University Section Club
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Message from President
Dear Members,
As I take the helm of this storied and important organization, I continue to be impressed with the work that has gone on in the past. Last year, in preparing our Intercampus Day video, “Breaking Barriers,” I was awed by the challenges that faced the first women who came to Berkeley as either students or members of the faculty to gain equality and standing in the community. As I have become more involved in the University Section Club, I have come to realize that the accomplishments of the first women continue to this day through our group.
When I first joined the Italian Section six years ago, I was thrilled to be among a group who shared my interest in Italian culture and language. I was impressed with the speakers and guests who enlightened our programs and I’ve learned so much more about Italy, the Italians and Italian-Americans who have shaped our region.
It wasn’t until I became more involved in the organization that I was blown away by the amazing philanthropic efforts that transpired. Attending my first Beehive was a great way to socialize, meet members and participate in the auction and raffle. It was only later that I heard about the various needs of our Cal students and what hardships some of them must face. Our mission of providing donations to assist students in crises is both meaningful and important.
With our first full year of “reopening” since the Covid 19 pandemic, I have been buoyed by the resilience and enthusiasm of our members who were excited to meet in person and organize the highly successful Beehive in February! The results of that effort have allowed us to provide financial support to the many Cal students who have faced difficult challenges in completing their studies. One recent recipient of our funds was a student who needed financial assistance for unexpected medical expenses not covered by her insurance. Our grant provided financial assistance directly to her.
Looking toward the fall, this year’s Fall Welcome Reception will be held at the Brazil Room in Tilden Park on Thursday, September 21, from 11am to 1pm.
In the past, many of you have offered to help in various ways and we can always use more volunteers. At the Reception, our Activity Sections will have a chance to sign up members. Please bring your friends, especially those interested in learning more about the Sections and joining the Club. While you are there, please take the time to introduce yourselves to me.
Best wishes to you and your families for a happy and healthy end of the summer.
Sincerely,
Andrea L. Campos, President
HISTORY
Founded in 1927, the University Section Club, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit and a recognized support organization for the University of California, Berkeley, serves the UC Berkeley community in various ways. We offer eighteen sections from languages to tennis, and birding to pickleball, that provide an enjoyable way for members to come together around shared interests. Volunteer activities welcome and support students, international scholars and their families. Fundraising activities, dues and donations support philanthropy to students which include emergency grants, financial support for student groups and programs, and two endowed scholarships.
The University Section Club, Inc was a daughter-organization of the College Teas which was founded in 1907 to foster friendships among the faculty of the University of California. In 1927, a fire destroyed Hearst Hall where the Teas had been meeting. With their small insurance money, they established a Loan Fund for needy students and raising money for this Fund became their primary responsibility. By 1927, informal meetings of faculty wives were formed into The Section Club. Ten interest groups - sections were started: Badminton, Walking, Homemaking, Foreign Languages, Bridge, Drama, Music and Philanthropy (later Services Offered Students, S.O.S.).
For over 50 years, the Teas and Section Club co-existed, but as Section Club grew the Teas dwindled. In 1984, it became an official support group of the University by offering grants and support to deserving students and student-related groups.
Each summer the University Section Club distributes an informational flyer on the year's activities and calendar. The flyer includes an organization chart of the Club's structure of services to students and sections. It ends with an invitation form to join with the address of the Club.