Terrace ViewsWINTER/SPRING

2 0 0 8VOL. 2, NO. 2

T H E W I S C O N S I N U N I O N

WU Theater—Journey of aLifetime Page 3

VISTA & TheMorgridge CenterPage 6

The Arts at theWisconsin UnionPage 7

100th AnniversaryCelebrationPage 8INSIDE:

2 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8

TerraceViews

Editorial DirectorsGlenda Noel-Ney

Julie Vincent - BS ‘74, MS ‘79

Membership CoordinatorIan Stewart

Contributing WritersJohn Barnhardt '08Courtney Byelich ‘08Kate Marcus ‘08

Amanda McGowan '08Emily Semmelman ‘09

Kris StepenuckForest Taylor '07

Editorial AdvisorsChris DuPré

Marc Kennedy ‘87Jan Montgomery ‘59

Assistant EditorMelissa Mamayek ‘06

Design, Layout andProduction

Jan Montgomery ‘59Connie ReevesMary RohrdanzJanet Trembley

Terrace Views is published threetimes a year by the WisconsinUnion and funded in part by the

Memorial Union BuildingAssociation (MUBA).

Address Comments or

Questions to:

Ian Stewart

Membership Office

Rm 410

Memorial Union

800 Langdon Street

Madison, WI 53706

Phone: (608) 262-2263

membership@union.wisc.edu

Web: www.union.wisc.edu

Cover photo by Connie Reeves

Letter From the Director

As I write this, Madison is comingout of its third batch of snow in lessthan a week and ice is just beginningto form on the edges of LakeMendota.

Most of the students have transitioned to theirwinter apparel, but you can still find theoccasional die-hard individuals, running betweenclasses with shorts on and a scarf around theirnecks. By the time this reaches most of you, thelake will likely be frozen over, the campus will bequietly awaiting the return of its students and theUnion will be ready to greet 2008 withanticipation and enthusiasm.

And what a year 2008 promises to be! This year marks the Union’s entry into anew century. You’ll find a collage of photos inside this issue of Terrace Views that giveyou a hint of the centennial celebration that we sponsored last November to honor theprevious 100 years. Over 200 Union family and friends were able to reconnect, shareold and new stories, and glimpse things to come. In an evening filled with memoriesfrom decades ago, there was new excitement for the Union’s future and its continuingimportance to the University and the City of Madison.

Highlights from the evening included remarks from Chancellor John Wiley, who,in addition to sharing personal reflections of his time at the Union, also chronicled theUnion’s storied history on campus. Mayor Dave Cieslewicz kept the audience institches by recounting his times on the Terrace and in der Rathskeller. With JohnBarnhardt, the Union’s president, serving as the evening’s host, we were able to bridgethe past with the present and provide a seamless transition to the future. Perhaps mostimportant of all, we were joined by many current members of some of the Union’sfounding families, including the family of Sherrill Randall, daughter of Porter Butts, theUnion’s first Director. It was truly a wonderful event.

We begin 2008 looking forward to the hundreds of Union programs and events –many of which you’ll find mentioned throughout this issue. In addition, our long rangebuilding project is finally underway and we should be in the beginning phase ofplanning and designing a new south campus union in the first few months of the year.We hope to see and hear from many of you during that time as we work to bring youthe best in programs and services today and into the future.

Best wishes for an enjoyable winter season,

Mark Guthier

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Travel the world without leavingMadison during the WisconsinUnion Theater’s spring 2008season, featuring exciting soundsand culture from throughout theworld.

The new year kicks off in style with SouthAfrica’s celebrated trumpeter Hugh Masekelaand his Chissa All-Stars bringing their uniquebrand of Afro pop jazz to the theater in lateJanuary.

The season sizzles in February with showslike “Tango Fire,” which melds soulfulArgentinean music with sensational dancing.That same month, journey back in time towar-torn Europe with Olympia Dukakis as shecreates a portrait of an 80-year-old Jewishwoman traveling from the Ukraine to Poland,and eventually the United States. The theaterwill also feature Gretchen Parlato andEsperanza Spaulding, two of the hottest newjazz stars, as well as The Academy of Ancient

Music with Richard Egarr, one of the world’sforemost period-instrument orchestras.

Don’t miss amazing pianist ChristopherO’Riley or mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade,who highlight the March theater calendaralong with the Complexions ContemporaryBallet, a troupe of high-voltage, high-wattageand high-energy multiracial dancers.

Music and sounds of the past arehighlighted in April with Anonymous Fourwith Darol Anger & Scott Nygaard, who willvocalize ancient music with a unique,contemporary Americana twist. Lila Downs,the Oaxaca-born composer and vocalistfeatured in the 2005 Madison World MusicFestival will also appear that month. In lateApril, the Wisconsin Public Radio Neale-SilvaYoung Artists Concert will showcase the best,award-winning young talent in Wisconsin.

The season concludes with the freeIsthmus Jazz Fest in June, where listeners canenjoy three days of jazz from around theworld, including the amazing Roy Haynes,who performed with Louis Armstrong, JohnColtrane, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.

A discussion about the Wisconsin UnionTheater lineup would not be complete withoutmentioning the venerable Annual TravelAdventure Films Series. The 48th editionoffers glimpses into Egypt in February, Irelandin March and ends with a trip to the Sahel inMarch and April.

For more information, visitwww.uniontheater.wisc.edu

—Emily Semmelman ‘09

Time for a Journey of a Lifetime—in the Wisconsin Union Theater The new year kicks off in style

when South Africa’s celebratedtrumpeter Hugh Masekela andhis Chissa All-Stars bring theirunique brand of Afro pop jazzto the Theater in late January.

Hugh Masekela Olympia Dukakis Lila Downs

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SPRING EXHIBITIONSFriday, February 1 -Tuesday, March 11

PORTER BUTTSGALLERYArtworks by the Desire forNormality art collective

CLASS OF 1925 GALLERYA collection of 1960sephemera and posters fromMadison by Jim Huberty

LAKEFRONT ONLANGDON GALLERYRecent additions to theUnion Art Collection fromthe estate of ellsworth snyder

THEATER GALLERYPhotographs by RalphSandler

80th ANNUAL STUDENTART SHOWFriday, April 4 -Friday, April 25

PORTER BUTTS & CLASSOF 1925 GALLERIES80th Annual Student ArtShow juried exhibition ofworks by UW-Madisonstudents

LAKEFRONT ONLANGDON & THEATERGALLERIESExhibitions of works from theUnion Art Collection,curated by members of theWUD Art Committee

SPRING MFAEXHIBITIONSFriday, May 2 -Wednesday, May 14

PORTER BUTTS & CLASSOF 1925 GALLERIESExhibitions of works by twoUW-Madison Master of FineArts degree candidates

LAKEFRONT ONLANGDON & THEATERGALLERIESExhibitions of works from theUnion Art Collection,curated by members of theWUD Art Committee(continued from April)

WISCONSIN PUBLICTELEVISION ART &ANTIQUES AUCTIONPREVIEWMonday, May 19 -Saturday, May 24

PORTER BUTTS & CLASSOF 1925 GALLERIESExhibitions of selected itemsto be featured in theWisconsin Public TelevisionArt & Antiques Auction

LAKEFRONT ONLANGDON & THEATERGALLERIESExhibitions of works from theUnion Art Collection,curated by members of theWUD Art Committee(continued from April)

Student Art Show—A Cherished TraditionEnjoy the best of contemporary artproduced at UW-Madison at the80th Annual Student Art ShowApril 4-25, 2008.

Pieces will be displayed in two MemorialUnion galleries – the Porter Butts Gallery andthe Class of 1925 Gallery.

