Blog
Storyteller Series: Coming Together in der Rathskeller
By Andrew Zaruba “Oh, this is a German beer hall!” Designer Leon Pescheret saw what would eventually become der Rathskeller in Memorial Union from the moment he walked into the space. His original design still exists today, providing a warm and inviting environment for every visitor. From inside der Rath, it is almost as though you’ve left Memorial Union and entered a new space entirely. The sounds of music and chatter, the sight of the arches and German-inspired artwork, and the taste of the delicious food create a good feeling unlike any...
read moreKnow Your WUD Leader: Adam Yeazel
The word “student” doesn’t do justice for everything UW-Madison junior Adam Yeazel accomplishes. In addition to his role as a molecular biology and international studies major, Yeazel also works in a research lab, plays double bass viola and serves as the director of WUD Society and Politics. The WUD Society and Politics committee is a nonpartisan group of students that make it easy for people to talk, listen and learn about the current events and challenges facing society—all while bringing together diverse students, faculty, staff, members...
read moreCelebrate Memorial Union’s 90th Birthday This Year
We can’t relive the past…but we can celebrate it! We’re excited to celebrate a big milestone this year: Memorial Union is turning 90! With renovations of floors two through four complete, Memorial Union is looking good as new, and we’ll be honoring one of our favorite spots on campus all year long. Keep an eye out in upcoming editions of Terrace Views for monthly features on updated spaces throughout the Union. Once the weather is nicer, the Union is hitting the road! Get ready for our Terrace Roadshow, where we bring your favorite...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Lance Raney
It’s a Badger football home gameday and you’re surrounded by a sea of red and white. “Build me up Buttercup” and “Sweet Caroline” blast over the loudspeakers. Bucky is busy posing for photo-ops, and the Spirit Squad is getting ready to cheer on the Badgers. I bet we can guess where you are. Badger Bash has been one of the Wisconsin Union’s greatest game day traditions for more than 40 years. And while you’re busy tailgating your heart out, there are countless people behind the scenes who make this amazing event possible. Lance Raney is one of...
read moreThe Story of the Steins
The walls of Memorial Union can’t talk-but the Steins do. A signature of both der Stiftskeller and der Rathskeller is the eclectic stein collection lining the muraled walls. Generations of Badgers and Union members have donated their own steins to the collection, and some even slipped notes in, commemorating their time at the Union. During renovations of Memorial Union, the Steins were washed, tagged, organized and stored, giving employees the chance to get an up-close look at each stein–and the personal notes left inside. Over 300...
read moreFun, Food and Philharmonic Music: The Tudor Holiday Dinner Concerts
The fun, lively-and most importantly delicious-feasts enjoyed by nobles in Tudor England date back to over 500 years ago. As the legend goes, the original idea of a boar’s head feast originated in England when a scholar encountered a wild boar in his path. He knocked the animal out with a heavy book, and presented it at a Christmas mass banquet. Here at the Wisconsin Union, the feast is prepared more conventionally, but the spirit of the tradition is kept alive through the 84th Tudor Holiday Dinner Concerts from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3—this year’s...
read moreWisconsin Union Theater: A Ghost Story
Ever felt a ghost’s presence while enjoying a show at the Wisconsin Union Theater? Check out this video created by theater staff and learn about our phantom friends just in time for Halloween as told by our Theater Director Ralph Russo.
read moreNew Digital Kiosk Commemorates Soldiers in Gold Star Honor Roll
With less than a month until Veterans Day, the Wisconsin Union is looking ahead to commemorate our fallen soldiers. Together with our partner, the UW-Madison classes of 1963 and 1967, we will unveil a new digital kiosk telling soldiers stories on Nov. 11 on the second floor of Memorial Union in the main hall. This new memorial will include soldiers’ names ranging from the Civil War to modern day conflicts. Memorial Union was named as a memorial to UW-Madison service members who served in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War...
read moreLakefront Marina Project to enhance experiences for a lifetime
Originated in 1939, the Hoofer Sailing Club at the Wisconsin Union has been a long-time, integral part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison outdoor experience. From lessons to youth programs, the club provides a wide variety of sailing experiences for people of all ages. The current infrastructure used by the sailing club has been in place for almost 40 years, but natural wear and tear has deteriorated the piers. The vision for the Lakefront Pier, Marina and Greenspace Project was born in 2015. The Union team is aiming to replace all...
read moreWelcome from Wisconsin Union President Iffat Bhuiyan
On behalf of the Wisconsin Union, including the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD), welcome to the start of a new academic year. We hope you’ll join us to have fun, learn and lead. You may think you don’t know WUD, but it’s very likely you’ve already been to one of our student-led, out-of-classroom events, like a film showing at Union South or a concert on the Memorial Union Terrace. WUD (pronounced like “wood”) is the board of 16 student-led committees and clubs that organize some of the best out-of-classroom experiences on campus. During...
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