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University Club of Pasadena Celebrates 100 Years
New GM Robert Hartstein focuses on rebuilding the club's physical space and member connections.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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The University Club of Pasadena, a private membership club founded in 1922, is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary under the current roof this September. New general manager Robert Hartstein, who joined the club in early 2024, has been focused on rebuilding the physical space and strengthening the club's connection with its members through extended hours, expanded social programming, and a more member-centric approach.
Why it matters
As private clubs adapt to changing workforce needs, the University Club's centennial celebration highlights its ability to maintain a sense of community and tradition in Pasadena, even after a devastating fire in 2023. Hartstein's efforts to prioritize members and provide access while keeping the club private reflect the evolving role of such institutions in local civic and business engagement.
The details
Hartstein, who has a background in fine dining, hotel management, and private clubs, has reconfigured dining areas and meeting rooms to make certain spaces exclusively for members and enhance the sense of community. The club has also simplified its membership structure, offering executive equity memberships, corporate memberships, and a new institutional membership for nonprofits and volunteer organizations. Meanwhile, the club continues to support an educational foundation that sponsors PCC students transferring to four-year institutions.
- The University Club of Pasadena was founded in 1922.
- A fire devastated the club in July 2023.
- Hartstein joined the club in early 2024.
- The club is preparing to celebrate its centennial under the current roof this September.
- A formal centennial celebration is planned for late March.
The players
Robert Hartstein
The new-ish general manager and CEO of the University Club of Pasadena, who has a background in fine dining, hotel management, and private clubs.
University Club of Pasadena
A private membership club and event venue founded in 1922 and located in Pasadena, California.
What they’re saying
“We really try to put members first in a lot of what we do.”
— Robert Hartstein, General Manager and CEO (pasadenanow.com)
“Our goal is to provide access while keeping it as a private club.”
— Robert Hartstein, General Manager and CEO (pasadenanow.com)
“The people, both members and staff. I'm just really proud to be a part of it.”
— Robert Hartstein, General Manager and CEO (pasadenanow.com)
What’s next
The University Club of Pasadena is planning a formal centennial celebration for late March 2026.
The takeaway
The University Club of Pasadena's centennial celebration showcases its ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining a strong sense of community and tradition in Pasadena, even after a devastating fire in 2023. Under new leadership, the club is prioritizing its members and providing access to a wider range of individuals and organizations, positioning it for continued relevance in the years to come.
