The Faculty Club Interest Groups are the heart of our organization. These groups cover a range of shared activities on evenings, weekends, and weekdays that promote learning, health, fun, and friendship. Ask any one of our members and they’ll tell you some of their deepest relationships have come from the camaraderie in these interest groups. Membership allows you to participate in any or all groups.
Board Games
Coordinated by Paul Paulman
Meets quarterly, starting in October on the third Tuesday from 7 PM to 9 PM at Spielbound Board Game Cafe. An assortment of table top board games will be available to play. Admission is $6 per person and food and drink is available for purchase. Spouses and partners are welcome.
Book Club – Day
Coordinated by Kiran Gangahar
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1-3 PM, hosted by a rotating roster of members who facilitate a review of the author and book.
Book Club is a great way to experience a variety of literature, contemporary and classic, and to get better acquainted by sharing the ideas in each month’s selection. New participants are always welcome.
Book Club – Evening
Coordinated by Carol McGlade
Meets by Zoom the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 PM, hosted by a rotating roster of members who facilitate a review of the author and book.
Book Club is a great way to experience a variety of literature, contemporary and classic, and to get better acquainted by sharing the ideas in each month’s selection. New participants are always welcome.
Dining Out
Coordinated by Pam Hamel
Meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 6:00 PM at selected restaurants. This group is for members, spouses/partners who enjoy an evening out with friends. The group is notified of the restaurant selection, location and a deadline date for RSVP several weeks in advance by email. During our first ten years, we’ve gathered at over 70 different restaurants and sampled the wide variety of food that Omaha offers. This year the planning and communication will be rotated each month between members of the group. Members of the group are encouraged to sign up to plan a month. We meet September through May, excluding November and December. Restaurant suggestions are always welcome. Venue selections will be posted as they are determined.
Film Club
Coordinated by Heather Brown
Meets bimonthly on even numbered months, the second Monday of those months from 6:30-7:30p on Zoom, starting in October. Members will watch a prearranged film, which will be available on streaming services or pay per view rental, then will discuss the film during the meeting. The meetings will close with share-back time for member recommendations of films and television shows they recently viewed and there is the potential for guest speakers and informal movie outings. Spouses and partners are welcome.
Gourmet Club
Coordinated by Barb Hurlbert
Meets 3 to 4 times per year hosted at rotating member locations. Gourmet members share meal preparation tips and learn new culinary techniques while enjoying an evening of socializing. Over the years this group has sampled a wide variety of cuisines and enjoyed the diverse culinary talents of the group. Don’t let the name scare you, the emphasis is on a good party. Spouses/partners are included in the gatherings.
Fine Arts Club
Coordinated by Belinda Greiner
Our Fine Arts club brings together individuals who share a passion for artistic expression. It serves as a creative hub where members, driven by a common love for various forms of art, can admire what Omaha has to offer. This collective environment creates a supportive community where members can appreciate and contribute to the richness of the fine arts. This group does not have a set schedule, but plans events with member input and consensus.
Happy Hour Club
Coordinated by Kelly Klepser
Our monthly Happy Hour Club was established to provide an opportunity for after-hours socializing or members and spouses/partners. Unwind, share ideas, and foster meaningful relationships in a welcoming and vibrant community. This relaxed environment is a great introduction to the Faculty Club of UNMC. Bring a friend and encourage potential members to attend. from 6 to 7 PM on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Many establishments offer non-alcoholic options.
Hiking Club
Coordinated by Laura Bilek and Deb Mostek
Launched in 2020, this club allows fellow members and spouses/partners to hike together along local trails. The Hiking Club meets each 2nd Saturday at a predetermined time and location with social time following the hikes. Hikes are dependent on weather conditions. Typically, hikers take off cold weather months from November through February.
Trail selections include both gentle and challenging options, as well as dog-friendly choices. Many are easy, paved trails for those who would like to start hiking with the group. We will post the locations as they are determined.
Needle Arts
Coordinated by Jean Shulman
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30 – 11:30 AM hosted by rotating members in their homes. Members bring UFOs (unfinished objects) or whatever they are working on, and join in for a morning of stitching and conversation. This casual gathering includes novice and accomplished knitters, quilters, embroiderers, crocheters, and any form of sewing. Need inspiration? This group is for you. You will find it here. Join us!!
Pickleball/Badminton (Swatters)
Coordinated by Jim Griesen
Meets the first Sunday of each month from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the UNMC Center for Healthy Living (3908 Jones Street). Faculty, spouses/partners are included and co-ed teams are encouraged. Both pickleball and badminton are set for play. Afterwards, members rotate to host a potluck dinner or social time at their homes. The rules of the game are simple, so consider joining the group for fun and friendship.
Service and Volunteering
Coordinated by Liliana Bronner
Looking for a meaningful way to give back while connecting with fellow faculty club participants? Join the Faculty Club’s new Service and Volunteering Interest Group! Throughout the year, we’ll offer a variety of hands-on opportunities to support organizations and needs in our community, with activities planned for October, December, February, and April. There are no additional meetings and no obligation to participate in every activity. Simply sign up for the opportunities that interest you and join us when you can. Faculty Club members are also welcome to bring a guest. Come serve, connect, and help us shape the kinds of volunteer opportunities we offer in the years ahead.
Travel Tips
Coordinated by Dorothy Sansom and Theresa Olsen
Meets the first Monday of each month via Zoom from 7 to 8 PM. Group leaders facilitate sharing and learning about the highlights and challenges of travel destinations around the world and everything involved with the travel itself. The group is not for group travel.