The Centennial

Honoring the Past | Celebrating the Future

We were thrilled to honor the past and celebrate the future during our Centennial Celebration on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Members and local dignitaries were welcomed with a red carpet entrance, enjoyed a cocktail hour with 1920's-inspired drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and were seated for a multi-course dinner featuring 1920's popular dishes and desserts re-imagined for today. After dinner, emcees Scott Vandrick and Mary Lou Byrne took us on a magical journey through time and space with an Orb of History. The Orb shared three videos about the Club's past, present, and future. Please enjoy these videos below, which were produced in partnership with Pasadena Media.

During the program, members also shared what the Club has meant to them in their lives, and two students were recognized who recently received scholarships from the University Club of Pasadena Education Foundation. As it concluded, Scott and Mary Lou invited everyone out to the Garden Patio to dance through the decades with live music by Art Deco Entertainment. At the end of the evening, members received a copy of Nat Read's coffee table book about the history of our Club, Pasadena, and the club movement around the world.

It was an unforgettable evening honoring the past and celebrating the future as we commemorated 100 years as a Club. Please enjoy scrolling through event photos below by Lyd & Mo Photography, which can also be found and downloaded from an album on our Facebook page. A keepsake video of the evening's program by Pixelwerks is included below as well.

In the months leading up to the Centennial Celebration, we also shared a monthly e-newsletter with members. These e-newsletters featured memories from the last century, honored members both past and present, and revealed details for the celebration. Please enjoy revisiting these memories with the menu below.

We look forward to a bright future ahead!




	Centennial Celebration - April 23, 2022

The Celebration: Saturday, April 23, 2022
- October 2021
  
  November 2021
  
  Member Nat Read Writes Coffee Table Book about the History of the University Club of Pasadena
  
  Author Nat B. Read is writing a coffee table book about the University Club’s history to be released as part of the 2022 Centennial Celebration. He has written seven books and his articles and humor have been published in dozens of publications throughout the country, including The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, Chicago magazine, Boy’s Life and Leatherneck. He wrote a history of the Jonathan Club and a book about early Los Angeles history, Don Benito Wilson: From Mountain Man to Mayor.
  
  He served as board chair of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and was a director of the Los Angeles Urban League, Pasadena Navy League, San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, University Club of Pasadena, Pasadena Rotary Club and the Jonathan Club. He recently retired from his public relations agency, Read Communications after 25 years of what he calls “low profile, non-controversial” work.
  
  December 2021
  
  Taste Favorite Flavors from across the Decades
  
  Members of our Centennial Committee and staff are researching menus and favorite dishes from across the decades. They are putting together a fantastic menu for our Centennial Celebration on April 23, 2022, which will feature popular items from the 1920's while keeping today's flavors and preferences in mind.
  
  In the months leading up to the celebration in the new year, the Club's weekly lunch menus will include featured dishes that were popular throughout our history. While current options will remain on the menu, stay tuned for a chance to taste some of the delicious meals that have been served over the years.
  
  January 2022
  
  The 1922 Lounge
  
  We are thrilled to be kicking off our Centennial year with the completion of The 1922 Lounge, a newly renovated space for members to enjoy weekly as well as during our upcoming Centennial Celebration on April 23.
  
  Installation of Kenton Nelson's painting in The 1922 Lounge on December 1, 2021
  
  The following is a message about The 1922 Lounge and additional Club updates from Immediate Past Head Governor Gary Kearney.
  
  Gary Kearney & Mary Lou Byrne enjoying Mary Lou Manhattans at the Club
  
  "The 1922 Lounge along with the entrance hall are the beginning of an overall Club revitalization for our Centennial celebration. The vision for the Club is to have a uniform look and feel for all of the rooms.
  
  The first rooms to be completely modernized were the men’s and women’s bathrooms. Both were demolished and rebuilt to provide a more comfortable and pleasant surrounding. All new fixtures were installed to give the rooms a contemporary look.
  
