On Wisconsin is UW–Madison’s award-winning alumni magazine, featuring news about the university, its alumni, and the biggest issues facing society today.
In addition to its digital news site, On Wisconsin magazine is printed quarterly and mailed to nearly 400,000 homes. In print since 1899, it remains one of the largest-circulation alumni magazines in the country.
In 2022, On Wisconsin won gold for best alumni magazine from the international Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE); in 2024, it won gold for best special issue. It has also earned dozens of statewide and national journalism awards for writing, design, and photography from organizations such as CASE and the Milwaukee Press Club.
On Wisconsin is funded by the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) and produced in partnership between WFAA and the UW–Madison Office of Strategic Communication.
Our Mission
On Wisconsin strives to increase awareness of UW–Madison, engender feelings of pride, and strengthen connections with alumni and other key constituents by:
- Reporting news about the university and key issues in higher education accurately and honestly
- Keeping alumni informed about their alma mater and fellow alumni
- Encouraging a free exchange of ideas and viewpoints
- Fostering an interest in lifelong learning by sharing expertise, focusing on societal issues, and highlighting UW research that affects daily life
- Seeking high standards of writing, photography or illustration, graphic design, and printing
Our Awards
2025
- Danielle Lawry and Brian Ajhar: “Double UWs.” Best Illustration, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Dean Robbins: “A Moviemaker on a Mission.” Best Short Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- George Spencer: “A Freedom Rider’s Perilous Path.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Christine Knorr, Danielle Lamberson Philipp, Danielle Lawry, Bryce Richter: Best Magazine Design, Milwaukee Press Club
- Danielle Lawry: “Art for All.” Best Story Design, Milwaukee Press Club
2024
2023
- Doug Erickson: “Looking Back to Move Forward.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Megan Provost: “Land of the Ho-Chunk.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Megan Provost: “For the Love of Vanilla.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Preston Schmitt: “Coach of the Year.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Preston Schmitt: “UW Mysteries, Secrets, and Hidden Places.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Preston Schmitt: “The Answer Man.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Preston Schmitt: “Nobody’s Senator but Ours.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Danielle Lawry and Bryce Richter: “Strange Tales and Secret Spaces.” Best Cover Design, Milwaukee Press Club
- Dean Robbins: “Rethinking Public Sculpture.” Best Critical Review of the Arts, Milwaukee Press Club
2022
- Best Magazine, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Danielle Lamberson Philipp and Bryce Richter: “How I Survived the Pandemic.” Best Illustration, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Dean Robbins: “A Rocky Road to Literary Success.” Best Profile, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Preston Schmitt: “I, Food-Delivery Robot.” Best Short Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- John Allen: “Let Us Count the Ways.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Stephanie Haws: “Finding a Voice, Against All Odds.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Danielle Lawry: “Psychedelic Wonder Drugs.” Best Cover, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Preston Schmitt: “How the Humanities Building Went Wrong.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Preston Schmitt: “Behind the Scenes on Capitol Hill.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Preston Schmitt: “Psychedelics to the Rescue.” Best Long Feature Story, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Danielle Lamberson Philipp: “For the Love of Vanilla.” Best Story Design, Milwaukee Press Club
- Danielle Lawry: “Strange Tales and Secret Spaces.” Best Cover, Milwaukee Press Club
- Dean Robbins: “Rethinking Public Sculpture.” Best Critical Review of the Arts, Milwaukee Press Club
- Preston Schmitt: “UW Mysteries, Secrets, and Hidden Places.” Best Long Soft Feature Story, Milwaukee Press Club
- Preston Schmitt: “Coach of the Year.” Best Sports Story, Milwaukee Press Club
- Preston Schmitt: “Nobody’s Senator but Ours.” Best Personal Profile, Milwaukee Press Club
2021
2020
2019
2018
- The List Issue: Best Special Issue, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
2016
- John Allen: “Greyson’s Anatomy.” Best Feature Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
2014
- Best Staff Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- John Allen: “Milk Matters.” Best Article of the Year, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
2009
- John Allen: “Wolves at the Door.” Best Feature Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- Jenny Price: “Bedtime Story.” Best Science Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
2008
- Best Staff Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Michael Penn: “Getting In.” Best Article of the Year, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Best Magazine: Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
- John Allen: “Can of Worms.” Best Feature Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
2007
- Best Staff Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Michael Penn: “Flight Lessons.” Best Article of the Year, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
2004
- Best Staff Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Best Magazine: Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Region V
2002
- Best Staff Writing, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Jeff Miller: Photographer of the Year, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