“This is one of the coolest traditions thisorganization has,” said Robin Schmoldt,Wisconsin Union Art and Film Advisor. “Aslong as we have had a building, we have had astudent art show.”

The show consists of all student-produced artwork. Any student enrolled atUW-Madison can submit up to three piecesof art into the show for consideration. Thestudent art committee then selects twoprofessional jurors to decide whichsubmissions will be displayed in the galleries.Within days of the decision, the student artcommittee must install all the works andopen the show.

The Sally Owen Marshall Best in ShowAward is given to the artist with the best work

displayed. The one dollar entry fee proceedsare awarded as cash prizes to recipientsselected by active members of the WUD ArtCommittee. Additionally, the Union ArtCommittee selects pieces to be purchasedwith the Class of 1930 Purchase Fund andPorter Butts Art Fund. The works will beincluded in the Union’s permanent artcollection. Many works hanging on the wallsof Memorial Union and Union South arepieces purchased from past student art shows.

According to Robin, the highlight of thestudent art show is the blend of students whoparticipate. “We get to see these students atthe start of their art careers,” Robin said.“Some will track into the art world. Forothers, art is a passionate sideline.”

The show is a learning experience for thestudent artists and committee members, aswell. They have the opportunity to learn howto submit work and how the jury processoperates.

As part of the student art show, artcommittee members will curate an additionalshow in the Theater and Lakefront onLangdon galleries featuring pieces purchased

from past student art shows that are now partof the Union’s permanent collection.

The 80th annual show represents the pasttradition of art in the Union and acontinuance of its role in the future as theUnion looks to restore Memorial Union andbuild a new south campus union.

“We are entering an interesting andexciting time,” Robin said of the buildingproject. “Time will tell how that will affectthe way art is used.”

For more information about the student artshow, visit the Union art committee’s Website at www.union.wisc.edu/art.

Wisconsin Union Gallery Schedule

Juror and students at Student Art Show

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 5

The American Canoe Association,a national leader for promotingpaddlesports and riverconservation, recently recognizedthe Hoofer Outing Club foroffering opportunities to canoeand kayak by awarding the clubthe J. Henry Rushton Award.

The Club joins organizations such as the U.S.Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety andSubaru of America as a winner of thisprestigious award.

“This is a wonderful recognition for theoutstanding community, education and funthat the Hoofer Outing Club and Hooferscreate,” said Hoofer Advisor Jim Rogers.With over 400 members, the Hoofer OutingClub is one of the largest of the six WisconsinHoofers clubs that also include the Sailing,

Mountaineering, Riding, SCUBA, and Skiand Snowboard Clubs.

A major role of the Hoofer Outing Clubis to offer education and trips for individualsto learn to canoe and kayak. Over 550 peopleper year are introduced to the sport throughthe club. Newcomers learn basic paddlingtechniques on the quiet waters of LakeMendota in introductory lessons. Volunteertrip leaders organize weekly summertimeoutings to nearby Prairie du Sac Dam on theWisconsin River to allow both new andexperienced boaters to hone their paddlingand safety skills in moving water. Recreationalcanoeing trips include weekly moonlight tripsto Picnic Point on Lake Mendota, shortexcursions onto nearby rivers and occasionalexpedition trips to wilderness areas ofWisconsin and beyond. Sea kayakers canpaddle locally or explore places like the shoresof Door County, Pictured Rocks or theApostle Islands, while whitewater kayakers

often travel to northern Wisconsin and theUpper Peninsula of Michigan for fun in therapids.

“If you are interested in learning to canoeor kayak, Hoofers is a great club to join,” saidHoofer Outing Club paddling leader KrisStepenuck. “Leaders focus on making learningfun but still focus on safety on the water.”Participation in the club is open to Universityof Wisconsin-Madison students, faculty andstaff, as well as to community members whohave joined the Wisconsin Union. The Clubowns a variety of canoes, kayaks and othergear needed to participate in the sport,making it very accessible for members to takepart in lessons and trips.

For more information about the club visitwww.hoofers.org or call the WisconsinHoofers office at 608-262-1630.

Yoga at the Union: Fulfilling a Community NeedMany large corporations and organizations are responding to employee needs by providing workout facilities and organized,

instructor-led fitness programs right at work. The Wisconsin Union has limited resources, but that does not mean there isn’t away. A good example is the popular Yoga At Noon Mini Course.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, a Memorial Union meeting room fills with students, faculty, staff, including a numberof Union employees, and Union Members to get their yoga fix. This started in the summer seven years ago with a single Mondaynoon class proposed by instructor Lisa Lawrence. Now, options include classes three days a week, a number of after work, as wellas late afternoon courses, all year ‘round.

The courses have also served as a training platform for some students to get their yoga instructor certification, includingMary Hoddy, the Union’s Staff Education Coordinator. Some of those students have gone on to become Mini Course instructorson their own.

The success of this program is just one great example of 35-plus yearsof the Wisconsin Union Mini Course program administering to thelearning needs of the University community.

SOME UPCOMING MINI COURSES INCLUDE:Mosaic Address Stones Mondays, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Feb. 11 & 18.Screenwriting Basics Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Feb. 14 to March 6Appreciating The Opera Wednesdays, 7 – 9:30p.m., April 2 – 23Chinese Calligraphy Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., April 12

These are just a few examples of the over 120 unique learningopportunities offered by your Wisconsin Union Mini Course program.The full course listing can be found at www.wisc.edu/minicourses or inour printed Break Away catalog – call 262-3156 if you haven’t receiveda copy.

Hoofer Outing Club Recognized Nationally

Mary Hoddy (left), the Wisconsin Union’s Staff EducationCoordinator, helps Lisa Lawrence (right) teach lunch-time yogacourses for the University community three days a week atMemorial Union.

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Bridging Campus and Community at theMorgridge Center

News in BriefThe Upholstery shop is excited to announce

the banners on the front of the building can belowered and changed for events. Now, an eventat the Union can be celebrated with a flag on thefront of the building.

The Craftshop now offers “Do ItYourself ” options. DIY projects includepainting ceramics, creating mosaics, maskmaking and other projects available veryinexpensively in the Craftshop to do either byyourself or with a group of friends.

“We are here to try andstrengthen the community,especially campus,” said AutumnHensel, an AmeriCorps VISTAvolunteer.

Autumn Hensel is working at the MorgridgeCenter for Public Service to help bridge civicinvolvement on the UW-Madison campus andin the broader Madison community.

Autumn started working at the MorgridgeCenter in August 2007. She runs a programknown as the Madison Campus CommunityCollaborative, working in partnership withnon-profit organizations such as the YWCA,Urban League of Greater Madison, CentroHispano and Edgewood College. All of theseorganizations have an AmeriCorps VISTAvolunteer, with the exception of CentroHispano, which is still recruiting. Together, theVISTAs collaborate to address the needs ofthese community organizations, particularlyvolunteering needs.

“We don’t want campus to be separatefrom the community,” Autumn said. “Whenengaged directly, needs are met successfully.”

Funded by a three-year grant fromWisconsin Campus Compact, the programtrained Autumn and the other VISTAmembers to develop relationships among theorganizations. “The hope,” Autumn said, “is toestablish sustainable relationships once thevolunteers are done with the three-year terms.”

Their collaborative efforts focus onempowering families and children in poverty.Working together to provide support for eachorganization, the Madison CampusCommunity Collaborative addresses severaltroubling statistics in Madison. For example,Autumn related that Wisconsin has the largestgap between black and white family poverty

rates and unemployment rates in the nation,and Latino high school students are five timesmore likely to drop out of high school thannon-Latinos.

