After a great Rush Week planned by senior Sierra Coflin, we are so excited to introduce our Spring 2023 Pledges!
Caden McDaniel
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Major: Electrical Engineering
Why UW-Madison: Electrical Engineering
Describe yourself in 3 words: Sarcastic, active, easygoing
Hobbies and interests: In the winter I like to play basketball and snowboard. Over summer break there’s nothing better than spending a day on the lake.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I definitely want to study abroad in Spain and travel Europe by train.
What’s your favorite spot on campus: The ginger root line
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Vanilla bean because it never fails to make my day better
Aneta Gbur
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Friendship, WI
Major: Industrial Engineering
Why UW-Madison: Growing up, I always came to campus for volleyball games, engineering expos, student council conferences, and more. It has always seemed like a home away from home.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Cool caring comedian
Hobbies and interests: Hanging out with friends, playing with my dogs, hiking, doodling, playing cards
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I want to be an inspiration to kids back home when I graduate because engagement in higher education has gradually dropped.
What’s your favorite spot on campus: steps of Lake Mendota or the catholic church balcony
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Neapolitan because it seems like a boring pick but realistically you get three of the best classic flavors in one.
Prathik Gadiraju
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas
Major: Computer Science
Why UW-Madison: Beautiful campus and scenery
Describe yourself in 3 words: Energetic, Fun, Adventurous
Hobbies and interests: Love sports and hanging out/making new friends
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: Be a multi-millionaire
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Capitol Square
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Cookies and Cream because it’s the best
Bobby Rafferty
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Madison WI
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why UW-Madison: It is in-state money for me but is also a great university with people who are very like-minded. This university is filled with people who are passionate and smart people who also love to do lots of other things in their free time
Describe yourself in 3 words: Adventurous, energetic, empathetic
Hobbies and interests: I love sports and camping. Anything outside is something I would love to do
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I would like to be a senior engineer at some sort of plane or car company and possibly even be a person who changes our mode of transportation for the better.
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Humanities because if I’m late to class it’s not an excuse, it’s because I got lost.
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Neapolitan because there are a bunch of different sides to me
Ria Chugh
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why UW-Madison: Not only does UW Madison have a variety of amazing academic programs, but also the school has a vibrant campus with a strong sense of community, providing ample opportunities for students like me to get involved and make meaningful connections.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Compassionate, Creative, and Ambitious
Hobbies and interests: I love traveling and learning new cultures. I also love to swim, paint, and spend time with my family and friends.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I want to backpack through Europe!
What’s your favorite spot on campus: My favorite spot on campus is the terrace, especially when it’s warm outside.
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: If I was an ice cream flavor, I would be strawberry ice cream because it’s just like my personality – vibrant and full of life. Strawberry ice cream also reminds me of a sense of warmth, joy, and positivity.
Sami Breault
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Mukwonago, WI
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why UW-Madison: Not far from home but still feels completely separate and who doesn’t love the midwest…
Describe yourself in 3 words: open-hearted, enthusiastic, and determined
Hobbies and interests: I love running/exercising and any excuse to be in nature
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I want to live outside of the US and also run a marathon (or at least a half)
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Discovery Building
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Mint chocolate chip but the chocolate is dark because just like the flavor of the dark chocolate, my personality starts to peak through after you know me for a bit. Also, I love green
George Morris
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Major: Computer Science
Why UW-Madison: UW has great academics and research, which I want to participate in. It also has a social side and isn’t too far from home.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Kind, curious, understanding
Hobbies and interests: F1, running, bowling, and reading
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I want to publish a research paper.
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Picnic point
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Cookies and cream because it is my favorite flavor and I am my favorite person.
Noah Kleven
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Onalaska WI
Major: EMA
Why UW-Madison: I love the campus the engineering school is excellent. Also in-state tuition.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Outgoing, Optimistic, Adventurous
Hobbies and interests: Skiing, Music, Outdoors, Space
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: Drop Corbet’s Couloir in Jackson Hole Colorado
What’s your favorite spot on campus: The cages in Memorial Library
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Pistachio. I’m more fun than vanilla but not quite interesting enough to add toppings.
Rory Koperski
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Lincolnshire, IL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why UW-Madison: Friendly and social environment with a good engineering school
Describe yourself in 3 words: Adventurous, reliable, ambitious
Hobbies and interests: Gymnastics
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I want to go skydiving and learn how to figure skate
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Starbucks
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Blue moon because it’s my favorite color
Ryan Hogan
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Lake Villa IL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why UW-Madison: It was the perfect place for me to get a great education while also having the social environment that I was looking for. Nothing beats Badger game days.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Enthusiastic, driven, hungry
Hobbies and interests: Playing golf and volleyball, watching sports, hanging out with friends
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: Have a patent in my name
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Discovery building by the chimes
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Probably mint chip because it’s so lovable
Yash Athma
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
Major: Computer Science
Why UW-Madison: Badger Culture
Describe yourself in 3 words: Super Duper Cool
Hobbies and interests: Golf
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: Shoot under 80
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Chem Building
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Rocky Road cuz it tastes good
Liza Robinson
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why UW-Madison: I really liked how it was integrated with the city and how there is always somewhere to go to cause shenanigans. I was also excited for all of the exciting opportunities to challenge myself and to grow in the Engineering program that UW offered.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Compassionate, Humorous, Competitive
Hobbies and interests: Spikeball, playing with my dog, watching marvel movies, and anything outdoors.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: Honestly, I want to be happy in whatever I end up doing with my life and hope I have strong supportive people around me. I also want to go skydiving and go to six flags.
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Engineering Centers Building
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, I looked up on the internet and Buzzfeed said that I would be cookies n cream bc “I am smooth and personable with a sense of humor. I love to learn and grow with whatever you’re doing at the moment. You’re not one for following trends, but you always seem cool no matter the circumstance.”
Zack Wagner
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Park Ridge, IL
Major: Computer Science
Why UW-Madison: It’s a great school, I love Madison, and it’s close to home
Describe yourself in 3 words: Hardworking, Creative, Reliable
Hobbies and interests: Fitness, app development, bouldering, chess
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: Visit every national park in the US
What’s your favorite spot on campus: The Nick
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Moose Tracks because it’s made up of a bunch of different pieces, just like me
Dhruv Butani
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Los Altos, California
Major: Computer Engineering
Why UW-Madison: It’s a really good school for my major. It’s also a really spirited school with a lot of culture/history.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Resilient, Open-Minded, Motivated
Hobbies and interests: Boxing, Research, Movies, Music
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I want to have 1 professional boxing bout in my lifetime
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Memorial Union
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Probably coffee because I really like caffeine.
Sanjay Suresh
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Middleton, Wi
Major: Computer Science and Math
Why UW-Madison: I grew up in Madison and absolutely love the city. UW has a great balance of academics and social-life.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Passionate, intelligent, curious
Hobbies and interests: I love to play the violin, and enjoy playing basketball with friends.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime: I want to see the 7 wonders of the world
What’s your favorite spot on campus: Memorial Union
What ice cream flavor would you be and why: Chocolate