Oakland University Women's Organizations collection

The Oakland University Faculty Wives Club (sometimes also called the Faculty-Staff Women's Club or Faculty Women's Club) was the first attempt to create social activities for women at OU, at a time when most of the faculty were men and their spouses did not hold jobs outside the home. The Club operated between 1960 and 1963 and was involved in receptions, dinners, and other social events with the help of Chancellor Varner and his wife Paula. The Club also played an important social support function at a time when the area around the university was rural and sparsely populated.

Membership into these organizations was broadly open to all women connected to OU. In 1970, the Oakland University Women's Club formalized these activities. It was open to women of the faculty, administrative, or professional staff as well as wives of OU employees. Its main objectives were to promote sociability and friendship among OU families through various interest groups and activities. In 1982. the organization would take on a new name, Women of Oakland University, and adopt new by-laws.