Blog
Student Leadership: Road Trip Edition
A five-day road trip with 34 others whom you’ve never met before may seem like a recipe for disaster, but, this group of student leaders found it impactful. Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Alternative Breaks Committee presents the Wisconsin Experience Bus Trip (WEBT). This annual, week-long trip brings UW-Madison student leaders together from a range of different campus offices with the goal to enact the Wisconsin Idea by traveling, learning and doing community service throughout the state. This year, the team of students volunteered...
read moreFrom One Union to Another: Hank Walter Bids UW-Madison Farewell
From building the new Union South to the Memorial Union Reinvestment, the Wisconsin Union has experienced an incredible amount of change over the last 10 years, and Hank Walter has been there to see it all. Hank will not be going too far as he joins our Big 10 rival, Indiana University, as the executive director of their student union. “Some of what I’ll be doing is similar in terms of daily management and some will be crafting a vision for how the IU Union moves forward,” Hank said. “I will also be doing just as Mark Guthier has done...
read moreTerrace After Dark Takes Over After-Hours
Watching the sunset at the Terrace is one of the best ways to unwind and take in the beauty of Lake Mendota, but those who stick around at night get to feast their eyes and ears on something truly fantastic. Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music and Film have collaborated to present Terrace After Dark, a summer-long program for kicking back and catching great movies and music at the Terrace. It’s hard to compare any ordinary theater or music venue to the UW Credit Union Summer stage with its scenic backdrop of a twilight-painted Lake...
read moreOld-School Membership Card is a Piece of Union History
The memories of the Union last forever and apparently so do our cards! A true symbol of a lifetime member, Robert Oberwetter’s Union Membership from 1958 was shared with us by his son, Tom, who keeps the laminated piece of history in his wallet. While it might have trouble scanning on our machines, the card can still be used as a member ID! The card is personally signed by Porter Butts, the Director of the Wisconsin Union from 1926-1968. Not only was he the founding director of the Union, he went on to promote the idea that student...
read moreLegend Joins UW’s Jazz Orchestra at Shannon Hall
This summer will bring sun, smiles and because of the Isthmus Jazz Fest, tunes. The annual event on June 19-20 will be bigger and feature Headliner Freddy Cole, regarded as one of the most influential singers in jazz music. Jazz music surrounded Cole growing up as the younger brother of Nat “King” Cole. The UW Jazz Orchestra , comprised of both undergraduate and graduate students, will open for Cole’s performance on Saturday, June 20 and later join him to perform a couple songs. The UW Jazz Orchestra has an extensive...
read moreHow to “Art”: Wheelhouse Studios Unites Action and Creativity
While crowds of people line up every day to enjoy food at Der Rathskeller, not many realize that there’s an entire artistic community right beneath their feet. In the lower level of Memorial Union, Jay Ekleberry and his group of devoted students create artwork in Wheelhouse Studios. Walking down to Wheelhouse feels like entering an art exhibit, with large murals and pictures covering the vibrant walls of the main lobby. I got a chance to sit down with Jay and his assistant, Angie, to discuss some of the plans that Wheelhouse has for the...
read moreReinvestment Final Phase Commences
The Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR) seeks to ensure that Memorial Union maintains its historical integrity and remains a beloved destination on campus for generations to come. This is the first major update to the building since Memorial Union was first built in 1928. MUR Phase I was completed in Summer 2014 with the renovation of the Memorial Union west wing. The final phases seek to improve infrastructure, accessibility and sustainability in the central core, east wing and on the Memorial Union Terrace. On May 26, 2015 UW-Madison’s...
read moreBright Chairs, Brighter Futures
Following a sunny ceremony, new graduates congregated at the Terrace with families and loved ones to celebrate the start of a new chapter. The graduates cozied up to the large Sunburst chair for photos, along with the chance to purchase a lifetime Union membership. Check out some of our favorite photos from the event below: [slideshow_deploy id=’7101′]
read moreStudents Travel to Serve on Time Off
Many students spend winter or spring break soaking up the sun on a hot beach or conquering ski slopes, but with Alternative Breaks students become leaders and travel to help others. Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Alternative Breaks is a non-profit, student-run committee that coordinates a number of volunteer experiences for UW-Madison students over winter, spring and summer breaks both domestically and internationally. WUD Alternative Breaks has traveled to many locations in the United States, Asia and Latin America, sometimes partnering...
read moreWhat’s New with Outdoor UW?
Whether you are a nature nut or a nature novice, Outdoor UW is the place to start your adventure. We had a chance to sit down with Outdoor Recreation Manager Joe Webb to hear about how Outdoor UW provides students, Union members and the overall Madison community with classes, equipment and opportunities to get outside. Terrace Views (TV): What makes Outdoor UW unique from other programs on campus? Joe Webb (JW): We provide equipment, knowledge and a social network to help people be active in the outdoors. From beginners to experts, our range...
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