Mark Guthier, an assistant director at Indiana University's Memorial Union, was named the third director to head the Wisconsin Union in its nearly 75-year history Thursday.
Replacing Theodore Crabb, who retired after 33 years as director, Guthier will leave his post in Indiana to oversee both the Memorial Union and Union South.
Guthier assisted in organizing the activities and programs at the Indiana Memorial Union for almost 10 years by helping to attract such guests as Colin Powell, John Mellencamp, Mikhail Gorbachev and Maya Angelou. His experience at a union comparable in size to the Wisconsin Union gave him an edge over the other candidates, UW-Madison Vice Chancellor John Torphy said. Both organizations are among the largest college unions in the country and look beyond merely offering entertainment and food as features, he said.
'The Wisconsin Union is regarded as a premier union nationwide,' Torphy said. 'Some unions are just a gathering-place, just an expanded Union Terrace. We provide for an academic and educational environment, as well as a social atmosphere.'
Crabb said what makes the Wisconsin Union unique is its long tradition of cultural and educational programs centered around the university. In addition to film series, an art gallery and student travel resources, the Wisconsin Union offers The Distinguished Lecture Series, a program that fetches speakers like Ralph Nader and Alan Keyes.
'We have a program that complements the total interest and mission of the university. It's an integral part of campus life,' Crabb said. 'There is the Union Terrace, the Theater, a craft shop, Hoofers, food options, music.'
These features also include the organization's 'self-op' food service. The Wisconsin Union's food venues, including the Rathskeller and the Red Oak Grill, are all owned and operated by the university. A self-operated food service defies a growing trend toward corporate-owned eateries like McDonald's in college unions. Crabb said the Wisconsin Union's full-time workers are all state employees, and he said the self-run aspect allows for more student input.
Crabb said he believes the food-preparation services in the Wisconsin Union are thriving, and he said he expects them to remain a fixture on campus.
Guthier said it was too early for him to make any decisions regarding the self-operated food service.
'I need to be [in the position] for awhile to better understand how the organization works,' he said. 'It's too soon to say where I'll go.'
Guthier said he feels privileged to become a part of one of the leading college unions in the country, one that, like Indiana, emphasizes student participation in shaping union policies and programming.
'I hope I bring my experience working with students and ability to plan programs and events to Wisconsin,' Guthier said. 'There is a strong history and tradition at UW of what unions should aspire to be. I am excited to be a part of that.'
