Blog
The scoop on Babcock ice cream
Think back to childhood and the thrill of hearing the ice cream truck drive through the neighborhood. Every kid goes frantic, rushing to get spare change from their parents and then chase after an old van slowly making its way down the street, blasting circus music through tiny speakers. Nothing was better than the rush of reaching the truck and indulging in a cool ice cream treat. Wisconsinites and UW Madison students experience a similar enjoyment, even into adulthood, with Babcock Ice Cream. Produced in the university’s very own Babcock...
read moreHoofer Riding club features famed clinician
By Megan Reichert and Emily Connor Each summer since 1931, Hoofers has helped bring outdoor living to Madison’s urban center. In true Hoofers tradition, self-taught experts have shown others everything they need to know about sailing, kayaking and other summer sports. However, Hoofer Riding Club has invited internationally-known professional equestrian clinician, Melanie Michalak, to teach a musical freestyle dressage clinic this July. Michalak is a musical freestyle designer, competitor, judge and clinician who will be leading the...
read moreEnjoying the summer heat
As I write this on the morning of July 1st, all of us at the Memorial Union are bracing for the afternoon heat – expected to exceed 100 degrees with the heat index. It certainly brings new meaning to our annual “Hot Summer Nights” promotion for what’s happening on the Memorial Union Terrace, which is now in full swing. I hope you’ve already had the chance to attend some of our events and are making plans to attend a few more before the season winds down. We’ll do what we can to keep the Terrace cool – like keeping the beverage stations well...
read moreMaking time for personal connections
Summer has been a long time in coming this year. The extended cool and wet spring has certainly put many of us in a “can’t wait for summer to arrive” frame of mind – and I’m no exception. Although, in addition to wanting to see all of you at the Memorial Union Terrace and the new Union South Plaza, I must admit that my desire to have summer arrive has had some personal motivation behind it as well. Our oldest son, Quinton, just graduated this last weekend from the performing arts high school he’s been attending the last two years. This summer...
read moreThe great pie debate
Many families have a few recipes handed down through the generations, pies whose aromas mingle with memories of Christmases past, or a potato salad that’s made an appearance at every family reunion since the Stone Age. The Wisconsin Union family is no exception, and for many alumni there is one dessert that inspires loyalty and nostalgia unlike any other: fudge bottom pie. Sue Ellen Knutson, a UW alumna, remembers her first bite of the famous confection like it was yesterday. She was six years old and on campus visiting her older...
read moreSummer Terrace event schedule announced
The Memorial Union recently announced their summer entertainment lineup for the Terrace, featuring musicians of all genres and cinema under the summer sky. With events six days a week for the next few months, it’s clear no one in Madison has any excuse to utter the phrase “I’m bored,” this summer. Beginning June 6 and running through August 23, Monday evenings will feature lakeside cinema. This summer’s theme is “On the Road Again: A Cinematic Journey Across American, City by City,” and includes classic and contemporary favorites such as...
read moreGhost towns mini course
Ranging from the classical to the experimental to the political, the Wisconsin Union Theater 2011-2012 line-up truly reflects its history. In the final season before the theater goes dark for two years of renovations, an award-winning, international group of performers promises to fill one of the theater’s most important goals: to bring cultural enrichment to the students and faculty of UW Madison. This year’s Concert Series showcases a combination of the classical and the innovative. On the classical side, the Academy of St. Martin in the...
read moreMini Courses feature local history
Wisconsin Union Mini Courses have long been popular options for members to combine a little education with a lot of fun. Recently, courses that explore local history have allowed particpants a unique look at Wisconsin traditions. If you missed the spring courses, there is still plenty of time to enroll in summer courses. Traditional beer and cheese take the stage Wisconsin is known for its beer and cheese, and this spring a special Mini Course introduced participants to a few unique places to enjoy our state’s traditional fare. On April...
read moreAn artistic tour of Union South
Union South is truly a special place. Along with the innovative design of the building itself, a myriad of local artistry, generous donations, and student dedication helped bring artistic touches to every corner of the building. The Union’s many works of art and the stories behind them could fill a book, but below we highlight just a few of the most prominent installations and the people that made them happen. A recurring naturalistic theme winds its way through most of the building’s permanent art installations, picking up on the...
read moreHoofprints: Sailing Club kicks off summer season
The Hoofers Sailing Club will hold its First Annual Instructor Auction on June 3 to kick off the summer sailing season. The evening’s festivities will begin at 5:00 in the Memorial Union Great Hall with a reception followed by hors d’oeuvres. Silent bidding for the many prizes on the ticket will last until 8:30 at which point the winners will be announced. Prizes include a wine and cheese sunset cruise, private lessons with a Hoofer’s instructor, a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, tickets to Wisconsin Union Theater shows, and...
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