Blog
Gekas Lounge Murals Display Stories of Diverse Historical Figures
As current Badgers and alumni celebrate the start of a new year, they can also celebrate the new and renovated Gekas Lounge. Formerly known as the Trophy Room in Memorial Union, the space was renamed after a generous donation from alumnus Ted Gekas. The room located just behind der Rathskeller is known for its large, colorful murals created in the mid-1990s as a lasting representation of students of color at UW-Madison. The murals share stories of historical events and specific individuals from multiple ethnic groups whose lives serve as...
read moreFormer Union Intern to Continue his Professional Journey at NPR in D.C.
Former Wisconsin Union team member Jake Witz is bringing the experiences and skills he gained at the Union to our nation’s capital as a National Public Radio (NPR) music editorial intern. Witz gained these skills during a Union membership communications internship and throughout his time as a Memorial Union Terrace ambassador. As a membership communications intern, Witz developed his interviewing, audience analysis and writing skills to craft newsletter articles for the Union’s popular newsletter, called Terrace Views, which the Union sends...
read moreRenovated Memorial Union First Floor: The Ideal Study Spot for Finals Week
As if finals week weren’t stressful enough, finding a place to study is a battle all its own. Fortunately, the doors to Memorial Union’s first floor have opened just in time for finals season, and it is now equipped with all your necessities so you can sit in one spot all day like the finals gods intended. You might remember a little space called Lakefront on Langdon, a.k.a. the closest thing to the Terrace during the long Wisconsin winter. Today, it is known as Lakeview Lounge and it has everything the college student could hope for during...
read moreHome is Family
By Kelsey Pulera Everyone who has spent time at the Wisconsin Union knows it’s a place where strangers become friends and friends become family. For the Stutz sisters, it’s a home away from home. As Badgers and lovers of the outdoors, Margaux, Ella and Laurel Stutz each found a place to belong in Outdoor UW and in the Wisconsin Hoofer community. Student leadership here at the Wisconsin Union helps create an inviting atmosphere that tells even the shyest of freshman that he or she, too, can be a campus leader. Programs like Hoofers...
read moreHome is Anniversaries
Students, UW-Madison faculty and staff, Union members and other community members celebrated Union South’s fifth anniversary April 15. The celebration included nickel food and drink promotions, a cupcake mosaic with free cupcakes, a scavenger hunt and an a capella group performance. The event also featured movies, music, discussions, prizes, the 88th Annual Student Art Show and much more. The fifth anniversary commemorated the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) programming board, Wisconsin Union’s dining services team as well as the numerous...
read moreHome is Memories
The beloved Memorial Union Terrace is back. Students, staff and faculty as well as our esteemed Wisconsin Union members and guests have visited this cherished space since 1929. In its early years, the Terrace hosted a variety of gatherings such as Venetian night, Cap Night and University Sings. At one point, the Terrace was even flooded by the Wisconsin Hoofers to create an ice skating rink! Porter Butts, the first Wisconsin Union director, captured the Terrace’s appeal perfectly when he wrote, “Where, other than at Wisconsin, may one step...
read moreHome is Stories
By Kelsey Pulera We at the Wisconsin Union have the honor of carrying on traditions that our predecessors established over the past century and creating new traditions that make all who visit feel at home in their campus living room. We are the caretakers of these places that are home to countless stories and memories. This year, we highlighted the moments that make our Union home with a new oral history project called the Storyteller Series. Through this project, we are recording our history. The Storyteller Series features Union Director...
read moreCampus Home Sweet Home
An interview with Union President Dashawn McKinney and Director Mark Guthier. How does the Wisconsin Union serve as a home to students, staff and faculty, and community members? DESHAWN: I think in a lot of different ways, first and foremost, it is the availability of space for people to congregate and engage with the Union. It’s just the vast spectrum of opportunity that exists here and that allows people to engage with spaces in ways that they feel comfortable. They can see themselves represented in the Union’s events. MARK: I think the...
read moreReflection Room in Union South Allows for Peaceful Campus Retreat
A reflection room is now available on the third floor of Union South for all University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) students, faculty and staff and members wishing to take time to reflect or meditate. This room is intended to serve as a place of retreat to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing. This space allows all who use it to enjoy peace and quiet amid the busy humming of campus. “This addresses needs that students expressed, and we are so proud to offer this space for reflection,” said Adan Abu-Hakmeh, the Wisconsin...
read morePhoto Gallery: Members Meet the Blind Boys and Liz Vice
Last week, Wisconsin Union members had the rare opportunity to attend a concert, then interact one-on-one with the performers. Gospel stars The Blind Boys of Alabama and Liz Vice brought the house down Thursday when they performed in Shannon Hall. Following the concert, Wisconsin Union members were invited to a private reception with the artists, where they were able to ask them questions and learn more about them. Interested in going behind the scenes and getting closer to award-winning performers that come to the Union? Become a member and...
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