WASB has so many amazing events that are all special in their own way. In my eyes, each event is characterized by the hard work that goes into planning it and the group of individuals that it brings together. This is my second semester on WASB and while many of the events are repeated semester to semester, they always have felt unique. I asked members of WASB what their favorite events are, both to plan and attend. Here is what they said...
Conversations on Wisconsin
“It’s so fun to remove the structure of college and grades and allow students to bond with and learn from professors. Professors and alumni get time to talk and engage with students about passionate and innovative ideas and it is so fun for students! I love it.”
Conversations on Wisconsin (COW), planned by the Campus & Community Engagement team, bring students and professors together to engage in valuable conversations about the Wisconsin experience and a variety of other topics. These conversations can take place virtually, at the host’s residence, or at a local Madison establishment. Sometimes free food is included! For example, during the conversation with James Ntambi, I got to learn about community health in Uganda and how the Lweza-Mukono Center is helping (check out https://www.lwezahealth.org/about_us for more information). His story is truly inspirational and I fully plan on getting involved to help make a difference. COW takes place twice a year in November and March.
Bucky’s Urban Odyssey
“It is a fantastically fun and creative event to plan, and I would argue it’s one of the most enjoyable events to participate in as a student. Also, I think it’s also super fun to volunteer as a WASB!”
“It’s a great way to start ACP. It is especially fun to watch people running around all of campus.”
Bucky’s Urban Odyssey (BUO) is a part of the All-Campus Party (ACP), a week-long series of events in April that celebrate UW-Madison’s community. Bucky’s Urban Odyssey is an “amazing-race” style scavenger hunt where participants run around campus, stopping by historical locations and local businesses, solving puzzles, and playing games. The prizes are always awesome (I remember wishing I could compete!) but the real prize is getting outside and participating in this fun event with your friends. I can’t wait to volunteer at BUO this spring.
Badger Voices
“It is an awesome collaboration with WUD Music that lets student musicians perform at Memorial Union and share their gifts with their peers.”
Badger Voices, planned by our Campus & Community Engagement team, is insanely fun for everyone involved. Student musicians and groups can sign up to perform at Memorial Union, and anyone can attend. It brings WASB and community members together to enjoy good music and allows student artists to gain countless devoted fans. I have never seen more talent in one space!
Breakfast with Bucky
“It is one of the first events of the All-Campus Party and the first time that we are really ‘in the face’ of the students that week. It is a great way to start the week off and let students know about WASB and ACP and get them excited. And also, who doesn’t love free breakfast?”
Breakfast with Bucky is also a part of ACP and is a very memorable event for me. Members of WASB set up tables at several locations around campus and hand out free breakfast to the Madison community. It was incredibly fun to directly engage with community members and see their smiling faces as they left with free breakfast. Even Bucky stops by for some food! Make sure to keep an eye out for us in the red and white stripes this spring to get some breaky and say hi!
WASBs Come Home
“It was the first event I ever planned on WASB and it was our first time hosting an alumni brunch so this event is very special to me!”
The first-ever WASBs Come Home was planned this semester by our Professional Connections and Alumni Relations team. One of WASB’s missions as a student organization is to connect students' past, present, and future. This event does just that, bringing current and past WASBs together for brunch. If you are looking for a reason to apply to WASB, here’s one: this organization connects countless people from all points in life and exposes you to so many unique experiences. I’ve learned so much from WASBs who have now graduated and I know that they would do anything to help me succeed. The event does a great job of highlighting the supportive community ingrained in WASB.
By Grace Parker
All Campus Party Team, Mad City Sessions Co-Chair