Blog
Taste of the Union: Vegan Fare
When you think of the Wisconsin Union, you may think of the Ginger Root team serving its famous sesame chicken or der Rathskeller with its burgers and cheese curds. But, did you know that Union South’s and Memorial Union’s restaurants and cafes have many delicious vegan options that, whether you’re vegan or not, will have you writing odes to veggies? We had our entire community’s dietary needs in mind when we created our menus. I tried some of the vegan fare at Memorial Union and Union South to give you a first-hand look at each item. (It’s a...
read moreWisconsin Union Team Provides Insider’s Look at Graduation Weekend
By Jade Anthony and Shauna Breneman Long before University of Wisconsin-Madison seniors receive their diplomas, our effort at the Wisconsin Union to prepare an unforgettable graduation weekend at Memorial Union and Union South commences. From live music to graduation gatherings, it all happens with the help of more 2,000 Union employees with a shared goal: make graduation weekend special for all who come to our buildings. In this story, we take you behind the scenes of graduation weekend at Union South and Memorial Union and introduce you to...
read moreUnion 101: The History of the Wisconsin Union’s Creation
Almost 114 years have passed since former University of Wisconsin-Madison President Charles Van Hise called for a student union to be created during his inaugural address to the campus community. Inspired by unions at Ivy League universities and Oxford, Van Hise originally envisioned the union as a place for students to congregate after class. “When the students are done with their work in the evening, the attractive union is at hand, where refreshments may be had, and a pleasant hour may be spent at games, with magazines, in a novel, or in...
read moreMy Tapingo Experience (Alternative Title: How I Skipped the Line at Strada)
By Abigail Rennicke Whether you are in the middle of being productive at work, in the zone studying, or just don’t want to wait in line, Tapingo is a new convenient app to get the food you want and save time. The online ordering system is available via app or web browser to easily acquire all of your favorite Union or dining hall food and drink options through pick up or delivery. I recently tried this new online ordering option and will give you a look into my experience. In my recent first experience with Tapingo, I was not...
read moreA Place for Fun and Focus amidst the Frenzy
By Jade Anthony and Shauna Breneman As we near the end of the semester, classes are almost over, and a break is right around the corner. But, between us and that break are looming finals and the increasing dread of spending your days surrounded by highlighters, books and stacks of papers. While you weather the storm of exams, the Wisconsin Union is here to be a place for you to find fun and focus amidst the frenzy of finals. Twice a year, around the time of finals, the Wisconsin Union team holds study breaks and conducts giveaways and plenty...
read moreFaces of the Union
The Wisconsin Union could not exist without the help of students, UW-Madison faculty, Union employees, members and the community—a collaboration we’re so proud to facilitate. While every visit to one of the Union locations allows members to interact with plenty of staff, there are many key players working behind the scenes to make the Union the “heart and soul” of the university that it is today. Two of these key members include Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell and Wisconsin Union Association Trustee George Cutlip. Read Susan’s...
read moreUnique Jobs: From a Climbing Wall to Yoga on the Terrace
With everything from live concerts to kayak rentals, it’s probably no surprise to you that there are more than a few unique student employee positions at the Wisconsin Union. Two of our talented team members serving in this unique roles gave us an inside look into their not-so-typical days. Sarah Calvert, yoga instructor with Outdoor UW University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student Sarah Calvert is dedicated to finding time each day to be active. And, in her role as yoga instructor at Outdoor UW, she helps others do that, too. What began...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Bob Wright
Bob Wright’s big laugh echoes from his office behind the front desk at Sett Recreation in Union South, as he talks about all that his time at Sett Recreation has entailed. No two days are alike for Bob with Sett Recreation offering everything from an eight-lane bowling center to a two-story climbing wall. We invite you to take a glimpse into Bob’s days and into the center of recreation at Union South. What is your position at the Union? You’d think that’d be an easy answer, wouldn’t you? When I started as a full time employee, I was the...
read moreDeputy Director Reflects on 30 Years with the Wisconsin Union
This year marks Deputy Director Susan Dibbell’s 30th year on the Wisconsin Union team. I recently sat down with Susan to learn more about her time at the Union. The photos and mementos in her office tell a story of service leadership that began far before being named the Union’s deputy director in 2016. Susan has held multiple positions within the Union, including assistant director of program and leadership development, director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service and Union South program director. However, her Union journey truly...
read moreWUD Publications Provides Professional Experience for Students
For many college students, student organization participation doesn’t always match up with their majors, or fails to help them once graduation day arrives. At the Wisconsin Union, we’re excited to redefine what it means to join a student organization—here, we want students to have the ultimate experience that they can apply to any future career or trade. The Wisconsin Union Directorate Publications Committee works to promote and celebrate literacy on campus through leadership opportunities in publishing, editing, writing and art, through...
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