When UCF first opened its doors as Florida Technological University in 1968, Dr. Charles N. Millican was the inaugural president and Frances Hilliard Millican our first First Lady. As faculty members arrived that fall, she graciously welcomed them and their families. During those early years, when our founding members, the “Originals” were all newcomers, Frances served as a guide, helped us to get acquainted, and established a foundation for the University Women’s Club. A committee was created to write the club’s constitution and to define our goals and the first officers were elected:
For our first year, officers included were:
| 1969- 1970 | |
|---|---|
| President | Ruth Jean Ostle |
| Vice President | Hilda Comish |
| Secretary | Bette Boston |
| Treasurer | Lillian Brown |
The mission of the Women’s Club at UCF is to support the advancement of the university’s ideals and goals; to provide and award scholarships to full-time, non-traditional students; to welcome members from the community, as well as from the university; and to provide opportunities for sharing interests and developing friendships among members.
For over fifty years, for example, the club has nurtured friendships and assisted fund raising for both undergraduate and graduate non-traditional scholarships. The members of the club have enjoy many activities together through a growing variety of interest groups, fall and spring luncheons, a holiday event to benefit local charities, and an annual holiday cookie exchange. Members volunteer to participate in educational projects such as the UCF Center for Integrated Coastal Research, and they support students through opportunities like the Knight’s Pantry. A Hall of Fame has been created to recognize members who have contributed substantially to the growth and development of the club. Dr. Trevor Colburn, a former UCF president, summed up the spirit of the club: Women’s Club members are enthusiastic, optimistic, energetic ambassadors who project the ideals of our university.