Madison Reporter

Chancellor Mnookin, Wisconsin State Fair and Badgers everywhere

August 9, 2024 By Greg Bump

There are many experiences to enjoy at the Wisconsin State Fair, from food and live music to carnival rides and livestock displays. One notable aspect of the fair in West Allis, as University of Wisconsin–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin discovered during her visit on Wednesday, is the significant presence of Badgers.

Members of the UW Marching Band performed at the Wisconsin State Fair during the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction on August 7, 2024, in West Allis. The crowd cheered for the band and Bucky Badger. Many UW alumni and current students attended the event, including current Alice in Dairyland ambassador Halei Heinzel ’24 and former Alice in Dairyland Taylor Schaefer ‘22.

“It’s great to be at the state fair and see all the impact of programs like 4-H and all the ways we support agriculture in Wisconsin. It brings into focus all the ways UW–Madison is truly woven into the fabric of the state,” Mnookin said. “People from across Wisconsin come together at the fair and have a great time celebrating Wisconsin agriculture and traditions. It’s inspiring to come out and be a part of all that.”

The 4-H program, delivered through UW–Madison’s Division of Extension, has over 26,000 youth members and 5,600 volunteers across Wisconsin. The program aims to engage youth in activities that enhance leadership, communication, and critical-thinking skills.

Cate Cherney, a rising sophomore in the School of Business from La Valle, Wisconsin, was at the auction with her pig Bucky, who placed fourth overall in its class. Mnookin spoke with Cherney and her mother Heather, a ’97 UW graduate while getting acquainted with Bucky.

“That was a cool surprise,” Cherney said about meeting the chancellor.

Mnookin expressed admiration for Cherney's dedication as well as that of other exhibitors regarding their animals' care and presentation.

During their visit to the fair's midway area, Mnookin and her husband Joshua Dienstag enjoyed a cream puff and took a ride on a giant slide.

“It’s tremendous fun to see so many of our graduates – from Alice in Dairyland to current students showing their livestock at auctions to politicians from both sides of the aisle – coming out and enjoying the fair,” Mnookin said. “It’s such a pleasure to see all the ways that Wisconsin comes together in a space like this. I’m excited for all the ways UW–Madison can support this amazing state.”

The visit is part of UW–Madison's efforts to celebrate longstanding partnerships across Wisconsin. Last year marked its 175th anniversary with a statewide tour highlighting its impact on communities throughout Wisconsin. The final leg of this tour continues throughout summer; more information can be found at https://175.wisc.edu/state-tour/.