UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 7
October 17, 1996
A manager's view:  Blue & Gold Club marks its 25th anniversary


What is the general purpose of the club?

     The Blue & Gold Club is a members-only club that offers the
     University community the opportunity to gather socially for
     lunch, dinner, parties and receptions. It also serves as an
     elegant meeting locale, offering quality, affordable dining
     alternatives.


How does your background enhance the offerings of the club?

     With over 12 years' experience in the hospitality industry and
     exposure to many types of venues, I've been able to lend my
     experience to overall improvement of the club.


Since this fall marks the 25th anniversary, are there any special
events or activities planned?

     To show the membership our appreciation for its continued support
     over the past 25 years, we held a reception on Monday, Sept.
     9, with hors d'oeuvres, punch, premium gifts and memorabilia
     from the past 25 years. We also offered 25 percent-off
     dinners (with the exception of alcoholic beverages) every
     Saturday in September, among other things.


Could you comment on the significant changes in the club and what
new services and events it has been offering its members in
recent years?

     The dining room was renovated five years ago, as was the
     President's Room. A lunch buffet was instituted for
     flexibility. The club expanded its lunch and dinner menus,
     and the Tavern Express is now open for lunch. Most recently,
     the club introduced a $10 membership fee for permanent
     faculty and staff.


Does every university or major college have a facility like the
Blue & Gold Club?

     No. Some universities and major colleges have faculty dining
     rooms, while others have alumni clubs. The Blue & Gold Club
     is special in that it encompasses not only alumni and
     faculty, but staff, parents of undergraduates and students
     as well. Also, members of the club are eligible to use their
     membership at other affiliated faculty clubs.


What is the difference between a personal club membership and a
departmental membership?

     The departmental memberships are designed to be used for official
     University business such as entertaining guests, hosting
     departmental luncheons with staff and holding professional
     meetings. Personal memberships can be used for a wide array
     of activities offered by the club, including family nights,
     wine tasting dinners, pre-theatre dinners, receptions for
     friends and family and other personal activities.


Can members rent the club for private dinners, weddings and
special events?

     Certainly. We encourage members to use our facilities for all
     types of gatherings, such as weddings, retirement parties,
     receptions and other get-togethers. The Blue & Gold Club
     relies on its members to support the club by utilizing all
     it has to offer.


How far in advance should someone contact the club for an event?

     It's best to contact us as early as possible. For wedding
     receptions, we're booked a year in advance. It's typical for
     our guests to inform us two weeks prior to an event so that
     we can help them make decisions about food, location and
     other arrangements. However, we are flexible and will try to
     accommodate every request, no matter how much lead time we
     are given.


What changes and services have been made in the Tavern area?

     The Tavern has always been an excellent option for the casual
     diner. Recently, decorations and foliage have been added.
     Now, the Tavern is open Monday through Friday for an express
     lunch featuring soups, salads and sandwiches.


Do I have to be a member of the club to use the Tavern?

     That's a good question. Yes, everyone who uses our facility must
     be a member. This ensures that we are treating all of our
     members fairly and equally and can serve our members best.


Who can become a member of the Blue & Gold Club?

     Faculty, staff, alumni, parents of undergraduates and students
     can become members of the club.


What interesting comments have been made by the out-of-town
guests who have been brought to the club?

     They all think the club is lovely and that it's nice the
     University has a place like this. We have hosted such guests
     as a knight of England, former President Jimmy Carter, Phil
     Donahue, Mandy Patinkin, Dallas Green, Egyptian generals and
     a Panamanian ambassador.


What major events, programs or new activities are planned for the
future?

     On Oct. 24, we will have a seafood buffet. We have events all
     year long in cooperation with the Performing Arts Series,
     including pre-performance brunches and dinners.


Can you comment on members' reaction to your student staff and

     The guests enjoy interacting with the students and have commented
     that they feel it adds to the University community
     atmosphere. The students come from a wide variety of
     backgrounds and are involved in all types of curriculua.
     Many people believe that all of our student staff are
     members of the Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional
     Management Program. However, only a few come from that
     program. We have English majors, history majors, engineering
     majors and some who have not yet decided what program to
     pursue. The interesting mix of people and personalities
     really adds to the flavor and spirit of the club.


What do you like best about your duties as manager of the Blue &
Gold Club?

     What I like most is that I am able, on a daily basis, to provide
     guests with a pleasant, positive dining experience. It's
     most satisfying to turn a skeptical guest into a regular
     customer.


For more information on how to become a member of the Blue & Gold
Club, call 831-2582.