  Two thoughts were paramount in the redesign of The 1922 Lounge by designer Rich Kasten. First, the bar in the north-west corner was always a problem because of its small size and location in the room. Second, people would enter the room and then gather in the corner, making it difficult to access the bar. The solution was to relocate the bar on the far side of the room getting people to spread out and have more bar counter space.
  
  To give the Lounge a more open feeling, we took the ceiling back to its original height. We removed the faux beams and the abandoned air ducts to lift the ceiling and give the room a more expansive look. The room is decorated with a nod to art deco.
  
  The picture behind the bar was an adventure. Fortunately, member Mark Baratta is good friends with world-renowned artist Kenton Nelson, and he was gracious enough to allow us to copy and enlarge a piece he was doing for a patron. It is such an honor to display his work.
  
  Our final vision for the Lounge is to have a sliding door to the patio, a large screen with a short throw projector on the east wall and decorative lighting in the wine and spirits rooms.
  
  The Lounge will be a members only room during the week providing a pleasant and fashionable room to enjoy." - Gary Kearney, Immediate Past Head Governor
  
  February 2022
  
  Centennial Video Production
  
  The Club is excited to be working with Pasadena Media to produce three videos for our Centennial highlighting our past, present, and future. These videos will feature historical documents and photos from our archives, memories and milestones from the past century, members past and present, the Club today, our future vision, and so much more. Members will be able to view the videos during the Centennial Celebration on April 23, 2022, and they will be posted on our website after the event as well. We look forward to sharing these keepsake videos with you as we honor our past and celebrate our future together.
  
  March 2022
  
  Purchase a Tribute Ad in the Event Program
  
  TRIBUTE AD PURCHASE SHEET
  
  Help us commemorate 100 years on April 23, 2022 by purchasing a Tribute ad in our Centennial Celebration program, which will be distributed to 200+ members, guests, and local dignitaries that evening. For your Tribute ad to be included in the Centennial Celebration program, please submit artwork and payment by Monday, March 21, 2022. Please view the purchase sheet to learn more, and thank you for your support.
  
  And, invitations will be mailed to members in March - this event will sell out!
  
  April 1, 2022
  
  Just Three More Weeks Until April 23!
  RSVP by April 1
  
  Members received invitations in the mail two weeks ago
  
  If you did not receive your invitation or have questions about the event, please contact [email protected]
  
  We can't wait to see you there!
  
  Centennial Celebration
  on Saturday, the Twenty-Third of April
  Two Thousand and Twenty-Two
  
  At Half after Five o'clock in the Evening
  - Half after Five o'clock Cocktail Hour -
  - Seven o'clock Dinner & Program -
  - Dancing to Follow -
  
  Formal Attire
Honoring Our Members
- October 2021
  
  Howard W. Carter, Founder
  
  In 1921, Howard W. Carter was sitting in his dentist's chair having a tooth drilled, when he conceived the idea that Pasadena should have a University Club. He mentioned to his dentist, "there ought to be enough college men in Pasadena to start a Club." The dentist agreed and Mr. Carter immediately began to talk up the project as he made the rounds on the town. Soon he called a meeting at his home on North Hill Avenue for those who were interested. Among those who attended were Dr. Joseph P. Condit, Herbert L. Hahn, Dr. J. Ross Reed, Dr. Humes Roberts, Dr. Henry H. Shark and H.I. Stewart.
  
  "UNIVERSITY CLUB FOR PASADENA IS NOW IN EXISTENCE" headlined the Star News on April 29, 1922. Here with its founding members, the history of the University Club of Pasadena began.
  
  November 2021
  
  Ron Bailey, Board Member & Centennial Committee Chair
  
  Ron Bailey has been a member of the University Club since February 2018 and is in his third year as a Board member. He chairs the Club's Centennial Committee, which is responsible for recognizing and planning our Centennial Celebration. Ron and the members and staff on this committee are hard at work developing our history book, planning our special celebration next April, conducting outreach, and more.
  
