Wisconsin Wall of Wisdom

I graduated from the UW 49 years ago during the Vietnam protest era. It's great to be passionate about issues but don't lose sight of the big picture of your life's goals. Don't get distracted from what you want to accomplish.

Knowledge, research, friendship = UW

Remember always: Appreciate teachers who teach you how to think, not what to think.

Be an advocate for your community and the world. Be active in your participation and don't be afraid to be challenged. Walk towards the challenge with God's help.

Do those things that make you feel uncomfortable and you will have experiences to last a lifetime. As always on Wisconsin

Be motivated by your dreams and values, more than your fears and worries. Be a force for civility in an increasingly polarized world. Care for your own identity, needs and beliefs without degrading someone else’s in the process.

With the knowledge you gained at UW-Madison your actions can change the world.

Congratulations on your graduation! You have accomplished something remarkable. Something that many people only dream of- but YOU made it happen! Go forward and enjoy the journey.

You can do it! I graduated in 1967with a bs in art education

The decisions you make in the next 10 years personally, professionally and financially will define the rest of your life. Don't squander the time or the opportunities.

Don't forget that passion and work are not mutually exclusive. You will always find more success when you bring the former to the latter. Control your own destiny – make the most of it and go out there and make bucky proud!

Believe in yourself and the University. You have a world class education.

Don't be afraid to be selfish. These next few years are all about you finding out what brings you joy and purpose. Make the hard decisions and move confidently in them. You got this!

Passing out of academia to the rest of the world know that we need your knowledge and skills and there are those eager to convey their experience back to you. Be sure to relish, enjoy and nurture your future mutual education!

Do what you enjoy, with colleagues you enjoy. Use your strength in youth to achieve your goals. Keep a work/ life balance. Everything in moderation. And smother all with a good sense of humor. Go Badgers

Career: volunteer for every task that solves a problem, complex or simple, critical or trivial. You'll be recognized early as a valued contributor. Life: validate everything you hear or read before deciding what to believe.

The best is yet to come. Follow you own path,

Find a path in life that brings you inner joy & makes this world a better place than it is today.

One thing I never knew when I was graduating was what a great teacher failure can be. Keep trying. Keep striving. Keep reaching forward. Sometimes you’ll fail. Learn from it. But get back up and try again.

DON'T LET "GOOD ENOUGH" BE "GOOD ENOUGH"

This is not your beginning, middle, or end. This is your becoming. It is where childhood meets adulthood, where sea legs become land legs. It is a time for molding and shaping…for you are not yet done being made…not yet.

It always seems impossible until it is done. – Nelson Mandela

Congrats grads! Remember your career is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Find people who can teach you things you didn't learn in school. Their counsel is gold.

Dear Class of 2024,
The world awaits you now. Think hard about what you really would like to do in choosing a first job or finding your career path. It is OK to not be sure. However, never give up on you dreams!

Congratulations on your college graduation! Keep believing in yourself, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and remember that every step forward is a step closer to your dreams! Let’s go UW Madison graduates!

There is no secret to success. Work harder then anyone else, have a positive attitude (especially when things are tough) and do work that you love.

Going into a different field than what you were anticipating is okay. Now is the time to try different jobs and lean into what feels best to carve your unique path.

You will meet Badgers wherever you go, and especially at times when it's least expected. The Badger community will always be there for you so lean on it when you need it and give back to it when you can!

Remember the 4 Ps: Be Positive, Principled, Pro-active, and Productive.
And always treat people with Kindness & Respect.

Embrace every opportunity as a chance to learn something. You're not above any work or any situation – lean in and grow from it.

Always remain true to your authentic self even when it means going out of your comfort zone!

Meet as many new people as you can. You never know who is going to end up being a valuable connection for your career, or even a great friend.

Be gentle with yourself, my dear. Things have a way of unfolding as they should. You don't have to have it all figured out. Be kind and compassionate and honest and open and the universe will create a path. I believe in you.

Conventional wisdom suggests following your passion. Instead, consider exploring the world until you find the intersection of skill set and reasonable enjoyment at work. Be curious. Get the big things right. It will all work out.