July 2022 – June 2023 Board Meeting Minutes

Manhattan Branch AAUW
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
February 27 , 2023,  5:30 p.m. via Zoom

Attendance:  Usha Reddy Marlene VerBrugge, Chris Herald, Tresa Landis, Mary Stamey,   Barbara Gatewood, Kathleen Jones, Kathy Lanksbury, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Dede Brokesh, Linda Uthoff, Lynn Ewanow

Usha presided and began with an update on plans for International Women’s Day which will be celebrated at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, March 8. Twenty-five people have responded in addition to the four panelists who will present. Cost for the buffet is $25.00; the branch will pay for the panelists’ meals; there is no cost to attend the program only. The proclamation for IWD will be signed at 6:30 on Wednesday, March 1 at USD 383 and on Tuesday, March 7 at 6:00 at the City of Manhattan offices. All are invited to attend. Mary will speak at 9:30 on Monday, March 6 on KMAN, giving a little history on AAUW and announcing that the state convention will be in Manhattan in April of this year. She will highlight that this is the 8th annual IWD and that it is our signature event.

Paperweights and flowers will be presented to the panelists. Lynn and Marlene will man the registration table. Dede and Barbara are taking care of social media regarding IWD; FedEx will print the programs; Kathleen volunteered to meet anyone and use the credit card to pay expenses. We are grateful to the KSU Foundation for the grant to cover expenses. Barbara will send publicity to the International Offices on campus and to church organizations.

Chris reported that there are now sixty paid members. She has posted info regarding IWD and has tagged several local groups.

The minutes were approved as corrected, two $125.00 scholarships for summer STEM and adding ‘s to Valentine’s Day.

Barbara requested that the branch minutes be sent to entire membership. There was some discussion about branch minutes; it was agreed that less detail about the speaker/program was appropriate.

Treasurer’s Report – Kathleen had sent to the board via email; current balance is $6741.30.

Linda will announce IWD and invite members of LWV at regular LWV meeting. There was good attendance at LWV Capitol Day. LWV is working on a new member event.

Marlene announced that plans are proceeding for the State Board meeting which will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, April 22. Pastries and registration will being at 9:00 am with meeting to convene at 9:30 am. In-person registration is $50.00; via zoom is $25.00. Tresa  asked for volunteers to be greeters and decorators. A welcome bag, which will be secured from the Chamber of Commerce, will be given to attendees. Forty-fifty people are expected to attend. Announcement of the event will be posted in the Mercury calendar.

Barbara reported that everything, including minutes, STEM report and March 20 deadline for scholarship applications have been posted.

Yearbook – Marlene has updated and sent the yearbook via email. She reminded the board that it is time to appoint a nominating committee for new officers. Dede agreed to continue on the Program committee; Lynn and Susanne will consider remaining on that committee. Tresa will continue in her position. Barbara would prefer not to continue as Branch secretary, but will continue as webmaster. Chris will continue as Membership and STEM Chair. Kathy and Kathleen do not wish to remain for another term. Marlene does not wish to continue her duties of getting announcements out and accepting RSVPs for meetings/meals. Usha will appoint a nominating committee after consulting the by-laws.

There was a lengthy discussion concerning the Branch meeting format. More on this matter in the future.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Kathy Lanksbury, Board Secretary.


Manhattan Branch AAUW
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2023,  5:30 p.m. via Zoom

 Attendance:  Marlene VerBrugge, Chris Herald, Tresa Landis, Suzanne Siepl-Coates, Lynn Ewanow, Mary Stamey, Barbara Gatewood, Kathleen Jones, Kathy Lanksbury, Dede Brokesh (arriving late), Linda Uthoff

Officer Reports:
Chris reported that we now have 59 paid members which includes three new members. This is an increase of ten over last year.  All members are encouraged to have an account with National through which to pay dues. Marlene commented that its best to join between April and September and that national dues will be increasing.

The January board and branch minutes were approved. Barbara has posted both.

