History & Purpose
In 1924, a
group of faculty wives, Stanford alumnae and mothers who were interested
in the welfare of Stanford students met with the support of the University
and formed the Mothers’ Club of Stanford University. They wrote into their
by-laws the three-fold objective that still exists today: “to bring
together its members in social and intellectual exchange, to keep in close
touch with the University life and, in all practicable ways, aid the University
authorities in promoting the welfare of the student body.”
To realize these objectives, the club
initiated a signature Stanford lecture series that is still offered today.
Early participants who provided much excitement and dialogue included
such famous names as Pop Warner and Mrs. Herbert Hoover. Equally important,
having identified critical needs of students in the areas of financial
resources and health care, the club immediately started a student loan
fund and set up a scholarship which was to be one of many offered to Stanford
students. That first year, a spring garden party and a fall bridge tea
with admission fees of 50 cents were held as fundraisers, earning a total
of $250.00! As well, club members provided accommodations for visiting
mothers, gave Christmas parties for students who couldn't go home for
the holidays, and set up a “wardrobe” shop where students could
buy used clothing.
However, their biggest challenge was solving
the pressing need to find a place where students could stay while recuperating
from illness. After two years of taking convalescing students into their
homes, club members decided to provide and fund a Men’s and a Women’s
Rest Home for students requiring care but not hospitalization. The Mothers’
Club completely supported these Rest Homes for 35 years, maintaining the
buildings, furnishings, and gardens, and spending many hours painting,
sewing and scrubbing. When Cowell Student Health Center was completed
in 1962, the Stanford Mothers’ Club deeded the Rest Homes to the University
and their furnishings were distributed throughout the campus. As a token
of gratitude, the University donated a scholarship in the club’s name.
As well, the Stanford Mothers’ Club voted to provide additional funds
to furnish the new center's main reception area, waiting alcoves, and
four study lounges. Today the club still maintains a supporting tie with
Stanford student health facilities, making available development funds
for the Student Health Library and other resources.
Fundraisers to support the important services
that the club has offered have changed in character over the years. The
early spring garden party ended during the World War II, as all volunteers
were needed in the war effort. Thus the imaginary Phantom Party was born,
and in many new annual guises it remained a hugely successful non-event!
The early bridge teas became the gracious Chrysanthemum Tea and fashion
show, which evolved in the 70’s into the lively Chrysanthemum Champagne
Party with the Stanford Band providing the music and the football team
acting as models. A fabulous Boutique was added in the Club’s Golden Anniversary
year, and more recently, a beautiful Auction and Dinner was a much anticipated,
highly successful event. Today the Boutique, which offers marvelous items
donated by parents from around the globe, is a part of the Stanford Parents’
Club offerings at campus events throughout the year. Each year the club
sponsors the annual “Entertainment Extravaganza!” of spectacular
student talent followed by the Parents’ Club Reception during Parents’
Weekend in February. As well, the club hosts events, provides parent ambassadors,
and offers parent-to-parent workshops during New Student Orientation.
The personal outreach to students carried
out for many years by club volunteers who prepared lunch for students
at the Bechtel International Center, continues today as members invite
students into their homes for Thanksgiving dinner, provide Christmas cookies
to students who spend their holidays on campus and deliver special cakes,
flowers, balloons, and plants for birthdays and other important occasions.
Club volunteers make over a thousand deliveries during each nine-month
academic year.
There have been other club ventures, such
as the World Travel Tours sponsored in the 60’s, and a gourmet cookbook
and catalog of Stanford Logo Mementos and Gifts offered for sale today.
Throughout its history, the club has funded scholarships each year while
building a Scholarship Endowment Fund. In 80 years of active fundraising,
the club has granted well over one million dollars in scholarships to
undergraduate students at Stanford.
In 1997, the Mothers’ Club adopted a new
name, the Parents’ Club of Stanford University, reflecting the group’s
desire to actively include and welcome all parents in its programs and
activities. Extensive records of the club’s history are kept in the University
Archives and provide much fascinating detail of this truly unique resident
organization. Please join us as we continue to offer fascinating, thought-provoking
programs and continuous outreach and service to Stanford and its students
and parents.
Questions/comments/suggestions to WWW Parents’ Club Coordinator
Last modified 2009-07-30 csh.