YCSF Events
"The Plague Archives" Exhibit Tour With Maya Gurantz
The Yale Club of SF and the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance will jointly host artist Maya Gurantz’s (YC ‘98) for a free private tour of her exhibit, The Plague Archives, at the de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University. The tour will be followed by a private reception with the artist for Yale alumni. General admission to the museum is also free of charge. RSVP HERE or use the QR code on the Partiful app by May 30th to attend (limit 50 attendees).
The entire museum has been transformed into a site-specific installation with multiple video projections; audio and video; massive wall drawings; and a dense collection of archival material on the social, cultural, and political histories of epidemics and outbreaks. The large-scale exhibit underscores our historical tendency for collective amnesia around disease—as witnessed by the AIDS and COVID crises. Focusing on the tenth through the twenty-first century, The Plague Archives presents a multi-layered transhistorical and intercultural discourse on the shifting attitudes and definitions of disease.
Maya Gurantz is a visual artist whose work in video, performance, installation, writing, and community-generated projects examines constructions of race, gender, and class in relation to our shared myths, public rituals, and private desires. Her solo exhibitions include Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Catharine Clark Gallery, Grand Central Art Center, LA ArtCore and Pitzer Galleries. Gurantz’s films have been official selections and won awards at festivals internationally, including Ann Arbor, ArtHouse, Athens International Film/Video, and New Renaissance. Her publications include This American Life, Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles (CARLA), and multiple essays in The LA Review of Books. Please see this site for more information on the exhibit, and this site for more information about Maya's work.
For information about the exhibit, contact: mayagurantz@gmail.com.
Grete Pederson at the Carmel Bach Festival
Meet Grete Pedersen, the new principal conductor of Yale Schola Cantorum and professor in the practice of conducting at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) and Yale School of Music (starting in 2026). Join fellow Yale alumni for a curated weekend of music and connection at the Carmel Bach Festival, co-sponsored by the Yale Club of Monterey County. This exclusive experience features VIP access to festival lounges, premium seating, private receptions, and personal time with Grete Pedersen. Pedersen, celebrated for her visionary leadership and expressive artistry, will conduct both featured concerts.
The Package includes two premier concerts conducted by Grete Pedersen (20% discount already applied to premium Tier 1 seats), as well as complimentary wine, light bites, and private venue access (Saturday); tea and coffee service, light bites, and private venue access (Sunday). Valet parking is provided at both concerts.
Tickets are $166 per person and can be purchased by phone at the CBF ticket office at 831-624-1521. The ticket office is open 10am-4pm, M-F.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
6:45–7:05 PM - Tower Music at the Sunset Center. Tower Music features fanfares played by a brass quartet.
7:30–9:15 PM - A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Grete Pedersen conducts Mendelssohn’s whimsical overture, Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite (with projected Picasso sketches), and Haydn’s glorious “Harmoniemesse.”
9:15–10:30 PM - Post-Concert Opening Night Party. Mingle with artists, enjoy fine wine and hors d’oeuvres from local sponsors, and celebrate Opening Night in style.
SUNDAY, JULY 13
2:00 PM - VIP Lounge opens (tea and coffee service).
3:00–5:30 PM - Bach’s Mass in B Minor. A masterwork of sacred music, conducted by Grete Pedersen.
5:30–6:30 PM - Private reception for Yale Alumni. A more intimate gathering with Grete Pedersen and fellow alumni to reflect on the music and her upcoming tenure at Yale.
Venture Capital, Tech Innovation, AI and Implementation
The Yale Club of SF will host an evening with Ann Miura-Ko YC ‘98, Co-Founding Partner, Floodgate, and Yale Trustee, and Elizabeth Pontikes YC '98, Professor UC Davis Graduate Management School. The two experts will discuss “Venture Capital, Tech Innovation, AI and Implementation" in business and education.
Dr. Ann Muira-Ko is a venture capitalist with experience funding tech innovation in a broad array of spheres. She has been on the Forbes Midas List of top venture investors multiple times and on the New York Times global top 20 venture capitalists list. She has made early investments in Lyft as well as newer companies like SmarterDX, TerraDot, Roo, and Hebbia.
Dr. Elizabeth Pontikes, formerly an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Management, is an expert in strategy, strategic disruption, and leadership. She currently studies AI use in constructing structured data sets for research and serves on two committees studying the effective implementation of AI in administration and teaching at the University of California, Davis. Pontikes studies market categorization, innovation, and technological change with a “big data” approach using computational text analytics.
Light refreshments and beverages will be served.
Click HERE to register on Eventbrite. General admission for the event is $35. YCSF sustaining members, check your email for a promo code for $10 off general admission.
This event is co-sponsored by the Yale Nonprofit Alliance and Yale Women.
