On October 26, 1921, in the President's House at
815 South University, Nina Burton, wife of President Marion Leroy
Burton, gathered together fifty women — wives of professors,
department heads, deans, and administrative officers — to
consider forming a Faculty Women's Club. Then, as now, the purpose
of the Club was to promote acquaintance and friendship among its
members. Mrs. Burton was elected the first president and served
for four years.
The FWC was designed so that women who shared similar
interests could pursue them in small informal groups. The initial
three interest sections have grown to 39. From the original group
of 50 members, we have grown into an incorporated organization
with over 600 members.
Special care has always been taken to welcome Newcomers
and Visiting Faculty to the university family. In addition, friends
membership is now extended to all members of sections who have
no affiliation with the University of Michigan.
In the early years, the University provided a red
brick house on South Ingalls, where Burton Tower stands today.
However, when the Michigan League was completed in the spring
of 1929, the FWC moved its activities to the League rooms. Today,
most of the major events are still held in the League. The Board
of Directors meets monthly at Inglis House, through the generosity
of the President's office, and many sections meetings are held
at the homes of members.
The Faculty Women's Club sponsors three major gatherings
a year: the Fall Reception Buffet, where members greet friends
and join interest sections, a Mid-Winter Party, and the Annual
Spring Luncheon.
For interesting articles about FWC history, see
the newsletter.
If you would like to inquire about club membership,
please contact our Newcomers chair, Dorothy
Reister. You may also download a copy of the 2002-2003 membership
form and mail it with a check for $25 to Mary Ann Faeth (address
on form).
