September 30, 2004

AAUW honors historic chapter

American Association of University Women celebrates 50th year

By
Herald staff writer

      It was like old home week at last week's meeting of the American Association of University Women-Traverse City Branch.
      Current and former members gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the group, founded by 15 women in 1954, and reminisce about the organization's early days.
      "None of us knew a thing about the AAUW, so with the little bit of knowledge we had about what it was for, we formed a group and did what we could. I think of that time with a great deal of affection," said Kitty Hagen, who served as the first president of the local AAUW group.
      "It was a lot of fun, but we got a lot of work done," Hagen said.
      The mission of the AAUW - to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change - has not changed in the last 50 years. Members, who are all graduates of accredited colleges and universities, develop interest groups to work toward that mission.
      In addition to monthly book discussion groups, the local branch provides scholarships to women returning to school and hosts an international affairs forum that brings in speakers to address such topics as intelligence failure and suicide terrorism. Cinema Curiosa, a film series dedicated to experimental, foreign and documentary titles is another popular AAUW program.
      "I was looking for someone to talk about books with but I got involved and before I knew it I was president. I've learned a lot about the women's movement and found the group to be very enlightening," said Beth Rowell who served as president from 2002-2004.
      Ann Linsley Robinson, a charter member, was also looking for something when she helped organize the group.
      "It was a life saver for me. I was eight years out of college and everyone I knew had either married or didn't live here anymore. I got involved to meet others with the same interests," Robinson said.
      "I believe we set a good model for the rest of the branch to come."
      With 50 years behind them, the group's focus remains in the future.
      Ruth Brown, current president of the Michigan AAUW, congratulated the members on their achievements, but also challenged them to set goals for the next half century.
      "There is no more worthy mission than to help open doors for women in education. An educated woman can do anything she dreams of," Brown said.