Union South 15th Anniversary Celebration Recap
April brought an especially festive (and also busy) energy to the Wisconsin Union, and while a full event calendar is nothing new for us, this month stood out due to a major milestone. One of our beloved facilities, Union South, turned 15 which meant there was a reason to celebrate, and celebrate, we did!
April 15 marked the official 15th anniversary of the Union South building as it exists on campus today. After two years of construction, the building officially opened on April 15, 2011, taking the place of the original building constructed in 1971. To highlight the milestone, Union South hosted a celebration giveaway on April 15, and invited attendees to enjoy birthday cake and ice cream, but the celebration did not stop there.
Along with being a cherished spot to connect on campus, Union South is the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s first Gold-certified recipient of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, one of the council’s top honors. The building’s materials and construction are designed to support the adoption of new sustainable technologies over the decades ahead, ensuring that the facility continues to offer the same memorable experiences you’ve come to know, well into the future. It also offered another reason to celebrate this beloved space.
In recognition of the building’s sustainable design and to celebrate Earth Day, the Wisconsin Union team welcomed hundreds of patrons back to Union South for another celebration event on April 22. Hundreds of lavender seeds and compostable planters were distributed to attendees in celebration of the occasion.
April also marked, as part of the 15th anniversary celebration, the start of Creative Reset, a three week program offering UW–Madison students the opportunity to attend free drop-in art sessions, presented by Wheelhouse Studios and The Well, through the first week of May. The events welcomed students of all experience levels to join sessions featuring slow stitching, affirmation crafts and more, while also providing an opportunity to engage in what Union South is all about: creating connection and having fun.
To wrap up the 15th anniversary celebrations, Union South hosted a final birthday bash event in Sett Recreation on May 1. Guests enjoyed free activities such as bowling and billiards along with deals on dining and giveaways, serving as a fitting conclusion to the near month-long celebration.
Although the 15th anniversary celebration has come to an end, the fun does not have to stop. The excitement and joy of Union South will continue through the recreation, entertainment and dining experiences you’ve come to know and love. From seasonal events like Badger Bash to the year-round programming of the fully student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate, Union South has become more than just a space. It is an opportunity to gather and connect during any time of year, and is shaped by the very people who pass through it.
Whether you attended one of our celebration events or are a frequent visitor of our spaces, thank you for making Union South part of your experiences. We are looking forward to many more years of Union South fun, opportunities to connect and experiences of a lifetime!