  Ron is the second of four children and was raised in Pomona. He graduated from Cal Poly, Pomona and holds a Master’s Degree in Finance and is an Eagle Scout. Ron has been in the banking industry for over 30 years and is currently employed by Citizens Business Bank in Pasadena as a Relationship Manager. In between banking roles, Ron taught school in the Los Angeles Unified School District and at Southwest Community College. Ron and his partner, Roberto, live in Los Angeles and are raising two teenage boys. Their children are active in youth sports, playing soccer and football. Ron is a past President of the Pasadena Host Lions Club and currently serves on two boards for the Lions. Ron and family are avid Dodgers fans.
  
  December 2021
  
  Bob & Rosemary Risley
  
  
  
  Bob and Rosemary Risley have been members of the University Club for over 25 years. Bob is an attorney in Pasadena, and he serves on our Education Foundation Committee. Rosemary serves on our Social Committee, Centennial Committee, and Centennial Food & Beverage Sub-Committee. She has played an active role in planning many of the member activities and events at the Club, including helping to decorate for Christmas every year.
  
  The Risley's enjoy coming to member events, such as our Holiday Dinner, Holiday Brunch, Valentine's Dinner, and more. Rosemary shared that they especially love dancing to live music, and they have enjoyed many of the bands that have played at the Club over the years.
  
  Bob and Rosemary also have very fond memories of hosting private events at the Club, including a memorable birthday party with many of their close friends. They look forward to making more memories at the Club this holiday season and during our Centennial Celebration next year!
  
  January 2022
  
  Brian Beck, President of the Board of Governors
  
  Brian Beck and his family have been members of the Club for seven years, and he currently serves as President and Chair of the Membership Committee. Brian, his wife, Leia, and their son, Grant, enjoy dining at the Club often and attending many special events.
  
  The following is a message from Brian as we enter our Centennial year.
  
  
  
  "2022 marks an important milestone for the University Club of Pasadena. One hundred years ago, in 1922, a group of leaders from our community gathered with a novel idea: to form a club for college graduates centered on business, academic, and social pursuits. This was at a time when college degrees were far less common than they are today. And, in 1922, the world had recently emerged from a difficult and multi-year global pandemic.
  
  A century later, as the world fights its way through another worldwide pandemic, the University Club remains a vital and vibrant part of the fabric of Pasadena. As our fantastic staff and dedicated members at the Club have shared through these newsletters, the past 100 years have been marked by many important and memorable moments at the Club. Our history is fascinating and demonstrates the prominent role that the Club has played in the story of Pasadena itself. I am thrilled to be celebrating the Club's Centennial with each of you, and honored to serve as the President of your Board of Governors at the start of this important year.
  
  I believe that adversity reveals character. Our collective strength as a Club has shown itself over the past year. In spite of the Covid pandemic, we enjoyed remarkable success in 2021. I'm pleased to report that we added 50 new members over the past 12 months. We have made significant improvements to the Club, including the opening of our new 1922 Lounge. Our social and business activities - both virtual and physical - have been well attended. Meanwhile, we remain financially stable despite a drop in outside event usage of the Club. Your participation in Club events has been critical to maintaining our positive momentum and I challenge each of you to continue and deepen your involvement with our Club in 2022.
  
  Our staff, including our General Manager, Cyrus Afshin, should be commended on an outstanding job managing us through a challenging two years. Please join me in thanking Cyrus and the rest of our wonderful and hard-working staff.
  
  My family and I have enjoyed our membership in the Club over the past seven years. More than anything else, the friendships developed and fellowship enjoyed have meant the most to us. The Club has become an important part of our lives.
  
