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.

As returning Co-Presidents, it is again our pleasure to welcome both returning and new members to the 2010-2011 year of University Farm Circle. While keeping our beloved logo from last year, we have selected a new theme: "With an Attitude of Gratitude - Embracing Our History."

It is "With an Attitude of Gratitude" that we acknowledge all that we enjoy about UFC. We are thankful for the commitment and leadership of the many women who came before us and those involved today. They make this the exceptional women´s organization that it is now. Farm Circle has evolved from a small support group of university women to a university and community organization of 450+ women. We have grown into a comprehensive group with educational and fun programs, numerous social activities, plus a large variety of special interest sections.

We feel our theme reflects a particularly significant year as we celebrate and "Embrace Our History" with the debut of member Judy Wydick´s The Circle: History of University Farm Circle. This fascinating book, which has been seven years in the making, highlights the 95-year history of University Farm Circle and the dedicated women who built and strengthened our organization. In fact, many of you, our current members, are mentioned in this book. We hope that the book will provide additional monies for future scholarships and we whole-heartedly encourage all of you to support this fundraiser. UFC members are invited to a "Champagne-Dessert Kick-off" to launch the book on Thursday, September 23.

We hope to see you at the Fall Tea held this year at Stonegate Country Club on Thursday, October 14. At this event you can preview our activities for 2010-2011. We have another wonderful year of programs, newcomers´ events, and section activities. Please attend as many of our social and cultural programs as possible - we have something for everyone. Furthermore, thanks to our endowment fund (established in 1995), generous donations, fundraisers, and our popular programs that have brought in additional funds, this year we are able to provide nine scholarships for deserving students. Come meet them at the Fall Tea. Let´s keep up the good work!

Deanna Lee and Betty Pfeifer
Co-Presidents 2010-2011