Thursday, July 31 – Saturday, August 2, 2025
From 1975. To 2025.
Join in this special celebration.
Return to renew friendships. Do it out of curiosity. Do it for friends. Do it for the memories. Do it for your classmates. Do it for you.
We were a class of 600 strong and we’re expecting a record crowd for this milestone event - the Big One. We know many of you stay in touch with dear friends from those Ash Street days, but please make a special effort to join us. The only two refrains we’ve heard from past reunions are “It was better than I ever expected” and “I wish I’d gone.” We’re benefiting from classmates who run a brewery and a winery, play music professionally, and plan alumni events for a living to ensure that this is a memorable, convenient, and excellent weekend.
THURSDAY
7/31
Welcome Back Blast
Hosted at the Wisconsin Brewing Company.
Wisconsin Brewing Company founder and CEO Carl Nolen ‘75 welcomes locals and travelers to the first event of the spectacular weekend. The first drink (beer or soft drink) is on the house. A catered buffet will sate any weary traveler. Refresh, reconnect, and then stomp your feet and clap your hands to the Caribbean vibe of Madison's Panchromatic Steel band (Chad Bartell, West '95) Pick up your registration packet, hat, and nametag.
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
1079 American Way Verona WI 53593
FRIDAY
8/01
Return to Ash Street
Don’t worry about a few cold sweats. We’ve got your back as we walk our alma mater's halls – familiar and new.
The impact of the 2020 Madison School District Referendum (see video) and additional contributions from alumni and friends of Madison West will be highlighted as we tour the new Madison West. The engaging principal Daniel Kiyega ‘97 will guide us down the halls and into the new corners of the campus including the new swimming and athletic facilities, welcome center, auditorium, and library. A “West High Then and Today” discussion will include lunch (in the cafeteria or courtyard?).
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM (enter on Ash Street)
30 Ash Street Madison WI 53726
FRIDAY EVENING
8/01
A Summer’s Eve in the Vineyard
After two decades we return to our classmate’s marvelous oasis in the countryside for an evening of conversation, wines and wonder.
Explore your favorite wines at the stellar Botham Vineyard and Winery, founded in 1993 by Peter Botham ‘75 who welcomes us to a stunning setting and new facilities. Enjoy drinks and a delicious catered meal with the acoustics and melodies of another of our own Doug Brown ‘75.
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
BOTHAM VINEYARDS 8180 Langberry Road Barneveld, WI 53507
ALL SATURDAY
8/02
8:30 AM Walk Picnic Point
All are welcome to join in a walk to the end of Picnic Point Lakeshore Preserve at the UW. It’s an easy 2-mile walk even after fifty years. We’ll meet at the tip of the peninsula. Coffee and something sweet will be provided. Rain or shine or rain. Sign up please.
10:00 AM On the Square: Dane County Farmers’ Market
Enjoy the Farmers’ Market as a group or wander the incredible variety of booths on your own. At 10 AM meeting at the West Washington intersection if you wish to connect with others. Wear your reunion hat and t-shirt so you’ll stand out.
12:00 Noon Lunch at Memorial Union Terrace
The casual get-together is a chance to sit at a table with classmates from pre-West High days (look for table signs for your elementary school). BuyYourOwn brats and beverages.
SATURDAY EVENING
8/02
The Class 50th Celebration
The weekend reaches its highlight with our banquet and celebration overlooking Lake Mendota — inside and out – at the Pyle Center’s Alumni Lounge and wrap-around outdoor deck.
A relaxing reception and buffet dinner designed to maximize time to share memories and stories with all of our classmates, partners, and guests. Remember classmates who are no longer with us. Make new memories with those who carry on their legacy. Dance, sing, hum, or tap as music will take us back to the Billboard charts’s top tunes from the fall of 1971 through the summer of 1975.
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (enter at Langdon St.)
PYLE CENTER, ALUMNI LOUNGE 702 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53706
(There are multiple parking garages around the area. Street parking is free after 6 pm)