Celebrating the teaching, writing, and community that make English essential.
by Fabiola M. Martinez Del Valle
Day of the Badger returns on April 14–15, and we’re officially one week away from UW–Madison’s annual celebration of pride, connection, and giving. For 1,848 minutes, Badgers everywhere come together to support the programs and people who shape this university. In the English Department, that means uplifting the brilliant scholars and beloved teachers who guide nearly 20,000 students each year through writing, language, literature, and the stories that help us understand the world.
What Day of the Badger Supports in the English Department
When you give to the Department of English Fund, you support the teaching that happens everywhere: in classrooms, archives, libraries, correctional centers, writing centers, and across campus. English faculty and graduate instructors create spaces where students learn how to learn, how to read closely, write with purpose, think critically, and communicate across platforms and communities.
Your support helps sustain:
- Innovative teaching, from ecopoetry workshops in the Entomology Lab to Shakespeare lectures with guest actors from American Players Theatre.
- High-impact writing instruction, including the Writing Center, Writing Across the Curriculum, and Writing Fellows programs.
- Mentorship and access, ensuring students have the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
- Award-winning educators, including the 12 current faculty who have earned UW–Madison’s Distinguished Teaching Award, more than any other department on campus.
How to Participate
- Wear Red. Celebrate with Badgers everywhere by showing your UW pride.
- Give Back. Your gift to the English Department Fund directly supports student learning, writing instruction, and teaching excellence.
- Share Your Support. Post on social media and help spread the word about what English makes possible. Tag @WisAlumni, @englishuwmadison on Instagram, and @englishuwhelencwhite on Facebook.
- Join the Fun.
- Bucky Scavenger Hunt: 20 Bucky Squishys hidden around campus starting April 14. Students keep what they find and choose where a WFAA staff member donates. Follow @WisAlumni for clues.
- Gordon Commons Activities (April 14–15): Disco Ball display (April 14 starting at 10:12 a.m. – April 15 at 3:00 p.m.), free swag (10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), and “Hang with Bucky” (12:00–1:00 p.m.).
- On-Campus Challenges: Vote for your favorite campus cause (April 14 from 10:12 am–3:00 pm) and try the Cash Grab dome (April 15 at 10:00 a.m.).
When It All Happens
Day of the Badger begins Tuesday, April 14, at 10:12 a.m. and ends Wednesday, April 15, at 5:00 p.m.
To find the English Department on the campaign site, search “English” at dayofthebadger.org. A direct link will also be shared on our social media channels once the event begins.
This is your annual reminder that stories matter, and so does the community that makes them possible. Let’s make this Day of the Badger one to remember.
