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.
The April 1, 2025, luncheon presentation was "Cooking with the Sun: How Solarized BBQs Work," presented by Jay Sharping, Professor of Physics, and supported by three of his PhD students.
In addition to monthly luncheons, members are invited to participate in a variety of special events and initiatives, such as the following:
- The annual UC Intercampus Trip, which was to UC Santa Cruz on March 26, 2025. the 2026 trip will be to UC Berkeley.
- UC Merced athletic events with tailgate socials beforehand
- Snacks for Scholars to distribute food to students before finals each semester
- a lively holiday social each December
- and participation in the UFC Book Club, which meets every month
At the end of each spring semester, the Scholarship and Awards Reception and Annual Meeting are held jointly 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 UFC event.
PAST LUNCHEON PRESENTATIONS THIS ACADEMIC YEAR (2024-25)
- Curious about ¿field curious?, Dr. Jessica Malisch, Co-Director of the UC Merced Natural Reserve System.
- Why Do We Need Community in Our Research?, by Robin De Lugan, Professor of Anthropology, and members of her team. VIEW THE POWERPOINT / ARTICLE
- CalTeach Learning Lab and the Bobcat Summer STEM Academy, by Professor Mayya Tokman and CalTeach Program Director, Dr. Chelsea Arnold (Jan. 2025)
- Engaging Polititcs Analytically: Rigorous Social Science and Experiential Learning, by Nathan Monroe, Professor of Political Science (Nov. 2024)
- Undergraduate & Graduate Student Life and Campus Updates, by Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brian O'Bruba, followed by All about the Guardian Scholars Program by Leydy Sandoval and Editch Ramirez (Oct. 2024)
SCENES FROM 2024-25 UFC LUNCHEON TALKS
We hope you will join us!
