A campus farewell for Jennifer Mnookin

“Photo gallery A campus farewell for Jennifer Mnookin Faculty, staff and students joined the send-off event, where UW leaders shared their heartfelt well-wishes to the university’s 30th chancellor. ​ May 15, 2026 ​ Share this article A farewell event at the Memorial Union marked a series of “lasts” for Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. One last afternoon among brightly colored Terrace chairs. One last marching band pep rally with Bucky Badger. One last “Varsity” sing-along. Mnookin, who has led the University of Wisconsin–Madison for the past four years, will soon take over as Columbia University’s next president. Faculty, staff and students were invited to her send-off with complimentary popcorn, ice cream (Mnookie Dough flavor, of course) and music. In addition to a display of quintessential UW experiences, campus leaders joined the celebration to share their well-wishes and remind Chancellor Mnookin that she will always have a place at the university, because once a Badger, always a Badger. Against the backdrop of a nearly perfect spring day, the UW Marching Band rolled out their Fifth Quarter classics to kick off the farewell event honoring Chancellor Mnookin. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison A slideshow featured some of the highlights of Chancellor Mnookin’s time at UW, such as this image of Mnookin and husband Joshua Foa Dienstag posing with members of the UW Spirit Squad during a Halloween trick-or-treat event at Olin House. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison Is it really a party without Bucky? The beloved mascot showed up to interact with guests and give his own special goodbye to the chancellor. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison Guests enjoy cups of Babcock Dairy ice cream, including Mnookie Dough, a flavor that was officially launched at Chancellor Mnookin’s Investiture celebration in April 2023. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison Backed by members of the UW Marching Band and Bucky Badger, Regent President Amy Bogost makes introductory remarks and shares a heartfelt thank-you to Chancellor Mnookin. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison “I don’t think anyone really leaves this university behind,” said Provost John Zumbrunnen as he presented the chancellor with a parting gift of a red Terrace chair. Mnookin noted in return: “This means I’m taking part of the Terrace with me, and that means the world to me.” Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison Chancellor Mnookin (right of center) and her husband, Professor Joshua Foa Dienstag (left of center), speak with guests who joined the celebration. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison Chancellor Mnookin (second from left) poses with guests who came to share their thanks and best wishes. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison

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