Wisconsin Alumni

Why flamingos?!🦩

Back in 1979, pranksters from the Pail and Shovel Party unexpectedly won their campaign for student government. To celebrate, they filled Bascom Hill with 1,008 pink lawn flamingos. The rest, as they say, is history.

But where did those students get 1,008 flamingos? And why 1,008? Meet Stu Baker ’80 and Jim Mallon ’79, two of the original Pail and Shovel Party members. Jim was the primary plotter behind the prominent prank, and Stu drove to Illinois in the dark of night to ace the acclaimed avian acquisition. Watch their story about the furtive flamingo foolery! ⬇️
youtu.be/EFALzk62vPk?si=wYpLCjxbE9xy8d0r

Then, head over to uwflamingos.com/wisalumni26 to learn more about this year's event!

Let’s go Badgers!!! See you at Camp Randall for UW Homecoming next week! 👐

THIS IS WHO WE ARE

On, Wisconsin!!!

Never a doubt 🥹

Still trying to figure out your game-watching plans for homecoming? Join us at the Multicultural Homecoming Watch Party! It’s a perfect party for the whole family, featuring “fan”tastic activities, fabulous food, and drinks.
uwalumni.com/events/multicultural-homecoming-watch-party

ONE WEEK until we're all together for the UW Homecoming Parade, Block Party, and more! go.uwalumni.com/homecoming26

Check out this photo from 1948 in LOOK Magazine of people sitting on the Terrace on a sunny day! ☀️

ONE WEEK until Fill the Hill! 🦩 What started as a prank has now turned into a tradition that just tickles our feathers! It's fun AND philanthropic!

Learn more about the feathery tradition! 👇
uwflamingos.com/frequently-asked-questions

Save the Date - Fill The Hill Save the Date: “Flocktober” 1–2  Fill the Hill is coming back — but the flamingos can’t land without you! Starting at 5 p.m. on October 1, every gift the UW receives will add to our “fla-mazing” pink flamingo flock on Bascom Hill. Mark your calendar now for this fabulous, feathery tra...

If you're passing by Vilas Hall this fall, you may notice things look a little different. 👀 The building is getting some long-awaited upgrades, including a new elevator and a second-floor access ramp, making the space more accessible for future generations of Badgers.

🔗 commarts.wisc.edu/2026/08/whats-up-in-vilas-hall