University Club set to reopen and rebuild community connections

Members of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus community will relaunch the beloved University Club (UClub) on March 6, 2025.  

The UClub, like so many other establishments in Saskatoon, made a tough decision to close its doors in 2020 due to COVID-19 affecting its operations and revenue. The loss was felt deeply, and in 2021 a group of members took on the task of renovating and revitalizing the club. Originally built in 1912, it is one of the first buildings constructed on campus. Back then, it wasn’t a club, but rather the home of the university’s dean of agriculture, who housed students returning from the First World War with places in the basement. In 1961 it became the Faculty Club, and the space hosted a range of formal and casual events, including weddings.  

“In a time where so many of us are working remotely, we felt it is important to have a space like the UClub to come together in-person and create more community on campus,” said Steven Prime, associate professor in cognitive neuroscience and past president of the UClub’s board of directors.   

“In the past the club was an important place to bring co-workers to connect and build lasting relationships,” said Prime. “It has been a unique environment where interdisciplinary collaboration can thrive. Casual conversations over coffee or lunch can spark innovative ideas and research partnerships, and that’s what we’d like to see happen again.”  

USask President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff worked with the board to help its vision become a reality, negotiating a new lease with the UClub and refreshing worn carpeting and wallcovering in the building.  

“Like so many of my colleagues at the University of Saskatchewan, I have fond memories of time spent at the University Club, and I am pleased to see that it is reopening,” said Stoicheff. “The University Club is a proud part of the institution’s history, creating a collegial atmosphere and a place to connect and collaborate, to socialize and celebrate milestones and memorable moments. I join many in our campus community looking forward to the reopening of this wonderful place.”   

True to its name, the University Club is not exclusive to faculty members. Its renewed mission is to provide a dedicated space for faculty, staff and alumni to connect and collaborate.  

Since the vision for reopening began, the board has invested in refreshing and renovating various aspects of the space, from bringing the kitchen to current standards, dedicating a coffee corner, and finding artwork for the walls.    

While Prime and his board members have been instrumental in the renewal of the club, it’s the members who will determine what the club grows into.  

“Building up our memberships is critical to our success,” explained Prime. “We already have over 150 paid members, but our goal is to reach pre-pandemic numbers of around 600.”  

With staff, faculty, and alumni eligible, there are thousands of potential members.   

“Every day we get inquiries about membership or booking,” said Prime. “There’s a real buzz on campus in anticipation for what this club will be and there is plenty of opportunity for growth in the future.”    

The club had a “soft” opening for member visits and free coffee and snacks on Monday, February 3, and lunches started on February 6, 2025. Plans are in the works for a grand reopening event on March 6, 2025 where staff, faculty and alumni are encouraged to attend. Details on that event, along with information on memberships and menus, can be found here: uclub.usask.ca.