the State Tour visited to celebrate UW–Madison’s 175th anniversary and the university’s commitment to communities across the state.
La Crosse County | September 11, 2024
The last stop on the UW–Madison State Tour drew leaders from the UW to the La Crosse area for a final celebration of the university’s 175th anniversary and its legacy of community partnerships. Elizabeth Petty, senior associate dean for academic affairs at the UW’s School of Medicine and Public Health spoke about the importance of the Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine program with the Gundersen region president of Emplify Health. Newly appointed UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine dean Jonathan Levine visited the Central Animal Hospital in Onalaska touting the need for veterinarians in rural Wisconsin. The day wrapped up at a community-wide celebration at the Hatchery Riverside Event Center with UW–Madison provost Charles Isbell Jr. thanking everyone for joining in the family fun and Badger spirit.
Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties | August 22, 2024
There was no place better to celebrate the UW’s 175th anniversary in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties than the Red Circle Inn which was established in 1848 and is said to be Wisconsin’s oldest restaurant. Bucky Badger again spread the joy. Babcock Ice Cream samples brought out miles of smiles. And UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin thanked passionate community advocates for the university. Beforehand, stops at GE HealthCare, the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center, and Hadfield Elementary highlighted valuable partnerships, connections, and how the UW is making a difference in these counties.
Chippewa Valley | August 14, 2024
The Northwoods of Wisconsin welcomed the UW–Madison State Tour with hundreds of alumni and friends coming out to celebrate the university’s community connections and 175th anniversary at various local events. Stops at the Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital and Lake Altoona County Park highlighted a couple of the UW’s important partnerships in the Chippewa Valley and how the university continues to supply the area with resources and knowledge. Then it was on to the Leinenkugel Brewing Company’s Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls. Badger spirit was clearly on tap thanks to free samples of Babcock ice cream, family-friendly games and giveaways, and Bucky Badger mischief.
Rock County | June 25, 2024
The UW–Madison State Tour rolled into Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens where the sights and scents of the award-winning garden were matched by Badger spirit and Babcock ice cream sweets. It may have been hot and humid that evening, but the hundreds of alumni and friends who turned out enjoyed a cool time with Bucky Badger and the UW Marching Band. The day began with a visit to SHINE Technologies, a Janesville-based company making waves in cancer treatment and founded by UW alumnus Greg Piefer ’99, MS’04, PhD’06. It concluded with a Badger Talks Live session about Wisconsin’s cranberry industry, highlighting the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural heritage.
Fox Valley | May 30, 2024
Kicking off a summer filled with Badger pride, the UW–Madison State Tour traveled to the Fox Valley for its first stop in 2024. During the daylong celebration Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin visited a middle school in Menasha and Plexus Corporation in Neenah, touting the benefits of higher education and partnership. Then a community-wide event, held at the scenic Poplar Hall along the Fox River in Appleton, gave the more than 300 local alumni and friends in attendance a chance to celebrate the big Badger birthday and the university’s commitment to the Fox Valley. This marks the start of the UW’s road show — with four more stops planned in communities across the state.
Wausau | August 30, 2023
Capping off a summer filled with Badger pride the UW–Madison State Tour traveled to northcentral Wisconsin for its final stop in 2023. The community-wide event, held at the UW Center for Civic Engagement, UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus gave local alumni and friends a chance to celebrate the big Badger birthday and the university’s commitment to the Wausau area. While this marks the end of the road for now, the state tour will be back in communities like yours in 2024.
Milwaukee | August 17, 2023
The festivities really revved up on the state tour’s stop in Milwaukee. How could they not when the community celebration was held at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Alumni and friends enjoyed a sociable gathering that saw the UW’s refurbished 1957 ice cream truck capture as much attention as Harley’s classic motorcycle collection. Former Milwaukee Brewers owner, UW alumnus, and commissioner emeritus of Major League Baseball Allan “Bud” Selig ’56 also drew the attention of Badgers in attendance as the guest of honor.
Sheboygan | June 28, 2023
To symbolize the university’s continuing presence in Sheboygan County, and recognize its partnership with Kohler, Jennifer L. Mnookin, UW–Madison chancellor, presented a red Memorial Union Terrace chair to David Kohler, Chair and CEO during this state tour stop. Held at Kohler Communications — The Beacon, the family-friendly and community-wide gathering capped off a day of celebrations that also featured a delicious brat fry at another valued partner, Johnsonville Foods.
Green Bay | May 23, 2023
There was no better place to kick off the UW–Madison State Tour than Green Bay. With more than 300 alumni and friends in attendance at the community-wide celebration, and local and campus leaders gathering at a variety of smaller events, Badger spirit was shared by all.
University of Wisconsin–Madison campus partners collaborate with communities across the state every day. Meet the State Tour partners.