Kathleen reported that the balance on hand is $7591.36. We received $92.86 from the Dillons Reward Program the last quarter. Dillons will be discontinuing this program. It was agreed that clarification is needed at the Board meeting regarding payment for meals. If a member makes a reservation, then does not attend the meeting, she is still responsible for payment of the meal.

The following programs are scheduled

February 13 – True Colors

March 8 – International Womens Day at Holiday Inn at the Campus. There will be
four panelists; Barbara and Dede are preparing the publicity. The committee will be meeting again on Saturday to finalize plans.

April 10 – Panel of Athletes regarding Title IX There will be four panelists, including Mary Stamey.  Jill Shields will conduct the panel.

Tresa reposted that the scholarship applications are ready; March 20 is deadline to apply. There are 3 $1000.00 and one $1500.00 scholarships.

Linda Uthoff reported that the League of Women Voters, which was 103 years old on Valentines Day, meets monthly at Meadowlark.  She invited AAUW members to join with the League in the St. Patricks Day parade again this year. The League and AAUW are partners in promoting Great Decisions; more information is available at Great Decisions.org. The LWV expects 250-300 people at their state meeting.

Chris had sent the Stem report via email. She reported that women now make up 50% of students pursuing Science and Engineering degrees and that there is an increase in the number of Black and Hispanic women pursuing these degrees. There are two $250.00 Stem scholarships available for this summer.

State Conference committee is Tresa, Marlene, and Usha. It will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 22 with pastries at 9:00 am and meeting at 9:30 am. Registration is $50.00.

It was found that the fee for our AAUW College/University Partnership has been paid.

The next Board meeting will be February 27, 5:30 pm via zoom.

Kathy Lanksbury, Secretary


Manhattan Branch AAUW
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
January 2, 2023,  5:30 p.m. via Zoom

Attendance: Usha Reddy, Marlene VerBrugge, Teresa Landis, Barbara Gatewood, Chris Herald,Kathleen Jones, Lynn Ewanon, Suzanne Siepl-Coates, Kathy Lanksbury

Presidents Report:  Usha reported that the December Branch meeting went well. Food was great; donations were accepted for the speakers’ meals and for the Breadbasket.

The IWD committee has meet and will meet again, possibly, this week. The committee will contact panel members soon.

Membership:  Chris reported that there are 57 paid members, 2 new since the December meeting.  Barbara announced that she expects 3 more, who attended the December meeting, to join.

Treasurers Report:  Kathleen reported the balance on Hand is $744.01. She will send the money collected for AAUW funds to International.

Programs: The program for January will be “Conversations with Elected State and National Public Officials.” Speakers who will present by zoom are Representatives Titus, Carlin, and Dodson; a staff member from Roger Marshall’s office will attend in person.The purpose of this program is to make our representatives aware of the priorities of AAUW regarding public policy. The meeting will be recorded and Marlene will announce the book that has been chosen to present to the library. Suzanne suggested that this program be moved to February for next year after the newly elected officialsl have been inaugurated. The group agreed.

Side note: Rep. Tom Hawk has retired from his position. Our president, Usha, is in  the                running to be his replacement for the remainder of his term.

State meeting:  Usha, Marlene and Teresa will meet soon to discuss plans for the meeting which will be on April 22. It will be hybrid, if possible.

Webmaster:  Barbara reported that all Branch minutes had been posted on the website and printed in the Mercury. Teresa asked Barbara to post the programs for 2022-2023 on the website.

Stem:  Chris has sent her report to the board members by email; she briefly mentioned some of the highlights of her report.

Yearbook:  Marlene will finalize and email the yearbook to all members. Marlene will reach out to our contact at Kansas State to find out if we are listed as a University Partnership as we have not been billed for this.

Scholarship: The AAUW scholarship is for non-traditional female students. Teresa will get our information to the MGCF

Old Business: none

Next Branch Meeting: January 9, 7:00 p.m. at Manhattan Public Library following McAllister box meals. Those attending by zoom can join at 6:55.

Respectfully Submitted,
Kathy Lanksbury


Manhattan Branch AAUW
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2022 5:30 p.m.

