The USC University Club: A Hub of History, Community, and Membership

The University Club of USC stands as a premier members-only club and restaurant on the University Park Campus, offering a unique blend of history, community, and exclusive benefits. Originally established as the "Faculty Center" approximately 50 years ago, it has evolved into the Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC. This article delves into the rich history of the club, its current location in King Stoops Hall, the diverse membership it boasts, and the numerous advantages of becoming a member.

A Legacy of Gathering and Growth

The roots of the Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club at USC can be traced back to 1928 with the establishment of the Men’s Faculty Club. Despite the lack of a budget for new constructions at the time, Dr. Topping successfully persuaded the Board of Trustees to finance the construction of a dedicated Faculty Center. This new center was designed by A. Quincy Jones, a respected architect and USC alumnus. Over the years, the USC University Club underwent various renovations and expansions to accommodate its expanding membership.

King Stoops Hall: A New Home with a Storied Past

In 2012, the University Club transitioned from its mid-century modern facility to the historic King Stoops Hall. This building, originally constructed in 1923, began its life as a Los Angeles public library and later served as a USC library for several decades. The adaptive reuse project was designed by Perkins+Will, involved adding an addition and creating "a main dining room that serves as the building's showpiece, modern kitchen, private rooms, a lounge, bar, and second floor banquet area," as well as a patio, according to a press release. The renovation also opened up the old central library area to highlight the cathedral ceiling and windows.

A Diverse and Thriving Membership

The Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC boasts a membership of over 1,700 individuals. This diverse group includes USC faculty, trustees, staff, researchers, post-doc students, USC Associates, and Affiliates. The club also sponsors special members' programs designed to facilitate connections among like-minded individuals across various disciplines within the College and professional schools of USC. The Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC serves as a central gathering place for the USC community, fostering interactions between faculty, staff, and notable visitors.

Eligibility and Application for Membership

USC's University Club is exclusively open to faculty and staff. Priority is given to current University Club members for the use of the Club and its services.

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Benefits of Membership

Membership in the USC University Club offers a range of attractive benefits:

Free membership for a spouse/partner: This allows members to share the club experience with their loved ones.
Exclusive Benefit at The USC Hotel: Members can enjoy a discounted rate of $159 plus tax per night at The USC Hotel.
Parking for guests: Convenient parking is available for guests in the adjacent lot to the Club. For additional questions, contact transportation at 213-740-3575.
Guest Access: If a member cannot accompany a guest but wants them to utilize club services, arrangements can be made by calling 213.740.2030 to make a reservation. The member is responsible for making the reservation before submitting a request for guest access, specifying the form of payment.

Membership Fees and Payment Options

Membership fees are $360 annually. Dues can be paid in full or through payroll deductions.

Retired Member Benefit

USC faculty and staff who were active members and had five years of membership before their retirement may be eligible for a free lifetime membership. To determine eligibility, an online Retired Member Application must be completed.

Town and Gown of USC: A Parallel Organization

It is important not to confuse the University Club with another significant organization at USC: Town and Gown of USC. While both are connected to the university, they have distinct missions and membership structures.

Town and Gown of USC is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation formed to support the University of Southern California through student scholarships, building and campus enhancements, and cultural programs. Initially established in 1904 as The Women’s Club of the University of Southern California, Town and Gown of USC is also the oldest women’s organization at USC. Its members come from both the community ("Town") and the university administration, faculty, research, and professional staff ("Gown").

History of Town and Gown

Organized in 1904 as The Women’s Club of the University of Southern California, Town and Gown of USC was given its present title in 1922, under the presidency of Mrs. Rufus B. von KleinSmid. In 1982, Town and Gown of USC became incorporated in the state of California. Town and Gown of USC is the oldest women’s philanthropic organization supported by friends of the university, for the benefit of student scholarships and the improvement of the Town and Gown facility and grounds.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of Town and Gown of USC is to support USC through scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students at USC. The first endowed scholarship was established in 1958. For the 2025-2026 academic year, Town and Gown of USC has awarded $2.3 million to 198 students. Regular monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month, from October through May, with the annual fundraising benefit taking place in April.

The organization has a rich history of contributions to USC, including:

The Town and Gown Building: In 1935, the women of Town and Gown of USC built this reception hall and dining room with catering and performance amenities. A year later, Mary Omerod Harris donated funds to add the Little Chapel of Silence adjoining the Town and Gown foyer.
Women's Residence Hall: In 1925, with support from Elisabeth von KleinSmid, they built a residence for 100 women. Later, they raised money for the Elisabeth von KleinSmid Memorial Building Fund, which created the women’s dormitory later known as “EVK.”
The Carillon: In 1965, Town and Gown of USC purchased the Carillon in the tower of The Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs in memory of Elisabeth and President von KleinSmid.
Ongoing Improvements: The members of Town and Gown of USC have continued to give generously to support ongoing building and campus improvements.

Membership Types of Town and Gown

The membership of this organization shall consist of persons who identify as female, who are in accord with the purposes of Town and Gown of USC, and who have been accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

(T) Town: Members are friends of the university, including alumnae, who are not connected with USC in a professional or contractual capacity.
(G) Gown: Members who themselves, or whose spouses, are part of the university’s teaching, research, administrative, clinical, athletic, or professional staffs.
(A) Annual: Members who pay annual dues (currently $150.00).
(L) Life: Town members and Gown members in good standing who pay the one-time life membership fee (currently $1,800.00).
(H) Honorary: Members who are recognized for special gifts or distinguished service to Town and Gown of USC and the university.

Admission to Town and Gown

A prospective member must be sponsored by at least one member in good standing. Any prospective member who submits an application for membership that is approved by the Board of Directors during the months of April and May will become an active member in July.

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