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Badgers have sung "Varsity" for more than a century. The song was adapted from a Latin hymn entitled "Domine Salvam Fac," written by French composer Charles Gounod. Henry Dyke Sleeper, a young instructor in the College of Letters and Science's School of Music, published a new version of the hymn he called "Varsity Toast" in 1898. Former Wisconsin Band Director Ray Dvorak introduced the now-famous arm swinging in 1934, making any performance of "Varsity" a sight to behold. Many UW graduates fondly remember these lyrics:

Varsity! Varsity!
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin,
Praise to thee we sing!
Praise to thee, our Alma Mater,
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin!

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Welcome Homecoming! Celebrate the ultimate Badger tradition by joining the fun of UW Homecoming! Whether you’re coming back to campus or not, find your way to share in this beloved Wisconsin experience.