Wisconsin Union: University Club Will Reopen on Jan. 23 With New, Casual Dining Service Called Union Commons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 10, 2023

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/university-club-reopening

UNIVERSITY CLUB WILL REOPEN ON JAN. 23 WITH NEW, CASUAL DINING SERVICE CALLED UNION COMMONS

MADISON – The historic campus dining venue the University Club will reopen Jan. 23 with a new, casual dining concept, called Union Commons, and seating under the management of the Wisconsin Union, the nonprofit organization that also manages Memorial Union, Union South, the Memorial Union Terrace, and markets and cafes throughout campus.

The University Club, a Madison destination that previously offered dining service and event spaces, closed temporarily beginning in March 2020 due to COVID-19. After the club experienced financial loss during the pandemic, the University Club board of directors voted to dissolve the club as an incorporated social organization, to integrate the club fully into the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and to have the Wisconsin Union assume management of the club.      

Under Wisconsin Union management, the University Club gained the support of more than 400 full-time Wisconsin Union staff and many student team members in creating a dining experience and in providing operational support.

At the soon-to-open Union Commons at the University Club, the Wisconsin Union team will serve a variety of beverages, including Rooted Grounds coffee and espresso drinks, tea, and wine; bakery items; house-made soups; and toasted sandwiches, including a pesto chicken sandwich and a vegetarian Caprese sandwich.

The Union team welcomes patrons to study, socialize, and enjoy Union Commons menu items on the club’s porch seasonally and in seating on the first floor of the club throughout the year.

UW–Madison students with valid Wiscards are eligible for a 10% discount on most food and beverages at Union Commons as well as other Wisconsin Union-run dining locations when they make purchases using their Wiscard account.

While the club’s spaces are not currently available for event reservations, the Wisconsin Union team continues to work to determine future event space availability at the club. The Union team currently offers event space reservations in other buildings, such as Memorial Union and Union South, for UW–Madison registered student organizations, UW–Madison departments, government agencies, Wisconsin Union lifetime and annual members, and groups with a UW–Madison department sponsorship.

The University Club was founded in 1907 as a members-only social club to promote fellowship in the campus community. From the time it opened until its unanticipated closure in 2020, it had evolved into a place for the public to dine and for its members to host educational, cultural and social events that promote the social and intellectual life of campus and the community.

“We, at the Wisconsin Union, look forward to continuing the University Club’s more than 100-year tradition of serving as a hospitality destination that provides dining and promotes social and cultural diversity and intellectual exchange,” said Mark Guthier, Wisconsin Union director and associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

While the club was closed, the Wisconsin Union team worked to prepare the building for patrons, including cleaning, painting, updating signage, purchasing new furniture, and creating café space. From September 2021 to May 2022, the University Club served as a temporary COVID-19 testing site. The Union team continues to plan how the facilities can best serve patrons moving forward.

Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/unioncommons for more information about Union Commons at the University Club.

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About the Wisconsin Union

Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members, University of Wisconsin–Madison students, and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational, leadership, campus involvement and social opportunities. Learn more about the Union: union.wisc.edu.  

WPS Health Solutions: La Sage appointed to Navy and Marine Corps Retiree Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

La Sage appointed to Navy and Marine Corps Retiree Council

MADISON, Wis.—Dec. 21, 2022—Tim La Sage, WPS Health Solutions Military Affairs Manager, was appointed to the Navy and Marine Corps Retiree Council for 2023. He is among 21 new appointees for the Navy’s council; 11 officers and 10 enlisted. All appointees are retired servicemembers from either the Navy or the Marine Corps. The council reports to the Secretary of the Navy and holds quarterly meetings.

“Tim’s experience transitioning from an active-duty Marine Corps career to WPS employee will be incredibly valuable to the Department of the Navy,” said Rob Palmer, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for WPS. “Additionally, the perspective he gains from serving on the Navy and Marine Corps Retiree Council will help WPS better serve veterans and military retirees through our government contracts, as well as our efforts to recruit and retain military veterans into our workforce.”

The Retiree Council was established to consider issues of significant importance to retired military personnel and their families. This council facilitates communication between the Departments of the Navy and Marine Corps and military retirees, reviews the effectiveness of current programs, and makes recommendations regarding privileges, benefits, assistance, and other matters. La Sage will serve on at least one subcommittee.

