Porter Butts and his ‘Union Idea’
By Brooke Appe In a statement adopted by the members of the Association of College Unions at its 33rd Conference in 1956, Porter Butts wrote “the Union is the community center of the college, for all the members of the college family—students, faculty, administration, alumni, and guests. It is not just a building: it is also an organization and a program. Together they represent a well-considered plan for the community life of...
Throwback Thursday: Pass the Pancakes, Porter
The Wisconsin Union’s first director, Porter Butts, tries his hand at flapjack flipping at the Memorial Union’s Paul Bunyan Room Open House in 1950. We know Porter loved art, and judging from this flip, he looks like he’s cooking up a real breakfast masterpiece! Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from the Union’s amazing history. Find out interesting facts and...
Union bids farewell to lifelong supporter
Hans Hopf, Memorial Union Building Association associate trustee, passed away on September 27, 2010. When Hopf joined Hoofers on their first ski trip in 1941, he not only became passionate about skiing but Hoofers as well. The trip was the beginning of a lifelong relationship that inspired him to become an avid supporter of the Union and create the Hoofers’ Dr. Harold C. Bradley Leadership Award in 2006. Emeritus director, Ted Crabb,...
Behind the Scenes at the Union: Dawn Dever, Shining with Positivity and a Dedication to Membership
Wisconsin Union Membership Manager Dawn Dever absolutely radiates positivity and warmth. She cares deeply about her work and the people we serve at the Wisconsin Union, and it shows in everything she does, from the details she puts into member-exclusive events to the thoughtful, personal way she responds to every member’s questions. With more than 120,000 lifetime Wisconsin Union members and thousands of annual members, that can...
Meet Scott: Fly Fishing Fan and Membership Program Assistant
When he’s not fly fishing, chances are, Scott is processing your membership requests. Scott, the Program Assistant for Wisconsin Union Membership, has spent nearly a decade keeping membership data up to date. Scott, Membership Program Assistant Scott joined the Wisconsin Union first as a limited-term employee, working on the 5th floor as a project assistant for the Wisconsin Union Directorate. He then joined what was at the time...