Meet our Members: Aaron Scharff
Aaron met his girlfriend, Abbie, while working in der Rathskeller.
The Wisconsin Union has over 1,000 student employees who keep it thriving as the the “heart and soul” of the university. Three years ago as an undergrad, Union member Aaron Scharff got more than a paycheck when he worked at der Rathskeller-he met his girlfriend, who he’s still with today.
Although he and his girlfriend, Abbie Ernst, disagree on the first time they met, Aaron remembers meeting at an after work social with fellow Rath employees. After some digging around on Facebook, he found Abbie’s profile and they chatted online before going on their first date. Both worked as tapsters at der Rathskeller and the Brat Stand as they continued to date.
“We spent most of that first summer either working at the Rathskeller/Brat Stand or spending our evenings splitting a pitcher and some ice cream on the Terrace,” Aaron said. “We still try to make it to the Terrace every chance we get. It’s the most magical place in Madison and is our favorite spot in the city. Nothing beats watching the sunset over Picnic Point.”
As a Union member, Aaron takes advantage of the benefits his membership provides.
“My favorite part about being a Union member is the connection I have to campus. The Union is always putting on fantastic events for both the public and members,” Aaron said. “In undergrad I was a member of Hoofers, and now with my Union membership I have discounted access to three day sailing memberships and rentals from Outdoor UW.”
When Aaron checked membership cards while working, he said he would see proud alum smile as they displayed their membership cards dating back to the 60s or 70s. Today, Aaron gets to share that same smile when he visits.
“Working at the Union gave me some of the best memories of my undergraduate career,”
Aaron said. “It’s also introduced me to the love of my life. Three years in and still going strong.”
