One of the hallmarks of University Friends Circle’s programming is our monthly luncheons featuring outstanding UC Merced professors or local Merced area subject experts.
Luncheons are generally held on the first Tuesday of each month during the academic year, October through April. Members are encouraged to attend and are invited to bring guests who may be interested in that month's topic or in a future membership in UFC. Interested persons who are not yet UFC members are also welcome, but registration and lunch payment are required in advance. Click here for a printable PDF of the 2024-25 luncheon calendar.
In December 2024, in lieu of a luncheon, we have a holiday gathering at the Merced Elks Lodge on December 9th. More info will appear here in late November. January's luncheon will be "CALTEACH Learning Lab and the Bobcat Summer STEM Academy," presented by Professor Mayya Tokman and CALTEACH Program Director Chelsea Arnold, at the MCOE Mondo Building on January 7. A registration link will appear here about a week prior to the luncheon.
In addition to monthly luncheons, members are invited to participate in a variety of special events and initiatives. This includes the annual UC Intercampus Trip, UC Merced athletic events, distributing Snacks for Scholars shortly before finals each semester, a lively holiday social, and participation in the UFC Book Club. At the end of each spring semester, the Scholarship and Awards Reception and Annual Meeting are held jointly - this year on April 30th, at 5:00pm, at UC Merced. This is a wonderful opportunity for members to meet the recipients of the UFC Scholarships and Community Service Awards and engage with the students who directly benefit from UFC’s fundraising efforts. Event information is emailed to all members 1-2 weeks before each event.
PAST LUNCHEON PRESENTATIONS THIS ACADEMIC YEAR (2024-25)
- Engaging Polititcs Analytically: Rigorous Social Science and Experiential Learning, by Nathan Monroe, Professor of Political Science
- Undergraduate & Graduate Student Life and Campus Update,s by Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brian O'Bruba, followed by All about the Guardian Scholars Program by Leydy Sandoval and Editch Ramirez
PHOTOS
- Three first-year undergraduates in the first cohort of the PRIME+ BS-to-MD Program, answering UFC member questions on April 2nd after presenting with Dr. Vener:
- Map of shark fossils in Deciphering Shark Ecology through Chemistry, presented in February by Professor Sora Kim:
- Scenes from a luncheon:
We hope you will join us!
