What is the ‘Day of the Badger’? UW-Madison fundraiser returns with new focus on student equity, diversity

MADISON, Wis. — Don’t forget to wear red this Tuesday! The ‘Day of the Badger‘ is back.

To help address the greatest needs on the UW–Madison campus, the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is holding its second-ever ‘Day of the Badger’ fundraising event. The virtual fundraiser will bring alumni and friends of UW–Madison together to help the university during one of its greatest times of need.

John Grice, the Alumni Association’s Director of Annual Giving, said the UW–Madison is being tested like never before, with a nearly $320 million budget impact and many students facing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I get really excited about the opportunity to increase the affordability and accessibility from students of all backgrounds,” Grice told News 3 Now.

Over the span of 1,848 minutes, a nod to the year the UW–Madison was founded, the Alumni Association is going on a fundraising spree and asking all Badgers to chip in however they can to campaigns, like the Student Emergency Fund, which helps students pay for groceries and rent, or the newly-launched Raimey-Noland Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund. Named after Wisconsin’s first Black graduates, money from that campaign will be used to enroll students from underrepresented groups in the school and attract faculty and mentors from diverse backgrounds.

“We’re trying to help raise some more funds to help even more students get across that finish line and finish the semester,” said Tod Pritchard, Director of Media and Public Relations for the Alumni Association. “These are funds that are going to be used right away. You’re immediately making a difference.”

There are more than 100 campaigns across campus. Prospective donors can search by college or cause. Click here for a full list.

Alumni and friends are also encouraged to share their enthusiasm and support for the UW on social media, using the hashtag #dayofthebadger.

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