TABLE OF CONTENTS

Upcoming UWC Events

President’s Message

Lecture Luncheon #2 — A Story in Pictures

UWC Notes

• Membership Update
• Events You Won’t Want to Miss
  • Lecture Luncheons for 2026
  • Opera Brunch
  • UWC Elections for 2026-2027
  • Scholarship Luncheon

Scholarships

• Message from the Chair
• Donations to the Scholarship Fund
• Grocery Shopping in Support of Scholarships

Call for Nominations

• Margaret Willard Award

Did You Know?

Member Acknowledgements

Interest Groups

• Information
• News

Executive Board

Calendar for 2026

Upcoming UWC Events 

President’s Message

Dear UWC Members,

Celebrating Diversity During the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, I reflect on the remarkable diversity that defines our UWC community. Throughout the year, I have been greeted with a variety of holiday wishes—Merry Christmas, Happy Chanuka, Happy Diwali, and Blessed Mawlid-al Nabi. These greetings remind me of the rich cultures represented within our membership. Each time I receive good wishes from a tradition different from my own, I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn and celebrate together. Often, I find myself turning to Siri for a brief lesson on the origins of these holidays and the appropriate ways to respond, allowing me to embrace both celebration and education at once. Most importantly, these moments fill me with gratitude for being part of a community where I can experience warmth, share in common experiences, and learn alongside incredible women from around the globe. I cannot think of a better example of the kind of world I hope to leave for my children and grandchildren. Thank you to each and every one of our nearly 360 members.

Gratitude for the Board and Community Resilience
I also want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to my fantastic Board. The year 2025 has brought both triumphs and challenges for our organization. We have faced loss—some members have departed due to tragic circumstances, illness, or new life chapters that take them elsewhere. We wish them well, even as we miss them dearly. Despite these hardships, we continue to support and uplift one another, offering assistance and drawing on our collective experience to solve problems and move forward as a community.

Welcoming New Members and Celebrating Achievements
At the time of writing, we have welcomed 59 new members, many of whom have already taken on leadership roles, joined interest groups, and attended our events. Our recent coffee gathering at Viele Lake drew almost 100 participants, and 140 members registered for our Lecture Luncheon. The On the Road Again group now involves more than half of our total membership, and our Out to Lunch group boasts over 115 members who can join activities at any time. Our Hiking group has expanded into two subgroups—one for slower hikers and one for faster hikers—both of which are thriving. Most significantly, our scholarship recipients are achieving great things, with some rising to faculty positions and even entering political leadership. Congratulations to everyone for these outstanding accomplishments!

Happy Holidays,

Andie
2025-26 President

Second Lecture Luncheon —
A Story in Pictures

UWC Notes

Membership–From Which We Came

The University Women’s Club has long been a gathering place for women who’ve helped shape the University of Colorado’s story, from the wives of university presidents to Deans of Women, Regents, and dedicated faculty and staff. It’s a space rooted in connection, learning, and leadership, where women come together to support one another and make a meaningful impact.

That spirit of engagement began on December 12, 1919 (107 years ago!), when 46 faculty wives met informally to socialize and stay involved in the broader community beyond campus. What started as a simple gathering grew into a lasting tradition, one that’s flourished for over a century. We are now over 360 members strong.

To truly appreciate the Club’s origins, imagine what life was like for women in the early 20th century. The 1920s, often called the Roaring Twenties, marked a time of dramatic change and cultural renewal following World War I. Women were stepping into new roles, fueled by progressive legislation, shifting social norms, and technological advances. The ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 was a landmark moment, granting millions of women the right to vote and transforming the political landscape. In this era of newfound possibility, the University Women’s Club offered a vital space for women to connect, contribute, and grow, reflecting the broader momentum of change sweeping across the country.

Share our exciting club with your friends: https://boulderuwc.org/about/uwc-membership/membership-join-renew/

Carol Etges, Membership Chair 2025-26
uwcmembershipchair@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE –

UWC Events You Will Not Want to Miss!

Click to see the complete list of 2025-2026 luncheons and links to register.

We are excited to share our 2025-2026 lecture luncheons that cover a wide variety of topics presented by exceptionally knowledgeable speakers. New this year, rather than the February lecture when parking is a challenge, we will hold a lecture in May when parking should be easier after the students have left campus. The location of all lectures will be Room 235 in the University Memorial Center, located at 1669 Euclid Avenue at the corner of Broadway and Euclid on the CU campus in Boulder.

