Blog
Proposed Theater Lounge addition outlined in chalk on upper Terrace
By Emily Connor As fall begins, phase one of the Memorial Union Reinvestment project will take shape as design plans are finalized. And Union design committee members and staff want to ensure every Union member and student are involved in the reinvestment process. One of the most debated pieces of the reinvestment project has been the addition of a glass Theater Lounge area located in the west wing of the Memorial Union building. To help members visualize the scope of the addition, design committee members have drawn a chalk outline of where...
read moreServing up a new culinary focus at Union South
By Emily Connor For many, Union restaurants have only served as a place to grab a quick bite before heading to work or between classes. But a vision for something more inspired Union chefs and restaurant managers to imagine bigger dining possibilities for Union South. This fall, the transforming of Wisconsin Union’s usual eating spots into unique culinary destinations will continue with the opening of Harvest Grains and Ginger Root. Over five years ago, questionaires and student surveys were handed out on campus for ideas for the new...
read moreUnion artwork stirs passions for student employee
By Emily Connor From paint brush to Peet’s coffee shop, the journey each piece of Wisconsin Union artwork takes is truly unique. And student employee Katie Reshel knows this is true. Over the last few years, the honors art history and anthropology major has helped hang hundreds of the Wisconsin Union’s 1,200 pieces of art. But Katie’s time hanging each piece has helped create her own unique Union experience. Over the past three years, Katie has worked in a variety of departments at the Union. Katie began her relationship...
read moreSummer nights are still hot on the Memorial Union Terrace
For some, summer may be ending as August begins. But the Memorial Union Terrace plans to be open until temperatures drop and the first snowflake falls, giving members plenty of time to enjoy the Lake Mendota scenery. Several unsuspecting Union members and UW Madison students gave their opinions on the best Babcock ice cream flavor, their favorite Terrace activity and much more. Even more members answered on our Facebook page and Twitter, so be sure to read about everyone’s favorite summer activities and post some of your own! Make sure...
read moreUpdate from the vice commodore of Hoofer sailing
By Michelle Czarnecki, vice commodore of hoofer sailing Since 1939, the Hoofer Sailing Club has been making waves on Lake Mendota. The flock of large white sails has become an integral part to the Memorial Union Terrace scenery. This August, the club has been busy enjoying the summer weather and planning for the upcoming year. With an average of 1,200 to 1,300 members a year, the Sailing Club is by far the largest club in Hoofers, largely due to its ideal location on the shores of Lake Mendota. This summer, the club has been capitalizing on...
read moreIn the Spotlight: the Union’s very own yoga master
By Emily Connor It was only a few minutes into our coffee meeting to talk about Lisa Lawrence’s yoga practice when a young woman sitting nearby took notice. She had only heard a few of Lisa’s opinions before feeling the need to come and meet the eclectic and vivacious woman behind the words. “I don’t teach a popular or sexy yoga. I teach an ancient yoga,” explained Lisa, a longtime Mini Courses yoga instructor and favorite familiar Union face. “It’s the real thing.” Lisa specializes in Kundalini...
read moreGuest post: Steven Skolaski on Rennie’s grand opening
By Steven F. Skolaski Steven F. Skolaski serves as a member of the board of directors for the UW Foundation and is the president of the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation Inc. Steven is a UW Madison alumn of the class of 1971 and is a former employee of the original Rennebohm Drug Store. It has been nearly a month since the grand opening of Rennie’s Dairy Bar in the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery building located on the corner of University and Randall, which also happens to be the site of the former Rennebohm Drug Store #1. At the grand...
read moreSweet Honey in the Rock’s music is more than just a melody
By Erin Bannen and Emily Connor Few bands can master mixing beautiful melodies with social commentary and political rhetoric. However, Sweet Honey in the Rock has been masterfully producing powerful and persuasive vocals for over 35 years. This all female, African American a cappella group will bring its unique sound, thoughts and stories to the Wisconsin Union Theater stage to entertain Madison audiences this October. When it comes to Sweet Honey in the Rock, no specific category or genre can define this unique musical experience. The group...
read moreYoutube dancing sensation films at Terrace
By Emily Connor On July 17th, Union members got a chance at Youtube stardom when dancing Internet sensation Matt Harding came to the Memorial Union Terrace to film a scene for his next “Where the Hell is Matt?” video. Matt’s first dancing video became a huge hit in 2005 after he created a video of himself dancing badly around Asia. What started as just a silly way to document his travels became an Internet phenomenon and even captured the attention of major sponsors, like Stride Gum. Matt was then able to film more videos of...
read moreMemorial Union Reinvestment design plans begin for next year
By Emily Connor In 1928, as the oak doors first opened and students and community members stepped onto the marble floors, not one could imagine the amount of history, heart and soul that the Memorial Union would come to hold. For over eighty years, thousands have come and gone, reading at the Terrace, enjoying a beer at the Stiftskeller and studying in the hallowed hallways. However, as time progressed, the building showed its need for renovation, and the Memorial Union Reinvestment project emerged to ensure that the heart and soul of campus...
read more