SECTIONS
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Since 1927, the University Section Club has encouraged a sense of community on the Berkeley campus. Welcoming newcomers and reaching across departmental boundaries from all corners of the university,
it has been a catalyst for friendship and for service. All members are invited to our club-wide events:
Fall Reception, Winter Dinner, Beehive, Intercampus Open House, and Spring Fundraiser.
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As its name suggests, the Sections or interest groups are the heart of the club. Their number and activities are limited only by the imagination and energy of the members. At the moment there are 17 sections that mirror the richness of the Berkeley community. Some of the times have changed for the Activity Sections and the Photography section is taking a year off. Section Club membership is required before joining an activity section. Each section may assess its own fees.
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Visitors: please contact a Section Chair via this Contact Form
Members: please contact Section Chairs via the password protected Membership List
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Birding
Monthly outings to different habitats, from shorelines to hills to observe birds and other interesting features. Bring lunch and water. No experience needed. First Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hester Bradbury
Patricia Williamson
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Bon Appétit
Themed dinner or lunch parties for small groups, with two all-member events. Hosting rotates, and each host sets the date and assigns recipes. The season runs from September to May.
Claire Phillips
Book Discussion
Open to all members who love to read and discuss books. Lively discussions held every month, complimented with delicious refreshments. Participants meet in members’ homes. The program runs October - April, culminating in May with a special luncheon featuring a noteworthy author/speaker.
First Friday, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (except January).
Emily Ladner
Joan Finnie
Drama
Member productions, performances and audience participation held in members’ homes, followed by refreshments. Individual members produce, cast and manage props. Productions are readings—no memorization required and include one rehearsal. Open to all who support and enjoy good theater and fun times. Third Monday, 2 p.m.
Marcia Vastine
Joyce Jackson
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French
For lovers of French culture to enjoy conversation, discussion and presentations in French on a variety of topics. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of the Month at 1:30 p.m.
Shahla Verrall
Marilyn Vihman
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German
Programs on different aspects of contemporary life and cultural heritage in German-speaking countries. Monthly in-person meetings in both German and English at members’ homes. Third Tuesday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Oct. – May (no meeting in Jan.)
Heidi Hartman
Heidi Taylor
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Italian
Lectures on different aspects of Italian life (art, literature, science, politics) followed by a delicious lunch of mainly Italian cuisine, where the exchange of ideas always shape and spice up
conversations! Second Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Elly Skarakis
Barb Denton
Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu)
Participate in a gentle, five centuries old practice with a focus on mindfulness. Taking place in a tatami-mat tea room, enjoy a tea gathering which includes tea and sweets, art, nature, culture and the company of others. Four gatherings, second Thursday in October, January, April, and June, time varies.
Donna Chan
Movies
Each month we choose a movie and watch it independently. Then we gather in two separate groups at the home of a member to discuss the film on the third Wednesday or third Thursday at 4 p.m.
Holly Hartley
Marilena Tamburello
Music
Open to solo and group performers, as well as music listeners. Enjoy tea and concerts in members’ homes, first Thursday, 1:30 p.m. (except May meeting – 11 a.m. with luncheon). Join the chorus (with a professional director). Rehearsals every Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – noon.
Mary Kay Duggan
Newcomers
A section just for members new to the Club. The first meeting will be chaired by the past president and then new members will take over, hosting and chairing meetings to fit their schedule. A chance to find out about sections, meet officers of the Club, and learn about special events and philanthropic activities.
Andrea Campos
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Pickleball
Players include those of many levels, from beginners to regulars. Players meet weekly on Tuesday at the Cedar/Rose Park pickleball courts. Time varies from late morning to early afternoon, depending on court reservation availability. Time will be confirmed via email the previous weekend.
Mary Kay Duggan
Poetry
The Poetry Section will meet monthly to discuss one poet per meeting, perhaps choosing to devote more than one meeting to some poets. The person who proposes a poet for discussion will do a little homework, to be able to talk a bit about the person. One or more poems (depending on length) will be chosen for reading aloud; that will be followed by open discussion of meanings, associations, other poems etc. We will begin with the great English-language poets; later we might tackle some foreign language poets, where the issue of translation arises. We will be meeting on the fourth Wednesday at 3 p.m. in members’ homes.
Marilyn Vihman
Sew and So
Provides a creative social setting to mend, sew, embroider, knit, or crochet together. Meetings are held in members’ homes the third Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Ellie Hahn
Dorothy
Spanish
Join us to improve your Spanish, share experiences, and celebrate the rich culture of the Spanish-speaking world. No matter your level of Spanish, everyone is welcome—from beginners to advanced speakers. Meetings take place on the fourth Monday of the month at 1:30 pm in members' homes.
Carol Buckles
Tennis
A lively, friendly group play on the Channing Courts for drop-in tennis of all levels. We have reserved parking included. Monday – Friday, 9 – 11 a.m.
Monica Rohrer
Carole R. Brown
Link to see our gallery Section Tennis Group photos
University Art Museum
Meets four times a year for guided exhibition tours or presentations at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). Second Friday, 10 – 11 a.m.
Sandra Gilbert
Walking
Enjoy mid-week solitude of nearby parks, hillsides, shorelines, and cityscapes, carpooling or meeting at each trailhead. Bring lunch and water. Second Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Beth Crovitz
Misty MacCready
Writers’ Workshop
Meet monthly in members’ homes for a bag lunch and dessert. Read and receive feedback on our original works in progress: novels, memoirs, other non-fiction, poems, short stories, essays. Beginners as well as experienced writers are encouraged to participate in a supportive environment. First Monday, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. except July, Aug. and Sept.
Marilyn Vihman