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Homecoming Highlights – 2023

It was a UW Homecoming week to remember, as thousands of alumni, students, friends, and Badgers of all ages converged on campus to enjoy spirited events and activities!


We kicked off the Homecoming festivities on Wednesday with a Family-Friendly Scavenger Hunt, featuring your favorite badger! Missed out on the virtual event? Check out the recording here, and play along any time you'd like!

Sarah Schutt, Bucky, and Bryson King
Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer, and Bryson King, alumni engagement intern, host the virtual scavenger hunt.

On Friday morning flamingo fooler took over Bascom Hill during Fill the Hill. Each year, the famous pink lawn flamingos flock to Bascom Hill as part of a fundraising effort that brings campus lore to life in support of the university. This year, Fill the Hill raised more than any other year, surpassing $500,000!

Bucky skips across Bascom Hill in a sea of plastic pink flamingos. Photo by Andy Manis.
Students take a selfie with the plastic pink flamingos on Bascom Hill. Photo by Andy Manis.
Bucky and a student spin the prize wheel on Bascom Hill. Photo by Andy Manis.

Friday’s block party and pep rally set the tone — and that tone was rockin’, as alumni DJs spun tunes, The Madhatters a cappella group crooned, and the UW Marching Band played by the light of the moon. 

Guests pose with their flower crowns outside One Alumni Place. Photo by Andy Manis.
Guests dance at the silent disco during the block party. Photo by Andy Manis.
The UW Marching Band and Spirit Squad rally the crowd at the Memorial Union Terrace for the pep rally. Photo by Andy Manis.

The festivities continued Friday evening during the Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) showcased some of their newest step, stroll, and salute routines. These performances are part of a tradition that turns up the excitement of UW Homecoming and highlights the importance of each council.

Students perform at the yard show in the Union Theater's Shannon Hall.
Members of Sigma Lambda Beta perform at the yard show in Union Theater's Shannon Hall.
Winners of the show: Chi Sigma Tau (overall crowd winner), Sigma Lambda Gamma (Multicultural Greek Council), and Omega Psi Phi (NPHC).

Badgers kicked back in the Divine Nine Plaza Saturday morning! The Divine Nine kickback has become a new tradition that celebrates the history and contributions of the Black fraternities and sororities that form the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Guests gather in Divine Nine Plaza the morning before the Homecoming game.
A guest holds up a Kappa Alpha Psi flag in Divine Nine Plaza.

An hour before the football game against Rutgers kicked off on Saturday, the Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate welcomed a vibrant performance by the Dynamic Badgerettes while guests mingled, danced, and cheered on the Badgers!

Guests pose at the Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate in the Pyle Center.
This light-up sign served as a spirited background for photos at the tailgate.
LaVar Charleston, deputy vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, dances with guests at the Pyle Center.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated UW Homecoming with us, near and far! Did you capture some great memories? Let the excitement live on by sharing on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram using #UWHC. Plus, get The Red Shirt, 16th Edition (the official shirt of UW Homecoming) and capture your Badger spirit in pictures using our virtual photo booth. These are all great ways to feel connected, even if we’re apart.

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Three cheers — or U-Rah-Rahs — to each and every WAA member! Happy Member Appreciation Month and thanks to those of you who are a part of this Badger community. Please enjoy special perks all April long. Not a member? Join today.