[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WISCONSIN MEMORIAL UNION

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                           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.

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