The collaborative program improves theseconditions by addressing the needs ofindividual organizations. For the Urban Leagueof Greater Madison, Autumn places collegestudents as volunteer tutors and mentorsthrough the Schools of Hope program toreduce the achievement gap in Madisonschools.

“The YWCA has a wide variety of needsand opportunities for volunteers includingvolunteering as interpreters and helping withGirl Neighborhood Power program. At CentroHispano, volunteers are needed to serve asinterpreters and tutors to address anachievement gap as a result of language

barrier,” she said.At the Morgridge Center, Autumn works

on campus to promote awareness and toestablish relationships with studentorganizations to help meet their needs.

“[This program] is bettering the Madisoncommunity through direct connection,”Autumn said. “The campus and university isintimidating. It’s huge. There are lots ofconnections. It’s nice to have someone theremaking those connections for you.”

Autumn urges students and communitymembers who want to get involved with theprogram to start at the Morgridge Center Website www.morgridge.wisc.edu, or contact her atthe Morgridge Center 608-262-0731.

—Amanda McGowan ‘08

Tutor and UW-Madison undergraduate Katherine Gormley works on a history homework assignment with eighthgrader Margaret Crawford (right) at Georgia O'Keeffe Middle School during an after-school Homework Club

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 7

Union Students and Staff Travel to New York Cityfor Artistic InspirationThe Union Theater, art galleries,Mini Courses, the UnionCraftshop, open mic nights, filmscreenings and more.

The Union is filled with the arts. It breathesthe arts. It lives through the arts.

As the Wisconsin Union renovates theMemorial Union and re-invents a new southcampus union, it faces the challenge and thejoy of finding a place for the arts in thesenew spaces. In September 2007, a group ofUnion staff and students traveled to NewYork City for inspiration on how toincorporate the arts into these new Unionspaces.

According to Susan Dibbell, AssistantDirector for Social Education, they had greatcompany in the city. “There are a lot ofalumni who live and work in the arts in NewYork,” Susan said. “We wanted to talk topeople who knew us.”

WUD Art Director Christie Wilmot gotideas of how to display art in a new southcampus union and in the Memorial Union.One space she admired was the Tisch Schoolof the Arts at New York University, which

contained art gallery hallways at anglesexposing viewers to windows. “When youwalked by a window, the art inside wasvisible from the street,” Christie explained.“It made you want to go in.”

For Erin Hallbauer, WUD FilmDirector, the trip sparked ideas for theatervenues, open spaces and architecturaldesigns. “I learned we can have a small,intimate theater and make it work for thegrowing population on campus,” Erin said.

Quoctrung Bui, WUD Music Director,said he saw many musical performanceswhich motivated him to be more creative inusing performance spaces at the Union. “Wehave space and we put music in it,” Bui said.He added that a new building design shouldinclude a dedicated performance area. “Weneed a space for music.”

Aside from touring the city, meetingUW-Madison alumni was a high point ofErin’s trip. “They were in our shoes. Theyused what they learned at the Union andmade something of themselves,” she said. “Itwas cool to have that connection.”

On the last day, the students met withfuturist Garry Golden, who was a formerDistinguished Lecture Series director and

other alumni, for a group vision exercise tothink about a new south campus union.Overall, the New York trip was a success toall who paricipated. The next challenge willbe to turn the inspiration from New Yorkinto reality.

“Finding balance is going to be thetoughest thing, and conveying the messageto the architects,” she said. “We’re the heartand soul of the university, but it’s hard to tellif they’ve not experienced it for themselves.”

—Amanda McGowan ‘08

The Group in Central Park.

Wisconsin Union Building Initiative UpdateIn late October, the Wisconsinstate budget finally passed, fourmonths overdue, and with itsapproval, plans to build a newsouth campus union are finallygoing forward in a big way.

Four architectural teams, (each team includes anational design firm and a Wisconsin-basedfirm) toured the Memorial Union and UnionSouth on November 13. With interviewstaking place on December 3 and a decision onan architect expected by mid-December, thingswill be well under way by January. A buildingproject kickoff event is expected to be held inmid-February.

Though plans are entering a new phase,

student involvement remains the foundation ofthe project. “We’re really trying, as thingsmove forward, to keep students conscious ofand involved with the project,” said DavidChristopher, a senior majoring in humangeography and group leader for the WisconsinUnion Initiative.

One unique idea to support studentinvolvement is an “evolving wall” at MemorialUnion, consisting of a wall of blank paper onwhich students can write opinions, concernsand questions about the project. “The idea isthat students could walk into the Union andwrite down thoughts and ideas,” said David.“On a regular basis, we’ll collect the input. Wereally just want to make this as inviting andtransparent as possible.”

Other ways in which the WisconsinUnion Initiative student group is working to

ensure that the student voice is heard are:connecting to student groups andorganizations, inviting students to socials andcreating newspaper articles and fliers. Otherpoints of contact include a Web site(newunion.wisc.edu), an AIM account(UnionProject101) and a Facebook account(Wisconsinunion Buildingproject).

“The Union has been, and will continueto be, a champion of student engagement andempowerment. The design process will be noexception,” said Shayna Hetzel, 2008candidate for master of public affairs. “Howfitting it is, having just celebrated the Union’spast with the 100th anniversary, to now worktowards preserving a future. I can’t imaginebeing a part of another organization.”

—Forest Taylor ‘07

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Wisconsin Union: 100th AnniversaryOn the evening of November 9, 2007, the Wisconsin Union celebrated its centennial anniversary as an organizationon campus. One hundred years ago, the men of the Iron Cross Society answered President Charles Van Hise’s call fora student union, a place where students and faculty could come together outside of the classroom. In its 100 years,the Union has brought memories and experiences truly unmatched by unions throughout the world. As the Unionembarks on its next 100 years, over 200 guests – including Union trustees, alumni, staff and students – gathered toremember the past, cherish the present and celebrate the future of the beloved Wisconsin Union.

Former Union Director Ted Crabb has been a key part in theorganization’s success throughout the years.

Chancellor Wiley spoke of the Union’s importance to theUniversity of Wisconsin campus in one of the many speechesduring the 100th Anniversary dinner presentation.

"Both unions have served us well as social,cultural, educational and recreationalcenters on our campus and they willcontinue to do so in their next century."—Chancellor WileyUnion President John Barnhardt and former Union Director Ted Crabb lead everyone in a toast to the great

accomplishments of the Wisconsin Union in the organization’s first 100 years.

Union Director Mark Guthier enjoys the company of over 200 guests at the Union’s centennial celebration.

“There is a special feeling in a room whenit is filled with Union family and friends,and this evening was a tremendousexample of that.”—Mark Guthier

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 9

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz conversing with Union Family members.

"It was an historic evening in Madison. The Union has contributed so manyimportant experiences that have shaped the lives of countless alumni. This place isengrained in Wisconsin history. And for those of us lucky enough to be alumniliving in Madison it is still the place to meet friends, hear live music, watch a sunsetor, if you're like me, play a few hands of Sheepshead. It was touching to be in thecompany of so many good friends of a great old building."—Dave Cieslewicz

MUBA Trustee Barbara Manley, her husband Frank, andNancy and Don Olson catch up with each other at theUnion’s 100th anniversary reception.

MUBA Trustee Jeff Bartell, his wife Angela, and MUBATrustee Dan Erdman gather to celebrate the Union’saccomplishments.

MUBA Trustee Ann Prisland socializes andcelebrates the Union’s accomplishments.

Sheri Carter , MUBA Trustee Pam Garvey, and RachelO’Leary enjoy the Union’s 100th anniversary reception.

