Blog
Win 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 moreArt and Science Come Together in Sustainability Initiative at Union South
One Earth. It’s all we have. We, the Wisconsin Union team, always aim to do our part to help preserve our incredible planet for future generations. For us, that commitment includes many sustainability initiatives one of which was a research-based art display that debuted at Union South in October 2017. For this newest initiative that combines both art and science, students from the Department of Life Sciences Communications (LSC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability and the Wisconsin Union...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Jay Ekleberry
Well, you’ve probably heard of Wheelhouse Studios, but you may not know about the man behind it all, Studio Director Jay Ekleberry. Jay has been with the Wisconsin Union since 1984 and has provided countless members and guests with hands-on art experiences and helped customers creatively make an impact in the Madison community. His passion to learn and foster a sense of engagement among everyone who enters Wheelhouse Studios is contagious. Jay is especially passionate about community-based art that focuses on the public collaboratively taking...
read moreToo Cold to Terrace?
We’re still a couple months shy of Terrace season, but there are still plenty of opportunities to put your Wisconsin Union membership to good use. From discounts on Van Galder bus tickets to Chicago (Think of what you’ll save in parking fees!) to free room rentals for personal events, your membership gives you great deals, all year round. This month, we’re excited to host an exclusive backstage event at the Wisconsin Union Theater’s production of the opera “La Bohème”, featuring wine, appetizers and a pre-show talk with Director of University...
read moreBe 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...
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