Click for tips on How to Attend UWC Events at University Memorial Center (UMC)

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – 10:30-1:00
Roxanne Bailin, Former Chief Judge of the 20th Judicial in Boulder County
You Be the Judge: A Case from the Real World of Sentencing

Registration deadline is December 23

Click here to register for Lecture Luncheon #3. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – 10:30-1:00
Stephen Swenerton, President at Swenerton Consulting
The Real Story of International Migration

Registration deadline is March 3, 2026

Click here to register for Lecture Luncheon #4. 

Thursday, May 21, 2026 – 10:30-1:00
Ilene Naomi Rusk, PhD, CPsych, Director, Center for Brain and Mental Health
A Roadmap to Brain Health for Optimal and Joyful Longevity

Registration deadline is May 5, 2026

Click here to register for Lecture Luncheon #5. 

The UWC Nominating Committee has presented the following slate of officers-elect for 2026-2027 to serve in their respective offices in 2027-2028.

The election will take place at the Lecture Luncheon on March 17, 2026. If members wish to offer nominations from the floor (with the consent of the candidate), please notify Frieda Holley, Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Candidates are as follows:

Berry Todd

President-elect 2026-2027 (to serve as President in 2027-2028)

Berry Todd joined the UWC in 2014. By 2015, she had joined the Board, serving 4 years as Historian, then switching to the duties of Email Communications officer for 4 more years of Board service. She took a break from the Board last year in anticipation of knee replacement surgery. Today, she is honored to accept the nomination as President-elect. Berry has been part of the Music, Gardening, Thursday Riders Bike/Snowshoe, Advanced French Conversation, and Movie groups almost from the time she became a member. She is currently co-chair of the Music Group.

Betty Johnson

Secretary-elect 2026-27 (to serve as Secretary 2027-2028)

Betty Johnson has been a member of UWC for 12 years since moving here in May of 2012. She has participated in several groups including the Sunday Movie group, On the Road Again, Mahjong, and the Happy Hour Tea Time Conversations.

She began her career teaching high school English, then as a Teaching Parent at Boys Town, Nebraska, taking this program to Vermont for training and evaluating residential programs, training foster parents and providing treatment foster care and adoption services statewide. As a Senior Consultant for the Child Welfare Association, she provided analysis and services to public and private institutions throughout the United States. She served in the Peace Corps in the Eastern Caribbean for two years, returning first to Charleston, South Carolina and then to work for the Muskie Center as a consultant to the State of Vermont, retiring in 2012.

Frieda Holley

Treasurer-elect 2026-27 (to serve as Treasurer in 2027-2028)

Frieda Holley has been active in leadership roles for UWC and is currently the club’s Treasurer. In addition, she has been Co-chair of the Hiking group since 2012, served as Chair of the Scholarship Committee, and as President in 2017-18. She chaired the UWC Centennial History Book Committee that created the publication chronicling the Club’s first 100 years.

During her professional life, Frieda worked for over 30 years at Metropolitan State University of Denver as a Professor of Mathematics and an administrator in various positions including Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. Frieda was also active in the League of Women Voters of Boulder County, serving as their Treasurer for six years.

Registration will open early in the new year.

Scholarships

Message from the Chair

It is my pleasure to welcome a new member to the Scholarship Committee, Marilyn Jerde.

Marilyn has been a part of Boulder’s community since 1975. Currently she is a volunteer docent at the American Museum of Western Art in Denver.

She has extensive experience in Adams County public education, including teaching, coaching, and leading school change. She has served in a variety of positions including as an elementary classroom teacher, a professional developer, a literacy coordinator, an elementary principal, and a university adjunct professor.

Her last position before retiring in 2010 was as Executive Director of Elementary Schools. Marilyn managed the elementary schools and worked directly with principals to improve instructional leadership skills and build highly effective organizations. She worked with principals to collect and analyze data to develop action plans that improved student achievement. Marilyn continued to work part-time for the CU School of Education as a student teacher supervisor until 2014.

Marilyn expressed an interest in being part of our efforts to provide financial assistance scholarships for nontraditional students. She will join the other members of the Scholarship Committee, which includes Ruth Hamann, Rebecca Batizy, and Amy Westfeldt. The scholarship recipients will attend our April 14, 2026, Scholarship Luncheon in order to share their educational journeys and meet our members.

