Manhattan Mercury – April 29, 2012

Manhattan Mercury – 04/29/2012

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met April 9th at the First Congregational Church. President Joan Strickler called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.

Claudia Jones introduced Oreandra Renee Carter, our guest speaker and most recent K-State scholarship recipient. Renee is a junior in public health nutrition. She is a two-time cancer survivor and has always been interested in health. Renee will graduate in May 2013 and has been accepted into the Master of Public Health program. She is a bright, energetic, caring young woman whom we know will be a positive influence throughout her career.

Barbara Gatewood, membership chair, gave a presentation of our new branch website. AAUW National supplied the website template and technical support. Several board members worked on the content to ensure it was an accurate representation of our branch. A password protected area containing privileged information is available to branch members.

Rosalie Thompson introduced Karen Tinkler as a guest. The minutes of the March meeting and the March treasurer’s report were approved.

Claudia, along with Tresa Landis, presented the board’s recommendation to transfer our scholarship funds to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF). The Scholarship Preservation Committee has been working diligently on this for the last eighteen months. After much discussion, it was moved and seconded that the branch scholarship funds be placed with GMCF. Motion passed unanimously.

On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Nancy repeated the slate of officers for the 2012 – 2014 term presented at last month’s meeting. It was moved and seconded that the nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for the slate. Motion passed.

Serendipity will meet April 24th at the Bluestem Bistro with a surprise program. Torry Dickinson suggested a morning swim group meet at Ahern as a new interest group for members.

Public policy chair Mavis Fletcher shared updated contact information for our elected representatives. Joan recognized several members who made important contributions this last year. A donation was presented to Joye Schell in appreciation of the church women’s hospitality this year. Birthday wishes were extended to those celebrating in April. A collection of $188 was received for the Flinthills Breadbasket tonight.

Next month’s meeting will be held at Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill on May 14th. New officers will be installed and the Silent Auction fundraising event will take place. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Membership in AAUW is open to anyone holding an associate or equivalent (RN), baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Student Affiliation is open to anyone who does not already hold an undergraduate degree and is enrolled in a two-or four-year regionally accredited educational institution. Students enrolled at K-State receive a free e-Student affiliation. For more information, go to http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net, email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com or contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.