UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON

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Quiz time! Test your knowledge of Badger summer history

You’re soaking up the sun and learning during Summer Term. But how well do you know the roots of this incredible season on campus? From Terrace tales to hidden historical gems, we’ve dug up 10 questions that will test your UW–Madison summer IQ. Ready to prove you’re more than just a fair-weather fan? Let’s dive in! 


1) Summer sessions go way back, but how far? What year was the first official summer academic session at UW–Madison?(Required)
2) We all enjoy numerous recreational opportunities on Madison-area lakes during the summer. What area lake is called Tee Wąąkšik Homįk by the Ho-Chunk tribe?(Required)
3) Summer sessions have a history of adapting to student needs and meeting learners where they’re at. In 1917, what courses were offered to respond to wartime needs during WWI?(Required)
4) What year marked the first time everyone got to taste mouth-watering Babcock Ice Cream during a summer session?(Required)
5) The Terrace sunburst chairs made their first appearance in the 1930s. Why were the three colors – John Deere green, Allis Chalmers orange and sunshine yellow – chosen for these iconic fixtures?(Required)
6) Summer sessions are often a place for experimenting and innovation. In the summer of 1924, the university introduced new programs for women in industry, which ultimately led to the establishment of this UW–Madison unit, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025.(Required)
7) In 2024, 11,099 undergraduate students enrolled in Summer Term. How many students enrolled in summer sessions in 1887?(Required)
8) In 1960, university administration lifted a ban on wearing this popular summer attire on campus.(Required)
9) Enjoyed by students and the surrounding community, the Dane County Farmers’ Market started in 1972. What’s the market’s claim to fame?(Required)
10) Many students participate in outdoor-focused research or field study during Summer Term. What year did the Center for Limnology’s Trout Lake Station open in the Northwoods of Wisconsin?(Required)