Becoming Bucky

Ever wondered what it’s like to be Bucky Badger? Step inside the world of UW–Madison’s beloved mascot at Wisconsin Idea Spotlight: Becoming Bucky in Denver. Kick off the evening with a spirited reception where you can connect with fellow alumni, Badger fans, and past Buckys. Then settle in for the featured program: a special screening of Bucky!, a PBS Wisconsin documentary that brings the mascot’s adventures, antics, and traditions to life on the big screen.

Bucky in the foreground of a collage of other images of Buckys throughout the years

After the film, stay for a lively panel discussion featuring Wisconsin Spirit Squad director Josette Jaucian ’97 and former Buckys Sam Reding ’19 and Matthew Watson ’15, who will share firsthand stories from their time in the iconic striped suit and what it’s really like to embody Bucky.

This is a free event, but registration is required due to capacity

Schedule

5:30–6:15 p.m.	Check-in and reception with refreshments
6:15–7:45 p.m.	Welcome and Bucky! screening
7:45–8:15 p.m.	Panel discussion and Q & A

About the Speakers

Josette Jaucian ’97, Wisconsin Spirit Squad director

Josette Jaucian has been the UW Spirit Squad director since 2000 and hails from Middleton, Wisconsin. Her primary responsibilities include overseeing the UW cheerleaders, dance team, and Bucky Badger mascots.

A UW cheerleader from 1992 to 1997, Jaucian has served in a number of Spirit Squad positions, including as the cheerleading coach from 1997 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2002, and the dance team coach from 2002 to 2003 and again since 2010. She served as the assistant cheerleading coach while still an undergraduate from 1995 to 1996 and as the administrative assistant from 1996 to 1998. Jaucian is a 1997 graduate of UW–Madison with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.