New freshmen class members, transfer students and seasoned
“The [MU Bash] is a welcoming event for freshman and transfer students but all are welcome to attend,” coordinator of the MU Bash, senior Joella Roland, explained.
With events spanning four floors of the Union as well as the gorgeous Terrace and beach area along Lake Mendota, students did not have a difficult time getting involved in the night’s many activities. More than two dozen large group events were highlighted in the “Passport to Fun” brochure handed out to students by MU program volunteers. Sixteen information booths with representatives from Union-based clubs were also scattered throughout the Bash.
The light breeze and beautiful sunset provided a gorgeous setting for novice sailors to get a feel for the “open seas” during free sailboat rides on
“The karaoke event is a great opportunity for students to hear our a capella group sing and find out what we’re all about,” Redefined vocalist senior Ryan Shedivy said.
Performances in various locations around the building by the MadHatters boys’ barbershop group and members of the UW Marching Band also added to the evening’s musical merriment.
Students also attempted to scale a climbing wall near the Alumni Pier, and some were fortunate enough to get a snapshot or two with Bucky at the VIP Photo Shoot. Walking back from the pier, one may have been in earshot of hearing “WISCO!” called out from a UW-stylized game of bingo held in the Lakefront on Langdon.
Passing through the Union Theatre’s Multicultural Performance Showcase, students could head up to the second floor for Sonic Madness Open Mic performances featuring local spoken word enthusiasts or visit the Condom Casino in the Tripp Commons — clearly the most frequented event of the evening.
“The night’s been awesome. My friends and I got ice cream for just $1, and we even got to make our own henna tattoo designs,” freshman Rachel Kaplan explained.
The Play Circle Theater played host to Improv with Understudies & Atlas as well as Onion News Network screenings and an intense “Guitar Hero” faceoff. Nearby, some students took part in various arts and crafts projects, while others learned how to salsa and merengue in the Great Hall.
The Blueheels with Blake Thomas kicked off their live music performance on the Terrace at 9:30p.m. Playing tunes ranging from soft, mellow rock to upbeat, knee-bouncing songs, the group was certainly well-received by excited fans.
For those not in the mood for the crowded terrace scene, Sex Out Loud presented “This Ain’t Your Momma’s Sex Talk” inside the
Concluding its festivities at midnight, the MU Bash was certainly a success and students leaving the event had nothing but great reviews regarding the organization and execution of one of the largest Wisconsin Welcome events.