Blog
Five Things you Didn’t Know About the Wisconsin Union
No matter how many times you’ve been to Memorial Union or Union South, believe it or not, there are many things you probably don’t know about them and the organization behind them, called the Wisconsin Union. From pastries to hotels, there are many surprises to be uncovered. I am going to explain and maybe surprise you with five things you most likely didn’t know. Community Union, Not a Student Union The Wisconsin Union is known for creating experiences that are the heart and soul of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Since it was...
read moreWisconsin Experience Bus Trip: 4 Reasons to Apply
If you’re interested in growing as a leader, exploring the state of Wisconsin and meeting a bus full of new people, a Wisconsin Experience Bus Trip (WEBT) may just be the experience for you. Each WEBT offers participants the opportunity to boost their resumes all while building new connections and exploring new areas. At the Wisconsin Union, we are dedicated to providing experiences for a lifetime, and a Wisconsin Experience Bus Trip is one you will not want to miss. In case you aren’t convinced yet, here are four reasons to apply. 1....
read moreInside the Wisconsin Union Pastry Kitchen: Meet Chef Maria Conforti
The bagels, banana bread and many of the other baked goods you find in Badger Markets and Wisconsin Union cafes across campus are made in our very own Wisconsin Union kitchens. Tucked in the basement of Union South, the Wisconsin Union pastry kitchen is home to a variety of delectable creations and a team dedicated to bringing high quality, fresh food to the UW-Madison community. One member of the Wisconsin Union pastry team is Sous Chef Maria Conforti. Maria studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago. After completing her training, she...
read moreMarch Madness Menu Writer Picks
If you’re looking for a place to watch March Madness on the big screens, check out the Sett Pub and Sett Recreation. Located directly inside Union South, these have a large menu of food and beverage options. I’m going to help you navigate the sea of deliciousness, with some of my personal favorites that pair great with a March Madness game watch. The beer battered tater tots are an amazing way to get you in the mood for March Madness. You could get a large serving to share with a group of friends, or keep it to yourself. Treat yourself!...
read moreFive Ways Students Can Get Leadership on Their Resumes
Do you know a UW-Madison student looking to get more leadership experience on their resume? If so, let them know there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Whether they’ve just arrived on campus or are approaching their last year of school, getting leadership experience can feel daunting and it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are numerous opportunities right at their fingertips to help them out. Here are some ways UW-Madison students can increase their leadership experience, build their professional...
read moreStudent Creativity and Talent Bring Terrace Chairling Plushie to Life
At the Wisconsin Union, some of the most incredible ideas don’t begin in a boardroom of full-time staff members; they begin with students. The Wisconsin Union chairlings characters, now familiar to many as cheerful ambassadors of the Memorial Union Terrace experience, were inspired by one of the most recognizable symbols of campus life: the orange, yellow and green sunburst chairs that fill the Terrace along Lake Mendota. Designed to capture the warmth, creativity and sense of belonging that generations of visitors associate with...
read more5 Ways the Wisconsin Union Can Help with Your Event
If you’re planning an event, from a wedding to a conference, you’ve come to the right place when you contact the UW Conferences & Events here at the Wisconsin Union. Putting Wisconsin humility aside for a moment, we’ll say it: we’re pretty great at helping people pull off meaningful “wow-your-aunt-will-talk-about-this-for-months” moments and “that-was-the-best-conference-ever” experiences. So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite Sunburst Sparkler, and let’s dive into five ways we can help make your event possible ( and take a whole...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Olivia Bratzke, Driving Results Through Creativity and Strategy
Olivia Bratzke’s professional journey at the Wisconsin Union is marked by creativity, collaboration and a sharp eye for detail. Her work reflects a deep commitment to making Wisconsin Union experiences for a lifetime possible. Known for her optimism and problem-solving mindset, Olivia brings a wide-ranging skill set to every project, whether she’s improving long-term processes, supporting collective efforts across departments, or thinking on her feet in high-pressure moments. Since beginning her career at the Union in 2022 as a facilities...
read morePassing It On
Joe Lillis and Kathy Deuel on Leadership, Learning, and Why Internships Still Matter Some college experiences stick with you, not because they were fun, but because they quietly changed the way you saw yourself. That’s what happened for Joe Lillis and Kathy Deuel. They didn’t just find community through the Wisconsin Union Directorate; they found direction, confidence, and each other. Now, years later, they’re helping create those kinds of opportunities for today’s students through their support of a cross-campus internship program that...
read moreSnowshoeing Tips
The winter season is too long to not get out and enjoy it, when you can! Outdoor UW is ready to help with rentable snowshoes. Head down to the Outdoor UW desk on the lower level of Memorial Union to rent your shoes, and start your adventure. Here are some tips to help you get started: Wear Warm Snow Boots One item you will not want to forget is a warm, waterproof and tall pair of snow boots. Snowshoeing is different from cross-country or downhill skiing, where boots are a part of the skis. So, whatever you wear is going to come in contact...
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