“What a special evening. Itwas so great to see former

officers and WUDcommittee directors”

—Ted Crabb

Assistant Director of Social Education Susan Dibbell bonds with recent graduates Jenna Riedi and NinaPascucci, celebrating the Union organization.

10 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8

“I came to Madison from NewYork, so I didn’t think the coldwould be a big deal,” BobNewman explained in recountinghis freshman year at theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison. “I still remember myfirst November here. My bestfriend, who was from Boston,and I looked at each other andagreed that we should transfer toArizona.”

Bob didn’t transfer to Arizona. He finishedhis BA in history at UW-Madison in 1965.Though he found himself able to surviveWisconsin’s fickle climate, Bob has sincediscovered a warmer, more inviting one. Heis currently a partner in Dak Realty, a realestate brokerage company specializing inselling, leasing and managing of commercialand industrial properties in downtown LosAngeles.

Even though he’s currently on the otherside of the country, enjoying 70-degreewinters, Bob still has fond memories ofUW-Madison and the Wisconsin Union.During the 1963-64 school year, Bobserved as chairman of the house committeeat the Union. During this time, the collegemovement against the Vietnam conflict was

just beginning to gather steam. In fact, itwas on the steps of the Union that Bob sawhis first “Make love, not war” sign.

By far, though, Bob’s most strikingmemory of the Union revolves around theassassination of President Kennedy in 1963.“I remember I was sitting in the library andone of my friends ran up and said thatKennedy had just been assassinated,” Bobrecounted. “I picked up my books and, justfrom instinct, ran to the Union. You haveto remember that these were the electronicdark ages, and the Union had one of thefew television sets on campus. I rememberrushing up to the front doors and seeingthe chairman of Forum on the front stepswith tears streaming down her face. I didn’thave to see anything else. I knew thePresident was dead.

“On a cold November afternoon, theday of the funeral, the University organizeda march that started at the Union and wentup past the statue of Lincoln on BascomHill,” Bob continued. “The Uniondirectorate marched as a group and, to thelast person, the entire directorate wasthere.”

Not all of Bob’s memories of the Unionare turbulent. “I remember running into

Carol Skornicka, Union President 1962-‘63, while I was walking out ofRennenbohm’s (now Walgreens on StateStreet) and she said, ‘Squinty McGinty, goto the eye doctor.’ I did and I’ve beenwearing glasses since.”

Recently, Bob and his wife were able toenjoy the Union, and a warmer than usualOctober, on a trip back to Madison. One oftheir stops was, of course, the UnionTerrace, where Bob enjoyed meeting withUnion Theater Director Ralph Russo.Walking through a building that he spentso much time in as a student, Bob waspleased to find the Union instantly familiarand welcoming.

“The Union hasn’t changed much,”said Bob, “It’s still the same. When I cameto Wisconsin, for me, the Union becamelike a family. It was a place to hang your haton, to call home.” And though he no longerfrequents the halls of the Union, it is, andwill remain, a home.

—Forest Taylor ‘07

Union Sightings

Ralph Russo, Wisconsin Union Theater Director, and Mark Guthier, Wisconsin Union Director pose with BobNewman, his wife Shirley and daughter, Dana.

“I remember running intoCarol Skornicka, UnionPresident 1962-‘63, while Iwas walking out ofRennenbohm’s (now Walgreenson State Street) and she said,‘Squinty McGinty, go to theeye doctor.’ I did and I’ve beenwearing glasses since.”

—Bob Newman

Reflections FromTed CrabbAt the University of Wisconsin-Madison, theWisconsin Union is more than a union–it’s arecognized university division—the Division ofSocial Education.

Its charge is to provide a wide ranging social, cultural andrecreational program complementing and enhancing classroomlearning.

Programming was part of the Union’s mission from thestart, but it did not receive formal designation as a universitydivision until 1935. That year, the Board of Regents recognized

the Union as an integral part of the university’s educational program. The Board identified three areas inwhich the Union would carry out its educational responsibilities:

1. Providing opportunities for out-of-class learning and for interaction between students and facultymembers in non-classroom settings.

2. Teaching professional aspects of community service, including citizenship training, leadership skilldevelopment and linking academic courses to serving the greater community.

3. Developing Union facilities as laboratories and Union staff as supplemental faculty to enrichcourses university departments offer in related fields.

Basic to its charge is the Union’s commitment as a student-led organization, students develop policyfor the organization, chart its programming and chair its committees. In doing so, they learn leadershipskills they will take with them into their work and their community life. Jeffrey Bartell and JudyVanderMeulen Crain are two examples of Union-trained leaders. Both are Board of Regent members; bothhave long histories as community leaders.

In ThisIssue

Reflections from a past

Union President

Page 13

New Associate Trustee

started with Student

“Friendship Hour”

Page 14

Al Schwarz: A Career

in Show Biz started

at the Union

Page 16

Patricia Wells:

A Culinary Dream from

the Union to Paris

Page 18

Wild GRAPEVINEWINTER/SPRING 2008 CONNECT ING YOU TO WISCONSIN UNION FRIENDS & FAMILY

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 11

Continued on page 12

12 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8

The Union’s social education functionis implemented in a myriad of ways.Union committee members and directorslearn as they plan programs, as well asthrough the programs themselves, whetherthey are lectures, performances of classicalmusic or dance, art exhibitions in thegallery, Mini Courses, time in the craftshop or Hoofer activities.

During the past few years, forexample, Hoofer members have workedwith a member of the UW KinesiologyDepartment to offer an accessible sailingprogram. With the support of the BessmanEndowment Fund and the leadership ofPaul Schoenherr, the program has made itpossible for dozens of people to get out onthe water for the first time. Many of theseindividuals might have never sailedwithout this program. The Hoofer RidingClub has worked on equine healthproblems with the university’s Departmentof Veterinary Medicine and on soil erosionconcerns with the Department of CivilEngineering.

In the coming year, the Theater

Committee will bring Olympia Dukakis tothe Union in her Broadway hit “Rose.”While she is here, she will teach a three-hour seminar and master class in acting forthe Theater & Drama Department. TheFilm Committee has sponsored a numberof programs and projects. Among them isa Wisconsin Film Festival volunteerposition responsible for working with theUW Arts Institute to plan and implementall aspects of the Wisconsin Film Festival.The Wisconsin Film Festival is the state’spremier film festival, running for four daysthroughout Madison. Another was thecommittee’s sponsorship of a social andeducational discussion with Jim Hirsch,one of Hollywood's most inventive andsuccessful writer-producers, and RichRemis, a video editor. Both UW graduateswere in town to teach in theCommunication Arts Department. Hirschis an adjunct professor in Film and, since2005, has been teaching a master’s class inscreenwriting. Remis is a successful videoeditor specializing in reality TV. Theydiscussed their careers with a student

audience and showed clips of their work.The Distinguished Lecture Series

Committee seeks program co-sponsorshipfor each lecture from an academicdepartment. Often the department willhelp financially, but beyond that, facultyare invited to the dinner and reception forthe speaker and play a part in the programitself. On many occasions, DLS sponsorslecture-related programs, using facultyfrom relevant departments.

In these and hundreds of otherexamples, the Union has continued tofulfill the educational responsibilities thatcome with designation as the Division ofSocial Education. Although many aspectsof student life have changed in more than70 years, the need for leadership trainingand the desire for cultural and serviceopportunities beyond the classroom hasnot. Education in those areas will continueto play a large role in the Union’s mission.

Reflections from Ted Crabb—continued from page 13

NEWS FLASH! Terrace Views is going online!