Jean Manifesto
Scholarship Committee Chair

Donations to the Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Donations (October 2025)

Judith Auer
Heather Beadle
Laura Border
Merry Bullock
Amy Cox
Margot Crowe
Catherine Ertz
Tina Facteau

Arlene Gerwin
MaryAnn Hartigan
Rachel Homer
Helen Hooper
Susan Katz
Susan Labovitz
Mimi Ladenburger
Sandra Reynolds

Zdenka Smith
Pamela Swenerton
Berry Todd

Donations in Memory of Karen Diamond

Mary Huffman
Nicky Wolman

Support Scholarships Through Grocery Shopping!

If you shop at King Soopers, Safeway, or Albertsons, you can easily participate in their community award programs where 5% of your purchases will be donated to UWC to support our scholarships AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU! You can really make a difference.

With the King Soopers Community Rewards program, you can go online one time and link your King Soopers Loyalty Card to the UWC Account. UWC will automatically get 5% without your having to do anything else. Directions for signing up can be found here at https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards.

If you shop at Safeway and/or Albertsons, you can use a Safeway Community Giving Card when making your purchases and UWC will earn 5% every time you reload your card. To request a Safeway Card be mailed to you or to seek assistance to register for this program, contact Board Member, Norma Portnoy at normaporrtnoy1112 at gmail dot com.

Please click here for instructions regarding both programs.

Thank you for participating in these programs to support our scholarships!

Call for Nominations

With the dearth of ‘civility’ demonstrated in both political and social discourse today, I decided to ask GPT for a summary of the history of ‘civility’ in the United States and its role in strengthening personal relationships. Following is the summary presented in under a minute.

The history and potential application of ‘civility’ according to GPT.

Civility has long been a defining feature of American life, evolving alongside the nation’s political, social, and cultural development. Although its meaning has shifted over time—from moral discipline and etiquette to democratic respect—its central purpose has remained constant: to guide how individuals treat one another. Tracing the history of civility in the United States reveals not only how social expectations have changed but also how the spirit of civility can still serve as a foundation for stronger, more compassionate personal relationships today.

In the colonial and early republican eras, civility was deeply rooted in religious and moral conduct. Early settlers, particularly the Puritans, believed that manners reflected one’s moral character and respect for God. Good behavior was not merely social polish; it was a sign of virtue and self-control. George Washington’s famous Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation—adapted from a 16th-century European guide—reflected this connection between manners, morality, and civic responsibility. In the newly formed republic, civility became essential to democratic life. Citizens were expected to disagree respectfully and to balance passionate conviction with self-restraint—qualities that allowed diverse people to coexist within a shared political experiment.

By the 19th century, civility began to take on new meanings as the United States grew more urban and industrial. The rise of the middle class and the spread of printed etiquette manuals—by authors such as Lydia Maria Child and, later, Emily Post—redefined civility as refinement and respectability. Good manners were seen as signs of education and social mobility. Yet, this emphasis on decorum also exposed the limits of civility as a social ideal. The standards of “proper behavior” often excluded or silenced marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, and African Americans, whose voices or customs did not align with dominant cultural norms. Thus, civility became both a unifying aspiration and a tool of exclusion, reflecting the complexities of American society.

In the 20th century, civility took on a more explicitly democratic and moral dimension. The Civil Rights Movement reimagined civility not as quiet politeness but as disciplined compassion and moral courage. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. modeled a form of civility rooted in nonviolence, dignity, and empathy even amid brutality. King’s approach demonstrated that civility does not mean avoiding conflict; rather, it calls for confronting injustice without dehumanizing others. After the social upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s, Americans began to express concern about a perceived “decline of civility,” especially in political and media discourse, revealing ongoing tension between free expression and respectful engagement.

In the 21st century, civility faces new challenges and opportunities in the digital age. Online platforms have amplified voices but also encouraged impulsive, polarized communication. The anonymity and speed of digital interaction often erode empathy and accountability, making incivility more common. Yet this very environment has sparked a renewed interest in redefining civility—not as mere politeness or conformity, but as engaged respect: the ability to listen, disagree honestly, and maintain humanity across difference. Modern civility calls for resilience, empathy, and curiosity in a time when disagreement is unavoidable.

Beyond its historical and social dimensions, civility offers valuable lessons for personal relationships. At its core, civility is about respect—listening to others not just to respond but to understand. It involves managing one’s emotions and tone, expressing disagreement without contempt, and recognizing the dignity of others even in conflict. These qualities strengthen trust and communication, allowing relationships to weather tension rather than break under it. Civility also invites empathy and perspective-taking—the willingness to see others as complex individuals rather than adversaries. When conflict does occur, civility provides a path toward repair and forgiveness, encouraging continued dialogue rather than withdrawal. Just as early American leaders viewed civility as a form of moral leadership, practicing it in daily life sets an example that fosters mutual respect in families, workplaces, and communities.

