May 12, 2005

University Circle’s history marked by service

By Amanda Morris

In 1915, Northwestern had a total of 5,293 students of which 1,902 were women. Nearly 36 percent of students on campus were female and yet there was no designated place for them to dine, study and socialize with other women. A group of faculty wives realized there was a need for a women’s center and met for lunch one afternoon to create a plan to raise money to build one.

The group decided to call themselves the Faculty Women’s Club and had 65 members in the first year. The one criterion to join was to be the wife of a Northwestern faculty member. Ninety years later, this group is known as University Circle. And the name is not the only thing that has changed.

“Over the years we’ve become more and more inclusive of all women who have any kind of Northwestern connection,” said Circle President Margaret Schatz.

Throughout its history, University Circle has organized several fund-raising events for the Women’s Building Fund. They sponsored theatrical performances, sold pencils, made baked goods and even ran a tearoom to raise money. By 1940, all the hard work had paid off and Scott Hall opened. In appreciation of the contributions made by women’s organizations, certain rooms were set aside for their use.

Today University Circle, with 120 members, is still committed to service. Circle members have sewn garments for the Northwestern Settlement House, knitted for the Red Cross, made cancer dressings for the Evanston Cancer Center and supported numerous other charitable events.

Former Circle President Dorothy Murphy said that she has remained a member for 48 years because not only does she love meeting other women but she also really enjoys the service aspect of helping the community.

“The service projects are enjoyable and worthwhile,” she said. “It’s not just social, it’s social plus.”

Nancy Allred, who has been a member for more than 35 years, said that University Circle has given her the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, as the group has 17 interest groups ranging from quilting to tennis.

“I love the activities and the women. Those are the big things,” said Allred, who is a member of the Spanish Conversation Group.

In honor of University Circle’s 90th anniversary, the women have started a $1,000 tuition scholarship for women who are employed by North-western and are working toward their degree through the School of Continuing Studies. (See sidebar on page 5.)