MADISON, Wis. — Badgers fans from all over came back to Madison for the time-honored tradition of the University of Wisconsin-Madison homecoming on Saturday.

A week of celebrations came to a head with festivities before the Badgers football game. For many, this week was a return to favorite traditions.

“The parade was beautiful,” said Summer Minney, a fan from Warrens.

But for Maren Berge, it truly is like coming home.

“Homecoming is a tradition,” she said. “I live in Colorado now, but every year I’m home.”

Not only is Berge a UW Madison alum, but her dad and other relatives are as well. The connection runs deep.

“It’s been my life,” she said. “My parents were graduates here, and I grew up in Madison, so Badgers nation’s been part of me since I remember.”

Sarah Schutt, the executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, said this year also holds extra special significance as the university celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding.

“The University was founded at the exact same time as the state,” she said. “And while this is the ancestral land of the Ho-Chunk people, in the last 75 years, the university has grown up with the state and become an incredibly impactful world-class university in a state of relatively small size.”

She said homecoming is an important way former Badgers can stay connected to the university long after graduation.

“There are Badgers everywhere you go, and there are Badgers who are at the top of their fields with innovations, with best practices, really making change and making a positive difference in the world,” Schutt said.

For many current Badgers, this was their first homecoming, while for others, it was their last. Regardless, Berge said it’s important to savor each moment.

“Enjoy it,” she said. “Enjoy your time and make sure to continue to be active after you graduate. Retain that Badgers spirit.”