Southeast Valley AAUW President Joyce Ellenbecker, center, with members Patti Cummins, left, and Heather Kalin, right, at a recent branch happy hour. (Photo by Nancy Hooke)
Debra Austin
Who are the members of the Southeast Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)? Despite what some may guess from the group’s name, they aren’t professors or college employees.
The “University Women” in the name of the organization, founded in 1881, simply means members who hold an associate or higher degree or equivalent from a qualified education institution. Across the U.S., there are 1,000 AAUW Branches with 170,000 members and supporters.
The Southeast Valley Branch will host its Fall welcome back social at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 19, Poolside at Oakwood Country Club. Prospective members interested in attending are encouraged to email AAUW.SEV.AZ@gmail.com for more information.
“We have a lively group of members who used their education in fields ranging from science and technology to law and business,” said Joyce Ellenbecker, Southeast Valley AAUW President. “Others pursued education, medicine, social programs, communications and the arts.”
At the national, state and local level, AAUW welcomes those who support their mission of empowering women through education and advocacy.
“We benefit from community members who bring their diverse experiences to AAUW,” Ellenbecker noted. “New perspectives keep our Branch moving forward with worthwhile programs and community outreach to benefit East Valley women and girls.”
The group holds monthly meetings, and members also can participate in book clubs, world affairs discussions, movie and lunch groups, happy hours, bridge, mahjong and more.
They also award scholarships to local high school and community college students, underwrite science, engineering, math and technology (STEM) programs for younger students, and continually seek ways to advance women’s education.
Incoming officers this year, in addition to Ellenbecker, are Mary Kenny, Advisor; Corrine Gresen, Secretary; Nancy Hooke, VP Communications; Jill Stone and Lita Swanson, Co-VPs Membership; Diane Freeberg, VP Finance; Susan Berman, VP Programs; and Ellie King, VP Public Policy.
“I’m looking forward to a productive year with our Board and members through educational programs and special projects that support women,” Ellenbecker said. “We work hard to make a difference in the East Valley and enjoy a lot of fun and friendship along the way.”