Blog
Throwback Thursday: Rathskeller Jams
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 eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below!
read moreName A Seat Campaign Donor Stories: The Commodore
By Kayla Schmidt x’15 Wisconsin Union Theater’s Name A Seat campaign has generated numerous personal stories affiliated with the Union Theater over the years. Many campaign donors, who receive an engraved plaque on a seat, share an intimate connection with the Theater, including Memorial Union Building Association associate trustee Bill Niemeyer. For Bill and his wife Allison, there were many reasons to donate to the Memorial Union Reinvestment because of the involvement and memories that have transpired throughout their time spent at...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Celebrating Black History Month
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 eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below!
read moreName A Seat Campaign Donor Stories: The Blind Date
By Kayla Schmidt x’15 Wisconsin Union Theater’s Name A Seat campaign has brought forth personal stories that have taken place in the historic Theater and Union throughout the years. Supporters who give to the campaign are able to engrave a plaque on a seat in the newly renovated Union Theater. Some of the dedicators share a personal connection with the space, including Memorial Union Building Association trustee Lucy Lloyd, who shared a first date with her future husband in the Theater. As fate would have it, the young man with piercing...
read moreBraving the Cold at Hoofers Winter Carnival
By Nancy Payne x’16 While most of us face this fierce Wisconsin winter weather by staying indoors as much as possible, Hoofers challenged us to embrace the cold. With cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to Picnic Point, snow kiting, mountaineer gear racing and soaring down a hill with skiis or snowboards, students and community members of all ages participated in the Wisconsin Union’s beloved Hoofers Winter Carnival. Fostering events both old and new, the annual weeklong winter wonderland included a mix of winter-themed activities...
read moreDer Stiftskeller reopens with murals, history still intact
By Mark Bennett Following four months of renovations and restorations as part of the Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR), Der Stiftskeller has reopened and is ready to welcome back patrons. The upgrade brought the area up to code as well as reconfigured the bar to improve customer service. Still, the space’s iconic charm remains—as the classic wooden tables, replete with initials and doodles carved into them over the decades, rustic light fixtures and whimsical murals return. “These details are important,” said Union Director Mark Guthier. ...
read moreThe Union featured on PBS Visionaries
By Nancy Payne x’16 When we think about the Wisconsin Union, we think about relaxing on the Memorial Union Terrace on a warm summer day, football tailgates before a Badger home game at Union South and cozying up in Der Rathskeller with friends and colleagues when the winter cold seems to have gotten the best of us. What you might not know is that the Union is one of the founding organizations of the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). To honor its 100th anniversary, ACUI invited the Wisconsin Union to be featured as one...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Winter Games
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 eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below!
read moreThrowback Thursday: Unloading an innovative solution
Take a look back with us each week with Throwback Thursdays, including a special series this month on the odd and interesting original design flaws of Memorial Union. For all its beauty and functionality, Memorial Union opened with a long list of design flaws, some truly baffling that will finally be addressed through the Memorial Union Reinvestment. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below! It is perhaps the most unattractive feature of Memorial Union. Negatively on...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Why the athletes stayed away
Take a look back with us each week with Throwback Thursdays, including a special series this month on the odd and interesting original design flaws of Memorial Union. For all its beauty and functionality, Memorial Union opened with a long list of design flaws, some truly baffling that will finally be addressed through the Memorial Union Reinvestment. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below! When Memorial Union open in 1928, a space was carved out on the fourth floor,...
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