Dear Union Members,We are pleased to announce that

beginning with our Winter/ Spring issue,Terrace Views will be available on our Website. We have implemented a subscriptionservice that allows you to be notified when ithas been posted—well before copies will bein the mail.

For those of you who would rather readTerrace Views online, please go towww.union.wisc.edu/terraceviewssubscribeand fill out your subscription information.All you need to sign up is your name, anactive email address and the ID numberprinted on the back page of this publicationnext to your name.

If you have any questions, or haveproblems subscribing, please contact IanStewart at (608) 262-2263 to assist you.

Reflections from a past Union PresidentInterviewed by John Barnhardt • Written by Amanda McGowan

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 13

In November, John Barnhardt,Union president for 2007-08, satdown for a phone conversationwith Jerry Wulk PhB ’46 BS ’47to discuss Jerry’s experiences asUnion president 60 years ago.Jerry, who now resides in LongBeach, Calif., was Unionpresident in 1945-46.

The two had met during John’s trip toCalifornia earlier this year, and theirconversation was largely similar to two oldfriends catching up. Through their laughs,John found Jerry’s experience as Unionpresident differed greatly from his, yet, alsohad some distinct connections to today.

To start, Jerry reminded John that alarge part of Jerry’s memories of the Unioninvolved the Haresfoot Club. Students suchas Fredric March, Spencer Tracy and DonAmeche were all Haresfoot members.Together, the club traveled all over Chicago.

“It was really quite a deal,” Jerry said.“One time a Methodist guild pulled thecurtain on us because they said it wasobscene!”

Jerry was a director of the theatercommittee before becoming president andhe won best supporting actor for a role in aHaresfoot performance. He recalled thedays when men had to play both male andfemale parts.

“Thank the lord I was too tall to be agirl!” Jerry said.

“Haresfoot was very, very fascinating,”Jerry went on. “Alfred Lunt and LynnFontaine were the most famous man andwoman group of that period. They did alltheir premieres at the Union Theater.”

While John recognized the importanceof the Haresfoot Club as one of the Union’s

innovative programs, the nextmemory Jerry recalled is atradition no longer observed oncampus–Junior Prom Court.

“That was a big socialaffair,” Jerry said. “It was awonderful way to start yourcareer at the university.”

Jerry was voted Junior PromKing while at UW-Madison.

“Oh gosh, that’s crazy,” Jerrysaid, adding that talking aboutjunior prom court “really datesyou.”

Jerry reminded John thatone of the things that separatedthe Union from others was itsability to sell 3.2 alcohol contentbeer. “It’s still a rarity for unions to servebeer,” John said. “When we travel todifferent unions, we are recognized asmembers of the Wisconsin Union by ourcuriosity in the presence of pubs and beer atthe Union, since we were one of the first.”Today the number of unions that serve beerhas grown to over 100.

As president in 2007-2008, John isworking on an even larger project to buildon Jerry and other past presidents’ legacies –design plans for a new south campus unionand renovations for the existing MemorialUnion. John and Jerry, 62 years apart,have both taken the Union to new andinspiring places.

Jerry graduated UW-Madison with aPhB – a bachelor of philosophy.

“Nobody knew what the hell it was.None of us could get a job,” Jerry saidlaughing. Jerry then earned a bachelor ofscience in education and speech and got ajob teaching in Lake Geneva without even apersonal interview. Jerry went on to earn amaster of arts and master of education atthe University of Southern California.

John will graduate in May with abachelor’s degree in legal studies andsociology and hopes to go on to law school.

Through their talk, Jerry and Johnfound life has changed for the Unionpresident on campus in the past 62 years.Jerry recalled a place called Shortie’s, wherehe used to go have bratwurst, equivalent to

State Street Brats of today.Aspects of student life are still very

similar too; for example, Badger games.Jerry, as a student, attended Badger footballgames. He said he even knew a few of thecheerleaders. While Jerry hasn’t been backto Madison in years, John assured himCamp Randall still stands where it alwayshas, despite great renovations.

In the end, the two are broughttogether by a special position they have incommon – leader of the Union. There is abond amongst Union leaders, acrossgenerations and the country, a specialconnection and ease that amazes John.

“The Union was the place,” Jerry said.“I’m sure it still is. It meant a great deal toall of us.”

Today, John builds on what Jerryaccomplished at the Union 62 years ago andkeeps in mind not everything has changedthe Union’s presidential role through thattime.

“We still drink beer at the Rathskeller.We still go to football games. We mighteven still meet up with the cheerleaders,”John said. Transcending time, the bond ofthose involved with the Union is one of themost inspiring parts of the organization.

John Barnhardt and Jerry Wulk

Jerry Wulk is an emeritus Director ofInternational Alumni Affairs at theUniversity of Southern California

“The union was the place. I’msure it still is. It meant a greatdeal to all of us.”—Jerry Wulk

14 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8

New Associate Trustee startedwith Student Friendship Hour

Dr. Vinod (“Vin”) Sahney wasborn in India, where he receivedhis bachelor’s degree inmechanical engineering fromthe Birla Institute of Technologyin 1963.

The same year, he traveled to America andattended Purdue University, gaining hismaster’s in mechanical engineering. In1965, Vin found himself at the Universityof Wisconsin-Madison, where he workedtowards his doctorate in industrialengineering and operation research.

“When I came to Wisconsin, they hadan orientation program for the foreignstudents. Since I was a foreign studentmyself and I had a car, they asked me tohelp, picking up students from the airportor bus station,” remembered Vin. “I helpedthe foreign students acclimate themselves tothe University and showed them around thecampus and helped them to get settled inthe dorm or apartment.”

This involvement with foreign studentseventually led him to the Wisconsin Union’sInternational Club, where he chaired“Friendship Hour,” a Sunday eveningprogram that featured debates amongstudents. He chaired Friendship Hourduring the 1965-66 and 1966-67 academicyears. In fall 1966, during directorateelections, Vin was chosen as the

International Club president.“It was at the Union that I met my

wife,” Vin said. “In those days, the graduateclub at the Union sponsored TGIFreceptions every Friday afternoon that werevery well attended. It was at one of thesethat we first met.” His wife, Gail, receivedher bachelors and masters degrees fromUW-Madison. Vin was also an activemember of Hoofers and spent time learninghow to sail and participating in ski trips.

While pursuing his doctorate in thespring of 1966, Vin was approached by EdConnors, superintendent of the UniversityHospital, who needed an engineeringstudent for a consulting project. Thisexperience introduced him to the health-care field, where he has spent much of hiscareer. In 1988, he helped found theInstitute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI),a not-for-profit organization that is thelargest health-care improvementorganization in the world. “We helphospitals and health-care organizationsimplement best practices, patient safety,quality and also teach them how to reducewaste,” he said. He continues to be anactive member of the organization, servingas chairman of the board for the past sixyears.

Vin spent 25 years at Henry FordHealth System in Detroit as chief strategyofficer before moving to Boston.

Today, Vin is the senior vice president

and chief strategy officer for CorporateStrategy, Planning and BusinessDevelopment at Blue Cross Blue Shield ofMassachusetts. In addition, he has served asa visiting professor at the HarvardUniversity Executive Programs in healthpolicy and management for the past 30years. He is the author of more than 50articles in peer review journals, two booksand ten chapters in books on health-caremanagement. He has been elected to boththe Institute of Medicine and the NationalAcademy of Engineering. He has taughthealth policy and management across theworld, from Sweden to Australia.

Vin continues to work to improvehealth care, with a focus on quality and costeffectiveness. He was also an active memberof the University of Wisconsin alumnichapter in Detroit and served as chairmanof the scholarship committee for manyyears. Now the Wisconsin Union andMemorial Union Building Associationwelcome him as a new Associate Trusteeand look forward to his contributions to thefuture of the Union.

