Homecoming parade features “Bucky’s dad”

The 1999 Badger Homecoming celebration Oct. 10-16 will “Treasure the Tradition – 150 Years,” and in that spirit, “Bucky’s dad will be parade marshal.

Bill Sachse, left, now 72 and of Kohler, came up with the winning entry in a 1949 student contest to name UW’s mascot, whose first incarnation is shown above. Sachse, the pep chair that year, submitted “Buckingham U. Badger.” He says he’s thrilled to be able to celebrate the tradition of Bucky in this year’s parade. “It’s been 50 years since he was created, and he’s done a great job,” says Sachse. “He is a wonderful ambassador for the university, its students and the whole state. It’s a thrill to be able to promote him for another 50 years.” Courtesy UW–Madison Archives Homecoming schedule For a complete schedule and list of Homecoming ’99 events, check out the Homecoming ’99 web site or call the Homecoming office at 265-2731.

“As our sesquicentennial comes to a close and the new millennium approaches, we think this is an important time to look back at the deep-rooted traditions of the university’s past and celebrate those of the present, as well,” says Stephen Randall, co-chair of the 60-member Homecoming Committee. “We invite all students, faculty, staff, alumni and other friends of the university to join us in the festivities.”

This year’s Homecoming parade will be Friday, Oct. 15, starting at 6 p.m. at East Washington Avenue and the Capitol Square. The UW Marching Band, colorful floats depicting this year’s theme and other units will travel around the square and down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Monona Terrace. A Badger pep rally will take place on the center’s rooftop garden immediately following the parade.

Because one of the university’s most popular and recognized icons is its famous mascot Bucky Badger (who will celebrate his 50th birthday next month), the Homecoming Committee invited “Bucky’s dad” to serve as this year’s parade marshal.

Bill Sachse, now 72 and of Kohler, came up with the winning entry in a 1949 student contest to name the mascot.

Some new Homecoming events this year are:

• Middle- and high school-aged youths from the community will “Paint the Town” Sunday, Oct. 10, showing off their artistic skills by depicting the Homecoming theme on the storefront windows of State Street businesses.
• A Tug o’ War battle, 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in the back yard of Witte Hall along Dayton Street, will feature teams from the residence halls, student organizations, sororities and fraternities.
• An essay contest for students in kindergarten through college. Winners in each of four categories will receive $50 savings accounts at the University of Wisconsin Credit Union. As part of the university’s sesquicentennial celebration, the essays will be placed in University Archives and are to be reopened and incorporated into UW–Madison’s bicentennial celebration in 2049.
• Public service opportunities. All organizations taking part in Homecoming activities earn points for their participation. This year, working with the Morgridge Center for Public Service, the Homecoming Committee lined up some 80 community service projects in which groups could participate and earn points for their involvement. Those projects, which began Sept. 24, wrap up Saturday, Oct. 9.

Other Homecoming activities include:

• An annual Charity 3K Walk/5K Run to benefit the Dean of Students Crisis Fund, starts at noon Sunday, Oct. 10, in front of the Memorial Union. Registration is from 10-11:30 a.m. on Library Mall. Cost: $15.
• A Celebration of Cultures, 3:30-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, in the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., features ethnic food and entertainment from around the world, provided by several campus student organizations. There is a modest charge for food items.

All proceeds from Homecoming events and sales of Homecoming apparel and other items go to the Dean of Students Crisis Fund.