Blog
Mendota Goes Magnetic
It all started with a missing map. Depicting a birds-eye view of Lake Mendota, a map had hung in the Hoofers Chart Room which instructors would use to point out relevant landmarks. But during the Memorial Union Reinvestment construction, the map disappeared. There were no concrete plans to replace it, until Caroline Rose stepped in. “A Hoofers advisor contacted me in April of last year asking if I’d be interested in working on a project to replace the old map,” said Caroline, a Hoofers member since 2009 and UW grad with a...
read moreThrowback Thursday: You Can Dance if you Want to
Summer is the season to strut and sway, and these Terrace goers put their dancing shoes to good use at a free dancing event some time in the ’50s. Another chance to dance on the Terrace will happen tonight at 9:30 p.m. when the Wisconsin Union Directorate Music committee will host Australian singer Betty Who, who’s buoyant pop beats will be sure to get your foot tapping. Stay tuned for an inside scoop on the singer after she visits! Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Now That’s S’more Like it
This little group stays toasty as marshmallows huddled around a small campfire on the Terrace around 1952. Take advantage of the great outdoors like these folks as we celebrate Outdoor UW’s Summer Kickoff, starting today and running until June 6. Rental deals, contests and more will literally be a breath of fresh air! Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from the Union’s amazing history. Find out interesting facts and stories from some of the Union’s favorite people, places and...
read moreThe Early Bird Gets the View
Need something to get you through the midweek slump? These lovely sunrises were captured by our very own Memorial Union production kitchen chef James Klemke. Maybe being a morning person isn’t so bad–especially with sights like this!
read moreA Beginner’s Guide to Stand Up Paddleboard
The weather’s hot, the Terrace is packed with people and we can’t wait to tackle every summertime activity we can think of. First up, stand up paddleboard (SUP). As one of Outdoor UW’s hottest rentals, stand up paddleboarding can seem a bit daunting to new timers. But have no fear, with the help of Outdoor UW staff we have put together a step-by-step guide for a beginning boarder. Last week, I had the opportunity to try stand up paddleboarding myself. As a first-time paddle boarder, Outdoor UW staff member Tommy Lindeman...
read moreCaps, Gowns and a Big Terrace Chair
The Memorial Union Terrace saw many decked out in black Saturday, May 17, and although some were mourning the loss of their undergraduate career, the day was far from a funeral. Happy graduates donned their caps, gowns, sashes, cords and pins and marched to the Terrace before and after they marched into Camp Randall to celebrate Commencement for a chance to get their picture taken atop one of the giant Terrace chairs. Check out what some of the graduates had to say on this very special occasion and browse through some of our favorite...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Have at Ye!
These knights in not-so-shining armor duel behind the Terrace at a Renaissance fair in 1976. Perhaps they’re fighting for the best seat by the lake or the next round of drinks? Either way, this seems like a fun tradition we would love to see come back to Memorial Union. What do you think; dost thou protest? Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from the Union’s amazing history. Find out interesting facts and stories from some of the Union’s favorite people, places and things. We’re...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Summers by the Lake
Summer has arrived! And what a better way to start of the summer than getting outside and out by the water? Madison summers have been a time for Lake Mendota activities for years. Whether its kayaking to Picnic Point or relaxing on the Terrace, Madison is the ideal spot for the sun lovers and outdoor fanatics. Interested in igniting your outdoorsy side? The Union’s Outdoor UW will begin offering a wide selection of rentals from canoes to camping tents starting June 2. Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Terrace Grads
In honor of the class of 2014 graduation this Saturday, we wanted to show some love for all UW graduates by throwing it back to the 1950s. UW graduates walk across the Terrace and file into the old Union theater on commencement day in 1954 below. Graduates are invited to join the tradition and come to the Terrace before or after the commencement ceremony on Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. to get some Terrace pictures in cap and gown. Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots...
read moreEverything You Need To Know about the Union’s Reimagined Brands
Craftshop, Hoofers, Outdoor UW, Mini Courses, Wheelhouse Studios, there is a lot going on at the Union. We have put together a guide to help you get to know the ins and outs of our two reimagined brands that open with the Memorial Union west wing this summer–Wheelhouse Studios and Outdoor UW. Wheelhouse Studios Craftshop + Mini Courses = Wheelhouse Studios Loved the long-standing Craftshop here at the Union? Have no fear, Wheelhouse Studios is taking the Craftshop’s key mission statement of offering affordable activities and space...
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