The Buckingham Club of the Twin Cities 2025 Annual Gathering

Posted on by Bryan Suzan
UW alumni enjoy the roof of The Nordic in Minneapolis.

What is the Buckingham Club?

The Buckingham Club of the Twin Cities, formed in 2024, gathers every summer for an opportunity to network and socialize with local Badgers while supporting important causes at UW–Madison. The net revenue and proceeds from Buckingham Club event registrations, donations, and event sponsorships are split between the UW athletic department and another campus philanthropic cause.

What causes are supported?

In 2025, the featured causes are:

  • the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s Research Fund, advancing critical research that will help UW–Madison and its network of collaborators to end this devastating disease, and
  • the Badger Fund, supporting UW athletics.
Twin Cities Badgers gather to raise funds for important UW causes.
Twin Cities Badgers gather to raise funds for important UW causes. Photo by Dan Iverson.

The 2025 Annual Gathering

This year, the Buckingham Club of Chicago’s Cocktail Party was held on August 7 at Ovative Group at The Nordic. A total of 196 local Badgers registered to reconnect with the university and each other. Together, we raised nearly $72,000.

Featured speakers included:

  • Sanjay Asthana — director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
  • Greg Gard — head coach of men’s basketball at UW–Madison
  • Mike Hastings — head coach of men’s hockey at UW–Madison
  • Belinda Jensen ’90 — chief meteorologist at KARE11
  • Jennifer L. Mnookin — chancellor of UW–Madison
Sanjay Asthana shares his work researching Alzheimer's disease.
Sanjay Asthana shares his work researching Alzheimer’s disease. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Coach Greg Gard addresses guests at The Buckingham Club's annual gathering.
Coach Greg Gard addresses guests at The Buckingham Club’s annual gathering. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Coach Mike Hastings speaks to UW supporters.
Coach Mike Hastings speaks to UW supporters. Photo by Dan Iverson.
UW alumna Belinda Jensen addresses fellow alumni.
UW alumna Belinda Jensen addresses fellow alumni. Photo by Dan Iverson.
UW–Madison chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin speaks to guests at The Buckingham Club's annual gathering.
UW–Madison chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin speaks to guests at The Buckingham Club’s annual gathering. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Bucky throws a W with by three Twin Cities alumni.
Bucky throws a W with by three Twin Cities alumni. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Buckingham Club speakers and guests in Badger red attire gather for a photo.
Buckingham Club speakers and guests in Badger red attire gather for a photo. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Young UW alumni applaud while listening to a speaker.
Young UW alumni applaud while listening to a speaker. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Two young women enjoy the Minneapolis skyline from the roof of The Nordic.
Two young women enjoy the Minneapolis skyline from the roof of The Nordic. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Two alumnae applaud while listening to a speaker.
Two alumnae applaud while listening to a speaker. Photo by Dan Iverson.
Two alumnae pose for a silly photo with spirited props and sequined hats.
Two alumnae pose for a silly photo with spirited props and sequined hats. Photo by Dan Iverson.

Special thanks to the Buckingham Club Committee for their hard work in making this event a success!

  • Brooks Bollinger ’03
  • Natalie Bollinger ’02
  • Collin Brinkman ’85
  • Suky Brinkman ’84
  • Eric Buss ’90, JD’96
  • Peter Connor ’95
  • Jim Freytag ’86
  • Dale Nitschke ’84
  • Kelly Nitschke
  • Richard Ragatz ’60
  • Mark Richman ’86
  • Jeff Rotsch ’72, MBA’74
  • Tom Sagissor ’93
  • Sandy Sponem ’80, MBA’84
  • John Stanoch ’80
Bucky and an alumnus pose on the roof at night beside the word “BADGERS” lit up with light bulbs.
Bucky and an alumnus pose on the roof at night beside the word “BADGERS” lit up with light bulbs. Photo by Dan Iverson.