  I look forward to honoring our past and celebrating a very bright future for our Club with each of you as we enter this very significant time - the Centennial year of the University Club of Pasadena." - Brian Beck, President of the Board of Governors
  
  About Brian Beck:
  Brian has 25+ years of experience, including two decades as a VP and C-level Ecommerce executive. He is the author of the groundbreaking book on B2B digital transformation, entitled “Billion Dollar B2B Ecommerce”, and is a sought-after industry speaker and expert. During his time in operating roles, Brian led efforts resulting in extremely high growth rates from Ecommerce and held full P&L responsibility as the lead digital executive in both early stage and multi-billion dollar global enterprises. Brian is an expert in the areas of Ecommerce strategy, digital marketing and customer acquisition, organizational and selling channel alignment, customer experience and merchandising, technology evaluation and selection, and all operational aspects of building highly scalable commerce organizations.
  
  Brian is currently an advisor to manufacturers, distributors, and brands on digital commerce strategy. In addition to his advisory work, Brian serves as the Managing Partner of Enceiba, the industry’s only Amazon consultancy focused on serving the B2B industry.
  
  February 2022
  
  John Cushman
  
  John Cushman is a retired attorney and Senior member of the Club. He joined in March 1967, and he will be celebrating 55 years of membership next month. As John approaches this milestone, he shared some thoughts about his experience:
  
  "Years of lunches and special events at the Club kept me in contact with so many people who have contributed much of their lives to our community. All of the dinners and seasonal events we have attended have enabled Ginny and me to enjoy the company of our friends and meet new members as well. It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of it." - John
  
  John and his wife, Ginny, at the Club's Clam Bake in May 1969
  
  Thank you, John, for your many years of membership and continued support of the Club!
  
  March 2022
  
  Candis Ipswitch
  
  For much of our history, the University Club of Pasadena was strictly a men’s Club. Women were welcomed to join starting in 1986 – a year before most other men’s Clubs in the United States. Attorney Candis Ipswitch, one of the first women to join the Club, can be credited with her persistence in pursuing this right over many years.
  
  Candis, an LA Rams fan, is currently a Senior member of the Club. She recently shared some of her memories with us:
  
  "I grew up in Pasadena where my father practiced law and was a member of the University Club. When I became a lawyer and joined my father’s practice it seemed very appropriate for me to also join the University Club. It took a few years for me, along with others, to show the all male membership that women would be a benefit, not a detriment, to the life of the club. John Cushman, a member since 1967, sponsored me for membership. He made sure I felt welcome by taking me to lunch at the club, having me meet several members who attended the club regularly, and introducing me to the “round tables” where anyone could join the group for lunch. Over the years I have met and become friends with many members of the Pasadena business community that I would not have otherwise known. It has been a great pleasure to be part of the club and I hope to enjoy all of the wonderful resources it has to offer for years to come." - Candis
  
  April 2022
  
  Richard Chinen, President of the Board of Governors
  
  Richard Chinen, a Senior member of the University Club, joined in 1987 after having his wedding reception at the Club in 1981. He is Chair of the Social Committee, Chair of the Entertainment and Food & Beverage Centennial Sub-Committees, and newly elected President of the Board of Governors.
  
  Mr. Chinen is a partner of Barbaro, Chinen, Pitzer & Duke, LLP, and he serves many organizations in our community. Currently, Richard is a Life Director and Past President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, serves on the Board of Directors for the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, and serves as an Advisory Member of the Board of Directors of Elizabeth House. Previously, Richard has been a Board member for many additional community organizations as well.
  
  As we celebrate our Centennial in just a few weeks, Richard hopes that members will feel grateful as they learn of the Club's history. He also hopes they will sense the Club's purpose to connect with one another in community and encourage those who come after us, including the young scholars we aim to support through the University Club of Pasadena Education Foundation.
100 Years of Memories
- October 2021
  
  Our Home
  
  When the Club began in 1922, arrangements were made to occupy a portion of the south end of the second story east wing of the Hotel Green, adjacent to the old Santa Fe railroad station. The sun room or porch on the south side became an acceptable luncheon spot and a considerable group of members gathered there regularly at noon.
  
