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Get To Know Us

The University Club of Grand Rapids is an exquisite private club with over 90 years of continued entertainment, social camaraderie, and fitness strength. Membership at the Club gives you the opportunity to build key relationships with valued clients over a quiet lunch or kick back and make some deals over a few cocktails. The Club serves breakfast, lunch and dinner accommodating all business and entertaining needs. With usage of over 100 reciprocal clubs around the world, membership at the Club provides for a great way to travel.

Your Private Club

A Meeting Place

The University Club is the perfect place for enjoying a business lunch with a new client, improving your stamina with a workout session, or networking over cocktails with other professionals. With reciprocal privileges at more than 100 private clubs across the country, membership at the University Club provides for a lifetime of personal and professional associations.

History of the University Club

With Roots in Grand Rapids Since 1891

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1891

Charles E. Stearn of the Harvard Class of 1891 is due the credit of starting the University Club of Grand Rapids. Others had previously mentioned the possibility of such a club, but it was he, with his characteristic enthusiasm, who saw that the idea became a reality. Others shared his vision, gladly assuming their part of the responsibility in the proposed enterprise.

1923

The first informal meeting was held in January, 1923, at the home of Lemuel S. Hillman, with representatives from Harvard, Yale, Michigan, Princeton, Amherst and Colgate. The conference ended at a late hour, the Club still in the embryonic state.

1923

Less than a month later, the Club was actually brought into existence on the evening of February 6th, 1923. A list of potential members was informally selected by those present, limited by vote to one hundred.  Dues were set at $25. Attractive and convenient quarters were established in the Pantlind Hotel with Clay H. Hollister serving as the first president.

1931

In the brief period of six years, the Club grew from one hundred to two hundred and fifty members and in April 1931, moved to the top of the Michigan Trust Building.  The Fifth Third Center (formerly Old Kent Bank building) became its present home in the Spring of 1966.

1989

The University Club and the Grand Rapids Athletic Club, located in the basement of the Fifth Third Center, merged its membership in the fall of 1989. This transaction resulted in boosting Club membership to its current six hundred plus members.

2004

The Press Club joined the University Club in January of 2004. Press Club members enjoy the same privileges as Social Members.

Today

Besides developing a congenial atmosphere and a spirit of good fellowship, the Club has established itself as a truly successful organization. The University Club is a tribute to its founders and its current membership.

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1891

Charles E. Stearn of the Harvard Class of 1891 is due the credit of starting the University Club of Grand Rapids. Others had previously mentioned the possibility of such a club, but it was he, with his characteristic enthusiasm, who saw that the idea became a reality. Others shared his vision, gladly assuming their part of the responsibility in the proposed enterprise.

1923

The first informal meeting was held in January, 1923, at the home of Lemuel S. Hillman, with representatives from Harvard, Yale, Michigan, Princeton, Amherst and Colgate. The conference ended at a late hour, the Club still in the embryonic state.

1923

Less than a month later, the Club was actually brought into existence on the evening of February 6th, 1923. A list of potential members was informally selected by those present, limited by vote to one hundred.  Dues were set at $25. Attractive and convenient quarters were established in the Pantlind Hotel with Clay H. Hollister serving as the first president.

1931

In the brief period of six years, the Club grew from one hundred to two hundred and fifty members and in April 1931, moved to the top of the Michigan Trust Building.  The Fifth Third Center (formerly Old Kent Bank building) became its present home in the Spring of 1966.

1989

The University Club and the Grand Rapids Athletic Club, located in the basement of the Fifth Third Center, merged its membership in the fall of 1989. This transaction resulted in boosting Club membership to its current six hundred plus members.

2004

The Press Club joined the University Club in January of 2004. Press Club members enjoy the same privileges as Social Members.

Today

Besides developing a congenial atmosphere and a spirit of good fellowship, the Club has established itself as a truly successful organization. The University Club is a tribute to its founders and its current membership.

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Explore The Club

Check Out All We Have To Offer

Take a tour of The Club with our virtual tour! From our Dining Rooms to our Gym, we’ve given you the ability to explore The Club without even having to leave your office or home. Like what you see? Join us today! We would love to get to know you! Celebrate with us, work out with us, call The University Club your home.

Join Us

Meet The Team

Our personalized service is an integral element in the overall University Club experience.  Our General Manager, Mark Canak, along with our management staff, service staff and athletic personnel, are willing and able to meet your special requests.  Please let us know how we can assist you!

Board of Directors

Tom Pantlind, President
Athletic Chair | Finance | Marketing | Personnel | Strategic Planning Committees

Peter Albertini, Vice President
Marketing Membership Co-Chair | Strategic Planning Committees

Elizabeth Goede, Secretary
Marketing Co-Chair | House / Social Co-Chair | Strategic Planning Committees

Jim A. Jarvis, Treasurer
Finance Committee Chair

Nick Borgdorff
Marketing Committee

James Brady
Finance | Strategic Planning Committees

Paul Farr MD
Marketing | Strategic Planning Committees

Marshall Grate,
Scholarship Foundation | Personnel Committees

Marcus Jackson
Diversity & Inclusion Chair | Athletic | Marketing Membership Committees

Peter Krause
Athletic Co-Chair | Membership Co-Chair

Joseph Marsh
Strategic Planning Committee

Cindi Poll
House & Social Committee Co-Chair | Scholarship Foundation Co-Chair

James Stadler
Athletic Co-Chair | Personnel Committee Chair

A Carefully Selected Staff That Cares About Their Service
Mark Canak

Mark Canak

General Manager
Pam Sommer

Pam Sommer

Office Manager
Matt Doorlag

Matt Doorlag

Executive Chef
Lisa Leatherman

Lisa Leatherman

Food & Beverage Manager and Events Coordinator
Ronnie Frelix

Ronnie Frelix

Athletic Director
Freeman Schmitz

Freeman Schmitz

Sous Chef
Kamdyn Hittle

Kamdyn Hittle

Dining Room Manager
Fae Lemkuil

Fae Lemkuil

Front Desk Concierge
Isabel Rose

Isabel Rose

Membership Experience Manager

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