Summer time at the Wisconsin Union means, along with our sensational summer schedule, we are preparing for fall and spring seasons full of exciting events, unforgettable performances and welcoming the new group of student leaders that will make it all happen for the community and visitors. Some of these students, who make up the 2025-2026 Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee (PAC), have officially been announced! These are the students who work closely with the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) to plan each memorable season.
Jordan Waters, a junior from Philadelphia double majoring in English and education with a certificate in arts and teaching will serve as this season’s director. Waters, an André De Shields Fund recipient, singer-songwriter and poet, is excited to expand the presence of performing arts on campus and in the broader community.
In Conversation with Jordan
How would you describe WUD PAC to someone who is unfamiliar with it?
WUD PAC is a committee that develops seasonal performances through the Wisconsin Union Theater. We put them on throughout the school year. We have a Jazz Series and a Classical Series, and then we have room for hip-hop, R&B, pop, folk, a lot of things. We appreciate our subscribers that make it happen.
What drew you to get involved with WUD PAC and WUT?
[Singer, rapper, producer and songwriter] Mereba came to campus, and I opened for Mereba, because WUD PAC threw the event. Nazeeha Rahman, the past director of WUD PAC, was like, I think you would be good at this job. Little by little, I was like, maybe I should take another step towards this committee. I applied for the director position, and now I’m the director.
What does being the director of WUD PAC mean to you? How will it help you grow personally and professionally?
It means almost everything to me. I came to Wisconsin with the goal of making the performing arts a presence on campus. Being the PAC director is fulfilling that mission and fulfilling that purpose to bring the arts to campus to build community. Personally, it's about being around those people, building another family. Professionally, it will help me with the music side of things like budgeting, booking people and getting to know how to approach an audience that you can’t see yet.
What is it like to work alongside so many fellow students?
Change does not happen without perspective, and we need multiple points of perspective. I don’t look at myself as a director; I look at myself as part of a committee. We all offer expertise. Having that many perspectives really helps when it comes to not what does this campus want, but what does this campus need.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am excited to work with my committee. I want to make as many events as possible and be visible. I want to tap into people and what the community needs.
What do you wish more people knew about WUD?
Every single committee that we have. We have Art, Cuisine, Film, Distinguished Lecture Series, Performing Arts, and more. We have the theater. We have all of our committees. Every single student should be tapped into at least one of those committees.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about getting involved in student leadership within the Wisconsin Union?
Start by showing up. Come to an event, and introduce yourself. If you are interested in something, you have to see what it’s about. You never know what it has to offer until you show up. If you do like it, keep showing up. Show up, make connections, and have fun.
How To Get Involved
WUT and WUD PAC have programmed an exciting season full of unforgettable talent and exceptional performances. Check out the 2025-2026 season here!
If you would like to get involved in the fun, the committee meets weekly on Tuesdays in Memorial Union from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jordan encourages anyone interested in the performing arts to get involved in the committee, because it just might be one of the best decisions you could make.
“Whatever your passion is in life, follow it to the fullest extent, because you have no idea where it's going to take you,” Jordan said. “Take my story, for example; I threw myself into my passions, and I am continuously reaping the benefits.”
Learn more about WUD PAC here.
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