Leon Varjian (1951-2015) was Vice President of the Wisconsin Student Association and a member of the Pail and Shovel Party during the late 1970s up until the early 1980s. The Pail and Shovel party were elected into the Wisconsin Student Association in the late 1970s and were renowned for their extravagant pranks and absurdist humour. A New Jersey native, Varjian completed his bachelor's at Montclair State University and his masters at Indiana University. Varjian came to the University of Wisconsin – Madison to pursue another master's degree but did not complete his program of study. He became very well-known across campus during his time in Madison and was incredibly active in the Wisconsin Student Association, having orchestrated such projects and events as the Boom Box Parade, the statue of Liberty on Lake Mendota prank, the Toga Saturday event, and the infamous lawn flamingo prank on Bascom Hill.
In addition to his work within the Wisconsin Student Association, Varjian's participation extended outward into the Madison community. He ran for City Council in the 8th District, produced the Vern and Evelyn Show, was affiliated with the American Association of Madison, and was an avid fan and supporter of the Madison Muskies.
