Name A Seat Campaign Donor Stories: The ‘Crazy Mother’
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 UW-Madison professor of education and Jewish studies Simone Schweber, who devoted a...
A Lasting Vision: The Craftshop and its Legacy
By Nancy Payne x’16 With the Memorial Union Reinvestment phase 1 west wing renovation nearly complete, we’re looking back at one of the many Wisconsin Union programs getting a major face lift. The Craftshop, soon to be the re-imagined Wheelhouse Studios, has a long history at the Union. Created in 1930, the Craftshop was inspired by recent graduate, Sally Marshall. Sally’s UW Madison Art Department senior thesis explored...
Name 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...
Name 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...
Der 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...
Throwback 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...