History

The University Club began as a faculty club that moved from the Alumni Memorial Hall to the Union in 1937. Club quarters included a billiards room on the ground floor, with its own entrance on State Street, as well as a two-story lounge and adjoining library on the first floor.

In 1970, The University Club could no longer afford rent for their quarters on the first floor. Rather than dissolve, the faculty club relocated to the main dining room and re-opened as a members-only dining room and bar. Membership was opened to alumni and students, and temporary memberships were granted to hotel guests. Membership remained low, however, as the fees were too high for most students.

Later, in 1980, the membership fee was eliminated and all students were considered club members. The inclusion of all students made the U-Club a popular nightclub in the 1980s as it allowed admittance to those under 21 years old.

In 1991, The University stopped serving alcohol and restricted its menu to lunchtime only.
The U-Club received a much needed face lift in 1996, re-opening with a new menu, tables and chairs, and a 2,000 square foot mural, suggesting a series of arches, columns, and windows. Since that time, the restaurant remains a favorite lunch spot for faculty, staff, students and campus visitors. Beyond the lunch period, the room is often used for special occasions, University Unions and Center for Campus Involvement events.