Fill the Hill 2025: Flock On October 9–10

Fill the Hill 2025

October 9, 2025, 5 p.m. – October 10, 2025, 5 p.m.

The flamingos return to Vilas Hall this “Flocktober” for UW–Madison’s pinkest homecoming tradition – Fill the Hill. For 24 hours, every gift to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication will add a pink flamingo to Bascom Hill and support our passionate students, faculty and staff.

Save the date

What is Fill the Hill?

Fill the Hill is a fundraising event that raises crucial funds for UW–Madison and the SJMC. For each gift given during Fill the Hill, a flamingo will be put on Bascom Hill to represent how private support helps UW–Madison maintain its excellence in education by supporting the university’s most immediate needs.

How your gifts make an impact

Contributions in support of the SJMC during Fill the Hill support the Journalism and Mass Communication Annual Fund. Gifts to this fund will have an immediate impact on a diverse array of student and faculty initiatives across the SJMC by:

Providing financial support to deserving, passionate students with awards such as our James L. Baughman Senior Achievement Awards.

Updating learning spaces and technology to encourage greater faculty-student collaboration.

Supporting real-world projects, professional development and networking opportunities that best prepare students to launch their careers after graduation.

Engaging in inclusive initiatives to make the SJMC a place where all students feel they belong.

Gift Challenge

This year, when SJMC receives 120 gifts during Fill the Hill, teaching faculty Pete Long will be featured in SJMC’s “Spice the Hill,” a Hot Ones-inspired interview challenge. Pete will attempt to eat four super hot wings while answering questions about advice for students, his career as a brand strategist and more.

Why we need your support

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication needs your support to ensure that our students have educational opportunities that create unparalleled professionals in strategic communication, journalism and research.

Help the SJMC fill the hill