University of Wisconsin Notable Alumni: From Badger State to World Stage

The University of Wisconsin System, having 26 campuses across the state, boasts a rich history and a dynamic alumni network. From Nobel laureates and astronauts to business leaders and cultural icons, these graduates have left their mark on many fields, shaping the world in profound ways. Today, we will get to know some University of Wisconsin alumni, highlighting their achievements and the enduring legacy they carry forward.

List of University of Wisconsin Notable Alumni

Here are some of the most influential and notable alumni of the University of Wisconsin, primarily in the fields of science and innovation, literature and arts, and business and leadership:

1. John Bardeen (B.S., M.S.)
2. Har Gobind Khorana (Ph.D.)
3. Saul Bellow
4. Colson Whitehead
5. Mary Barra (B.S.E.)
6. John Rowe (B.S., J.D.)
7. Herbert Spencer Gasser (A.B., A.M.)
8. Erwin Neher (M.S.)
9. Laura Osnes (UW-Stevens Point)
10. Pat Rothfuss (UW-Stevens Point)

John Bardeen (B.S., M.S.)

Source: BBC Science Focus

This University of Wisconsin notable alumni is the only person to win the Nobel Prize in Physics twice, Bardeen’s groundbreaking research in transistor technology revolutionized electronics and paved the way for modern computing.

Har Gobind Khorana (Ph.D.)

Source: The Economics Times

A recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Khorana’s work helped decipher the genetic code, unlocking a deeper understanding of life itself.

Saul Bellow

Source: Vanity Fair

A towering figure in American literature, Bellow’s novels, including “Herzog” and “Henderson the Rain King,” earned him the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Colson Whitehead

Source: Britannica

A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Whitehead’s poignant novels, such as “The Underground Railroad” and “The Nickel Boys,” explore themes of race and social justice in America.

Mary Barra (B.S.E.)

Source: CNBC

The CEO of General Motors, Barra is a leading figure in the automotive industry, spearheading the company’s transition towards electric vehicles.

John Rowe (B.S., J.D.)

Source: Energy News Network

Former CEO of Exelon, a leading energy company, Rowe played a pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape and advocated for sustainability practices.

Herbert Spencer Gasser (A.B., A.M.)

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Gasser’s research on nerve impulses laid the foundation for further exploration of the nervous system.

Erwin Neher (M.S.)

Source: Britannica

Sharing the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Neher’s contributions to the development of the patch-clamp technique revolutionized the study of cellular function.

Laura Osnes (UW-Stevens Point)

Source: Deadline

A Tony Award-nominated actress, Osnes has captivated audiences on Broadway in productions like “Grease,” “South Pacific,” and “Cinderella.”

Pat Rothfuss (UW-Stevens Point)

Source: Wiki Fandom

The bestselling author of “The Name of the Wind” and “The Wise Man’s Fear,” Rothfuss has captivated readers with his epic fantasy series, “The Kingkiller Chronicle.”

Other University of Wisconsin Notable Alumni

Given below are some other University of Wisconsin notable alumni that you should know of:

1. George Smith (Postdoctoral fellow)
2. Virgil Abloh (UW-Madison)
3. Julie Sweet (B.S.)
4. Howard Vollum (B.S.)
5. John Morgridge (B.S.)

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