The Board met via zoom.  In attendance were Usha Reddi, Marlene VerBrugge, Chris Herald, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Kathy Lanksbury, Dede Brokesh, and Kathleen Jones.

Usha announced that the group plans to move forward with the AAUW 5-Star National Recognition Program.  The board will work on the strategic plan.

The new venue was announced as the Manhattan Public Library.  Box meals will be ordered from McAlisters. The branch will pay McAlisters and the members who order a meal will reimburse the branch.

It was agreed that members who wish to will walk in the KSU Homecoming parade on October 28, along with the League of Women Voters to promote voting.

Chris announced that there are 51 paid members. It was decided to publish the birth months of members in our yearbook and to sing Happy Birthday to members celebrating each month.

Susanne and Dede reported on programs planned for the year.

(Usha and Dede will meet at the library on Sunday, Sept. 11 to coordinate plans for use of laptop, etc for the September meeting)

Sept.12- Regina Platt – Racial Justice and Advocacy Director of YWCA NE Kansas

October 10- Osage Indian

Nov. 14-A Woman’s Worth

Dec. 12- Karl Hagemeister, Director of FH Breadbasket.  This meeting will be at La Fiesta in       person only; members are asked to bring items to donate to the Breadbasket,

Jan. 9-government officials

Feb.13-Jayme Morris-Hardeman of True Colors

March – International Womens’ Day  (A sub-committee will be appointed to plan)

April 10-Title IX, 50th anniversary. A panel from KSU Athletics

May 8-Installation of officers and presentation of awards

Usha will contact the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation re the possibility of a grant to help with expenses for IWD.

Treasurers Report-Kathleen reported that Dues + $83.19 in Kroeger Rewards leaves us with a current balance of $7,600.20.

Yearbook-Marlene is working on updates, which will include members’ birth months. She will continue as reservations coordinator. Barbara Gatewood continues as social media coordinator. Transportation coordinator is eliminated. Great Decisions sub-group continues to meet.

The next meeting will be October 3 via zoom at 5:30.

Meeting adjourned

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Lanksbury


Manhattan Branch AAUW
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2022 5:30 p.m.

The Board met via zoom.  In attendance were Usha Reddi, Marlene VerBrugge, Chris Herald, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Kathy Lanksbury, Dede Brokesh, and Kathleen Jones.

Usha announced that the group plans to move forward with the AAUW 5-Star National Recognition Program.  The board will work on the strategic plan.

The new venue was announced as the Manhattan Public Library.  Box meals will be ordered from McAlisters. The branch will pay McAlisters and the members who order a meal will reimburse the branch.

It was agreed that members who wish to will walk in the KSU Homecoming parade on October 28, along with the League of Women Voters to promote voting.

Chris announced that there are 51 paid members. It was decided to publish the birth months of members in our yearbook and to sing Happy Birthday to members celebrating each month.

Susanne and Dede reported on programs planned for the year.

(Usha and Dede will meet at the library on Sunday, Sept. 11 to coordinate plans for use of laptop, etc. for the September meeting)

Sept.12- Regina Platt – Racial Justice and Advocacy Director of YWCA NE Kansas
October 10- Osage Indian
Nov. 14-A Woman’s Worth
Dec. 12- Karl Hagemeister, Director of FH Breadbasket.  This meeting will be at La Fiesta in           person only; members are asked to bring items to donate to the Breadbasket,
Jan. 9-government officials
Feb.13-Jayme Morris-Hardeman of True Colors
March – International Womens’ Day  (A sub-committee will be appointed to plan)
April 10-Title IX, 50th anniversary. A panel from KSU Athletics
May 8-Installation of officers and presentation of awards

Usha will contact the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation re the possibility of a grant to help with expenses for IWD.
Treasurers Report-Kathleen reported that Dues + $83.19 in Kroeger Rewards leaves us with a current balance of $7,600.20.
Yearbook-Marlene is working on updates, which will include members’ birth months. She will continue as reservations coordinator. Barbara Gatewood continues as social media coordinator. Transportation coordinator is eliminated. Great Decisions sub-group continues to meet.

The next meeting will be October 3 via zoom at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Lanksbury