Blog
New, Limited-Edition Mini Terrace Chair Takes on the World
What do the Wisconsin Union and the Earth have in common? Gorgeous colors and natural beauty. A beautiful, colorful day on the Memorial Union Terrace When you visit the Union, you’re lucky enough to have a front row seat to many of Earth’s most beautiful natural creations. For example, when you visit the Memorial Union Terrace in summer, you can sit in our vibrant orange, green and yellow sunburst chairs and watch mesmerizing sunsets reflect off of the sparkling blue waves of Lake Mendota. Come fall, you can enjoy crimson and burnt orange...
read moreDid You Know? Wisconsin Union Markets and Cafés History
Story by Verne Scholl and Shauna Breneman You may be familiar with the fact that we, at the Wisconsin Union, offer many options for deliciousness at Memorial Union and Union South. But did you know that we also run many markets and cafes across campus, which are open to all? Our first deli opened before 1988 in the Medical Sciences Center. We named it the I.C.U., because of its location in the former University Hospital. We designed the deli as a temporary lunchtime dining option with a portable steam table and refrigerator. (We now operate a...
read moreMarking 20 Years with Director Mark Guthier
Twenty years ago, we welcomed Mark Guthier to the Wisconsin Union team as our third director in our organization’s more than 110-year history. Mark Guthier speaking at the kick off the start of the Tong Family Marina project on Sept. 15, 2018 – photo by Sam Molinaro Mark has led us through many milestones, beginning with the 75th anniversary of the Wisconsin Union and continuing with the rebuilding of our south campus destination Union South and renovations to our historic building the Memorial Union. He also held the helm as we...
read moreFree December 2021 Wallpapers – Gathering Season
Our graphic designers created exquisite wallpapers in celebration of December 2021. It has subtle references to our favorite summertime chairs, while bringing in images of Earth’s incredible flora. As we watch nature transition us into winter and paint our state in white snow and decorate our homes with icicles, we also move into a season of gathering. This season brings people who care about each other together across the miles that usually divide them. Across the planet, people are embracing one another, smiling and crying tears of...
read moreHome Away From Home for the Holidays
Being away at college can disrupt treasured holiday traditions, especially during this pandemic. My parents and little sister live in Madison, but most of my family resides in New York. My grandfather isn’t comfortable traveling right now, so sharing the holidays with him and my extended family won’t happen this year. Sadly, the same is true for many UW-Madison students whose families aren’t nearby. The Wisconsin Union provides so much to students. I was recently told the Union is known as the living room of campus, and that’s so true – for...
read moreTime to Shine: Kendra Ramthun’s Role in the Wisconsin Theater
“Break a leg” “Toi Toi Toi” “Encore” “Brava” My fellow readers, it is time to brush up on your theater lingo because in-person events are officially back at the Wisconsin Union Theater for the 2021-22 season! People are buying their tickets, finding their seats, and getting ready to once again bask in the glory of live shows. For some this is a return to normalcy, and for others, like Kendra Ramthun, the return to in-person events calls for new explorations and experiences. Kendra Ramthun, the new Arts Administrator/General Manager of...
read moreGet Creative with Wisconsin Union Holiday Kits
Are you stuck, wondering what to get a loved one for Christmas? Is your office doing a gift exchange and you’ve run out of gift ideas for your coworkers? Or maybe you’re tired of the busy malls and long lines and want to find an easy way to give quality gifts this year? Never fear, the Wisconsin Union is here! Image of the four Holiday DIY Kits available for purchase. This holiday season the Wisconsin Union is offering DIY Holiday Kits, including a Painting Kit, a Watercolor kit, a Nail Art Kit, and a Jewelry Kit. The...
read moreGive the Gift of the Wisconsin Union This Holiday Season
Searching for meaningful, memorable gifts for your family and friends can sometimes feel like an impossible feat. Shopping online always seems to lead to steep shipping fees, but waiting for the perfect gift to jump out at you while shopping in-store often leads to disappointment or stress. That’s where we, at the Wisconsin Union, want to come to the rescue! Gone are the days of worrying about the lack of personalized gifts, because the Union has something for everyone to enjoy, ranging from cozy clothes and gift boxes to theater tickets and...
read moreUpdate Your Winter Wardrobe at the Largest Ski Swap in the Midwest
A woman and children browse the ski boots during the 2016 Hoofer’s Ski and Snowboard Resale. (photo credit Owen Desai) The thought of trying out a new winter sport can be daunting with the amount of equipment required. That’s why we have the largest ski and snowboard swap in the Midwest right here at Union South, making it as easy as possible for you to get involved in the outdoors at a low cost. The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale will return for its 57th year Dec. 4 and 5 at Varsity Hall in Union South, providing a once-a-year...
read moreRecipe Reveal: Tudor Holiday Dinner Concert Wassail
For the first time, we are revealing our recipe for our wassail, which we usually serve at our annual holiday event, called the Tudor Holiday Dinner Concerts. While we will not hold the Concerts this year, you can have a taste of this event with this newly released recipe. Here’s your recipe for this mulled cider delight: The 84th Annual Tudor Holiday Dinner and Concert in 2017. Photo by Andy Manis. Ingredients: 1 quart, 1 1/3 cups of apple cider1 1/3 cups of water1 1/4 teaspoons of lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon of orange juice1/2 teaspoon...
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