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Photo gallery Autumn splendor

November 16, 2021

Summer is sublime, but autumn may be the most glorious time to experience the beauty of the UW–Madison campus. It is also the most fleeting. No sooner have the leaves burst into their brilliant fall hues than they are crunching underfoot, with whispers of winter in the air. Here are some seasonal views preserved by University Communications photographers as the days grew shorter and the shadows longer.

Photos by Jeff Miller, Bryce Richter, Althea Dotzour and Brian Huynh
Text by Bill Graf

Ahjin Jo composes a photograph of Hayoung Yi posing against a golden backdrop on Bascom Hill. Does her camera have an autumnfocus setting?

Ahjin Jo composes a photograph of Hayoung Yi posing against a golden backdrop on Bascom Hill. Does her camera have an autumnfocus setting? Photo by: Bryce Richter

Joggers on the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path could be excused for easing their pace a bit to make a rejuvenating run last a little longer.

Joggers on the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path could be excused for easing their pace a bit to make a rejuvenating run last a little longer. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Conversing in Turkish — possibly about their history and computer science studies, but probably about something more lighthearted — graduate students Selenay Aydin (left) and Bengisu Cagiltay enjoy the Memorial Union Terrace.

Conversing in Turkish — possibly about their history and computer science studies, but probably about something more lighthearted — graduate students Selenay Aydin (left) and Bengisu Cagiltay enjoy the Memorial Union Terrace. Photo by: Althea Dotzour

It's definitely jacket weather as students leave their midday classes at Agricultural Hall on a sunny but crisp early November afternoon. Before long, they'll be digging out their hats and gloves.

It's definitely jacket weather as students leave their midday classes at Agricultural Hall on a sunny but crisp early November afternoon. Before long, they'll be digging out their hats and gloves. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Is it just our imagination, or does fall make Bascom Hill — the summer frisbee-tossing and sunbathing crowds having thinned — a more relaxing place to stretch out with a good book? Student Karlie Bonnell votes yes.

Is it just our imagination, or does fall make Bascom Hill — the summer frisbee-tossing and sunbathing crowds having thinned — a more relaxing place to stretch out with a good book? Student Karlie Bonnell votes yes. Photo by: Bryce Richter

The women's crew team finds it's perfect weather for rowing practice on Lake Mendota — oar not, says the person in the fishing boat.

The women's crew team finds it's perfect weather for rowing practice on Lake Mendota — oar not, says the person in the fishing boat. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Swapping out desks, chairs and chalkboards for a patch of lawn under a canopy of trees, a class meets on Bascom Hill. If this were always an option, Zoom would be doomed.

Swapping out desks, chairs and chalkboards for a patch of lawn under a canopy of trees, a class meets on Bascom Hill. If this were always an option, Zoom would be doomed. Photo by: Bryce Richter

When tulips open their petals to greet you in front of the Carillon Tower next spring, you can thank Danielle Smith, a gardener in the Division of Facilities Planning and Management, for having carefully arranged and planted the bulbs this autumn.

When tulips open their petals to greet you in front of the Carillon Tower next spring, you can thank Danielle Smith, a gardener in the Division of Facilities Planning and Management, for having carefully arranged and planted the bulbs this autumn. Photo by: Bryce Richter

On foot or on wheels, in a hurry or taking your time, exploring the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path (seen here passing Kronshage Residence Hall) will reward you with seasonal scenery around every curve.

On foot or on wheels, in a hurry or taking your time, exploring the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path (seen here passing Kronshage Residence Hall) will reward you with seasonal scenery around every curve. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Falling rain on fallen leaves makes the Botany Garden behind Birge Hall a prime location to watch nature turn the calendar pages.

Falling rain on fallen leaves makes the Botany Garden behind Birge Hall a prime location to watch nature turn the calendar pages. Photo by: Brian Huynh

Long shadows extend like tall defenders from the silhouettes of students playing a pickup basketball game near the Lakeshore Neighborhood residence halls.

Long shadows extend like tall defenders from the silhouettes of students playing a pickup basketball game near the Lakeshore Neighborhood residence halls. Photo by: Bryce Richter

A warm coat and umbrella are at hand to provide protection from the elements in case this pleasant day near Union South turns blustery — as fall days in Wisconsin are wont to do.

A warm coat and umbrella are at hand to provide protection from the elements in case this pleasant day near Union South turns blustery — as fall days in Wisconsin are wont to do. Photo by: Althea Dotzour

Their single season on Earth having passed, from budding out to bidding adieu, fallen leaves accumulate on a sidewalk near the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Their single season on Earth having passed, from budding out to bidding adieu, fallen leaves accumulate on a sidewalk near the Wisconsin Historical Society. Photo by: Bryce Richter

No person with a camera phone — not you, not me, not Kip Leadholm of McFarland — can resist the urge to become a nature photographer in the UW Arboretum, especially when it's ablaze with fall color.

No person with a camera phone — not you, not me, not Kip Leadholm of McFarland — can resist the urge to become a nature photographer in the UW Arboretum, especially when it's ablaze with fall color. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Architects and artisans can give us stately buildings like Agricultural Hall, but only nature can wrap their intricate details in a leafy scarf.

Architects and artisans can give us stately buildings like Agricultural Hall, but only nature can wrap their intricate details in a leafy scarf. Photo by: Brian Huynh

Sweeping views through the windows of the Discovery Building bring fall color inside, providing an inspiring mood for a reflective moment.

Sweeping views through the windows of the Discovery Building bring fall color inside, providing an inspiring mood for a reflective moment. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Just wondering: Do four-legged joggers require two Fitbits?

Just wondering: Do four-legged joggers require two Fitbits? Photo by: Bryce Richter

Sheesh! You set the clocks back one lousy hour, and all of a sudden the street lamps are calling you home.

Sheesh! You set the clocks back one lousy hour, and all of a sudden the street lamps are calling you home. Photo by: Jeff Miller

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