How do you dance the Chicken Dance? What are the words to “Varsity”? Why should I stick around after the fourth quarter? On Aug. 27, 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 that answered those questions and more. Campus leaders and the beloved UW Marching Band led them in learning the time-honored Fifth Quarter songs and their associated movements and gestures. Then, led by Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Bucky Badger, they formed a giant Motion W on the field.
Students warm up by practicing their dance moves before the W is formed. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonStudents cheer with gusto as they prepare for the W. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonFirst-year students clearly have learned the first lesson of cheering on the Badgers — always wear red. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBadger Buddies — volunteers who help first-year students — charge onto the field to help guide formation of the W. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonMember of the Spirit Squad, led by Bucky Badger, teach first-year students the football game traditions. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonCheerleaders and the band rev up the crowd. The W Project is part of Wisconsin Welcome. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonThe marching band played all the Fifth Quarter classics, including “If You Want to Be a Badger,” “Space Badgers,” and of course “On, Wisconsin.” Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBrushing up on the Chicken Dance is a key part of learning Fifth Quarter activities. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonNew students hold up a W on the field after creating the W. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonThe first-year students flow from the stands onto the field to form the W. Photo: Xiaomeng Shen / UW–Madison(From left to right) Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor, Dean of Students Christina Olstad and UW Marching Band drum major Caleb Monge stand in front of the human W with pride. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonAnd there it is: The finished W. Photo: Althea Dotzour / UW–MadisonDrones light up the night sky with traditional Badger chants, as first-year students look on in wonder. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonThe W as seen from a drone. The W Project is part of Wisconsin Welcome.A group a new students hold up a W on the field during the drone show. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison
According to the latest data from the Wisconsin Idea Database, a project that highlights the many connections between UW–Madison and the state of Wisconsin, UW–Madison makes a significant impact on Wisconsin's students, communities, health care and workforce.
Shane Hoffman will become the first graduate of a UW School of Medicine and Public Health program that reduces the time it takes to train doctors interested in serving rural parts of the state.
What won her over? A combination of things, including UW–Madison’s world-class reputation, the friendliness of the campus community and a financial aid offer she couldn’t refuse.
