The UCLA University Club, a cornerstone gathering place for more than 65 years, is entering a new era with a new name and new leadership. Originally established in 1959 as the UCLA Faculty Center, the club has long served as a welcoming space to connect over lunch, host events and build relationships across disciplines and generations.
Over time, membership has expanded beyond faculty to include UCLA staff, alumni, retirees, visiting scholars, adjuncts and members of neighboring communities and reciprocal university clubs.
“The club serves as a bridge between people from different areas of campus who might not otherwise have the chance to meet and connect,” said Dr. Stephen Cederbaum, chair of the University Club board of governors. “For many years, it wasn’t on my radar. However, it started to take on meaning as I became more involved on campus. It was essential to my adaptation to a professional role at UCLA.”
With distinctive modern ranch-style architecture, the club features a dining room, meeting rooms, outdoor patios, a small boardroom and a lounge with a built-in bar for private functions. Another nice feature, noted Cederbaum, who joined UCLA in 1971 and has been a club member since the mid-1990s, is a library and reading room where members can relax, get a little work done or read.
“We encourage everyone to join what has evolved into a community club,” he said of the 1,800-member University Club. “The University Club thrives because of the investment of its members. Without their support, it would be difficult to maintain the welcoming spaces and special amenities that make the club such a unique part of campus life.” Member applications are now being accepted.
In addition, the club is now under the management of the award-winning UCLA Housing & Hospitality, the award-winning team behind the Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, Lake Arrowhead Lodge, Inn at UCLA and Conferences and Catering.
“This transition allows us to bring our signature service, culinary excellence and commitment to community to one of UCLA’s most historic and beloved spaces,” said Pete Angelis, associate vice chancellor of housing and hospitality, noting that UCLA Conferences & Catering handles all reservations and events held at the club, including meetings, private gatherings, weddings and other celebrations.
At the helm is the club’s general manager, Guadalupe Morales, a seasoned professional with more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including two decades with H&H.
“My experience has instilled a deep understanding of hospitality excellence, operational efficiency, organization and guest-centric service — values I plan to bring directly into the club’s operations,” Morales said.
To enhance customer satisfaction, the culinary team is developing a rotating lunch and dessert menu updated every three to four weeks that features a diverse array of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This dedication to culinary excellence, quality and innovation is evident across UCLA Dining, which falls under the H&H umbrella and was recently named the No. 1 college dining program in the nation for the seventh consecutive year.
In addition, club employees now enjoy the benefits of working as part of H&H’s strong team culture and have access to H&H recognition and safety programs, as well as training support.
“These efforts reflect a renewed commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and cared for,” Morales said.
Between 2020 and 2022, the University Club underwent extensive renovation to address infrastructure upgrades, seismic reinforcement and other improvements. These efforts earned the club a Preservation Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy in 2024.