Yale Day of Service 2025
Yale Day of Service is excited to kick off the 17th annual cycle with some amazing opportunities to get involved! Yalies, families, and friends have many possibilities when considering how to collaborate with community organizations doing important work.
Most projects are scheduled for Saturday, May 10th. Check out the 2025 LISTINGS throughout California to join in!
Yale/Dartmouth Alumni Happy Hour
Join Yale and Dartmouth Bay Area alumni for happy hour at the 21st Amendment Brewery, home of the Hel or High Watermelon beer.
This is a free event with no-host bar, just show up and mingle. Open to alums and friends of all types.
You can register HERE on the Partiful app.
Bourbon tasting and book signing with Eric Goodman
The Yale Club of SF welcomes author Eric Goodman (YC ’75) for a talk on his new book Mother of Bourbon, an historical novel about Mary Dowling, the only woman to own major bourbon distilleries in pre-Prohibition Kentucky.
Doors will open at 5pm with check-in and networking with light hors devours.
The event will begin at 5:30, when Mr. Goodman will narrate a tasting of the three Mary Dowling brand bourbons, courtesy of Rabbit Hole Distillery.
At 6pm Mr. Goodman will speak about the book and the history of Mary Dowling. He will have books available for signing and purchase.
The event will conclude at 6:30 with additional time for networking and tasting.
General admission is $25 plus fees. Sustaining members of YCSF, watch your email to receive a promo code for a $10 discount on general admission.
Click HERE to register on Eventbrite
Hike on Mission Peak, Fremont
The Yale Club of San Francisco is heading to Mission Peak in Fremont, California, for a fun hike on Saturday, April 26, 2025!
Hike Details:
- Time: 7:30 AM
- Location: Mission Peak via Ohlone Trail, Fremont
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Duration: About 3-4 hours
- Family & Dog Friendly: Bring your loved ones and leashed dogs along!
What to Expect:
- A rewarding, scenic hike with panoramic views of the East Bay.
- A mix of challenging terrain and family-friendly sections.
Parking Info:
- The Ohlone College parking lot charges a $4 fee (cash or credit cards accepted).
- Street parking is available but can fill up quickly, so arrive early!
Trail Details:
For more information on the trail, check out the AllTrails Mission Peak via Ohlone page. (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mission-peak-from-ohlone-college)
Mission Peak Park Info:
Visit the East Bay Regional Parks site for more about the park. (https://www.ebparks.org/parks/mission-peak)
This is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow Yale Club members, enjoy the outdoors, and take on a beautiful challenge. Don't forget your water, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and a hat! A hiking stick isn't necessary, but it's definitely recommended for extra support!
This is a free event. Register HERE on the Partiful app.
We hope to see you on the trail!
Roadshow with Coach Reno
The Yale Athletic Department invites Bay Area alumni to meet with and hear from Joel E. Smilow '54 Head Coach of Yale Football Tony Reno. Coach Reno will give program updates heading into the 2025 Yale Football season. The Reno Roadshow will visit San Francisco on Thursday, April 24th.
Register on the GOOGLE FORM to be added to the guest list. Please note, the exact location and time will be shared with registrants only since the event will be hosted in a private home. Cancelations are accepted for those who have a conflict for the time slot.
Yale vs. Harvard Trivia Night
Join us on Tuesday, March 25th to square off against Team Harvard in a lively game of trivia at Monaghan’s Bar in the Marina. No experience is necessary, but a competitive streak is appreciated.
Free popcorn will be served, cash bar, and food is available for order and delivery.
Click HERE to register on the Partiful app, or scan the QR code below. Walk-ins are also welcome.
An Evening with Tom Steyer
THE IN-PERSON EVENT IS SOLD OUT. SEE BELOW TO REGISTER FOR REMOTE ACCESS TO THE EVENT.
The Yale Club of San Francisco will host a discussion with Tom Steyer (YC ‘79), Co-Executive Chair of Galvanize Climate Solutions, founder of Farallon Capital Management and 2020 presidential candidate. Mr. Steyer has dedicated himself to fighting climate change full time. His 2024 book Cheaper, Faster, Better: How We’ll Win the Climate War is a New York Times Bestseller and a Financial Times Best Book of the year.
Marisa de Belloy (YC ‘94), Stanford MBA, President of the High Tide Foundation, will explore perspectives on climate change with Mr. Steyer, and pose questions from the audience. Ms. de Belloy is a strategic leader and climate activist who sits on the boards of Carbon Mapper and Climate Lead.
The event is co-sponsored by the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance and Yale Blue Green.
In addition to the in-person event, a free Zoom program will be available from 5:30 to 6:30. Click HERE to register.
DATE/TIME: Monday, March 24th. Doors will open at 5pm with check-in and networking with wine and hors d'oeuvres. The event will begin at 5:30 and run until 6:30.
