Founded in November 1909, the University of Kentucky Woman's Club, UKWC, has a dual purpose: social activities for its members, and service to the University. Originally a faculty wives' club, it has since changed to welcome women with any past or present affiliation with the University of Kentucky--faculty, staff, alumni, spouses, students, friends.
Our members span a broad age range. Many women join as young mothers and find a supportive social niche in the Family Playgroup,. continuing to count the moms they met there as close friends for decades. Some wait to join until they have retired from professional careers, while others join as friends of the University.
Activities are scheduled primarily during the academic year. Many take place during the day, but some are in the evenings or on weekends. We offer bridge, needlework, drama (reading plays together), book discussion and circulation groups, scrapbooking/photo albums, recipe makeovers, international cuisine, dinner group, history and tours, and family playgroup. Each year we gather for four luncheons with interesting speakers from the community.
We raise funds continuously with a variety of activities to support full-tuition undergraduate scholarships for non-traditional UK students. Since inception of the Aid Fund in 1973, we have awarded scholarships to total almost $400,000. In addition, we support graduate students with fellowships through an endowment fund in cooperation with the University. Since 2006, more than $50,000. has been awarded to graduate students.
New members are always welcome!