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Live coverage: The 175th Anniversary Community Open House

April 5, 2024

The University of Wisconsin–Madison opens its door to the public this weekend for its 175th Anniversary Community Open House, featuring more than 90 events, from science experiments to a scavenger hunt to building tours. Follow along as everyone explores campus.


FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Welcome to campus

And the doors are open. On a beautifully sunny day, the weekend’s first visitors went to build things at the College of Engineering Makerspace site, watched cheese being made at Babcock Dairy Plant and enjoyed a First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour.

A group of people gather around two speakers in front of Bascom Hall.

From left to right, tour leaders Kane Funmaker and Abbey Woldt, both Ho-Chunk Tribal Nation members, speak with participants during the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour, a walking tour that welcomes guests to learn about the First Nations of Wisconsin in the area known as Teejop (Four Lakes). Photo: Althea Dotzour

Going with the flow

For some, the open house was all about the science, whether exploring how to make waves in the Water Science & Engineering Lab, talking about data science with faculty and students in one of the fastest growing areas of study at UW–Madison, or peeking through the Washburn Observatory telescope at the stars.

 

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In Cupcake Wars, frosting is a weapon

UW students joined in the open house fun with, of all things, a cupcake decorating contest, or as University Housing called it, Cupcake Wars. Check out some of these confections.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Day 2, and more sunny skies

The second day of the 175th Anniversary Open House features more Science Expedition activities, including an inside look at weather imagery — and the rooftop view at the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences building. Also, Clifford the Big Red Dog made an appearance.

Some people take cell phone photos from the top of a tall building, the landscape in the background.

Visitors check out the campus views from the rooftop of the 15-story Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Science (AOSS) building during the UW 175th Anniversary Open House. Photo: Jeff Miller

 

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Feel the energy

The public came to our campus, and they energized it. From the Geology Museum to the pie-throwing at the Union South Backyard Party to the exploration of the roof of the AOSS Building, smiles and learnings were everywhere.

Matt Mauk, academic program manager in the art department, holds a metalsmithing demonstration in the Humanities Building.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Trucks and horses and Bucky!

Some rain fell, but that didn’t discourage people who wanted to see fire engines and horses at Lot 131.

 

Many also stopped by the Field House, to see how high they could jump, shoot baskets, admire the trophies and meet Bucky Badger.

Tags: UW175