Blog
Skate Away on Your Next Outdoor UW Adventure
Looking for a new way to celebrate the winter season at the Wisconsin Union? Glide into a new activity with Outdoor UW – ice skating on Lake Mendota! There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors and the company of friends than by cruising across the ice in front of Memorial Union, savoring the fresh air. And the best part is, you won’t have to invest in skates just to enjoy a few sessions on the lake – you can just rent them at Outdoor UW for a low hourly fee. “We’re excited to be introducing another opportunity to have people coming to the...
read moreSouper Supporters: Wheelhouse Artists Create Bowls for UW–Madison Habitat for Humanity
As their hands sculpted soft clay into beautiful bowls, Wheelhouse Studios artists, hobbyists and students helped shape the future of a local family on Oct. 9 by crafting handmade bowls. Their donated creations will be sold as a part of a fundraiser for the University of Wisconsin–Madison chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The event, titled the Souper Bowl, is the chapter’s largest annual benefit to raise money toward the construction of a home for a Dane County family in need. On Feb. 4, 2023, UW–Madison Habitat for Humanity will be hosting...
read morePrinting Up a Storm: StudentPrint Celebrates 50 Years
The world has seen a lot of change over the past half-century – and StudentPrint (SP) has been there for it all. SP started as a source for printing protest materials in 1972 and has seen its share of social and technological revolution. Through many transformations, the campus print shop has continued its role as the best spot in Madison for deals on all types of printing jobs. Whether it’s stickers, posters, T-shirts, or copies, SP’s 50 years of expertise extends far beyond paper projects to bring high quality products to meet every need....
read moreRecognition and Visibility: Introducing the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council Rooms at Memorial Union
Memorial Union may have opened its doors for the first time in 1928 – almost a century ago – but its historic halls have been a space for change since their creation. This decade is no exception. As the social center and living room of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus that hosts thousands of student and community groups’ events each year, Memorial Union serves as a space for learning and important gatherings. In July 2021, two integral campus organizations – the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the Multicultural Greek...
read moreIntroducing the WUD Volunteer Action Committee: Making a Difference with a New Name
A new school year doesn’t just bring new classes and new routines. It provides an opportunity for a fresh start, and that is especially true for one of our Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) student-led committees. For our WUD Alternative Breaks Committee, a new school year brings a fresh start and…a new name! Moving forward, the committee will be known as the WUD Volunteer Action Committee. Although the name of the committee is changing, its dedication and commitment to service is not. The WUD Volunteer Action Committee provides...
read more5 Reasons to Catch the Wisconsin Singers’ ‘Star of the Show’
The Wisconsin Singers’ brand-new Broadway-caliber revue, “Star of the Show,” is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of University of Wisconsin–Madison student artistry, Badger spirit, and creativity. The revue is coming to Shannon Hall at Memorial Union on Oct. 25, Nov., 7 and Nov. 8 as well as to Janesville on Nov. 15. Here are five reasons to experience it. 1. A Broadway-Level Production “Star of the Show” is a professional-caliber production, featuring powerhouse vocals, intricate choreography, and a...
read moreGet Into the Fall Spirit with These Fun (and Free!) Events 🍂
Sweater weather has finally arrived, which means cozy days in der Rathskeller, crisp walks along Lake Mendota, trying all of our house-made soups and cozy dishes, and, of course, plenty of Wisconsin Union events to help you soak it all in. Whether you’re into art, movies, or live music, there’s almost always something happening to make your autumn unforgettable. We’ve rounded up a few upcoming favorites that’ll give you all the fall feels, no pumpkin spice latte required. (But we do have those at Peet’s Coffee and Prairie Fire, and...
read moreDear Friends: Let’s Meet in Milwaukee for a Terrace Kind of Night
We’re throwing a Terrace party in partnership with our friends at the Hoan Group and UW Credit Union where you wouldn’t expect it. And you’re invited. Come to the Terrace on Lake Michigan!Milwaukee’s Fresh Coast Party “Hoancoming,” which is put on by the Hoan Group, is coming to the shore of Lake Michigan at the base of the Hoan Bridge. And we’re making it extra festive by bringing the Terrace to the Milwaukee shoreline. Consider it Madison’s little love letter to Milwaukee and the connection MSN has with MKE.Our friends at the UW...
read moreWisconsin Union’s Marketing Sparkle Shines Nationally
Our Sunburst Sparkler beverage line burst onto the Madison beverage scene in fall 2024 with natural caffeine, real juice, no added sweeteners, four fruity flavor combinations, and a mission to make a difference. A line expansion followed in spring 2025 with two more flavors to power people’s days. But the innovation and creativity aren’t just inside the can; creativity is also wrapped around the outside. And that creativity is now award-winning; we, at the Wisconsin Union, won the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Steal This...
read moreFive Ways Students Can Lead, Connect, and Have Fun
Don’t let the University of Wisconsin–Madison students you know be the ones who find out senior year…that they could’ve been making friends, attending hundreds of free events each year, building their résumés, and even, with some leadership roles, receiving up to 80% of their in-state tuition through academic stipends, all by getting involved at the Wisconsin Union. We want students to know early in their time at UW–Madison that leadership, connection, and fun are waiting for them here. (And some roles that pay!)We’re breaking it all down...
read moreLinger Longer at the Terrace This Fall
As the summer season at the Wisconsin Union wraps up, not everything changes with the seasons: Terrace fun usually continues into the fall each year. There’s something special about the Terrace during this time of year, so trade your swimsuit for a sweater, and join us for a new season we know you’ll be falling for! 😉 This fall, don’t be afraid to linger a little longer on the Memorial Union Terrace. 🍂 As the leaves begin to change color and the temperature slowly drops, these are not signs that Terrace season has ended but that a new Terrace...
read moreAre You Game for Badger Bash?
There is truly nothing like a Badger football game at Camp Randall and the tailgate we host before it: Badger Bash. Game day is a celebration that does not just start at kickoff and end at the final whistle. It is an all day affair and one you do not want to miss! Whether you watch the game from the stands of Camp Randall or from seats in our restaurants, we have a game day celebration fit for all fans. Badger Bash at Union South is the ultimate game day destination. Whether you are a short walk or a long drive from Camp Randall, this...
read moreThe Brandy Old Fashioned Chocolate Bar: A Twist on an Old Fashioned Favorite
Madison’s own Willy Wonka? Yes, it’s true. In the heart of downtown Madison, Smitty’s Study Pub Baker and Pastry Chef Brian Koster is putting heart and art into chocolate and all of his culinary creations. And you can try one of his delectable desserts as part of the regular menu options at Smitty’s Study Pub. Smitty’s Study Pub, located just across campus from Memorial Union on the eighth floor of the Fluno Center, offers guests a luxurious experience with a midwestern charm unique to Madison. Guests are presented with an impressive...
read moreKeeping Up with the Hoofers
Update from Outdoor UW Director Dave Elsmo Through 2024 and into 2025, the Wisconsin Hoofers clubs have experienced a truly hallmark year. Membership, event participation, and leadership development have all seen meteoric growth. Each club has fostered a strong sense of community, and our programming continues to expand in both scope and impact. Teams Making Waves While the clubs remain the most visible part of the Outdoor UW experience, the teams within these clubs are making waves, representing the University of Wisconsin–Madison at the...
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