Celebrating over 100 years of friendship, learning, achievement, and wisdom
The University of Washington Faculty Auxiliary (UWFA) has enriched the UW community by organizing a variety of social and cultural activities, raising funds for UW undergraduate student scholarships, and making a positive impact through regular gatherings of our interest groups.
Open to all UW faculty, staff, employees, retirees (UWRA members), families and friends. to find out more and join, Email joinuwfa@gmail.com.
UW Faculty Auxiliary Interest Groups
UWFA Photo Gallery
Links to more photos are in the Interest Group sections.
UWFA Events Photos on Dropbox
Gallery Goers Photos on Dropbox
Afternoon at the Movies
We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Members of our Afternoon at the Movies group show off the 3-D glasses they wore to see the sci-fi blockbuster The Martian.
About a week before, we email members of the Movie Group what movie we will see and the time. After watching the movie we’ll meet in a nearby coffee shop for a lively discussion.
Contact: Tina Schiess; Hady De Jong
Antiques and Collectibles
We meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month, 10:30am–Noon, October through May.
The Antiques and Collectibles Interest Group enjoys getting together to learn about history and culture via various artistic, crafted, and functional objects in our lives. Each meeting has a topic and members show examples and share information about such items.
Meetings are often on Zoom, but we also meet at members homes or in restaurants. Occasionally, excursions are planned to view exhibits or collections.
Contact: Sandy Walston
Book Discussion
We meet on the 3rd third Monday at 9:30am (frequently the 2nd Monday in December), in members’ homes or on Zoom, as advisable. No meetings in June and August.
The group picks both fiction and nonfiction books that have some depth. After background research, a volunteer reviewer opens the discussion. New members are welcome.
Contact: Christiane Faris
Our reading list for 2024/25 includes:
- James by Percival Everett
- The Trial by Franz Kafka
- Dinners with Ruth (Bader Ginsberg) by Nina Totenberg
- Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin
- The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christie Lafteri
- A Year in Paradise by Floyd Schmoe
- A Pilgrimage to Eternity by Timothy Egan
- The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- Dear Life by Alice Munroe.
Clean Beach Team
We meet every 4th Monday at 10am and will send an email two days before to confirm the time, meeting location and weather forecast.
The Clean Beach Team offers an opportunity to be outdoors, walking the beach among friends, and doing something helpful for the environment—all at the same time. We meet on both saltwater and freshwater beaches. Cleaners will bring their own garbage bags, but if someone forgets to bring them, we will have bags to share. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots and bringing work gloves. And bring your smiles and cameras—for “before” and “after” photos!
Team members are also encouraged to buy a grabber tool with a pistol-style handle to make it easy to pick up litter. These can be purchased at Costco, Amazon, or your favorite store. Some styles have magnets to pick up nails, etc.
Contact: Claudia Green or Ron Green
Foreign Language: French
We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month, 12:30pm, in homes or on Zoom. We send an email with details a few days before.
At each meeting we set a discussion topic for the following meeting that reflects our wide range of interests.
Contact: Patty Whisler
Foreign Language: German
We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, 1:00pm in person, October-May
Topics chosen by members span many interests and lead to spirited discussions are shared in German.
Contact: Kathleen Ellsbury
Gourmet – Out-to-Lunch
We meet on the 2nd Tuesday, alternate months.
There are many excellent restaurants in Seattle and new ones opening all the time. From University Village to Fisherman’s Wharf, we invite you to join us for a culinary delight!
Contact: Juliet Beard
Hiking - Tuesday Trekkers
We hike every Tuesday, rain or shine, year-round.
Whether you want an easy-going 5-mile outing or are ready for an ambitious 12-mile hike in the mountains (or something in between) we have a hike for you. We are an active group with various levels of weekly hiking options.
Goat Lake, North Cascades (WTA.org)
In addition to the weekly hikes, we plan a couple of multi-day trips each year. These may be a cross-country ski/snowshoe trip, or a series of hikes on the Olympic Peninsula, Eastern Washington or Mt. Baker. And periodically we may travel abroad for a 10-day/2 week hiking adventure!
Safety is very important – we are led by experienced hikers who know the trails, we look out for one other, we each carry the 10 essentials, and at the end of the hike we ensure everyone leaves the trailhead safely in their respective carpools.
Some recent hikes we’ve done are Goat Lake, Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, Tonga Ridge, Summerland/Panhandle Gap, Annette Lake, Frog Mountain, and many more near and far. Hike descriptions can be found at Washington Trails Association.
Contact: Rebecca Sadinsky, Susan Heath or Barbara Thompson
Resources:
- Tuesday Trekkers Agreement and Release of Liability Form
- Tuesday Trekkers Information Sheet
- Multi-Day Hike Information Sheet (coming soon)
- Trekkers Hiking Photo Archive in Dropbox
Seattle/Seattle
We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, times vary.
Visit to the Georgetown Steam Plant
The group takes interesting and educational outings in Seattle and throughout the region. Great for newcomers and those who want to learn about the area. See our photo archive.
Contact:
Cordula Drossel-Brown, Leader
Barbara Archbold, Coordinator
Stitchery
We meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at 10am in homes or on Zoom.
Members work on various projects, including cross-stitch, crocheting, knitting, quilting, garment making, and mending.
Contact: Tina Schiess or Barbara Archbold
UW Retirement Association Interest Groups
If you would like to join or to get more information about any of the UWRA’s Interest Groups, please visit the UWRA website.
Birding
Tuesdays, monthly–times vary.
Birding half or full day field trips by carpool. A few participants are accomplished birders but most are learners. Bring binoculars.
Contact: Bettimae Metheny
Book Review
We meet via on Zoom on the 2nd Friday of the month, 1:30pm.
One member presents a book in depth, followed by general discussion. Refreshments are served before meetings.
Contact: Connie Bourassa-Swah
Hi-Lites Garden Club
For the active gardener and the gardener at heart!
Contact: Shelley Hartnett