A momentous occasion has passed on this campus, mostly unbeknownst to the press and the everyday student. On Feb. 16, ASM leadership finalized the process for naming the new Union South building. Suggestions will be called for, and the students will hold much sway over the final decision.
Of course, we expect the usual entries: Something concerning newness or innovation such as The 21st Century Center, or one encapsulating the students it will most likely serve such as the Engineering Union. Naturally, just as Marquette University did in 2005 when choosing their mascot, we might end up reverting back to the original and again calling it Union South. While all of these expected submissions have their merits, I advocate for something more fluid, more dynamic, something that truly catches onto the ideals of inclusiveness, forward thinking and connections to the past that we so value at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this spirit, I wish to throw my proposed name into the mix: The Wisconsin Alumni, Student and Teachers’ Experience.
Now, I know what many of you must be thinking: “Why so long and unwieldy of a name?” Allow me to explain. The Wisconsin Alumni, Student and Teachers’ Experience truly honors the men and women who begin their adult lives at UW. We will forever be Badgers and will forever hope to call the Wisconsin Alumni, Student and Teachers’ Experience home when we come back to visit our alma mater. The name invokes pride in the ownership of our building from students, provides memories for the alumni and reminds us all that the educators on this campus are an integral part in tying us together as Badgers. Alumni pull in the past, and Students and Teachers showcase the present.
The word “Experience” ties everything together. Not only does it serve to unite all Badgers in the common goal of making this campus a better place, it also provides a good backdrop to the future of the building. The Wisconsin Alumni, Students and Teachers’ Experience will not just be a place to go for lunch, it will truly be a ‘living’ space, where people will gather to connect to one another, form ideas for the future and build lasting memories and “Experiences.”
Time alone will remove the stains of botched ASM elections. Students will move on from the smudges of paying $192 a year for the construction efforts. When this occurs, what will be left shining on the corner of Randall and Johnson streets will be the W.A.S.T.E.: a true home for all Badgers, past, present and future.
Michael P. Romenesko
Economics/Political Science, Senior
SSFC Vice Chairman
