Blog
Fudge Bottom Pie: A Timeless Story of a Pie and the People who Love it
Once upon a time in a place not so far away and a time not so long ago, a pie that would become legend and would be loved by millions debuted at Memorial Union. Some say that Fudge Bottom Pie was created by a University of Wisconsin-Madison Residence Halls chef. Others say it was a Wisconsin Union creation that debuted in 1945 in Memorial Union. While its origin is debated, its deliciousness and the community’s love for it is not. “I would say the magic of the pie exists on a couple levels,” said Carl Korz, associate director for dining and...
read moreA Place to Grow: Lessons for a Lifetime
By Mason Muerhoff ’18 Walking around the University of Wisconsin-Madison student organization fair in her high school band t-shirt in fall 2013, UW-Madison freshman Katy Lang wasn’t sure what she was looking for in a student organization. There was table after table of language study groups, a water polo club and soccer teams. It was, Lang said, overwhelming. But a Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee member spotted her band t-shirt and brought Lang over to the WUD Music resource fair table. During high school, Katy loved...
read moreTaste of the Union: Lasagna at Urban Slice
With an abundance of new foods available at Memorial Union, perhaps you’ve looked over new options at Union South. I know I did. One dining location at Union South, Urban Slice, carries a wide variety of pizza and specials such as calzones, chicken parmesan and pasta dishes. I had previously tried almost all of these options, as Union South is a convenient place to eat between classes. One item new to Urban Slice this school year is meat lasagna. When I heard about it, I had to see what it was all about. I first asked the Urban Slice team...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Chef Allison Berris
You have one amazing chef to thank for the delicious tomato bisque soup at Carte, the flavorful chili at der Rathskeller, the house-made salad dressings at Carte and der Rath and many more Memorial Union favorites. Let’s get to know Chef Allison Berris. What is your position? I am the restaurants chef at Memorial Union. So, since September 2016, I’ve been in charge of prep for all of the [Memorial Union] restaurant units. Rathskeller, Stiftskeller, Strada, Carte, and, in the summertime, we do a few things for the Brat Stand, Lakeview Lounge...
read moreLow-Cost and Free Union Date Ideas
After buying your textbooks, paying tuition, rent and a security deposit, you may be reaching into the bottom of your about-to-be-washed jeans’ pockets for your Friday date night funds. Now, we’re not saying you shouldn’t still hope for that mysterious crumpled $20 bill. But, either way, you can still have fun at many Wisconsin Union events. Our events calendar is rich with low-cost (and often free) date night ideas. Here are some options for date night fun that won’t affect your funds: Film showings – Free! Let’s go to the movies (for free)!...
read moreUnion Reunion 2017 Connects Generations of WUD Leaders
Throughout Memorial Union’s 90 year history, thousands of students have made the historic building their home-away-from-home. Student employees, WUD leaders, Hoofer members and more all found friendships and made great memories during their years at the Union–and during the 2017 Union Family Reunion, they all got to relive their glory days. Re-connections through conversations, food, tours, student mini-TED Talks, Badger Game Watch and more occurred for over 140 former Wisconsin Union student leaders and staff. WUD Vice President of External...
read moreA Gold Star Honor Roll Legacy: Capt. Kevin Michael Kryst
Capt. Kryst was a kinesiology major at UW-Madison. It wasn’t far into his University of Wisconsin-Madison education that Captain Kevin Michael Kryst of West Bend, Wis., decided to join the Marine Corps. During his sophomore year on campus, the kinesiology major committed to enter the Corps as an officer upon graduation. He attended two basic training sessions at Quantico, Va., during the summers following his sophomore and junior years before graduating with the UW-Madison class of 2001. Once commissioned as an officer, Capt. Kryst completed...
read moreStoryteller 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 more