UC Santa Cruz Friends Groups

Friends Groups are vital support groups that provide valuable assistance in fundraising, public outreach, and other support for the University's mission. These groups have volunteer boards and committees that support specific campus units and programs. Search the groups below and contact the person listed to find out more information about membership and events!

Current Friends Groups

• Arboretum Associates

  The Arboretum Associates is a friends group devoted to assisting the development and maintenance of the UCSC Arboretum gardens. All Associates are invited to join in the many activities offered at the Arboretum. Volunteers, acting as guides, are available throughout the year to give tours of the garden to interested botanical and garden groups and to groups of university students, schoolchildren, senior citizens, and the general public.

  Contact Susie Bower, 831.427.2998, susiehb@ucsc.edu

• Lick Observatory

  The Friends of Lick Observatory foster public participation in the Observatory community by supporting educational programs, exhibits, and the preservation of historical materials at Mt. Hamilton.

  Contact Paula Towle, 831.459-2991, ptowle@ucsc.edu

• Friends of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District

  The Friends work to restore and preserve the old lime kilns and historic buildings of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District through fundraising, coordinating volunteers, and soliciting donations of materials. The Friends bring the site's rich history to life through tours and other educational programs.

  Contact Alisa Klaus, 831.459.3732, limeworks@ucsc.edu

• Friends of the Dickens Project

  The Friends of the Dickens Project support programs for the general public during the The Dickens Universe. They sponsor performances and special lectures by visiting scholars, refreshments, dances, films, games, and other enriching activities.

  Contact JoAnna Rottke, 831.459.3376 jrottke@ucsc.edu

• Friends of the Farm & Garden

  Through community education, the Friends help spread the word about the need for gardening and farming systems that are both environmentally and socially sound. The Friends sponsor gardening workshops, plant sales, and seasonal celebrations to raise funds for the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture and the Farm & Garden facilities. Apprentices learn the basics of organic farming and gardening during this six-month course.

  Contact Martha Brown, 831.459.3240 or 831.459.3376, mtbrown@ucsc.edu

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSC

  The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSC is a community of men and women from diverse educational, occupational, and geographic backgrounds who are devoted to the pursuit of learning. The members enjoy spirited discussion, reading, and exploring new interests. The group’s mission, beyond the social and education benefits to its membership, is to fund scholarships for UCSC re-entry students through the STARS program—Services for Transfer and Re-Entry Students.

  Contact Sally Lester,  831.459-4968, sal@ucsc.edu

• Friends of Long Marine Laboratory

  The Friends of Long Marine Lab, the Seymour Center's community support group, provide funding for the education programs, daily operations, and staffing of the Seymour Center, as well as supporting research programs and student research awards at Long Marine Lab.

  Contact Lisa Rose, 831.459.3694, lmrose@ucsc.edu

• Opera Circle

  Contact Brian Staufenbiel, 831.459.2804, staufen@ucsc.edu

• Shakespeare Santa Cruz Board of Directors

  The Board of Directors helps to uphold the mission of Shakespeare Santa Cruz as a professional repertory company in residence at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

  Contact Ann Gibb, 831.459.5507, anngibb@ucsc.edu

• Smith Renaissance Society

  The Smith Renaissance Society (a merger of the Smith Scholastic Society and Renaissance Scholars) serves the college dreams of independent students who are current or former foster youth, runaways, juvenile offenders, orphans, or homeless youths.

  Contact Sally Lester,  831.459-4968, sal@ucsc.edu

• UCSC Affiliates

  The UCSC Affiliates work to provide a cultural and academic bridge between the University and community.

  Contact Liz Evanovich, 831.459.1325, lize@ucsc.edu

• UCSC Women's Club

  Are you interested in meeting new acquaintances and sharing activities and ideas with others? How about enriching your mind, learning more about UCSC, or helping students achieve their goals? The UCSC Women's Club offers you these opportunities and more!

  Contact Kathy Rouhier, 831. 459.1792, kathyr@ucsc.edu