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.
February's luncheon presentation will be "Why Do We Need Community in Our Research," presented by Robin DeLugan, Professor of Anthropology, with some other members of her team. By emphasizing the importance of community engagement and public humanities, two initiatives at UC Merced are transforming graduate education and faculty research in the Humanities. The speakers will illustrate recent projects that focus on local interests and that demonstrate the role of community-informed research. To register, click here by Friday, January 29th.
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 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)
- 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!