The history of civility in the United States mirrors the nation’s ongoing struggle to balance freedom with respect, individuality with community, and passion with restraint. From the moral codes of the colonies to the moral courage of civil rights leaders, civility has evolved into a democratic virtue that demands both integrity and empathy. In personal relationships, its practice remains as vital as ever. Civility does not mean suppressing emotion or avoiding disagreement—it means engaging one another with curiosity, compassion, and care. In doing so, it continues to serve as the quiet but powerful thread that holds both private and public life together.

A question to ponder – If information can be ‘spit out’ like this in a matter of seconds, what is the future of research, scholarship, and original thought?

Music and Theater

A complete listing of musical and theatrical events scheduled at CU this fall can be found by clicking the links below:

•     Faculty Tuesdays – free concerts hosted by the College of Music
•     Performing Arts Events: cupresents.org

What’s Happening at the Fiske Planetarium?

Did you know that CU has a lovely planetarium on the Boulder campus that has a full spectrum of programing: concerts and special events, full-dome films, laser music shows, live faculty talks, science under the dome, and star shows. Google Fiske Planetarium for information about future events.

If you know of anyone who has a Medicaid or EBT/SNAP card, they will be admitted to the Fiske Planetarium shows for $1.00.

Membership Courtesy

Interest Groups

Interest Groups Information

• Book Group – Afternoon – Fourth Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. mostly at members’ homes or on ZOOM. Chairs: Mary Anna Dunn 720-355-8174; Mary Clough 303-522-8692.
• Book Group – Biographies – Third Friday at 3:00 p.m., in person. Chair: Susan Planck 303-499-3916.
• Book Group – Mysteries – Third Monday of every month, except December, at 2 p.m. in the East Age Well Center. Chair: Betty Barnes 512-657-6584. (Note: Waitlist only).
• Book Group – The Original Book Group – Formerly Evening – Second Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Meetings held in members’ homes. Chairs: Beth Rauch 303-746-2983; Kathleen Salzberg 303-499-3128. This group has been meeting continuously since the 1950’s.
• Bridge Group – First Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Chair: Karen Neff 303-494-0467.
• Crafting Group – Chair: Katy Ginger 303-827-6710.
• Games Group – It’s Anyone’s Game – Board and card games. First Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at home of Chair in Louisville. Contact Chair to join. Chair: Kathleen Newton 720-548-8661. (Note: Waitlist only).
• Garden Group – Third Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Chairs: Jyotsna Raj 303-447-8831; Jean Rohrschneider 720-542-9788.
• Golfing – For the Casual Golfer – 1:00 p.m. every Thursday at various golf courses, new members welcome. Chair: Susan Planck  303-499-3916.
• Hiking Group – Every Friday 9:00 a.m., September to May; 8:30 a.m., June to August. Meet at the north end of the east side of the main (new location) garage at 29th Street Mall,  Chairs: Joan (Joanie) Cardone 303-263-7823; Frieda Holley 303-499-3733. Note: Dogs are not allowed on UWC hikes.
  
• Hiking Group – Slower Hikers – Every Friday 9:00 a.m. Meet either at the north end of the east side of the main garage at 29th Street Mall or at trailhead. This group usually hikes on irregular terrain for 1-1/2 to 2 hours in the Boulder area. Chair: Lois Linsky 720-939-5845. Note: Dogs are not allowed on UWC hikes.
• Italian Conversation – Wednesday, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Chair: Maxene Wilson 303-530-4619.
• Music – Second Monday afternoon of most months in members’ homes, providing a venue for musical performers to meet and share their love of music in an intimate setting. Chairs: Berry Todd 303-442-9083; Tula Roberge 303-443-2509.
• On the Road Again – This popular group hits the road 4-6 times per year to enjoy activities, exhibits, and events that are located in Boulder County or surrounding communities. Co-Chairs: Norma Portnoy 303-908-9371; Beth Karpf 720-326-5093; Barbara Steffin 310-892-9966.
• Out to Lunch – Usually Fourth Wednesday, at noon at various local restaurants. Chairs: Jean Rohrschneider 720-542-9788; Jyotsna Raj 303-447-8831. Looking for new chairs.
• Readers’ Theatre 2 – Third Monday 4:00 p.m. at the Boulder Library. Chairs: Patty Ludke 303-817-1020; Kathy Randall 303-746-4528.
• Spanish Conversation – Contact chair for details. Chairs: Diana King 303-803-4583; Arlene Gerwin 303-349-8959.
• Sunday Afternoon at the Movies – Usually second Sunday, to see movies at a theater in Boulder or nearby theater. Co-chairs: Sharon Nehls 303-494-5778; Deann O’Donovan 773-968-2274.
• Theater Goers – Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company matinees. Acting Chair: Cindy Meyer 713-256-9185.
• Walking Group – Thursdays at 10 a.m. Walking for one hour on level trails in the Boulder County area. Chair: Marilyn Moses 303-775-9069.

