As faithful blog readers will know, years ago this blog was instrumental in opposing a plan to replace the Faculty Club with what is now the Luskin Hotel, which was instead built where a parking structure stood in central campus. Ultimately, the hotel was built elsewhere. We will be watching the developments described below closely.
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November 7, 2024
Faculty Club Members
Dear Colleagues,
In October, I sent an email to members of the Faculty Club detailing the serious financial issues facing the Club and affecting our operations. I also described the intensive efforts of the Board to secure a new and viable organizational structure that would sustain us into the future. Now, I am pleased to announce a new partnership with UCLA’s Housing & Hospitality (H&H) in managing the Club’s food and beverage services, as well as its meetings and events program. This has involved close collaboration with Human Resources. Under this new model, the Faculty Club will continue to serve its core purpose and will retain its General Manager and elected Board of Governors. Food and Beverage, and event and meetings services will be managed by H & H. Yesterday, November 6, I shared the news about the pending changes in the operations of the Club with our staff and how it will affect them.
Under the direction of Peter Angelis, Assistant Vice Chancellor - H&H, manages a wide range of business operations, including the Luskin Conference Center and the extensive student residential facilities on the Hill, known for their award-winning food service and dining operations. These operations are so well regarded that the facilities have been selected as the site for the 2028 Olympic Village. Peter and his team have been working with our General Manager, Andrea Curthoys, and members of the Board to make a detailed assessment of every aspect of our Club’s revenue and operations.
I want to stress that this new operational model is not a “takeover” by the Administration. In fact, Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck and Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer Steven Agostini have been fully supportive in helping us confront our situation and in envisioning a sustainable future for the Club. We are fortunate that H&H is willing to help find operational efficiencies that could ensure the Club’s future viability. We are working on these details now. To ensure a smooth transition, the Board established a Transition Team led by President-Elect, Victoria Steele, that has been working through the operational details, with an implementation date of January 1, 2025.
We are excited about this partnership and remain committed to transparency as we navigate this new model. I understand that many of you may have questions regarding this partnership and the potential changes to the Club. I am available to answer any questions you may have, either via email or in person. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will be having our planned All Members’ meeting via Zoom on November 14th at 4:30 to introduce the partnership and answer questions. Peter Angelis also will attend.* In December, we will host a reception to honor the Club’s past and the many members who have supported it over the decades.
Even with these operational adjustments, the continued success of the Club depends on the support of UCLA faculty and staff to secure the Club's future.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you for your membership, for your continued support, and understanding.
Sincerely,
Linda Sarna
President, UCLA Faculty Club
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*Members will have received the Zoom link.
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