Washington AAUW

The Washington, Iowa Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met at the home of Jan Stiles with co-hostesses June Asper, Peg Stephens, and Millie Youngquist. Prior to the business meeting Alexandra Hulme, Washington High School sophomore, entertained the group by singing a lovely solo followed by singing a duet with Mike Jewell, her WHS vocal instructor.

Following the entertainment, Alexandra and her mother joined the group for a delicious brunch. Then President Marde McConnell circulated to the group 10 ?easy and fun? questions about AAUW. She answered those questions and then shared photos she had taken while on a recent visit of the very impressive AAUW National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Highlights of the business meeting included a report from Linda Sturdevant that June 15 is the deadline for this year?s two $750 AAUW local scholarships. The scholarships are for women who are currently in school and the applications are in area libraries and at the Kirkwood Center. It was shared that the recent career speaker from the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, arranged by member Julia Gamon, was very well-received by the WRAP (Washington Regional Alternative Program) students. Member Ellen Krueger coordinated the final speaker to present on Monday, May 11, about opportunities in the field of pharmacy. Members were asked to mark the mornings of Feb. 18 and 25 on their calendars. Those are the date and makeup date for the eighth-grade STEM event to take place at the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center, an event which AAUW is helping to coordinate. Other business included Julia Gamon agreeing to look into the possibility of having a child?s Little Free Library built to be placed at the Goodwill site of the current AAUW Little Free Library. In closing, the group welcomed Debbie Stanton as a new member.

The next meeting for the group will be in the home of Jan Stiles on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. and will include the Camp Invention scholarship recipients.

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Membership is open to all graduates who hold an associate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Anyone wanting more information about AAUW, feel free to contact Marde McConnell at 653-3884 or Jennine Wolf at 461-1497.