Blog
Welcome from Wisconsin Union President Mills Botham
It’s that time of year again; back to school. And while many of you, like me, are wishing you could have just one more week of summer, there’s a great deal to look forward to during the academic year. Coming back to campus means coming back to the Wisconsin Union. With leadership opportunities and 2,300 student-led, mostly free events, we, at the Union, couldn’t be more excited that you’re here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While you’re a student here, you’re a member of the Wisconsin Union. We’re an organization that offers...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Robin Schmoldt
What would the Wisconsin Union be without Robin Schmoldt? The advisor of two Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) committees, Schmoldt oversees all of the students in the WUD Art Committee and the WUD Film Committee. Schmoldt graduated from UW-Madison in 1997 and has been with the Union ever since. As the WUD Art Committee Advisor, Schmoldt walks students through the process of managing art exhibitions, while utilizing the multiple galleries that the Union has. Not only are students taught how to select artwork for exhibitions and how to...
read moreA Night in the Life: Summer Music Coordinators
The Wisconsin Union team puts on live music performances almost every week of the year. Each time is different, but each time, it’s no small feat coordinating all that goes on into each show at Memorial Union and Union South. Terrace After Dark, a program led by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee, provides the community with live music five nights a week during the months that don’t require an internal morale pep-talk to face the cold. I met up with Starr Welk-Schwartz, a rising junior at the University of...
read moreTrustee Stories: Lucy Lloyd
Wisconsin Union Associate trustee Lucy Lloyd is no stranger to the Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union Terrace. Growing up in Madison, she has seen the Terrace change over decades with the addition of a new restaurant, new programming and much more. But, she says, the heart of the Terrace that beats for the people it serves and for learning has never changed. “There’s an energy about Madison that you don’t find everywhere. People are very committed to learning and ideas, and the Terrace is no exception,” Lucy said. Lucy’s experiences with the...
read moreThank you, Jay Ekleberry, for 34 Years of Inspiration and Art
The Wisconsin Union team said goodbye on July 13 to longtime Wheelhouse Studios Director Jay Ekleberry as he started his next journey: retirement. For 34 years, Jay has worked to spark creativity and share his passion for art with students, staff, and the community. While the Union team will no doubt miss him, Jay has left a legacy of creativity, innovation, wisdom and inspiration with us. “Jay’s legacy at Wheelhouse is that art is a process more than a product,” said Angie Cunnington, a Wheelhouse Studios team member. “We are an open,...
read moreStart your UW-Madison Journey with Basecamp, a Student-Led Wilderness Orientation
By Katrina Kitzmann Uncertainty, discomfort, unfamiliarity, anxiety. For many incoming students, these are some of the feelings that come up when they think about those first few weeks of college. That’s why Wisconsin Basecamp, a wilderness orientation for new University of Wisconsin-Madison freshman and transfer students, exists. Students choose a backpacking, canoeing, or rock climbing trip. No matter what they choose, they’re going to learn about college life and outdoor skills and have the opportunity to create life-long friendships. Trip...
read moreStudent-Led Theater Season Features Wide Range of Performances
Student leaders are the heart of the Wisconsin Union. Whether it is planning a music festival or hosting a comedian, the Wisconsin Union Theater provides an outlet for creative expression. For the upcoming 2018-19 Wisconsin Union Theater Season, student leaders looked to create a lineup that will connect the community to performances by a wide range of performers. These student leaders are part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee, the student-run committee that programs the Union Theater season, ranging from...
read moreMaking Memories on the Terrace
There are 1,200 sunburst chairs scattered across the Wisconsin Union’s almost 90-year-old Memorial Union Terrace. Their signature yellow, green and orange hues continue to remain a staple to the Terrace experience each summer. While these symbols of warm months in Madison are recognizable icons of the Terrace, more important are the people who come visit them. Whether you are experiencing the Terrace as a student, a community member or as a visitor, the common thread among all who visit this summer destination is that the Terrace is a place...
read moreSailing Instructors Demonstrate a Classic Sailing Knot
Looking to go on a nautical adventure? Sailing away from the stress of the day is easy when you’re a member of the Hoofer Sailing Club (HSC). If you’re like me, you’ve watched sailors on Lake Mendota in awe as they tie what seem like very fancy knots and agilely adjust their sails. But, HSC instructors assure me that it can all be learned and that it’s so worth it when you do. “It’s a lot easier than you would think,” said Alise Mintz, the HSC commodore. “Once you understand the mechanisms, it’s just like riding a bike.” Now a rising...
read moreUnion 101: The Membership Perks You Don’t See
Behind the scenes, your Union membership works to support students and staff as they create experiences for a lifetime. It provides students many opportunities to learn, expand their horizons, try something new, and gain hands-on experience in many fields. Our members help support thousands of students across all levels of involvement with the Union, from arts and culture, to the great outdoors. Your Union membership helps support 10, (that’s right 10!) Wisconsin Union Directorate committees. These committees include Alternative...
read more