—Forest Taylor ‘07

“When I came to Wisconsin,they had an orientationprogram for the foreignstudents. Since I was a foreignstudent myself and I had acar, they asked me to help,picking up students from theairport or bus station. I helpedthe foreign students acclimatethemselves to the Universityand showed them around thecampus and helped them toget settled in the dorm orapartment.” —Vin Sahney

Vinod Sahney (left) and his wife Gail (right) sailing Lake Mendota.

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 15

From Cookies to Programming Art: The Confessions of aTheater Committee DirectorBy Courtney Byelich

As a freshman in Ogg Hall, theidea of joining a studentorganization, bolstered by thepromise of free cookies and thingsinvolving theater, sparked myattention. That initial TheaterCommittee meeting, held on thehistoric stage, won me overimmediately.

From that moment on, the WisconsinUnion Theater became an integral part ofmy college career. Over the past three yearswith the Theater, I’ve listened to a bluesyfado voice, clapped along with Rajastanisnake charmers and Tuvan throat singers,danced the hora circling the seats, watchedas dancers leaped with giant streamersattached to their backs, learned the basics ofmusic from the Romantic period at thehands of famous classical artists and lovedevery minute of it all.

As the WUD Theater CommitteeDirector this year, I’m hoping to conveythat love and sense of importance of theUnion Theater to a new group of

unsuspecting, theater-loving students. Thecommittee helps produce every theatershow, whether it’s helping to choose theartists, chalking up and down Bascom Hillto promote the event or even welcoming theperformers to Madison.

This year, one of the committee goals isto spread the word about the Union Theaterblog (http://the-marquee.blog.com). We’rehoping to create a place where thecommittee can share behind-the-scenesinformation and other things we’ve learnedabout the artists who perform here, as wellas new and exciting events here at theUnion Theater. In addition, we’d like theblog to be a place where our audience cangive us their feedback and suggestions forfuture performances.

While cookies and the prospect ofhanging out around a stage won me overinitially to the Wisconsin Union Theater,I’ve since entered a whole new realm ofsatisfaction in working here. At our recentAndrew Bird concert, I had the distinctpleasure of trying to chat with Bird himself,a man decidedly more focused on makingmusic than on witty banter. In an ill-fatedattempt at conversation, I tried to

complement him on his sandals andmanaged to, well, put my foot in mymouth.

As I joined the standing ovation laterthat evening following Bird’s performance, Iwondered what other student organizationwould have provided such a uniqueopportunity.

Read the full account of Courtney’s faux paswith Bird in the blog.

—Courtney Byelich ’08

Awards Honor Work Well DoneLisa Wadzinske, Wisconsin Union catering,received this year’s Porter Butt’s CreativeAchievement Award. Award recipients arenon-student Union employees who havedemonstrated outstanding creativity in theworkplace. Porter Butts was the first Uniondirector, serving from 1926 to 1968.During his time at the Union, Porterinitiated a number of creative firsts, helpingto set the Union on its current path.

The Chalis Sherven Award went to JudiBenade, who works in Information Systems.Recipients epitomize excellence in theworkplace, maintain a positive attitude andregularly try to improve the WisconsinUnion. Recipients are also friendly, helpful

and considerate, while motivating others toachieve these qualities. Chalis was thestoreroom supervisor and worked at theUnion from 1947 to 1989.

Congratulations to both Lisa andJudi! Thank you for all that youdo for the Union!

Courtney Byelich

Lisa Wadzinske

Troy Suski presents the Chalis Sherven Award to JudiBenade.

When Al Schwartz’s parents movedtheir son into his tiny atticapartment on the corner of Millsand Johnson Streets in 1951, theywere worried. The Chicago nativearrived in Madison following juniorcollege to continue his highereducation knowing no one.

Al reassured his apprehensive parents he wouldbe fine in this strange new city. “My parentssaid, ‘Are you going to be all right?’” Alrecalled. “I said, ‘Yes, I’ll be all right.’ TheUnion was one of the first places I headed.That was the beginning of the best part of mylife. The Union became my headquarters.”

As a student, Al found a diversity ofpeople in the Union’s Rathskeller to talk with,including a multitude of theater students. Alspent his time there smoking pipes, buyingbeer and engaged in good conversation. “Wefelt very, very grown up, and it was a safeatmosphere,” he said.

At a student orientation at the Union, Alencountered E.C. Reynolds, a popularperformer on campus. Watching him on stage,Al really envied Reynolds. “I thought, ‘Thatwould be great if I could ever be in a positionto be on this stage,’” Al said. “There was somuch energy and enthusiasm from thestudents.”

In time, he became involved in the Unionthrough the Haresfoot Club, producingmusical comedy shows that toured Wisconsin.

According to Al, Wisconsin Haresfoot was thesecond oldest touring theatrical group, amonggroups from Princeton and Yale. The HaresfootClub claimed the Union as its headquartersand performed several shows, includingBroadway and original performances.

During this time it was prohibited to havemales and females traveling together, limitingall Haresfoot performers to men. So menplayed both male and female roles, invokingthe statement, “All of our girls are men, yeteveryone’s a lady.”

In addition to the Haresfoot Club, Alperformed as a stand-up comic at the Union’sClub 770 and created the Entertainers’ Guildfor student performers, which made the Unionits office. “We felt very grown up and veryshow biz-y,” Al said.

While at UW-Madison, Al also emceedthe humorology shows. In 1953, Al recalledemceeing a show when the power went out inMadison. Al went on stage during the blackoutand kept the audience occupied. Fan Taylor,then director of the Union Theater, roundedup 40 flashlights. All the students in the frontrow held the flashlights on Al onstage while hetried to think of every joke and story he knew.Al said memories like this at the Union haveremained close to him. “I will always rememberas a performer, the fun that I had at the UnionTheater,” he said.

Experience in performance at the Unionled Al to do an entertainment radio show onMadison’s WKOW every Saturday morning.When WKOW went on air, Al started his ownon-air shows, “Al’s Pals,” a kid’s show, and atnight a “Tonight Show” featuring UW-Madison talent. While stationed in Tokyo, Alwas producing and emceeing shows when EdSullivan, who had a show airing on CBS, cameto Japan looking for Army and Japanese talentand met Al.

After starting his career with CBSproducing documentaries in Chicago, Al

moved on to California to direct variety shows.He became an employee of Dick Clark,producing the Golden Globes, directingblooper shows and consulting on andproducing the American Music Awards. Hiswife, Jayne, is one of the original DoublemintGum twins.

Al’s career has provided him with someamazing experiences. He even met MotherTeresa—but he said his time at the Union“meant everything” in building his life. WhileAl has surely faced some difficult moments as aperformer and producer among the stars, hedubs an instance at UW-Madison as one of hisscariest moments.

For the Homecoming show at CampRandall, Al submitted his name as a performerand was eventually asked to emcee the show. “Iwas like, ‘are you kidding me? I’d love to emceethe show!’”

Part of Al’s duties included leading thecrowd in Varsity, but Al did not know thewords. “Worse than not knowing the song, Ican’t sing,” Al said. “It was like the scariestthing that ever happened to me.”

By mouthing the words, Al enduredthrough the performance. He has since learnedthe words to Varsity and cherishes that storyamong his many memories in Madison and atthe Union. Al said he returned to Madison lastyear to speak to a communications class oncampus, and he hopes to be back in the areaagain soon, urging all students to enjoy theirtime on campus and at the Union as much ashe did.

