All about the W

On the evening of Sept. 1, thousands of first-year University of Wisconsin–Madison students gathered at Camp Randall Stadium for the W Project, a crash course in the Badger spirit. Led by Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Bucky Badger, they formed a giant motion W on the field. Then, campus leaders and the beloved UW Marching Band led them in learning the time-honored Fifth Quarter songs and their associated movements and gestures.

A crowd of people wearing red form a giant W on the 50 yard line in Camp Randall Stadium.

First-year students, along with UW mascot Bucky Badger and Chancellor Mnookin, form the shape of an iconic Motion W as part of the W Project on Barry Alvarez Field at Camp Randall Stadium. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Bucky Badger, Chancellor Mnookin, Provost Isbell and a marching band marshall smile and make W signs in front of the W at the 50 yard line.

Bucky Badger and Chancellor Mnookin led the way, or perhaps, led the W. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Members of the spirit squad hoist some of their group into the air waving red and white pompoms.

Members of the UW Spirit Squad rev up the crowd. Photo by: Bryce Richter

A scene of students wearing red and smiling fills the frame.

First-year students cheer from the stands while learning game day traditions as part of the W Project. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Chancellor Mnookin makes a W sign with her hands while holding a microphone.

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin shows her Badger spirit. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Provost Isbell raises his hands as if to signal for students to rise to their feet.

Provost Charles Isbell, also new to campus, is introduced to first-year students during the W Project ceremony. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Chris McIntosh speaks to the crowd. He's holding a microphone in one hand while he gestures with the other.

Athletic director Chris McIntosh talks with first-year students. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Down on the field, Chancellor Mnookin gives a student a high-five.

UW Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin high fives first-year students. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Corey Pompey makes an O sign above his head with his arms, and several clarinet players from the marching band join him.

Director of the UW Marching Band Cory Pompey explains game day traditions to first year students. Jump Around needs no explanation, however. Photo by: Bryce Richter

A sea of students in red shirts fills the frame.

First-year students listen and learn about campus traditions. Photo by MK Denton

A woman talks on stage - a student is visible sitting in the foreground, and listening.

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin welcomes first-year students to campus. Photo by MK Denton

Bucky Badger dances the polka with a student.

Bucky Badger dances with a student. Photo by MK Denton

A shot of arms raised overhead against the night sky, making W signs.

W's were everywhere, big and little.

In the crowd, four students smile and make W signs toward the camera.

Students cheer on the W gathering. Photo by MK Denton

A drummer holds his arm in the air, smiling.

A band member gets pumped up. Photo by MK Denton

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