As a new member, it feels surreal to be writing for the WASBlog. Joining WASB this semester has been amazing beyond my greatest belief, and among the many benefits I have enjoyed, including the formation of new friendships and a new sense of connection with the school, I have become a close friend to the A-house. But, as a naive WASB applicant, I was unaware of what the A-house was. Let’s dissect it.
The building itself is home to the Wisconsin Alumni Association, an organization devoted to continuing the UW-Madison experience post-graduation. The A in A-house refers to the Alumni Association in WASB lingo. Located next to the Red Gym and close to Memorial Union, the building encapsulates campus’s beauty with full 180 degree views of Lake Mendota. Through the windows of the building, members of the student body and Madison residents can be seen walking, biking, and running on the beginning of Lakeshore path, a connection between campus and nature.
The space in the building is allocated for a variety of purposes. Offices, meeting and third spaces, information desks - the lists go on. The hours are listed on the website at, https://www.alumnipark.com/visit/one-alumni-place/. During open hours, the lobby is available for the public to enjoy. When coffee shops are full and a change of pace from libraries is needed, the A-house tables are a magnificent option.
One of the many benefits of WASB is getting 24 hour access to the building. The building is an essential part of every WASB’s experience here at UW. Here is what I have done in the A-house thus far: studied, laughed, planned, listened, attended meetings, and honestly, the list goes on and on. At all times, WASBs are in the A-house studying or planning; it's what we do.
During off hours, we fill into meeting rooms to study or catch up. Tea is made in the Higgy (a meeting room within the A-house) and food from Memorial Union or State Street is fuel to get good work done. The A-house is an amazing place to watch the sunset - I have not watched enough of them yet.
Life is always simply amazing at the A-house. Rugby on or off, the A-house is always the place to be.