University Farm Circle

The purpose of this organization shall be to support the University of California, Davis. In particular, this organization shall:

Welcome newcomers to the University campus and community.
Assist students through scholarships.
Provide programs and activities to meet the needs and interests of its members.

In 1913, soon after the establishment of the University Farm in Davis, Mrs. Kate Fizell, matron of South Hall dormitory, began regularly inviting a group of faculty wives into her home for informal social gatherings. On February 13, 1914, these women became the twenty-five charter members of University Farm Circle. A constitution was adopted, and the women's organization quickly began its involvement in the growth and development of the University. Members assisted in finding jobs for students, recommending a wage scale for women (1923), furnishing a library browsing room with dozens of volumes (1939), sponsoring a student wives group which became a chapter of University Dames (1959), establishing the UCD Medical Center Gift Shop (1976), establishing the Sabbatical House Listing Service (1977), and putting together an Historical Display in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of UC Davis. Before the Yolo Causeway was built, there was no evening transportation from Davis to Sacramento. Social activities quickly became an important part of Farm Circle. Local talent provided dramas, plays, and travelogues. Lectures were regularly scheduled. Topics included property rights between husband and wife (1923), corrective cultivation of the body (1935), and defense methods, with emphasis on blackout warnings and procedures (1941), as well as faculty lectures in areas of academic expertise.

Since its inception, University Farm Circle has changed with the times, adjusting its program and activities to meet the needs of its members. The constitution and bylaws have been revised many times. Despite occasional attempts to change the name, sentiment has always been to remember our roots -- the Davis campus started as The University Farm of UC Berkeley and our organization began as The University Farm Circle. While UFC's purpose has been restated in up-to-date language, the original intent still guides us: to promote and maintain the traditional friendly spirit associated with the University of California, Davis.

Before there was a UC Davis, this area was the "campus" for the agricultural division of UC Berkeley, affectionately called "The Farm." The founding members of UFC were faculty wives who met for informal social gatherings to help ease their sense of loneliness and isolation. Thus, the circle of women from the university farm was born.

It is our pleasure to welcome both returning and new members to another sensational year of University Farm Circle activities and adventures. We look forward to having you join us in our ‘Circle of Connections’ and flourish in our ‘Network of Nourishment.’ Our theme expresses the idea that through connections, networking, and service, we form friendships that enhance the quality of our lives and our community.

As Co-Presidents, we have already leaped into ‘Living Life As a Daring Adventure,’ which will be one of the many exciting programs for this year. We hope you will plan on connecting with good friends and new friends all year long, beginning with the Fall Tea, the Candlelight Dinner, and culminating with our Annual Spring Luncheon.

From fabulous bus trips, informative speakers and a slate of wonderful events and activities that are planned for this year, we will be experiencing ‘Laughter from Both Sides of the Brain,’ which happens to be another fun program on the list.

We encourage you to check our UFC Sections list to see which special interest sections appeal to you. Challenge yourself and join one or more of these stimulating groups to extend your ‘Network of Nourishment.’

By participating in Newcomers activities, which are open to all members as well as newcomers, you will enhance your ‘Circle of Connections’ and learn more about our community.

Our goal is to encourage you to explore new activities, expand your knowledge, develop new interests, and have fun in this exciting year of our ‘Circle of Connections’ and ‘Network of Nourishment.’

Deanna Lee and Betty Pfeifer
Co-Presidents 2009-2010