UW-Madison will celebrate its 159th birthday Feb. 5 with cake distribution at University Housing dining halls.

Students can pick up a free piece of cake in the dining halls at Chadbourne, Liz Waters, Gordon Commons and Frank’s Place beginning at noon. The cake distribution will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Wisconsin Alumni Association plans to host the Founders’ Day celebration on the anniversary of the 1849 class’ first day, with events across the nation.

“We want students to be part of the time-honored tradition of Founders’ Day,” Paula Bonner, WAA president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

“We host more than 60 events around the country, and we also invite all those on campus to celebrate being a Badger and honor our UW heritage.”

Faculty, staff and students can also listen to Art Hove, special assistant emeritus, talk about UW-Madison’s history at 2 p.m. in Memorial Union’s Tripp Commons.

This is the 84th Founders’ Day commemoration.