Blog
Be Our Guest: Wisconsin Union Club Suites Open House
The Wisconsin Union is already known as the “living room of campus,” and soon we’ll have more bedrooms too—renovations to hotel rooms in Memorial Union, to be known as the Wisconsin Union Club Suites, are almost complete! Join us from 2-4 p.m. Sun. Feb. 18 for an open house to get a sneak peek and tour a couple of the brand new suites. During construction at Memorial Union, the 60 boutique-style guest rooms in Union South continued to accept guests, just steps away from Camp Randall. We’re excited to show our members the renovated hotel rooms...
read moreMeet our Members: Aaron Scharff
The Wisconsin Union has over 1,000 student employees who keep it thriving as the the “heart and soul” of the university. Three years ago as an undergrad, Union member Aaron Scharff got more than a paycheck when he worked at der Rathskeller-he met his girlfriend, who he’s still with today. Although he and his girlfriend, Abbie Ernst, disagree on the first time they met, Aaron remembers meeting at an after work social with fellow Rath employees. After some digging around on Facebook, he found Abbie’s profile and they chatted online before going...
read moreCelebrate Galentine’s Day with the Wisconsin Union
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and while the day of love is often a dreaded holiday full of sappy social media posts, celebrating the love and appreciation you have for your friends gives you a different way to spend the holiday. This year, celebrate Galentine’s Day at the Union. While, sure, Galentine’s Day is technically Feb. 13, the Union team is hosting events before and on Valentine’s Day that will help you celebrate the love that is friendship. Instead of getting your girls traditional Valentine’s Day cards, get them the type...
read moreNew year, new events: what new events to attend during spring semester
Winter break has come and gone. A new semester is upon us, and while you may not be thrilled to be reentering the world of academia, the Wisconsin Union has you covered when it comes to study breaks and fun. In the couple days leading up to Valentine’s Day, get creative at Wheelhouse Studios, and craft the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone, your friends or whomever else you’d like to show a little love. After creating Valentine’s Day masterpieces, stay festive and celebrate Mardi Gras at Union South on Feb. 13. The...
read moreYou Asked, We Answered: What is the Iron Cross Society?
Whether you’re enjoying the Memorial Union Terrace or are huddled in der Rathskeller cheering on the Badgers, Memorial Union is home to endless memories. Looking for someone to thank? Look no further—the Iron Cross Society helped make it happen. The Iron Cross Society consists of University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduate junior and seniors from all majors with a couple things in common: a dedication to both public service and to continuous improvement at UW-Madison. And while you may have never heard of the Society, its members’ work has...
read moreHoofers Announces Full Winter Carnival Lineup
The Hoofers Winter Carnival will return Feb. 3-11 with everything from ice golf on Lake Mendota to the Hoofer Rail Jam, a snowboard and ski competition. New this year will be a performance by Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and Celtic cellist Natalie Haas, family fun at Alumni Park, and the hive, a not-to-be-missed surprise on Flannel Day at the Memorial Union Terrace. The full Winter Carnival schedule is as follows: Feb. 3: Rail Jam Feb. 4: Super Bowl watch parties Feb. 5: Flannel Day and coffee bar at the Memorial Union Terrace, which will...
read moreBreak Time: Team Build with Your Office at the Wisconsin Union
New year, but stuck in the same old work routine? Take a break from the monotony and swap out those fluorescent office lights for exciting team building activities the whole office will enjoy at the Wisconsin Union. A corporate membership at the Wisconsin Union grants employees access to dozens of team building opportunities from private art classes to camping trips. Wheelhouse Studios in Memorial Union provides classes, such as a canvas mural project, that are perfect for business groups. Email wheelhouse@union.wisc.edu or call (608)...
read moreTaste of the Union: Smoked Beef Brisket at the Sett
It can be easy to miss the new menu items the Wisconsin Union has to offer with the temperature calling us into hibernation. Union South has recently added a range of barbecue style options to the menu that I thought were worth braving the cold to try. One of the many delicious dining options at Union South, the Sett on the first floor offers classic pub food, including burgers, wings and sandwiches. The low prices make the Sett a staple dinner to a busy college student and other campus-goers. I have found myself opting for the classic Bucky...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Rob Gretzlock
For four and a half years, Rob Gretzlock has been an integral part of the dining team at the Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union. Rob first joined the Union’s tradition of dining excellence as the manager of der Rathskeller. Today, he is the assistant director of restaurants at Memorial Union.* Get to know more about the person you’ve likely seen dozens of times behind der Rath’s counter. What is your favorite thing about your position, new or old? Students. I love working with students. I’m a teacher by trade. I graduated with a degree in...
read moreA Place to Innovate: Doubling Down on Design
By Mason Muerhoff x‘18 The Wisconsin Union’s multi-year Memorial Union renovation effort, known as the Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR), has brought new, behind the scenes technology to the almost 90-year-old iconic destination. One of the most significant, recent changes to Memorial Union was the installation of a subterranean loading and receiving dock, constructed underneath the grassy oasis of the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Alumni Park. “We needed a controlled space we could use for all of our service points, and all the other pieces...
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