LOCATION: Mechanic’s Institute Library, 57 Post Street, San Francisco
ADMISSION: General admission is $25. Sustaining members of the Yale Club of SF, watch your email to receive a promo code for a $10 discount off general admission. Click HERE to find out how to become a YCSF sustaining member.
Click HERE to register on EventBrite. Space is limited, so register early.
Stanford + Princeton + Yale Mixer for Singles
Bringing together singles, ages 25-45 from Stanford + Princeton + Yale!
Feb Club 2025
CALLING ALL BAY AREA BULLDOGS! 🐶
Join your fellow Yalies to celebrate Feb Club in SF. There is no agenda, no plan, no speeches. Feb Club is simply a way for Yalies to get together.
Features:
Yale-themed drinks
New Haven-style pizza
0% chance of running into Harvard alums
100% chance of meeting someone who lived in your residential college
Register for the event on the new YALE SF PARTIFUL SITE
Surviving Wildfires: Loss, Grief, and Hope (webinar)
How can we best support each other in the wildfires’ wake?
Or understand and face the loss and grief when we feel so alone?
How are you experiencing this loss?
In shared experience, we can find some solace and hope.
Join us for an evening with a distinguished panel whose expertise spans clinical disaster engagement, stress and recovery. We welcome your questions in advance.
Rajita Sinha, PhD is the Foundations Fund Endowed Professor of Psychiatry, Founding Director of the Yale Interdisciplinary Stress Center at the Yale School of Medicine, and Professor of Neuroscience and of Child Psychiatry.
Melinda Ann Marmer, PhD, MFT brings extensive experience in clinical disaster relief engagement, including in California’s Loma Prieta earthquake and Tubbs Fire.
Board Director, Yale Club of San Francisco, and the Chair of the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Association (YANA) San Francisco/Bay Area Chapter will moderate.
Join us for an evening with a distinguished panel whose expertise spans clinical disaster engagement, stress and recovery. We welcome your questions in advance.
Sponsored by the Yale Club of San Francisco, Yale Club of Los Angeles,
Yale Club of Orange County, Yale Club of Sacramento,
Yale Club of Silicon Valley, Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance.
An Evening With International Chess Champion Yuanling Yuan
Yuanling Yuan (she goes by YY), was once the top rated female chess player in Canada. She was the youngest ever to achieve the title of Women's International Master at 13 and has represented Canada at the 2015 Women's World Chess Championship as well as four World Chess Olympiads. Today, she is a Partner at SignalFire, an AI native early stage venture capital fund, where she focuses on investing in innovative healthcare technology startups. She is also a proud Yale alumnus.
YY will talk on the history of chess, how advancements in AI and DeepMind's creation of AlphaZero have shaped the strategies of a new generation of young masters, and end with a few interactive chess puzzles. She will also answer questions from the audience on her experience as a professional player, her work with nonprofit Chess in the Library, and her career in finance and venture capital. The event will close with a reception with wine and refreshments.
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, January 29th from 5pm to 7pm
LOCATION: Mechanic’s Institute Library - 57 Post Street in San Francisco
ADMISSION: General admission is $20. Yale SF contributing members, watch your email to receive a promo code for $10 off general admission. To find out how to become a contributing member, click HERE.
Click HERE to register on Eventbrite.
Yale Whiffenpoofs in Oakland
Since 1909, the Yale Whiffenpoofs have brought their diverse repertoire of vocal jazz, folk, pop, and Broadway hits to more than two hundred audiences each year across all 6 inhabited continents. In past years, the ‘Whiffs’ have sung for Presidents Obama, Bush (41 and 43), Clinton, and Reagan, and at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. They've even been featured on television shows such as “The Sing Off,” “The West Wing,” and “Glee.” The Whiffs are currently on tour in California and will perform in Oakland on Saturday, January 11.
DATE/TIME: Saturday, January 11 from 7pm to 8:30pm
LOCATION: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakland
ADMISSION: General Admission is $25. Tickets may be purchased HERE on the Whiffenpoofs’ ticketbud website.
Tech & Global Affairs: Meet Faculty & Students in the Yale Schmidt Program
Join faculty and students in Yale’s Schmidt Program on Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and National Power to learn more about the new Jackson School of Global Affairs and to network with the next generation of policy and tech leaders. The class is visiting a range of frontier AI and tech companies in San Francisco and Silicon Valley to engage in probing discussions on the global implications of AI for the future of statecraft. The event will be lead by Schmidt Program Director and Yale Professor Edward Wittenstein. Hors deouvers and beverages will be served.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 9th from 6pm to 7:30pm
LOCATION: Office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, One Embarcadero Center, Suite 2600 in San Francisco
ADMISSION: General admission is $15. Yale SF contributing members, watch your email to receive a promo code for $5 off general admission. To find out how to become a contributing member, click HERE.
Click HERE to register on Eventbrite.