Manhattan Mercury – 12/11/2011
club NEWS – AAUW
The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met November 14th at the First Congregational Church. Gayle Spencer was introduced as a guest while Mary Stamey and Melissa Kirkwood were welcomed as returning guests.
Cheryl Collins, Executive Director of the Riley County Historical Society was the guest speaker. She discussed three women of influence in the early settlement of Manhattan and Riley County.
Charlotte Felt Wilder was a well-known author. She began at the age of sixteen writing magazine articles and books, many of which were religious pieces. She taught a young men’s Sunday School class at the Methodist Church for over forty years and was a founding member of the local Dorcas Society.
Elizabeth Hoyt Purcell helped establish the Domestic Science club, worked with the Dorcas Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution and served on the Board of the Kansas State Historical Society. She was instrumental in securing $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie to establish the public library.
Eusebia Mudge Irish moved to Manhattan in 1866 when her father, Benjamin F. Mudge, a prominent figure in education and science in Kansas, became a professor at the Kansas State Agricultural College. She helped found the Riley County Historical Society and served as its first president. Thanks to Cheryl for sharing the lives of these women who all left a lasting mark on our community.
President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order. The Secretary and Treasurer reports were accepted as presented. The Board has discussed ways to run the branch meetings more efficiently and suggests that these reports be provided to the membership in advance and then approved at the meeting. This will begin next month.
Committee and chair reports were given by Nancy Bolsen, president-elect; Barbara Gatewood, membership; Vadaline Strohm, arrangements; and Mavis Fletcher, public policy and courtesy. Barbara informed the group that our branch website is live. She continues to update it and welcomes suggestions for improvements. Interest group chair, Florence Schwab, noted that the Benefit Bridge group has disbanded. Serendipity will not meet in November or December, but will resume in January. Great Decisions will also not meet in December. Joan announced that the Kansas state convention will be held in Wichita on April 14, 2012.
Next month’s meeting will be held at Meadowlark Hills on December 12th where the group will enjoy holiday music.
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, contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.