The University Club of Indiana University
As one reads the archival records of the University Club it is apparent that the roots of the Club reach back to its hard-working ancestors, the Constituent Clubs. The first of those, the Men’s Faculty Club, was founded in 1912 with James Woodburn, Professor of History, as chairman.
On May 22, 1913, a garden party was held at the home of Mrs. C.H. Eigenmann and there the Faculty Women’s club, a social organization of University women, faculty, and faculty wives, was voted into existence. The Club, later to become known as the University Women’s Club, became a strong group sharing in civic activities, interest groups, and stimulating social and intellectual events.
When the Men’s Faculty Club took up quarters in 1932 in the men’s Union, (back then the Union building was exclusively a men’s union), the faculty Women formed their own group with a social format. That group expanded into the Women’s Faculty and Professional Staff club, the only University organization devoted exclusively to women faculty and professional staff. Social and informational programs were scheduled throughout the year.
The newly printed history of the University Club is now available for pick up at any club event. This 24 page long booklet contains important chapters of the Club’s existence since the establishment of the Men’s Faculty Club in 1912, through the incorporation in 1959 to present.
The history has been researched and written by Kenneth Beckley, Co-Past President, University Club 2020-21. Published in October 2021 and dedicated to the memory of Co-Past President, Audrey Beckley, who died of the coronavirus August 19, 2020.
UClub History
The University Women’s Club & The Luncheon Club
With these three Clubs as a foundation and under the inventive guidance of Dr. Herman B Wells, the University Club was formed in 1959 as an umbrella organization. Changes and mergers resulted in the two clubs: the University Women’s Club and the Luncheon Club.
The University Women’s Club was administered by their own board of directors. The programming provided offered members a wide range of social and intellectual interaction through tours, lectures, musical events, dinners, luncheons, and interest groups.
The University Women’s Club, a vital part of the action around the University Club, began with a tea back in 1913 when a group of women gathered to plan a social organization of Indiana University faculty women, wives, and teachers. This first tea was held on May 22, 1913, at a garden party on the lawn of Mrs. C. H. Eigenmann. There were 76 members that first year who met on the second Thursday of every month during the academic year.
In 1959 President Herman B. Wells brought the University Women’s Club, the Men’s Faculty Club, and the Women’s Faculty and Staff Club into an umbrella organization called the University Club and provided rooms for the organization in the Indiana Memorial Union. The main entrance was just across the hall from the Whittenberger Auditorium on the first floor.
One of the oldest organizations on the Bloomington campus, the University Club is for all faculty, staff, alumni, and interested community members. Members share a common bond: Indiana University. Friendships formed at the club help foster connections across departmental lines; our social, cultural, and recreational activities add to the texture of university and Bloomington community life.
Today’s University Club includes monthly speaker luncheons plus more than a dozen special interest groups such as Walking, Fine Dining, Book Discussion, and Bocce. Most groups meet monthly.
Membership
Membership is open to faculty, staff, and community residents. Members are the essential ingredient in our Club’s existence. It is the diverse mix of members who give our programming and facilities such heart and soul. Member participation does make a difference and we strive to continue the fine tradition that is the legacy of the University Club.
Email uclub@iu.edu to contact University Club of Indiana University for questions about room availability, club events, booking a party or wedding venues.