  It didn't take long for the Club to outgrow its quarters in the Hotel Green, and the search for a new home took 3 years. In 1925, Manager Pearman notified Dr. Carl Thomas that he had been quietly looking around and had located the Club's present site on North Oakland and Ford Place. The building had been the home of Rev. R.L. Richardson and the lot to the north was vacant and could also be bought. The Board of Governors wasted no time in starting negotiations for both. The formal opening of the Club in its new home was on September 23, 1926. Originally known as 75 Ford Place, the Club still resides in this same home today, now known as 175 North Oakland Avenue.
  
  Membership continued to grow, and it became necessary to expand the Club's home once again in the 1960s. Construction began on an addition to the front of the building, which created the entrance that welcomes us today. The addition opened in 1967 with a celebration and coverage in the LA Times and other local newspapers.
  
  November 2021
  
  Notable Members & Visitors through the Years
  
  Since 1922, the University Club of Pasadena has attracted some of the brightest minds and most interesting personalities.
  
  Among our early members were three retired college presidents, three Nobel Laureates, celebrated scientists including Robert Milliken, Edwin Hubble, George Ellery Hale; noted architects including Myron Hunt and celebrated artists including Alson Skinner Clark and Ernest Batchelder. Others were John McWilliams, Jr., the father of Julia Child and Dr. Charles Richter, inventor of the earthquake scale. Albert Einstein and Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. were among the early speakers at the Club, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan visited in 1977.
  
  The tradition continues today with a diverse membership of professionals and notable speaker series featuring prominent artists, authors, business people, and more.
  
  December 2021
  
  Holiday Traditions at the Club
  
  The holidays are a very special time of year at the Club, and this month we are revisiting memories and traditions from throughout our history.
  
  Santa, pictured above in our Breezeway, welcomed families to the Children's Christmas Party in 1971 - 1972. Pictured below, members' children enjoyed sitting on Santa's lap and watching a performance of Christmas carols during the party.
  
  Children and families have enjoyed many traditions over the years, including an annual show by Bob Baker's Marionettes in the 1960's. The hand-drawn flyer from 1963 is pictured below.
  
  In addition to children's activities, the Club hosted dinners and parties for the holidays as well. A flyer and program from the 1942 celebrations during WWII is pictured below, noting the planned menu items would be served if possible due to restricted food and service during that time. Members enjoyed music, entertainment, and "Mickey Mouse in Sound and Technicolor"
  
  In 1937, members enjoyed a special performance by the Senior Players of the Pasadena Community Playhouse before their Christmas dinner celebration. Reservations were limited and cost just $1 per person!
  
  The traditions continue today with our Annual Holiday Dinner on December 10 and our Annual Holiday Brunch on December 12. Brunch is complimentary for members and a guest, and both events will feature live music by the Javier Vergara Trio and Quintet. Make your reservations to be part of the tradition and enjoy this special time of year at the Club!
  
  January 2022
  
  Past New Year Celebrations at the Club
  
  For several years, the Club had a tradition of hosting a New Year's Eve Dinner Dance, especially during the 1960's and early 1970's.
  
  These black tie occasions featured drinks, hats, balloons, noisemakers, dinner, and dancing. Members welcomed the new year together among the festive holiday decor at the Club.
  
  An invitation to the New Year's Eve Dinner Dance on December 31, 1965 is shown below. The evening cost just $15 per person!
  
  We are looking forward to honoring our past and celebrating our future together this year.
  
  February 2022
  
  Social Activities throughout the Century
  
  Members have enjoyed many different events and traditions at the Club over the past 100 years. For the first several decades, the Club had regular Family Dinners, as often as once per week. Each Family Dinner featured a specific topic or activity, such as the arts, current events, travel, and more. While members today may share their vacation photos on social media, members in the past used to gather at Family Dinner to look at slides and moving pictures taken during trips around the country and the world. Sometimes Family Dinner featured a night of playing Bridge, as shown in this invitation from March 1937.
  
  Like today, many members had a passion for sports. The Club used to hold Annual Field Days and Annual Sports Stag Dinners. The photo below was taken during one of these dinners in 1968.
  