“These are the best times of your life,” Alsaid. “Enjoy your time in Madison because thefriends you make there will be your friends forlife.”

—Amanda McGowan ‘08

16 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8

From Haresfoot and Humorology to the Golden Globes, Al Schwarz knows entertainment.

Al SchwartzA Career in ShowBiz started at theUnion

“These are the best times ofyour life. Enjoy your time inMadison because the friendsyou make there will be yourfriends for life.”

—Al Schwartz

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 17

Faces at the UnionWhen I first started looking forCarlos to interview for thisedition of Terrace Views, peopletold me that Carlos liked to talk.

That was all right, because I like to talk too.I’d met Carlos in passing, and I’ve neverencountered a person who made you feelmore like an old friend straightaway. WhenI finally sat down for an interview, I don’tknow what I was expecting, but it was notwhat I got.

It was my fault really. As a journalismmajor, you’re taught to lead the interview.This time, though, I was just along for theride. Two hours talking to Carlosdisappeared, and I realized that I hadstopped taking notes, seemingly early in theconversation, judging from the last,scribbled bullets on the page in front of me.

Carlos Martinez was born in westTexas, but he spent a good portion of hischildhood in Wisconsin. Born into amigrant family, Carlos spent about sixmonths of the year working on Midwesternfarms, returning to the warmer climate ofTexas when the harvest season was over.

Around age 16, Carlos decided to stay,making Wisconsin his permanent home. Heenlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam.After returning stateside, he helped tofound United Migrants and, along withother veterans, worked to promote migrant

rights, both inside thework camps and at thestate level. “We wereyoung and we didn’twant to wait for change,”said Carlos, “I rememberbeing thrown out ofcamps, brushing myselfoff and going right backin.”For most of his life,

Carlos has worked toempower and supportthis mostly ignored andalmost completelymisunderstood sector ofsociety. You’d think thatthis would make a personangry or defensive, butthose seem to be twoqualities Carlos lacks

entirely. “We’re just people,” he says.Carlos has worked for nine years at the

Union. “I don’t look at this as a job,” Carlossaid. “This is your village, these are yourpeople and you have to take care of eachother. People will come and ask me aboutall kinds of things. I don’t mind stayingaround to talk.”

Carlos sees the world as connected,with a similar destiny. As he became older,Carlos found himself gravitating back to themigrant camps he had left behind so manyyears ago. He spent time with the workers,talking to them about current issues, andchildren of the camps, telling stories andjust existing with them for a while. Onemessage he gives to the youth at thesecamps is that they must be aware andobserve the nature around them.

“I tell them not to wait for someone totell them what to do, but to think forthemselves,” said Carlos, “If they seesomething that isn’t right, they have to takeresponsibility and tell someone.” The wayCarlos explains it, we’re all sharing the sameearth and we need to be, as he said,“stewards of nature.” At the camps, Carlosexposes a new generation to this shareddestiny and, along with it, a sharedresponsibility.

Carlos has done and continues to do somany things—it would be hard to puteverything down on paper.

—Forest Taylor ‘07

Faces at the UnionForest Taylor,membershipintern for theWisconsinUnion,graduated inDecemberwith degrees

in journalism and philosophy.

Forest joined the Union in May of 2006 asa membership/development intern and wasone of the first writers for the newpublication Terrace Views.

Forest is currently pursuing a career inpublic relations and mass communicationsand hopes to land in either Chicago orMinneapolis. Though he will not befollowing former Union interns BeckySommersberger and Jamie Williams toCalifornia, he does hope to find himself in awarmer climate at some point.

“Right now, I’m working onapplications for some of the larger PR firmsin the Midwest,” says Forest. “However, ifthat falls through, I have a guitar and akeyboard and my sister plays bass anddrums, so I could always start a band in myparents’ basement.” While he hopes it doesnot come to that, Forest has startedpracticing his chords, just in case.

Show your support of theWisconsin Union. Simply visitwww.uwfoundation.wisc.edu,click on Wisconsin Union and

designate your gift.

We appreciate your support!

Patricia Wells attributes herimmense success throughout hercareer in part to her workexperience at the WisconsinUnion, where she handled publicrelations for the Union and theUnion Theater and advisedvarious student clubs in 1970-71.

“In some funny ways, it was like being self-employed, being responsible for all theinformation at the Union,” Patricia said. “Ilove working for myself and by myself. Ithink that was the beginning.”

While it has been some time sincePatricia was last in Madison, her memoriesat the Union are vivid and fond. “Thebuilding is just so beautiful, and I lovebeing surrounded by beauty,” Patricia said.“I loved my office with its big woodenwindows. I always remember walking to ourmeeting room that overlooked the lake firstthing every morning.”

Patricia said she even misses the coldWisconsin winters, which she experienceddaily on her way to work at the Union.“I rode my bike to work in those days andin winter never listened to a weather reportuntil I got to the Union, because the windchill factor was usually over the top,” shesaid. “I loved the lake in the winter, allcovered with snow.”

For Patricia, a Milwaukee-native, theUnion was just the start of an amazingcareer as a food journalist. Her career hassince landed her in Paris, where she nowcalls home. She said her love of food andcooking started in childhood, and she givesher mother a lot of the credit.

“My mother is a great cook and wealways had a lot of fresh food around – avegetable garden, etc.,” Patricia said. “So Ijust assumed that I would always have good,fresh food around me.”

Upon earning a masters degree inspecialized reporting from UW-Madison in1972, Patricia pursued other journalistictracks before finding her way to food.

“I was alwaysinterested in food, butback then in the 1960sand early 1970s, theonly food mentor wasBetty Crocker, and Ididn’t want to be likeher,” Patricia said. “Iactually studied to be anart critic and did that forseveral years after schoolwhile working for theWashington Post.”She went on to work as afood reporter for theNew York Times. In1980, she and herhusband, Walter, movedto Paris to work for TheInternational HeraldTribune. Patricia became arestaurant reviewer and food writer for theTribune, as well as a cookbook author andcooking teacher.

Since then, Patricia has written or co-written many cookbooks especially relatingto the cuisine of Paris and Provence. Themost recent is “Vegetable Harvest,” focusingon vegetables as the center of a dish. Shehas also won several prestigious awards,including the Chevalier de l’Orde des Arts etdes Letters for her contributions to Frenchculture. Patricia also teaches cooking classesin Paris and Provence.

While Patricia recalls the Union as abeautiful place, she is grateful herexperiences there led her to enjoy a life inParis. She describes her favorite aspect ofliving in Paris as: “Everything. Theneighborhoods, the beauty, LuxembourgGardens, the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, theoutdoor markets, the cheese shops, the greatbread…”

Recently, Patricia and Walter finishedwriting memoirs of their life in France titled“We’ve Always Had Paris … and Provence,”which will be published by HarperCollinsin May 2008. She is currently working onanother cookbook titled “Salad as a Meal,”to be published by HarperCollins in 2010.

Despite her great love for and happiness inParis, Patricia admits she misses Madisonsometimes. “I love the small townatmosphere of Madison,” she said. “And thelake. I would love to live on a lakesomeday.”

—Amanda McGowan ‘08

18 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8

“I rode my bike to work inthose days and in winternever listened to a weatherreport until I got to theUnion, because the windchill factor was usually overthe top. I loved the lake inthe winter, all covered withsnow.”

—Patricia Wells

Patricia Wells

Patricia WellsA Culinary Dream fromthe Union to Paris

1940’s

KEN PALMER (Commons ’42-’43)Seattle, WA, underwent triple bypasssurgery in January and is recovering at agood pace, going into the holiday seasonclose to 90 percent recovered.

