Barbara Stewart

Don Shields, retired teacher, and Governor George W. P. Hunt, portrayer, will speak at the meeting of the American Association of University Women on Monday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Oakwood Country Club Ballroom. Mr. Shields uses a voice and mannerisms reminiscent of speakers of the time to bring the framer of the Arizona Constitution to life. He presents stories of the struggle to statehood, Hunt’s rise to power and the growth of the Grand Canyon State. Mr. Shields has appeared on TV and radio as Governor Hunt relating stories on Arizona Statehood and the events surrounding the historic day in February of 1912.

Shields grew up in Hoopeston, Illinois, a rural community much like that in which Governor Hunt was raised in Missouri during the Civil War. He graduated from Eureka College with a degree in theatre and went on to successful careers in teaching, coaching and broadcasting. He published a memoir, Growing Up Doughnut in May, 2010. Mr. Shields is currently the afternoon on-air host of WPZN Radio in Paxton, Illinois from his home in Phoenix via the internet. He has given tours at the Arizona Capitol Museum, where he was referred to as “Governor” by legislators and state officials who passed through.

Since 1881, The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches and 600 college/university institutional partners. AAUW is one of the world’s largest sources of funding for graduate women. The AAUW invites all who hold an associate or higher degree from an accredited college or university to join. For further information on this program or membership, go to http://southeastvalley-az.aauw.net.