  Members also enjoyed excursions, and a group used to take fishing trips together. The photo below was taken in July 1970 as members were getting ready to leave the Club for one of these fishing trips.
  
  The photos below were taken during a fishing trip to San Diego in July 1971. It looks like members had a very successful day out on the water, which likely led to great stories told at the lunch table back at the Club the following week.
  
  Members and their families also enjoyed monthly theme dinners, just as we do today. The photos below were taken around the time of the Club's 50th anniversary in 1972.
  
  Many of these traditions continue today through our regular wine dinners and other themed events, speaker series, and more. Members have enjoyed gathering together for unique experiences for 100 years, and we look forward to a bright future ahead with many more memorable experiences to come!
  
  March 2022
  
  Honoring Miss Eva B. Hetherington,
  General Manager from 1927-1955
  
  On Sunday, April 3, 1955, The Pasadena Star-News headlined:
  UNIVERSITY CLUB TO LOSE POPULAR MANAGER
  Eva Hetherington Resigns After 28 Years' Service
  
  Eva Hetherington was a trailblazer. Born in Cherry Valley, NY, she moved to Pasadena with her parents in 1912. She arrived already having received good business training, so she accepted a position with the Board of Trade (now the Chamber of Commerce) with J.H. Pearman. When Mr. Pearman was hired as General Manager of the University Club of Pasadena in 1923, he brought Miss Hetherington with him as his secretary. Mr. Pearman sadly suffered from a stroke in 1927, and upon his resignation, the Club promoted Eva to manager. She served in this role for 28 years until her resignation in 1955.
  
  Describing Miss Hetherington's historic tenure as manager, the Pasadena Star-News stated, "Her achievements and that of the club are so intertwined that the history of the one becomes the history of both..." Eva managed an active membership of 500, a staff of 20, and outside help as well at times.
  
  In addition to her career with the Club, Miss Hetherington was a volunteer with the Pasadena Chapter of the American Red Cross, a charter member of the Pasadena Presbyterian Church, and she helped organize the local Zonta Club as well.
  
  Miss Hetherington was beloved by members of the University Club and the community she served. While discussing her departure with the Pasadena Star-News in 1955, Eva said, "'Truly, it has been a great joy to me to work with such a fine group of men and...' 'It's been grand being 'your boys'' put in John C. Cosgrove, newly elected president. 'Much of the success of the club is due to you and we will never, never forget you.'"
  
  April 2022
  
  50th Anniversary Celebrations in 1972
  
  When the University Club of Pasadena turned 50 years old in 1972, the Club held three events to celebrate the anniversary: a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Family Dinner, a Luncheon Honoring Charter Members, and a Golden Anniversary Ball.
  
  On the evening of Tuesday, May 2, 1972, members gathered for the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Family Dinner. Members enjoyed cocktails and a prime rib dinner before the program began at 8pm, at which time President Chuck Rubsamen unveiled a plaque honoring all Past Presidents with a special tribute.
  
  A few days earlier on April 28, 1972, the Club held a Luncheon Honoring Charter Members. At this event, lunch and cocktails were served at 1922 prices, and a commemoration program honored charter members who were still with the Club. Those founding members were Stanley K. Brown, Dr. John F. Chapman, Herbert L. Hahn, Dr. Frank W. Hodgdon, Dr. Alfred H. Joy, A. Hoffman Keese, Harry H. Lehman, Wellslake D. Morse, Dr. Andrew Neff, Judge Kenneth C. Newell, and J. Clement Storey.
  
  For its grand celebration, the Club held its Golden Anniversary Ball on Saturday, May 20, 1972. Members enjoyed a cocktail hour with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, a dinner of sherry green turtle soup and prime NY strip sirloin, and dancing in the outdoor patio with a ten-piece band. Among spring and Hawaiian flowers, they toasted to 50 years, honoring the past with charter members, and celebrating the future with many good times to come.
  
  50 years later, we can't wait to celebrate our 100th anniversary with you at our Centennial Celebration on Saturday, April 23.