1950’s

ADA DEER (International Club President’56-’57) Madison, WI, retired in May2007. ADA was awarded the Letters andScience Judith Craig DistinguishedLeadership Award. ADA was also named asone of five History Makers by theWisconsin Historical Society. ADA is aDistinguished Lecturer Emeritus andworked with the School of Social Work andAmerican Indian Studies Program.

REBECCA QUARLES (Literary ’59-’60)Alexandria, VA, was elected to the Board ofthe Council of American Survey ResearchOrganizations (CASRO). REBECCA is theCEO of QSA Integrated Research Solutionsin Alexandria and the proud grandmotherof four.

1960’s

MARY ANN ALLIN (Union ForumCommittee ’63) Washington, D.C., has co-authored a children’s book and published itin English and Russian. An exhibition ofthe book’s illustrations was shown at theState Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg,Russia, and at the City Children’s Library.Now, “Anna and the Hermitage Cats” isavailable in the U.S. as well. It appeals tocat lovers and art lovers of all ages. To learnmore about the book, visit:http://www.swashers.com/files_eng/page2book.html

KERRY McGRATH (Crafts ’63-’64)Urbandale, IA, has retired from her positionas a historic preservation consultant forCoon Rapids, IA. KERRY helped the cityset up a historic preservation program,obtain federal accreditation, sponsored twohistoric preservation training workshopsand initiated a downtown survey.

1980’s

LEE BUTTALA (Ideas and Issues/UCWUD Rep ’84-’85, VP Personnel ’85-’86)Bridgewater, CT, is excited to visit theUnion for its 100th Anniversarycelebration! He is still producing“Cultivating Life” for public television, ashow which explores outdoor living inAmerica.

JOSH LERNER (Film ’86-’87)Huntington Woods, MI, and his wifewelcomed their third child, Liat Hadara, inAugust.

JAYNE STEVLINGSON (Union SouthSocial ’82) Newton Square, PA, has leftWall Street after 21 years to pursue an MSin herbal medicine at the Tai SophiaInstitute in Maryland. JAYNE would loveto hear from her former WUD mates andanyone interested in herbal medicine.

TERI VENKER (Director of Marketing’85-’97) Madison, WI, was recentlyappointed to Executive Director ofUniversity Relations for two statewideinstitutions of UW Colleges, the 13freshman/sophomore campuses and UWExtension, which extends the resources andresearch of the university to all 71Wisconsin counties.

1990’s

JESSICA FEE (Contemporary IssuesCommittee Director ’97-’99) Brooklyn,N.Y., is currently the Senior Vice Presidentfor Greater Talent Network, Inc. inManhattan. JESSICA enjoys spending hersummer weekends at the beach on theeastern end of Long Island.

2000’s

BRENDAN FISCHER (Music CommitteeDirector ‘02-’03) Madison, WI, has justcompleted his first of two years of service asa Municipal Development Peace CorpsVolunteer in El Salvador. Upon completionof his second year, he will enter the UWLaw School's class of 2008.

KATIE HARBATH (Public Relations ’02-’03, Iron Cross ‘02) New York, N.Y., isworking as the Deputy Campaign Directorfor Rudy Giuliani’s presidential campaign.

STACEY LANSING (Music Director ‘04-‘05) Madison, WI, recently celebrated thesix-month-anniversary of the launch of herweb-based music magazine“Mixtapes/Heartbreaks.” The site featuresalbum reviews, interviews and streamingmixtapes. It can be found at:www.mixtapesheartbreaks.com

BECKY SOMMERSBERGER(Membership Intern '02-'06) and JAMIEWILLIAMS (Membership/DevelopmentIntern '06-'07) San Francisco, CA, are bothenjoying their lives (and the sushi) in SanFrancisco. JAMIE works at ValueActCapital, an investment firm, and BECKYworks at Esurance in online auto insurance.They both dearly miss the Union, but havefound the perfect place to meet up whenthey are feeling homesick: a Badger sportsbar on football Saturdays. JAMIE also livesnext to two very intelligent parrots and isteaching them Italian.

KARL WOLFF (’00) Rochester, Minn., isnow the curator of the Olmsted CountyHistorical Museum in Rochester.

In Memorium

CELESTIAL SHERVEN, wife of CHALISSHERVEN (Storeroom Supervisor ’47-’89),Fitchburg, WI, passed away in October oflast year at the Hospice Care Center inFitchburg. CHALIS is a retired employeewith 41 years of service to the WisconsinUnion. The Wisconsin Union has an awardnamed after CHALIS which is given toemployees for excellent work performance,quality service and a congenial attitude.Our condolences go out to CHALIS andhis family.

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 19

Grapeviner News

Union Membership800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53706

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMADISON, WI

PERMIT NO. 84

The Memorial UnionBuilding Association Trustees

and Associate Trustees

MUBA CHAIRJeff Kunz ‘71

VICE CHAIRJanet Pratt Montgomery ‘59

William Johnson ‘50

TREASURERTheodore Crabb ‘54

ASSISTANT TREASURERHank Walter

EXECUTIVE SECRETARYMark Guthier

UNION PRESIDENTJohn Barnhardt

BOARD OF TRUSTEESJeff Bartell’65Miriam Boell Boegel ‘68Catherine Colyer Dyke ‘91Henry Brad Elsesser ‘88Dan Erdman ‘80Sheryl Facktor ‘84Pam Garvey ‘85Miguel Esteban Guevara ‘95Carol Hoppenfeld Hillman ‘61Bill Kasdorf ‘71Lucy Lloyd ‘69Barbara Connell Manley ‘52Doris Meissner ‘69David Milofsky ‘69Joan Wilkie Murdoch ‘65Mark Musolf ‘63Walter Pancoe ‘47Ann Prisland ‘69Lynn Stathas ‘88Doris Weisberg ‘58

ASSOCIATE TRUSTEESKen AntaramianBetsy Behnke ‘64Todd Berry ‘73Adam Briggs ‘01Michael Brody ‘80

Ruth Reiter Brown ‘69Marcia Carlucci ‘68Judith Crain ‘58David Cross ‘76George Cutlip ‘71Thea Lerner Daniels ‘84Susan Dibbell ‘84Peggy Douma ‘63Carol Falk ‘63Sheldon Friedstein ‘61Thomas J. Gulick ‘78Sharon Hadary ‘63Mark Haebig ‘72Jeff Haupt ‘95Brent Helt ‘00Roger HowardWilliam Immerman ‘59John Krieck ‘75Jane Lichtman ‘66Barbara Schulz Linnenbrink ‘67David MaranissKiersten Marshall ‘94Karen Johnson Mathews ‘99Margaret McCormick ‘90Gregg Mekler ‘79Marty Small Meyer ‘55David Nemschoff ‘76Paula Perrone Neumann ‘75

Bill Niemeyer ‘94Jim Norton ‘99Ellie Oppenheim ‘72Lynne Parish ‘78Robert Perlstein ‘66Elizabeth Preston ‘98Noel Radomski ‘88Glenda Dewberry RooneyIan Rosenberg ‘95Mary RouseRose Mary Rupnow ‘49Vinood Sahney ‘70Steven C. Schaffer ‘72Susan Edgerton Sell ‘58Peggy Shukur ‘81Tom Smith ‘66Marilyn Sprague ‘64Peg Gunderson Stiles ‘45Tom Sylke ‘82Stephanie Thomas ‘01Teri Venker ‘82Jim Wessing ‘72Cal Williams ‘70Derek Wilson ‘82Judy Labiner Wolfe ‘93Kate Young ‘92Susie Weber Younkle ‘00Sherry Zander ‘74