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.

Welcome to University Farm Circle 2011-2012!

It is our pleasure to welcome you to a new University Farm Circle year. UFC was formed in 1914 and continues to provide monthly activities for about 500 community women. Our goals are to welcome newcomers, provide programs and activities, and offer scholarships to UCD students. Our theme this year "Plant Seeds o Sing Songs" symbolizes our enriching programs that cultivate learning but also represents our fun activities which foster University Farm Circle friendships.

Our UFC year begins with the Newcomers´ Coffee on Thursday, September 15th, which is an opportunity to learn about our organization and the various Sections, such as: Antiquing, Bird Watching and Wine Tasting. The Newcomers committee has fantastic programs, such as tea at Linde Lane, U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame tour by Bill Roe and a re-gift exchange planned for the year.

Our Annual Fall Tea will be on Thursday, October 6th, at Chancellor Katehi´s residence. All current and prospective members are invited to attend and to preview our Sections, Program, and Newcomer events. Our nine scholarship recipients will also be introduced.

Our Program Committee has planned many events such as: a Woman´s Health speaker, a Sacramento Local Roots Food Tour, a Slide Show on Cuba, and a trip to the De Young Museum for "Bouquets of Art". We will have our traditional annual events of the Candlelight Dinner in

December and the Spring Luncheon in May to highlight our year. We wish to thank Diana Coss Berti for the design accompanying our theme.

As your Co- Presidents, we are anticipating a great year of stimulating programs and fun excursions. We hope you will join us for many events as we "Plant Seeds o Sing Songs".

Sue Colombano and Pat Kaminker

Co-Presidents 2011-2012