Friends of Eastcliff Book Club

The Friends of Eastcliff Book Club provides an opportunity for members of the University of Minnesota faculty, staff, alumni and community to participate in the sharing of literature and ideas at Eastcliff, the historic home of the University's President and family.

University President Robert Bruininks and his wife Dr. Susan Hagstrum, with the support of the Friends of Eastcliff have established this book club to showcase University of Minnesota authors who are faculty, staff, alumni or others who have a strong connection to the University. They welcome your involvement in the Book Club discussions, and activities throughout the year.

Joining the Friends of Eastcliff

You can join the Friends of Eastcliff and participate in the Friends of Eastcliff Book Club and other activities throughout the year for an annual membership fee of $100 for individuals or $150 per couple.

The Friends of Eastcliff work to raise funds to maintain, enhance and preserve the historical residence and meeting place of the University of Minnesota.

You may Join the Friends of Eastcliff and the book club online here.You can charge your membership to your Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or AmericanExpress card. If you prefer to mail your membership, please send a check made payable to:

Friends of Eastcliff Book Club
University of Minnesota Bookstore
Coffman Memorial Union
300 Washington Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Donations to the Friends of Eastcliff can also be made securely online at www.giving.umn.edu. Inquiries
about the Friends of Eastcliff can be directed to the University of Minnesota Foundation at 612-624-3333 or Eastcliff at 612-627-6800.

Already a Friend of Eastcliff?
Order the Book Club Selection from the U of M Bookstore and save 20%. You have the option of purchasing the book at the U of M Bookstore at Coffman Union, or ordering it from them online.

Book Discussions

The Friends of Eastcliff Book Club hosts book discussions at Eastcliff throughout the year. Book Club gatherings include a discussion lead by the Friends of Eastcliff and the opportunity to discuss the book with the author and Book Club founders University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks and his wife Dr. Susan Hagstrum.

Upcoming Discussions

Buy now and save 20%

Buy now and save 20%

What better way to celebrate the inaugural season in the new TCF Bank Stadium than taking a closer look at Minnesota football through the work of these two local authors.

Meet Rick Moore, a program director in University Relations as he talks about his new book Minnesota Football Vault: The History of the Golden Gophers. Don't miss the chance to learn more about this unique "scrapbook" containing never-before-published photographs, artwork and memorabilia drawn from Minnesota's athletic department and school archives.

Moore will sign copies of his book following the discussion.

Meet Dave Mona, long-time local media personality and U of M alum as he delivers a fascinating look into the world of Minnesota sports. Hear about his experiences working the sports beat for print and radio over the last forty years. Go behind the scenes to meet celebrities and characters like Sid Hartman, Billy Martin, Dave Moore, Rod Carew, Halsey Hall and others in "Beyond the Sports Huddle."

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Local author Kao Kalia Yang will discuss her book "The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir." Thousands of Hmong families made the journey from the war-torn jungles of Laos to the overcrowded refugee camps of Thailand and onward to America, but their history remains largely unknown. Driven to share her family's story after her grandmother's death, Kao Kalia Yang's memoir is a tribute to the remarkable woman whose spirit held them all together.

Yang will sign copies of her book following the discussion.

Buy now and save 20%

U of M graduate and co-founder of Minnesota Valley Engineering, Joseph Shuster will discuss his book "Beyond Fossil Fools: The Roadmap to Energy Independence by 2040." This book illustrates, explains and quantifies the only practical solution to the energy problems of the United States and the world. The solution is a combination of "alternative energy" sources, reduced energy use, hybrid and all electric cars and trucks, improved batteries, bio fuels, nuclear power, political awareness, and political willingness to change.

Shuster will sign copies of his book following the discussion.

Directions to Eastcliff

Eastcliff, the official residence of University presidents, is located on the corner of Mississippi River Boulevard and Dayton Avenue near the St. Paul end of the Lake Street Bridge. Parking is available on Dayton and Otis Avenues and on nearby streets.

From I-94
Take the Cretin-Vandalia exit south to Marshall Avenue. Turn right on Marshall and left on Otis Avenue to Dayton Avenue.

From Lake Street
Travel east over the Lake Street Bridge to Otis Avenue. Take a right on Otis to Dayton Avenue.