Recognizing 75th Anniversary of Wisconsin Memorial Union

RECOGNIZING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WISCONSIN MEMORIAL UNION -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 04, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. TAMMY BALDWIN
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the proud tradition of the Wisconsin Memorial Union as it nears the conclusion of its seventy-fifth anniversary celebration.

The Union opened its doors on October 5, 1928 in dedication to the men and women of the University of Wisconsin who served in our country's wars. Since then the Union has functioned as a gathering place for both students and Madison community members. The Union has been a staple of university life since its opening; any University graduate can relate fond memories of eating in the Rathskeller dining room, the first site at a public university union to serve beer, or enjoying a refreshing summer breeze while sitting on the infamous "sunburst" chairs on Union Terrace. Students go to the Union to relax and to study; it truly is, as past University President Glenn Frank described, the University's "living room, which converts the University from a house of learning into a home of learning."

Today students flock to the Union at the beginning of the school year for Wisconsin Welcome, which includes an ice cream tasting contest at the Daily Scoop, the Multicultural Orientation and Reception, free boat rentals courtesy of the Hoofers Outdoor Club, and live band performances. During the academic year students and Madison community members can visit its impressive art gallery, throw pottery at the Craftshop, take a mini course, view the Paul Bunyan murals painted during the New Deal, participate in the annual Kites on Ice event, and hear speakers at the Union Theater through the Distinguished Lecture Series.

I am proud to rise today and honor the Wisconsin Union for its seventy-five years of outstanding service to University students and the Madison community. It stands as a symbol of the many different kinds of learning that the University promotes. Over the years the Union has established a long-standing tradition of promoting volunteerism and community involvement, while also serving as a center for University festivities. The Union's impressive past presents exciting prospects for its future.