Blog
“Halloweek” at the Wisconsin Union
As Halloween creeps up on us, we, at the Wisconsin Union, have some treats (no tricks) planned for you. I met up with Brennan Bahr, Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) vice president of external relations, to learn more about the Union’s plans for a scary-fun week! “Each year, we offer events and activities to celebrate Halloween on campus,” Brennan said. “It’s gives people a space to celebrate and enjoy the holiday together.” Pumpkin Carving Oct. 24 Presented by WUD Global Connections Committee, WUD Cuisine Committee and International...
read moreMeet Your Members: Reena
The Wisconsin Union has always been a place for people to come together. Whether that is students, UW faculty and staff, Union members, families or the Madison community, the Union has always served as a common space for all. This has been especially true for Reena Chandra Rajpal and her family. Reena, whose parents were both emeritus faculty at UW-Madison, said she grew up at the Union and has fond memories of her family’s time here. Sundays at Memorial Union were for eating Babcock Ice Cream, feeding the ducks, and watching the boats on...
read moreCelebrating Each Decade of Memorial Union’s History
When we look at the Wisconsin Union we have today, it’s easy to forget how long we’ve been part of the UW Madison campus. A lot has changed in the past 90 years, but what hasn’t changed is how we evolve to meet the new needs that come with every new decade. Each generation has a brought fresh perspective to our organization and has moved us forward. We seem timeless thanks, in part, to the thousands of student leaders that keep us young, vibrant and light on our feet. Through the ups and downs of the last 90 years, the Union has...
read moreHave a Creative Fall Season with Wheelhouse Studios
While we all say goodbye to summer (more appropriately known as Terrace season) many other Wisconsin Union team members and I are excited for vibrant oranges and reds to make their way onto campus foliage. So, in lieu of summer, I ventured to Wheelhouse Studios to learn about the fall courses coming up. As you’ll quickly learn in this article, Wheelhouse Studios, the Union’s in-house art studio, is home to just about every kind of art, including ceramics, fabric art, glass fusing, dance workshops, and food classes – just to name some! “We...
read moreCollege Advice from Alumni Badgers
Hello, fellow Badgers, this one’s for you! With all the student organizations we can join, all the classes from which we can choose, and everything else that comes along with college, it can be hard to know what to do first and in what direction to head. With this on my mind, I asked for some advice from recent University of Wisconsin–Madison grads on how to make the most of the college experience. Lauren Swance, operations manager at the Wisconsin Union, graduated in 2014, with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies....
read moreThe Wisconsin Union: Where Student Life Gets Lived
The Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union and Union South serve as a home away from home for students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They are safe, fun places where students explore, learn, development leadership skills and more. The Union has opportunities for whatever Badgers may want out of their experience. Here are just a few of the ways that students can make the most of the Union: A Place to Work The Wisconsin Union has more than 1,200 student employment opportunities and more than 50 different types of positions. We have amazing...
read moreBadger Bash Through the Years: Three Generations of a Game Day Tradition
Everyone’s favorite pre-football home game event: Badger Bash Badger Bash brings together students, parents, alumni, Badger fans , Badgers-at-heart and more. It is also a time when we celebrate the UW Marching Band, one of our favorite partners on campus. As any Badger knows, Wisconsin game day is not complete without Badger Bash, and who is the star of the show? The Marching Band! Journey with us as we take a look at how Badger Bash has evolved over the years, especially since 1969 when the torch was passed to UW Band Director Michael...
read moreA Year of Impact and Memories
For us at the Wisconsin Union, the past year has been one of far-reaching impact and countless memories. We are grateful to each and every one of you who attended an event, visited our buildings, relaxed with us, and supported us in our mission to make lifetime connections on campus. Along the way, we’ve tracked our successes and will share some of those numbers with you here. 2,786 Experiences for a Lifetime The Wisconsin Union sponsored and supported more than 2,786 events this year, which included everything from skiing and snowboarding...
read moreWisconsin Basecamp: Before and After
Incoming freshman have a lot on their minds before starting their first year of college. Preparing to move away from home, anxiety about making new friends, taking challenging classes and more can make the weeks leading up to move-in stressful and nerve-wracking. Luckily, we at the Wisconsin Union have a surefire way to help make the transition easier for incoming freshman. It’s a program put on through Outdoor UW called Wisconsin Basecamp, where a group of incoming freshman take an outdoor trip together – backpacking, rock climbing, or...
read more17 Years, 17 Questions with Mark Guthier, Wisconsin Union Director
Wisconsin Union Director Mark Guthier celebrates 17 years of making the Union a place to learn, grow and have experiences of a lifetime. Coming to Wisconsin from Indiana’s Memorial Union, this Hoosier-turned-Badger, is only the third person to hold the director position at the Union. I sat down with Mark to find out a little more about our director – and to get the scoop on which is the best Babcock Ice Cream flavor! To learn about the best advice Mark has ever received, where he sees the Union’s future, or his favorite Union food, keep...
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