Blog
Behind 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...
read moreStudent-Run WUD Film Screens Hundreds of Classics, Blockbusters Each Year
The 330-seat Marquee Cinema in Union South has held everything from lectures to political debate watch parties—but is likely most notably known as the home of the WUD Film Committee, which holds hundreds of film screenings every year. Completely student-run, WUD Film screens movies through dual 35mm projectors, an HD projection system and a state-of-the-art sound system—and all for free to patrons. Film screenings are held almost every day during the academic year, from featured new releases to old-time favorites, all thanks to the 40...
read moreWomen in the Arts at the Union: The Past, Present and Future
When asked to name famous artists throughout history, names like Pablo Picasso, Shakespeare or Arthur Miller might come to the mind. However, missing from that list is the immense impact women have played in the arts for centuries. As the world kicks off Women’s History Month, we’re excited to look back at the Wisconsin Union’s own history, and share the tremendous influence women in art leadership roles have made, in the past and present. In 1939, Fan Taylor stepped into her role as the first publicist of the Wisconsin Union Theater from...
read moreMemorial Union Guestrooms Reopen as Wisconsin Union Club Suites
Recent years have been a period of transformation at Memorial Union, including within the lakefront destination’s hotel rooms. Previously known as the Memorial Union Guestrooms, the six rooms have reopened as the Wisconsin Union Club Suites. While the rooms stay true to Memorial Union’s character, they have been revamped to better suit guests’ needs and enhance comfort. The Wisconsin Union Club Suites are an original feature of Memorial Union, which opened its doors in 1928, and offer guests a unique way to experience life on campus. Nestled...
read moreWin or Lose: March Madness Gamewatches
In past years, Wisconsin Union members and guests have gathered at Memorial Union and Union South to cheer on the Badgers through their journeys in NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournaments. Ending a 19-year streak in the postseason, our Badgers have given us enough pride to last a lifetime. Here are some memorable moments from past years: While we mourn the Badger’s loss of their longstanding streak, we can find solace in the spirit March Madness provides and continue to cheer on the remaining teams. The Wisconsin Union will provide...
read moreTrustee Stories: George Cutlip
Wisconsin Union Association Trustee George Cutlip, in many ways, grew up at the Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union. It’s a place his parents would take him to have many meals, to see academic life in action and to have many other experiences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The Cutlip family had more than social and educational ties to the Union and campus; his parents also worked at UW-Madison. George’s father Scott taught in the UW-Madison School of Journalism (now called the School of Journalism and Mass Communication) and...
read moreA Place to Dine: Delicious Changes and Conversations
A lot has changed at the Wisconsin Union over the past year, and dining is no exception. While staples like der Rathskeller and the Brat Stand remain, new food options such as Italian dishes at Strada and handcrafted fare at Carte have made a name for themselves at the Memorial Union. Since opening in January 2017, Strada has made Italian street food a dining go-to at Memorial Union. Visitors can partake of traditional options such as delicious, hearth-fired pizza or try unique, flatbread piadinas that are customizable and can be stuffed to...
read moreTaste of the Union: Tapas at Prairie Fire
Looking for something more than coffee, tea, espresso and bakery and grab-n-go items at Prairie Fire? You won’t have to go far for a tapas dining experience fit for any foodie. Tucked behind the building’s notable coffeehouse sits a tapas haven. With a variety of beverages as well as a refreshing mix of tapas to choose from, this cozy café offers the picture-perfect way to unwind after a long day. The diverse options at Prairie Fire made it impossible to choose just one, so, in true tapas fashion I splurged for two. Going for a bolder choice,...
read more