Meet our Members: Laura Gersh
Laura Gersh is nothing short of incredible; she is a University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna, professional bowler, information technology professional, and so much more. We, at the Wisconsin Union, are honored that she is also a Wisconsin Union member who continues to support our role as the Division of Social Education and make the most of her membership benefits.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Laura made her way to Madison in 2004 to attend UW-Madison. For Laura, the choice to attend UW-Madison was an easy one.
“I loved the feel of UW-Madison,” Laura said.
While she earned her bachelor’s degree, she also honed her bowling skills at at the Union South Rec Center (now known as Sett Recreation) while on the UW-Madison Bowling Team and developed a passion for kinesiology that led her to helping the men’s football, hockey and basketball teams perform their best.
Laura’s bond to Madison is one solidified by countless memories and endless connections made at the university.
After graduation, Laura returned to California and now works for an entertainment agency’s information technology department. Are you blown away by her many talents yet? How about if we told you she’s still winning national bowling titles post-college?
Laura has bowled in the California State Tournament as well as the California State Singles Championship Tournament post-graduation and continues to perfect her craft to this day.
Though she lives in California, don’t worry, Badgers; this Renaissance woman frequently finds her way back to Madison. Laura returns to UW-Madison twice a year to cheer on the Badgers, enjoy her Wisconsin Union membership benefits, and experience the change in seasons that her west coast home doesn’t offer.
“UW-Madison is my second home. I was here for four years, and it’s part of me,” Laura said. “I come back to visit Union South’s bowling alley and spend time in Madison. So many memories took place here.”
As we mentioned, Laura also chose to give back to her alma mater by becoming a Wisconsin Union member. Laura said that she became a member after she realized she was coming back to Madison twice a year to cheer on UW-Madison’s athletes and to enjoy all the Wisconsin traditions we know and love.
For example, during at least one of her annual visits, Laura returns to Union South to take part in Madison’s best home football game tailgate party: Badger Bash. She also makes it a priority to stay after home football games for the infamous Fifth Quarter. During this post-game celebration, fans sing and dance with the band win-or-lose.
“I always stay for the Fifth Quarter,” Laura said. “I love when the band plays ‘Swing Town’. It’s an experience unlike any other.”
Laura also comes back during the hockey and basketball weekend to cheer on the Badgers in the winter months. No matter the reason for her Madison return, she always finds time to bowl a few strikes at Sett Rec and meet up with other Badgers whenever she is in town.
Laura advised that Wisconsin Union members make the most of their membership benefits, such as a 10 percent discount on bowling at Sett Recreation. She also advises that alumni become Union members because, in her words, “You’re going to come back more than you think.”
“Madison is such a special place and truly is like a second home,” Laura said. “I couldn’t imagine not coming back to visit.”
A Wisconsin Union membership offers exclusive discounts and privileges that you may not realize. Purchase your lifetime Union membership right after graduation for the best membership price we offer and start getting the most out of your Union membership! To learn more about a Union membership, go to: union.wisc.edu/membership-options.
And remember, wherever you go, you will always have a home at the Union.
