Storied Faculty Club meets weekly at JSMA in its latest iteration

The Faculty Club, a venerable campus institution that has waxed and waned over the decades, is back at the University of Oregon.

The latest iteration began with a quiet launch last spring, and after a summer hiatus, has been a recurring weekly event since fall term. The Thursday afternoon gatherings at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art have drawn about 50 or so faculty members for two hours of socializing and relaxing.

The club fills a distinct need at the UO, said Judith Raiskin, professor of women’s gender and sexuality studies and one of three co-coordinators of the club. 

“We’re a highly creative and curious bunch of people,” Raiskin said. “The idea that we are interested in each other and come together to talk about our ideas can only lead to productive synergy, personally and professionally, and strengthen the bonds of faculty on campus."

Talia Paz, a journalism and communications librarian and a Faculty Club co-coordinator, got involved with Faculty Club soon after arriving at the UO about a year ago.

She said it’s taken some time for the club to gain traction, “but the experience I’m having personally and the feedback from others is really positive.” Post-pandemic, a lot of people are interested in making meaningful in-person connections with others, Paz added. 

“This is a good starting point,” she said. “A place where faculty can come together.”

Club co-coordinator Jay Silveira, professor of music education and conductor of the UO Wind Symphony, said he got involved when the call for volunteers went out last spring. The club had shut down during the pandemic, and when it started back up last spring he realized he missed the camaraderie and the opportunity to socialize with colleagues from across campus. He said he enjoys talking with colleagues in different disciplines about their research. 

“To me, that sparks creativity and gets the research juices going in my head. It’s really energizing for me,” he said. “I like the idea of a culture of collaboration. Faculty Club allows for an organic way to collaborate – casual conversations, common interests.”

The UO Faculty Club meets from 4-6 p.m. Thursdays at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.