Bucky Badger
Student Mascot Fund
Student Mascot Fund
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This year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will celebrate 75 years since Bill Sagal dawned the University’s first mascot costume; stamping in history one of Wisconsin’s most storied and recognizable figures: Bucky Badger.
Bucky’s infectious energy and signature cardinal red and white sweater have made him more than just a mascot – he's a cherished symbol of pride and tradition at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
While Bucky is most often seen in the public eye during football Saturdays in the fall, the mascot is bringing smiles nearly 365 days a year.
In fact, in 2023-2024, Bucky attended over 800 appearances spanning many categories.
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Every year – with no off season – 7+ student athletes dedicate their free time to represent the University to our campus, local, and global community.
Being Bucky is much more than showing up to an event in costume. It requires a significant time commitment, which includes practices, workouts, treatments, transportation, and of-course, the events themselves.
This is all in addition to the responsibility of a full-time student.
Every week, each one of our student athletes dedicate 40+ hours to represent the University at the highest standard.
All scholarships for the Bucky Badger student mascot program come from philanthropic support. These scholarships are especially important given the time commitments of being a student and a mascot.
In favor of focusing on Bucky, our student athletes typically do not have time to obtain a part-time job.
They are also not able to receive revenue from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) ventures due to Bucky Badger being a licensed entity of UW-Madison.
In Bucky’s 75th year in suit, the mascot program alumni – those who have continued the legacy Bill Sagal began in 1949 – call on the University of Wisconsin-Madison community and beyond to help us in supporting the current and future student athletes through scholarship.
Bucky Badger is more than just a college mascot.
He is a symbol that unifies the University of Wisconsin-Madison community behind a shared vision of excellence – both academically and athletically. Let us now support the student athletes who exemplify this Wisconsin excellence, so they may continue to focus on bringing our beloved mascot to life.
- The Bucky Badger Mascot Alumni
Exolore how the Bucky Badger mascot alumni are coming together to support, connect, and advocate for the individuals who bring Bucky Badger to life—both as students and as alumni.
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