Archives West Finding Aid

The club's main purpose is to "promote intellectual, social, and civic fellowship amongst its members" from University and the community. It began as an informal circle in 1927. Several professors met in Professor Hyrum Beckstrand's office during lunch to discuss papers. In 1930, Professor Beckstrand formalized the club with a constitution. This formalization of the club allowed people from the community to join as well as professors. This constitution also limited the membership to sixty members. Women were allowed to join the club, but could not vote in meetings. It was not until 1971 that women were allowed to vote. One mystery that surrounds the club is its name. Some members believe that the name "Aztec" was used for the rebellious, aggressive, and war-like tendencies of the Aztec People. The club was founded shortly after the period when several University of Utah professors had lost their jobs for speaking out. The name represented the refusal of some professors to be cowed into silence. Membership in the club was, and still is, seen as a prized affiliation.