Blog
Campus 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...
read moreReview, Relax, Refuel in the New First Floor
The wait is over. After months of construction and renovation, part of the first floor of the Memorial Union opened Monday, Dec. 5, just in time for upcoming final exams at UW-Madison. The renovated area provides much-needed spaces for students to study, recuperate and refuel. Union staff have made sure the first floor has cozy seating and accessible outlets, as well as several individual desk cubbies for maximum focus. These elements will help students prepare for their finals in a comfortable, laid-back environment. The Wisconsin Union has...
read morePreserving the Memories and Charm of Memorial Union
When the Wisconsin Union proposed renovating Memorial Union, the campus community and Union members immediately asked us not to change the charm of the heart and soul of campus. You can rest assured, Badgers; we are preserving the Memorial Union’s historic integrity while creating spaces that better fit the needs of our community. We are working closely with the Wisconsin Historical Society to ensure that we retain the original character of the building while the rest of the structure undergoes much-needed improvements. “With a building like...
read moreKnow your WUD Leader: Lily R. Hansen
All students have been told at one point in their lives to enjoy their time at college, because the experience goes by quickly. For Lily R. Hansen, the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) and Wisconsin Union vice president of external relations, this could not be more true. Hansen, a journalism and environmental studies major, is from North Oaks, Minn. In her senior year of high school, she participated in a dual enrollment program. She earned college credits from an in-state university and arrived at the University of Wisconsin-Madison...
read moreWisconsin Union Shopping Provides Easy, Fun Holiday Gifts for Badgers
From overcrowded malls to icy roads, getting out to shop for the holiday season can be a hassle for everyone. Why waste time standing in an endless cashier line when you could spend it relaxing at home? With the Wisconsin Union Terrace online shop, holiday shopping is simple and fast, with great options everyone from future Badgers to alumni will love. The holiday gifts tab found here on the Union website makes it easy to pick from a variety of gifts. The site features items any Terrace fan will recognize from the iconic full size...
read moreStoryteller Series: Behind the Scenes at the Union
As students, we come to the Wisconsin Union with the expectation that it will be ready for us. We come to the Union to study, to eat dinner with friends, to listen to music, to relax, to work, to attend concerts and lectures, and to participate activities and clubs. The Union is a place that we consider comfortable, that we consider open, that we consider safe; but we may not consider how it comes to be that way for us each and every day. We may not notice all that happens behind the curtain, but trust me when I say it’s a busy backstage...
read moreUW-Madison Community Celebrates Magical Night at Annual Yule Ball
Wands, broomsticks and black hats decorated Varsity Hall in Union South Nov. 18 as hundreds of guests from the UW-Madison community spent the evening at the annual Harry Potter themed charity event and winter dance the Yule Ball. The free event hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Publications Committee included lessons in wand-making with help from craft wizards from WUD Art and Wheelhouse Studios. The magical night featured live entertainment from Under A-Rest a cappella, WSUM DJs and improv comedy by the Titanic Players. UW-Madison...
read moreBlind Boys of Alabama to Perform Concert, Meet and Greet Union Members
For over 70 years, the gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama has traveled the country performing for everyone from Martin Luther King Jr. to the President of the United States. You won’t have to go far to see them perform this year; the multi-award winning group will be performing at the Wisconsin Union Theater Thursday Dec. 1 opening with gospel singer Liz Vice. Following the performances, a special meet-and-greet will be held for Union members attending the event! Few music groups have a story as unique as The Blind Boys of Alabama, which...
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