Every spring on the morning of UW–Madison's Undergraduate Commencement ceremony, the College of Letters & Science throws its own Pre-Commencement Celebration. Graduates and their friends and family are all invited to celebrate the momentous milestone with refreshments, live music from members of the UW Marching Band, inspiring speeches and Bucky Badger. Here are some highlights from the exciting morning.
Smile for the camera, it's your big day! An L&S graduate poses in front of the College's red backdrop.
Graduates show off their Badger pride.
Members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band are also in attendance, warming up the crowd with classics like the "Beer Barrel Polka" and "The Chicken Dance."
Graduates link arms with family and friends for the time-honored tradition of singing UW–Madison's alma mater, "Varsity."
L&S Pre-Commencement graduate speaker, Devin Guthrie ('26), addresses the crowd and offers words of advice to his fellow graduates.
College of Letters & Science Dean Eric M. Wilcots speaks to graduates and guests, encouraging graduates to stay connected, celebrate their achievements and take advantage of post-graduation College resources like SuccessWorks (the L&S career center).
No celebration is complete without the arrival of Bucky Badger. Quick, get a selfie!
Dean Eric M. Wilcots poses with an L&S graduate.
An embrace with Bucky and a look to the future. Congratulations to all College of Letters & Science graduates and On, Wisconsin!
Soon-to-be Interim Dean for the College of Letters & Science Kristin Eschenfelder smiles with Bucky Badger and Dean Eric M. Wilcots, who will serve as the Interim Chancellor for UW–Madison.
Event photography by Andy Manis.