Giving back to a place that keeps on giving
By Anna Johnson, member relations intern
At the age of 85, George Elder remains a regular visitor to the Union he loves so much. He was recently spotted at the Fan Taylor Memorial dinner and concert, sharing his stories and celebrating the Memorial Union and its staff.
He said, “It’s just something everyone can relate to. Students one way, alumni another. You go back there. [It] maintains the relationship between the University and the people … whether present or past.”
George graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1948 and has worked for the state of Wisconsin his entire life. In the many years since his graduation, George hasn’t forgotten what makes campus special–he distinctly remembers the time he spent as an undergraduate student eating at the Union and sitting on the Terrace after working out at the Armory next door.
As an undergraduate, George loved attending shows at the Wisconsin Union Theater in Memorial Union. “I think of some of the great shows I’ve seen, back to 1944 when I saw a version of Othello, and years later I saw Mister Roberts with Henry Fonda,” George recalled.
Interior of the Wisconsin Union Theater
George especially likes attending the yearly production of Humorology, and continues to attend other shows at the Union Theater. The Union houses many great memories and services, which George continues to enjoy. “I think the Union should be kept up and that [upkeep] should continue indefinitely,” George said.
The Memorial Union Reinvestment will update the building while retaining its historic integrity. Phase I begins this summer and will focus on improving the Union Theater, Hoofers areas and accessibility needs of the West Wing, among other things. During the renovations, the general building and Terrace will remain open.
“Improvements to the Theater will be interesting and beneficial. Also, there’s Union South to consider. It’s so large and diversified. It offers things you can’t get at the Memorial Union, but I still like Memorial Union best.”
George sees the Memorial Union as a fundamental piece of the University. His history with, and affinity for the historic Wisconsin Union Theater made his decision to include a gift to the building project in his will easy. “I took different areas of the University that were highly beneficial … and the Union got its fair share,” he said.
The Memorial Union continues to be a home away from home to many students, whether they are enrolled or have graduated many years ago. Updating the Memorial Union will provide students and alumni with the opportunity to enjoy the Union for years to come.
Learn more about the Memorial Union Reinvestment project here.
