September 26–29, 2019
A lot happened in 1969. Some highlights included The Beatles’ “Get Back” topping the charts, Apollo 11 landing on the moon, Woodstock drawing nearly half a million attendees — and you graduating from the University of Wisconsin!
Now return to campus for your 50-year class reunion. This reunion is a golden opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new memories when the Wisconsin Alumni Association® (WAA) honors your class.
And join the Class of 1969 50-Year Reunion Facebook group to reconnect with old classmates prior to the weekend! This group is available exclusively to your class.
Register by September 16.
Questions? Contact the Wisconsin Alumni Association at reunions@uwalumni.com or call 888-947-2586.
Registration Opens
Pick up your program, name tag, tickets, and everything you’ll need for the weekend — all while taking in the beautiful, new One Alumni Place located in WAA’s Martin and Florence Below Alumni Center. Can’t make it during this time? Don’t worry! Registration will be available at all of the events throughout the weekend. The cost to attend the full day is $35 per person.
One Alumni Place
650 N. Lake Street // 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Alumni Park Tour
Get acquainted with the new Alumni Park located between Memorial Union and the Red Gym.
Depart from One Alumni Place // 11–11:30 a.m.
Reunion Kickoff and Orientation
Kick off the weekend with a reunion lunch in the Pyle Center’s lakeside Alumni Lounge, where you’ll receive a campus orientation and information about your weekend ahead, the class gift, and how the UW has changed in the past 50 years. The dress code is Badger spirited.
Pyle Center, AT&T Lounge
702 Langdon Street // 12–1:30 p.m.
Campus Tours
See how campus has changed — and how it’s stayed the same. Choose one of four tour options: campus (by trolley); Camp Randall; health sciences at the UW (School of Nursing and American Family Children’s Hospital); Arboretum tour with designer Darrel Morrison MS’69. Tours will depart from the Wisconsin Alumni Association
Tours depart from One Alumni Place
650 N. Lake Street // 1:30–3 p.m.
Break
Get settled on campus! This is a great time to check in to your hotel or snap a photo with the Well Red Bucky sculpture in Alumni Park.
Choose your own location // 3–5 p.m.
ZBT Class of of 1969 Speaker Series
An in-depth discussion with David Maraniss, New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. This event is part of the Inaugural Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) Speaker Forum, presented by ZBT class of 1969 and WUD Society & Politics. Learn More
Memorial Union Play Circle Theater
800 Langdon Street // 4–6 p.m
Welcome Reception
Join your classmates at the University Club for a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, hosted beer and wine, and a cash bar. Then enjoy dinner and the evening on your own to explore Madison. Please wear your Badger red.
University Club
803 State Street // 5–7 p.m.
Day of Learning
You’re invited to become a Badger student once again by attending insightful sessions presented by renowned UW faculty members and notable 1969 graduates. The Day of Learning includes insightful lectures and discussions, a continental breakfast, and a full lunch.
Schedule
| Breakfast | 8:30–9 a.m. |
| Welcome
Jeff Wendorf ’82, vice president of advancement, alumni relations and engagement, Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association |
9 a.m. |
| What Does It Mean to Be a Badger
Panel discussion with Christina Olstad, dean of students; and Mike Leckrone, legendary leader, UW Marching Band |
9:05–10:05 a.m. |
| Break | 10:15–10:25 a.m. |
| On the Horizon: Climate Change and Clean Air
Tracey Holloway, 2017–21 Gaylord Nelson Distinguished Professor, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Professor Holloway will share her insights and research on today’s biggest environmental issues. A leader of a NASA team, she will present a science-based update on meeting the energy and environmental challenges on the horizon. |
10:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. |
| Break | 11:30–11:40 p.m. |
| Black Student Strike of 1969 and the Creation of the Department of Afro-American Studies
Stu Levitan JD’86, author and historian |
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. |
| Lunch | 12:45–1:30 p.m. |
| Badger Up! How Ice Cream and a Journalism Degree Led to the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Allee Willis ’69, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee; Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and Webby award-winning and nominated artist This talk will be a stripped-down version of Willis’s heralded live “party performances,” concentrating on how attending the UW inspired her wild career. Willis’s songs have sold more than 60 million records, with tunes including Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” and Friends’ theme song “I’ll Be There for You.” This program is supported by the generosity of the Sandra G. Sponem Alumni Park Signature Program Series Fund. |
1:35 p.m.–2:45 p.m. |
| Program concludes | 3 p.m. |
Fluno Center, Howard Auditorium
601 University Avenue // 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
$50 per person for members of the Class of 1969 and for WAA members
$60 per person for members of the public
Half-Century Dinner
Toast your class and its reunion with Chancellor Rebecca Blank during this time-honored dinner. You’ll enjoy remarks and reminiscences from classmates, the class-gift presentation, and your induction to the Half-Century Club. The evening includes a seated dinner; hosted beer and wine; and a cash bar. Dancing to a live band will follow the dinner and program. The dress is semiformal. For further dress-code information, please see photos from past reunions.
Edgewater Hotel
1001 Wisconsin Avenue // 6 p.m.
$75 per person
Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association Tailgate
Continue the reunion revelry by preparing for the game in true Badger style: with food, fun, and loads of UW spirit! Join fellow Badger fans for the celebration. The tailgate includes a buffet-style meal and hosted beer and wine. A cash bar will also be available. Please wear your Badger red. The tailgate will be outdoors in a tent, so please plan accordingly.
University of Wisconsin Foundation
1848 University Avenue
The tailgate begins two and a half hours before kickoff.
Free to attend. Game ticket is not required to attend the tailgate.
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern Football Game
Sing, cheer, and chant for the Badgers in this Big Ten battle against the Wildcats.
Camp Randall Stadium
Kickoff: 11 a.m.
$85 for one ticket
Please note that the stadium adheres to a clear-bag policy. Learn more here.
Reunion Brunch
Conclude your memorable reunion weekend with this social and informative event, hosted by the Wisconsin Legacy Society and the UW Foundation Office of Gift Planning.
Fluno Center, Executive Dining Room
601 University Avenue // 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Free to attend
Questions? Contact WAA at reunions@uwalumni.com or call 888-WIS-ALUM (947-2586).