Meet a Traveler a Day!
Rob and Julie Lennon take a break from the red and white to root for the Green Bay Packers in Los Angeles on January 1, 2012
Badger Band in the Blood: Rob and Julie Lennon first met more than three decades ago, as students at UW-Madison and members of the UW Marching Band. Julie was part of the first group of female trumpeters at Wisconsin. And Rob describes being in the band as a defining moment in their college life.
“We spent a lot of time with the band,” Rob recalls, “our friends were in the band, and it was a big deal for us.”
Now, these Badgers can be proud of two more members of the university’s long tradition of excellence. Both of their sons are members of the UW band. Anthony graduated in 2011, and Tyler x’14 is playing in this year’s Rose Bowl.
“It’s been fun to watch our kids experience a lot of the same things, with the same director, and get the same enjoyment out of it,” Rob says.
The Lennons attended the 1999 Rose Bowl, but say last year’s game had extra meaning, as it was the only year both of their sons would march together. “Then, to end up in the Rose Bowl? That was extra special,” Rob adds.
Badgers Are Everywhere: The Egans traveled from New Orleans to Los Angeles to cheer on the Badgers in the 2012 Rose Bowl. And while taking in the sights of the city, they found the saying “Badgers Are Everywhere” is true even where you’d least expect it.
At Universal Studios over the weekend, they found this Grinch had more red than green spirit, after he flashed the “Motion W” sign in this photo as a sign of support for Wisconsin football.
Then, they ran into a fellow alum at the Water World show. The stuntman showed off his Badger-decorated helmet during the performance, waved a Wisconsin flag, and shot water at some nearby University of Oregon fans.
Vital Stats: Meet WAA’s newest staff member! Connie, who’s previously worked as a liaison for international college students working in the U.S., and for former Mayor Dave Cieslewicz '81 joined our team in September 2011 as the executive administrator.
She lives in Madison with her husband Matt, and their three children, Sophie, Owen and Garrett.
Always a Badger: Despite working for the University of Oregon from 2001-2004, Connie has remained true to her Wisconsin roots.
From 2001-2004, Connie served as the administrative coordinator for the Oregon Marching Band, which included managing the athletic bands, scheduling travel, donor relations and student recruitment.
She scored tickets to the first Oregon football game of the 2001 season versus Wisconsin, and wound up proudly wearing her cardinal and white among a sea of Oregon fans, directly behind the Wisconsin bench.
“I was in awe! You could hear every word coming out of the coach’s mouth,” she recalls. And despite a close loss, adds “I’ll never forget that game.”
Most Excited About: “I’m just looking forward to seeing the sea of red outside of Madison!” Connie says. “That, and the game, having never been to the Rose Bowl before. And I hear the weather is going to be nice and sunny.”
First Time’s The Charm: A Badger relative recommended these four friends try traveling with WAA for their first ever bowl game. And they’re hoping they can provide a little extra luck for the football team.
“A bunch of our friends went last year,” Sean said, “but they couldn’t bring back a win, so we thought we’d better try this year.”
Most Excited About: The guys all agree New Year’s Eve is at the top of their to-do list, after the game, of course.
“I’m really excited to meet some alums on the plane ride,” added Sean, “maybe have a couple of drinks, see what happens, maybe get a little crazy!”
Events
- Mediterranean Grandeur - May 19
- Italian Riviera - May 25
- Istanbul - June 2
- European Tapestry - June 12