“I retired in October of 2015,” La Sage said. “When talking about my military career, I express that the scariest thing I did was get out. Retirees no longer have a unit and chain of command to assist them.” He adds that he looks forward to serving on this important committee to help veterans make a smooth transition to civilian life.

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 2,700 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Old National Reports 24% EPS Growth from 2Q22, 11% on an Adjusted Basis, Driven by Robust Commercial Loan Growth and Net Interest Margin Expansion

Read the full press release here

One City Schools Named a Quarterfinalist for $1 Million Yass Prize

Awarded to Organizations Focused on Transforming Education

We are very excited to share that today One City Schools was named a quarterfinalist for the $1 million Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education (STOP).

The award highlights education providers that strive to offer education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless (STOP). In conjunction with the $1 million Yass Prize, the STOP Awards initiative will distribute over $10 million to honor the remaining education innovators, providers, and entrepreneurs through the course of the competition.

Today’s announcement took place at the Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit, Michigan, and was broadcast live on Twitter. As a quarterfinalist, One City will receive a $100,000 grant investment to support the advancement of innovations we are implementing in our public charter schools. Semi-finalists will be announced in New York City on October 13, 2022.

To review the national press release about The Yass Prize, click here.

To learn more about The Yass Prize, click here.

For more information, please contact Gail Wiseman, One City’s VP of External Relations, at gwiseman@onecityschools.org or (608) 531-2128.

NCG Hospitality/Food Fight: The Trade Hotel Milwaukee in Deer District Announces Restaurant Concept, Hoists 4,500-lb. Pizza Oven to 9th Floor

MILWAUKEE (September 27, 2022) — NCG Hospitality, a leader in real estate development, and hospitality management, announced yesterday the restaurant partner and concept for the ninth-floor restaurant located atop The Trade Hotel. Joined together with Food Fight Restaurant Group and leaders of the Milwaukee Bucks and Deer District, NCG Hospitality hoisted a 4,500 lb. stone hearth pizza oven to celebrate.

Il Cervo (/il ˈt͡ʃɛr.vo/ pronounced, “il chair-vo”), which means “the deer” in Italian, will serve classic and original interpretations of traditional Italian food and drinks. Among the fare they plan to bring to the menu, patrons will find options like dry-aged steak served Florentine style, butter-poached lobster, grilled whole fish, hand-rolled pasta, fresh-made ricotta and mozzarella and, of course, hand-stretched sourdough pizza that will be fired over a four-inch-thick stone hearth.

“With The Trade Hotel, our focus is to add to the fabric of downtown Milwaukee, all while celebrating the rich history of tradespeople who built this city,” said Andy Inman, Chief Development Officer of NCG Hospitality. “We celebrate how things are made — including food and craft beverage options.”

Whether it’s before a Bucks game or concert at Fiserv Forum, or during a five-course dining experience, patrons can enjoy a robust, Italian-focused craft cocktail and wine selection, in addition to a draft list that will highlight the rich brewing tradition of Milwaukee.

“Our trade is cooking, and every dish we serve at Il Cervo will be made with skill and care,” said Caitlin Suemnicht, CEO of Food Fight Restaurant Group. “Branching out to Milwaukee was an easy decision for us with NCG Hospitality as our partner. Both of our companies share a passion for hospitality, and for providing exceptional experiences to our guests, employees and the greater community.”

The restaurant, operated by Madison-based Food Fight Restaurant Group, will open on the ninth floor of The Trade Hotel in Spring 2023. Hotel guests, sports and entertainment fans from Fiserv Forum, and Milwaukee residents alike, will be welcome to enjoy the food and beverage options the restaurant offers while taking in the elevated views of Deer District and the Milwaukee skyline. Il Cervo will feature an open kitchen with a vibrant bar, dining room, lounge, outdoor terrace and a private indoor/outdoor patio all designed to offer guests a modern upscale experience with touches of old-world Italy.

“We join NCG Hospitality and Food Fight Restaurant Group in shared excitement of this announcement. The Trade Hotel and Il Cervo build on the promise of making Deer District the premiere location to live, work and play,” said Michael Belot, Senior Vice President-Bucks Ventures and Development.

