Blog
Winter Recreation Ideas from the Wisconsin Union
As the weather gets colder and the sun sets sooner, we at the Wisconsin Union know it’s hard to find the time or energy to do, well, pretty much anything. Especially when it comes to braving the cold weather outside. Luckily, we have our Hoofers clubs to remind us that outdoor recreation never has an off-season. When the snow flurries start flying, we can always turn to our resident snow experts over at the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club. Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club President Amanda Fenton says, “As long as there is snow, get out on the...
read moreRemembering Gold Star Heroes Charles Howard Bixby and Philip Taylor Bixby
During World War I, when a member of a family served in the military, the family would display a blue star in the window of their home. If the service member passed away during active duty, the family replaced the blue star with a gold star, signaling to the community that they had lost their loved one. The family of service members Philip and Charles Howard Bixby is all too familiar with this tradition, having lost both men to World War II (WWII). We, at the Wisconsin Union, first began to tell their story through our electronic Gold Star...
read moreMeet our Members: Laura Gersh
Laura Gersh is nothing short of incredible; she is a University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna, professional bowler, information technology professional, and so much more. We, at the Wisconsin Union, are honored that she is also a Wisconsin Union member who continues to support our role as the Division of Social Education and make the most of her membership benefits. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Laura made her way to Madison in 2004 to attend UW-Madison. For Laura, the choice to attend UW-Madison was an easy one. “I loved the feel of...
read moreChanging Seasons at the Wisconsin Union
As fall colors fade, our facilities team at the Wisconsin Union has a long list of work to prepare Memorial Union and Union South for winter weather. Wisconsin Union Facilities Manager Joe Boss takes us behind the scenes of what changing seasons means for our organization. The whole process of transitioning Memorial Union for winter, for example, takes roughly two weeks from start to finish. (Though planning begins far before that.) “We try to hold off removing the Terrace chairs and starting this process until after Homecoming weekend,” Joe...
read moreBeefeaters Keep Watch Over Wisconsin Union Ideal, Mission and Values
The year is 1945. There’s snow on the ground, and Memorial Union’s Great Hall is full of Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) student leaders and our staff and faculty spreading holiday cheer. A meal of rare beef, peas and bread, which is to be eaten solely with a knife, is served to 180 dinner attendees, who worked all year to provide the community with an enjoyable Wisconsin Union experience. Our Annual Beefeaters Banquet is underway. When student leaders first hear “Beefeaters” at the Wisconsin Union, laughter and eyebrow-raising frequently...
read moreYour Wisconsin Union Holiday Gift Guide
That age-old question: is it better to give or receive? At the Wisconsin Union, we love to find the perfect gift for our friends, family, coworkers, or employees. We also understand time is tight at the holidays and sometimes you just can’t find that special present. As always, the Wisconsin Union has you covered! Whether it’s apparel, a cooking class, a membership or even just a gift card, the Wisconsin Union is your one-stop shop for everyone on your list this year! Membership Give the greatest gift of all with a Wisconsin Union...
read moreYour Union, Your Vote!
By: Jade Anthony and Madeline Boulanger It’s election year and we, at the Wisconsin Union, are excited to facilitate voting as an on-campus polling place. In preparation for November 6, we’ve gathered some Union favorites for your polling practice. We know it’s not easy to choose between all we have to offer here at the Union; luckily, these options aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! Create your own user feedback survey Remember, early voting and same day registration are available in Wisconsin. On campus voting runs...
read more“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...
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