FACULTY WOMEN’S CLUB HISTORY

On October 26,1921, in the President’s House at 815 South University, Nina Burton, wife of President Marion Leroy Burton, gathered together 50 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 more than 600 members. Dues that were $1 in 1921 are $25 in 2005.

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 Interest 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 at 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 in the homes of members.

The Faculty Women’s Club traditionally sponsors three major gatherings a year: the Fall Reception, where members greet friends and join interest sections; a mid-winter event; and the Annual Meeting and Spring Luncheon. This year, FWC members also are invited to attend the new Host-a-Guest Potluck and a living room chat lecture series with renowned University scholars.