Groups That Are at Capacity

• Book Group – The Bookies – Kathy Randall 303-746-4528.
• Book Group Small – Fiction and Non-Fiction, Joyce Bograd 303-250-7706.
• Book Group – Second Monday, Janet Evans 303-818-1530.
• French Conversation (Original group) – Dot Thompson 303-499-4423.

New Leader Needed!

Biking
French Conversation

Want to Start a New Group?
Starting a new interest group requires at least five members in addition to the leader.

• If you are interested in starting a new group, please contact the Interest Group Coordinator for more information: Lois Linsky, Interest Group Coordinator, 303-499-2689.
• To form a new book group, contact Kathy Randall, 303-746-4528.

Suggested New Groups

• Tatting
• Antiques

New Interest Group

Crafting Group
We are a new UWC group (as of Oct 2025) open to any member interested in creating with their hands (e.g., crochet, knit, embroidery, jewelry, tatting, cross stitch, rug hooking, etc.). We meet socially to work on our own projects or to teach each other new skills. We plan to meet at least monthly for 2 hours. Every level of crafter is welcome. Call Chair: Katy Ginger at 303-827-6710 if you are interest in joining the Crafting Group.

Let’s Go See a Play Together!

The Theater Goers group will see Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC) plays together in 2025-26. Please join us for these Sunday 2:00 p.m. matinees followed by conversation and reflection at the Dairy (and in February at The Nomad Playhouse). You and a friend/partner may purchase individual tickets from the BETC website, or you may schedule your season subscription for these dates:

December 7: Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe
February 22: Brooklyn Laundry by John Patrick Shanley
May 3: Mary Jane by Amy Herzog

Please contact chair Cindy Meyer for details about a 5% UWC Theater Goers discount code for individual performances and to be added to the email list, at 713-256-9185 or cfmeyer at sbcglobal dot net.

For additional details, click here.

Happy Hour/Tea Time Conversations

Interest Group News

The Theatre Group

First Wednesday Bridge Group

Hiking Group

The Hiking Group in October on the Picture Rock trail near Lyons. It was taken by a passing-by hiker, so we are all in this photo. It was a beautiful day with lovely fall colors in Lyons below us.

Back row: Jean Nelson, Linda Conlin, Arlene Gerwin, Frieda Holley
Front row: Kathleen Salzberg, Charlene Rasmussen, Ruel Page, Sue Rapp

Spanish Group

Left to right
Fran Eldred, Cheri Merriman, Carolyn Terman, Andie Kutinsky, Diana King, Arlene Gerwin, Carol Cech, Anita Hueftle, Allison Hamm, Anne Olsen

Executive Board

Officers
President – Andie Kutinsky
Past President – Anne Hudson
Secretary and President Elect (2026-2027) – Sharon Nehls
Secretary Elect (2026-2027) – Betty Johnson
Treasurer and Treasurer Elect (2026-2027) – Frieda Holley

Board Members
Acknowledgements: Donations made
“in honor of/in memory of” – Joyce Spencer
Advisory/Parliamentarian – Frieda Holley
Interest Groups Chair – Lois Linsky
Margaret Willard Award Chair – Andie Kutinsky
Membership Chair – Carol Etges
Membership Coffee – Lynne Barnett
MESSAGES Co-Chairs

Editor – Tam Van Spriell
Copy Editor – Kathleen Salzberg
Technical Editor – Carol Etges

New Member Event – Shirley Harkess
Nominating – Frieda Holley
Opera Brunch – Sandy Johnson
Photographer – Sydney Hoerler
Programs

Chair – Norma Portnoy
UMC Liaison – Tam Van Spriell
Registration – Lynne Barnett

Scholarship Committee Chair – Jean Manifesto
Scholarship Luncheon – Jonette Lucia
Website – Joyce Spencer
Zoom Masters – Lynne Barnett

Non-Board Positions
Document Repository – Diana King
Email Communications – Andie Kutinsky
Historian/Yearbook – Karen Neff

Calendar

UWC Calendar for 2026