Madison Reporter

Thousands of new freshmen and transfer students gathered at Camp Randall Stadium on Thursday for a crash course on becoming a Badger, culminating in forming a gigantic human “W” on the field. The annual W Project event introduces new students to time-honored UW chants and songs. Students heard from Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, Dean of Students Christina Olstad, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Fernie Rodriguez, and Bucky Badger himself. Attendees can also receive a free copy of the new W Project poster when they attend New Student Convocation on Tuesday.

Hundreds of first-year students learned traditional campus cheers and songs as part of the W Project. A member of the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board tossed free t-shirts into the crowd. The stands at Camp Randall were filled with right and white as students cheered and sang.

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin addressed the first-year students gathered for the W Project. Students were eager to learn traditions, including singing “Sweet Caroline.” The UW Marching Band led many of the cheers.

Learning the words to “Varsity” — and how to swing your hand — is a key part of becoming a Badger. While gathering to form the W, hundreds of first-year students displayed W hand signs. With the sun setting, students held up red glow sticks in this W formation.

The final product saw students successfully forming the motion W shape on the field despite the setting sun.