Blog
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Students Recognized at 2023 Bucky’s Award Ceremony
Each spring, we are honored to recognize the hard work and dedication of Badgers at the annual Bucky’s Award Ceremony through the Center for Leadership & Involvement’s (CfLI) Student Leadership Program. The event provides a space to celebrate and applaud the valuable contributions University of Wisconsin–Madison students are making to improve campus and beyond. This year, we were able to spotlight the incredible work of 18 individuals and seven registered student organizations who are encouraging a community of thoughtful, respectful...
read moreCelebrating Our Graduating Wisconsin Union Interns
Spring brings the return of wonderful things to the Wisconsin Union – brightly colored Terrace chairs, sunny weather and live outdoor music. But, behind the scenes, it also means it’s time to say farewell to our wonderful graduating student interns as they embark on their next journey (and come back to visit us later!). As hard as it is to see them go, we are so excited for their next adventures. Join us as we celebrate two of our student interns in the Marketing, Communications and Membership office! Annika Carter Annika Carter, Wisconsin...
read moreWhat A Difference A Day of the Badger Makes
The University of Wisconsin-Madison recently celebrated the resounding success of its annual fundraising campaign, Day of the Badger. This year’s campaign, which took place on March 28-29, raised nearly $1.7 million from 6,402 donations in just 1848 minutes. (Why 1848 minutes? Because that’s the year UW-Madison was established!) One of the primary beneficiaries of this year’s Day of the Badger campaign was the Wisconsin Union Annual Fund, which received $11,925 in contributions. Throughout the year, the Union is a hub for...
read moreMaking Childhood Memories and Professional Strides at the Terrace
Abby Synnes’ connection to the Wisconsin Union began long before she joined us at the Wisconsin Union in 2021 as a communications associate while attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She will graduate in May 2023 having written more than 50 blog stories, crafted many press releases and run multiple communications efforts. A Lifelong Connection Abby grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and she and her family have frequented our outdoor dining and destination space, called the Memorial Union Terrace, since Abby was a child. The space has...
read moreFive Ways to Take Advantage of the Terrace This Summer
Time flies when you’re having fun, and we’ve certainly been having a blast at the Wisconsin Union since the colorful sunburst Terrace chairs went into their annual hibernation in October 2022. We’ve snapped photos with Lady Liberty during Winter Carnival, harnessed our creativity at Wheelhouse Studios, watched jaw-dropping Wisconsin Union Theater performances and more, and suddenly it’s Terrace season again! The Terrace chairs made their long-awaited reappearance on April 12, and we’ve loved welcoming our valued Wisconsin Union members and...
read moreThe Most Iconic Summer Job in Madison
Do you remember your first summer job? Do you still tell stories about memories you made and life lessons you learned? Now is the time to encourage the students in your life to start applying for summer jobs – and there’s no better place to work than the Memorial Union Terrace! The sounds of Lake Mendota, the smell of the grill and a sea of colorful Terrace chairs is one of the most quintessential summer experiences in Madison. Now imagine being paid to be a part of the magic! We’re currently hiring students for summer jobs at...
read moreMake a Difference – Day of the Badger, 2023
Day of the Badger is a 1,848-minute-long celebration of all that it means to be a Badger – whether you’re an alumnus, Wisconsin Union member, friend, student or faculty member. Over the course of the celebration, which runs March 28-29, Badgers can donate to a cause of their choice. This year, the Wisconsin Union is raising money for the amazing people that make our programming possible: Wisconsin Union student leaders. Are you a fan of music on the Terrace? Have you ever seen a blockbuster movie in the Marquee Cinema or an amazing production...
read moreFrom Student Employees to Full-Time Staff: Team Members Grow with the Union
You know that feeling: it’s the end of an awesome day spent at the Terrace. You’ve enjoyed hours of delicious food from the Brat Stand, soaked up the sound of a great band from the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage and watched a beautiful sunset from the seat of a sunburst Terrace chair. But now it’s time to head home, and all you want is to stay longer and keep the fun going. It’s funny, but the same thing happens when you work here! Individuals start working at the Wisconsin Union as a student, and after graduation, the energy and fun...
read moreFollowing in the Footsteps of Family: Family Connections at the Wisconsin Union
Family fun on the Terrace. Photo by Andy Manis. As a third-generation Wisconsin Union employee, I practically bleed Allis Chalmers orange, sunshine yellow and John Deere green. My grandfather worked at Memorial Union for almost four decades, first as a student and later as associate director, and my parents met working at Memorial Union as student employees. Because of my family history, it’s no surprise that many of my happiest childhood memories include the Wisconsin Union: watching Fourth of July fireworks from the top of the Upper Sunset...
read moreBehind the Scenes: Officer Barrett “Bear” Erwin
A smiling face within the building and around campus, University of Wisconsin–Madison Police Department (UWPD) Officer Barrett “Bear” Erwin’s connection to the Wisconsin Union’s building Memorial Union actually began before he started working at Memorial Union as a police officer in 2017; it actually began before he was even born, when his parents met while sailing with the Hoofer Sailing Club. An eight-year veteran of the UWPD, Erwin works to ensure the safety of staff, students and all visitors. In some cases, protecting this large...
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