Previous WASBlogs have touched on topics that emphasize the connectedness this organization fosters and thrives on. Sure, this is deep, but they haven’t been hitting a serious topic that one might expect from a WASB member writing a blog: what TV and movie characters represent different UW-Madison campus buildings? Writing this blog allows me to not only answer this question for myself, but also for all those on campus!
333 East Campus Mall - Jake The Dog, “Adventure Time”
In the hit cartoon series, “Adventure Time,” we follow Jake the Dog and Finn the Human on their adventures throughout the land of Ooo. Time and time again, Jake and Finn are asked to save the land from different monsters and issues that have plagued it for centuries. Jake the Dog has the special power to stretch into any shape or size, showing his true ability to adapt to any situation. 333 East Campus Mall demonstrates this same ability by meeting student needs. 333 East Campus Mall houses the University Health Services, a free healthcare service for students, the Student Activity Center, which includes a large study space and many student organizations, the Office of the Registrar, and more. 333 East Campus Mall, just like Jake the Dog, is there for you with any issue you may have and, time and time again, will save the day.
Steenbock Memorial Library - Josie, “Bottoms”
A favorite movie among many WASB members is “Bottoms.” In this film, Josie, played by Ayo Edebiri, is quiet and reserved, feeling as though she is unseen. Similarly, Steenbock Memorial Library is not often a library many students choose to utilize, or even know of. In “Bottoms,” Josie and her best friend, PJ, create a fight club for women to win over their crushes, Isabel and Hazel. In the end, Josie wins the heart of her crush, Isabel, but she had to go through a lot to do so. Steenbock Library, once given a chance by students, just like Josie, can win over your heart. It might be a little out of the way, but that does not mean it isn’t a great, quiet library that can help you get through finals season.
Education Building - Santana Lopez, “Glee”
In the hit late 2000s, early 2010s series, “Glee,” Santana Lopez was, in my opinion, the star character. She was by far the funniest and most talented member of the cast. If challenged to a singing competition, she almost always won. Similar to Santana, the Education school here at UW-Madison is ranked the best in the nation by US News. Additionally, the program’s prowess is matched by the beauty of the education building itself, which, in my personal opinion, is one of the best buildings on campus. Both of these legendary icons – The Education building and Santana Lopez – are the cream of the crop in their respective categories.
Bascom Hall - Carrie Bradshaw “Sex and The City”
When writing this blog, I couldn’t help but wonder, how does Bascom Hall do it all?
In the HBO series “Sex and the City,” Carrie Bradshaw is often seen balancing her career with her personal life, writing her column while still making time for interesting adventures with friends. Given her exciting social life, Carrie seems to be connected to everyone in New York City. Similarly, as the main fixture of campus, Bascom Hall is deeply connected to the Badger community and houses the offices of many departments and important figures, such as the chancellor and the dean of students. Just like Carrie Bradshaw, Bascom Hall can do it all.
The Wisconsin Alumni Association - Katara, “Avatar: The Last Airbender”
The building home to the Wisconsin Alumni Association and WASB is located right on the water of Lake Mendota. When WASBs need a place to go so they can feel connected and at peace (and inevitably run into other WASBs), they end up here, at the “A-House.” That dependable sense of comfort mirrors the role that Katara plays in the series “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Katara is a water bender, meaning she can manipulate water and ice to defend herself and heal others. When Team Avatar was looking for a feeling of home, they often turned to Katara, their reliable, kind, water-bending friend, who was always there to be their warmth, just like The Wisconsin Alumni Association.
I hope you enjoyed these connections I made! Good luck with Finals!
By Drew Jacobs
Service Days Co-Chair, Campus and Community Engagement Team