Deputy Director Reflects on 30 Years with the Wisconsin Union
This year marks Deputy Director Susan Dibbell’s 30th year on the Wisconsin Union team. I recently sat down with Susan to learn more about her time at the Union. The photos and mementos in her office tell a story of service leadership that began far before being named the Union’s deputy director in 2016. Susan has held multiple positions within the Union, including assistant director of program and leadership development, director of...
Women in the Arts at the Union: The Past, Present and Future
When asked to name famous artists throughout history, names like Pablo Picasso, Shakespeare or Arthur Miller might come to the mind. However, missing from that list is the immense impact women have played in the arts for centuries. As the world kicks off Women’s History Month, we’re excited to look back at the Wisconsin Union’s own history, and share the tremendous influence women in art leadership roles have made, in the past and...
Memorial Union Guestrooms Reopen as Wisconsin Union Club Suites
Recent years have been a period of transformation at Memorial Union, including within the lakefront destination’s hotel rooms. Previously known as the Memorial Union Guestrooms, the six rooms have reopened as the Wisconsin Union Club Suites. While the rooms stay true to Memorial Union’s character, they have been revamped to better suit guests’ needs and enhance comfort. The Wisconsin Union Club Suites are an original feature of...
You Asked, We Answered: What is the Iron Cross Society?
Whether you’re enjoying the Memorial Union Terrace or are huddled in der Rathskeller cheering on the Badgers, Memorial Union is home to endless memories. Looking for someone to thank? Look no further—the Iron Cross Society helped make it happen. The Iron Cross Society consists of University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduate junior and seniors from all majors with a couple things in common: a dedication to both public service and to...
A Gold Star Honor Roll Legacy: Capt. Kevin Michael Kryst
Capt. Kryst was a kinesiology major at UW-Madison. It wasn’t far into his University of Wisconsin-Madison education that Captain Kevin Michael Kryst of West Bend, Wis., decided to join the Marine Corps. During his sophomore year on campus, the kinesiology major committed to enter the Corps as an officer upon graduation. He attended two basic training sessions at Quantico, Va., during the summers following his sophomore and junior...
Storyteller Series: Coming Together in der Rathskeller
By Andrew Zaruba “Oh, this is a German beer hall!” Designer Leon Pescheret saw what would eventually become der Rathskeller in Memorial Union from the moment he walked into the space. His original design still exists today, providing a warm and inviting environment for every visitor. From inside der Rath, it is almost as though you’ve left Memorial Union and entered a new space entirely. The sounds of music and chatter, the sight of...