Faces of the 5th Floor

The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) sits on the 5th floor of the Union. Inspiration struck me this afternoon to photograph some of the students (and staff) that are helping plan how WUD will function in the new south campus union. Take a look at some of these candid moments from this dreary Thursday:

Ethan is a member of the Building Project Student Outreach Team and the WUD Music Committee. He was on the phone with his mom wishing her a happy birthday.

Will Hoffman has given blood, sweat and tears over the course of the project by helping with design and operational planning. We think he should be the face of the project.

Robin Schmoldt is a former program advisor and now a member of the Advance Team. She knows way too much about the Wisconsin Union.

Nicole Rodriguez is the Art Committee Director. She's shaping the new union gallery space for posterity's sake.

X. the Union President, is our fearless leader.

John Ash is also a member of the Student Outreach Team and WUD Music Committee. He's the hardest working guy I know.

I'm just trying to keep the project lighthearted and fun.

Could you see your face alongside these great folks?

Hoofers Retreat – Oct. 19

Last Monday, Oct. 19, Hoofers President Paul Davidsaver conducted a program visioning retreat regarding the new union with about 50 other Hoofers leaders. Paul gave a broad overview of the project including some history and a review of the floor plans. He said those in attendance were able to think about the new union “with and without their ‘Hoofers’ hats’ on.” The retreat was highly successful because the Hoofers were able to think about the new building not just in regards to what it allows for Hoofers but for the Union and student body as a whole. It was great to have such a diversity of opinions working through some of these broader questions we continue to chip away at internally.

Take a look at some photos from the retreat:

A captive audience waiting for Paul to kick off the evening

The group breaks out to focus their discussion

Focusing on the floor plans

Minds at work

Teamwork

Making sure everyone's voice is heard

With two retreats under our belts, we are getting a little closer to determining how WUD (and Hoofers) will operate in the new building. Keep coming back for more updated and exciting visuals.

Badger Bash

On Saturday morning I rolled out of bed at 7:30am to trek across campus to Engineering Mall for Badger Bash. Outreach team members John and Brigid helped me hand out free hot chocolate and talk about the NSCU with the game day crowd. It was a great chance to bring the project to the people.

John manning the battle station

Looking at some renderings with the first few guests

John taking a breather

Trying to keep up with the crowds

The UW Band playing various renditions of "On Wisconsin"

Basking in the sunshine after a morning's labor

Note to self: get two five-gallon jugs of hot chocolate next time. Our supply ran out after the first hour. The second hour we had to turn up the charm and chat with folks while handing out Wisconsin Union Initiative buttons. All in all, a great success.