To learn more about The Trade Hotel, visit www.thetradehotel.com.

Images from the event can be found here: Link to Folder. Credit to Kevin Harnack & Findorff.

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About The Trade Hotel  

Inspired by the city’s pioneering past and a local culture that is forever moving forward, The Trade an Autograph Collection Hotel pays homage to the hardworking history and modern spirit of today’s Milwaukee. As the official hotel of Deer District, it is located in the bustling heart of downtown, adjacent to Fiserv Forum. Situated courtside in Cream City’s dynamic hub of sports, culture, and entertainment, the hotel offers 205 luxurious rooms and suites plus destination dining with a rooftop restaurant and lounge boasting stunning city views. Highlights include a 2-story VIP suite with private access and over 9,000 square feet of sophisticated indoor/outdoor meeting and event spaces for groups up to 300. Merging modern convenience with timeless luxe, it is an experience unlike anything else in the city. The Trade. Where craft meets commerce.

About NCG Hospitality      

NCG Hospitality is a leader in the ownership, development, and operation of premier hospitality properties. Established in 1981 by Founder and Chairman David Lenz, NCG Hospitality is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. We own and operate more than 25 properties across multiple states and national brands. We leverage our unparalleled expertise to provide hotel management services, hotel development expertise, and real estate-focused services to property owners and investors throughout the U.S. ncghospitality.com.

About Autograph Collection Hotels 

A member of Marriott’s industry-leading portfolio, the Autograph Collection debuted in 2010 and includes nearly 200 independently branded hotels and resorts that reflect the distinct attributes of their market. Each is unique in terms of product offering and target customers. The Autograph Collection is a remarkable group of upper upscale and luxury independent hotels with iconic properties located in gateway and emerging cities in preferred destinations around the world. Each is exceptional, one-of-a-kind and has its own distinct perspective. The result is an array of properties that is nothing less than unique and nothing short of collectively exceptional Autograph Hotels are proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy®. To learn more about Autograph Collection Hotels, visit autograph-hotels.marriott.com/. Follow Autograph on Instagram. Watch Autograph on YouTube. Engage #ExactlyLikeNothingElse.

About Food Fight Restaurant Group

Food Fight Restaurant Group oversees an ever-growing family of nearly 20 eclectic, locally-owned restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 1994 from Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, our restaurants span the gamut of burgers and burritos to upscale Italian and steak—with attention to detail and craft, authenticity and cohesiveness in every concept. Many locations lie in the heart of downtown Madison, with newer projects reaching to the Northwoods and Milwaukee. Each restaurant operates uniquely, sourcing and staffing independently, while sharing resources of accounting, marketing, and executive leadership. Through a variety of sponsorships and charity events, we prioritize our local community and economy. At Food Fight, we welcome all guests with attentive service and outstanding, delicious dining experiences across Wisconsin. foodfightinc.com

About Deer District 

Deer District is Milwaukee’s newest neighborhood and is redefining the city’s downtown. Anchored by the world-class Fiserv Forum, a preeminent sports and entertainment venue and home to the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, the 30-acre Deer District is Milwaukee’s premier location for people to live, work and play, and is a hub for the city’s vibrant future. A year-round destination, Deer District features a myriad of dining and entertainment options in addition to Fiserv Forum including The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill, The Cluckery, The Beer Garden, Good City Brewing, Punch Bowl Social, Drink Wisconsinbly, Fat Tuesday and Insomnia Cookies. Deer District also features a large plaza which serves as an ideal setting to enjoy live music, festivals, outdoor movies, fitness classes and other events. Additionally, Deer District includes GATHER at Deer District, the Bucks’ state-of-the-art training center, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center, and the 550 Ultra Lofts apartment building, which are both located directly across from Fiserv Forum. Future developments for Deer District include The Trade Milwaukee, a 200-plus room Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, two FPC Live operated music venues, additional high-end apartments, and further commercial, office space, real estate and entertainment opportunities. For more information on Deer District, visit DeerDistrict.com.

Contact (NCG Hospitality/The Trade Hotel):
Jake Leskovar
jleskovar@evokebrands.com
(608) 556-7470

Contact (Food Fight Restaurant Group):
Jordan Bright
jbright@foodfightinc.com
(651) 331-9009