club NEWS – AAUW
The Manhattan Branch of the American Association of University Women met February 11 at the First Congregational Church. President Nancy Bolsen called the meeting to order noting this is the 92nd year since the Branch was formed. Programs this year have focused on education and jobs related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), an emphasis encouraged by AAUW National which gives $4.3 million each year of support to women in educational and professional development.
Program Vice President Tresa Landis introduced Dr. Debi Rogers who is the Director of Cereal Chemistry at the American Institute of Baking International (AIB) and an adjunct professor in the KSU Department of Grain Science and Industry. Rogers grew up in the Midwest and earned her degrees at K-State. She recently ended her term as President of the American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC) International which has approximately 2500 members in 72 countries with involvement in Industry, academia and government. She currently chairs that board.
AIB students come from many different countries with many different cultures. Most are in their 30’s. Studies focus on large scale baking that emphasizes the science in determining different types of elements in items like flour, sugars, fats and enzymes. Classes can range from short three to four day courses to 17 week courses. According to Rogers most companies around the world that utilize grains in their product have someone with Kansas State University or AIB training on their staff.
President Bolsen noted AAUW is an active group. Members currently are working, in cooperation with K-State, on a $tart $mart Workshop and a Training of Trainers which will take place in late September or early October 2013. The workshop, sponsored by the WAGE Project and AAUW, will help 40 K-State University students learn to negotiate for salary and benefits. Another ten to twenty people will participate in the training of trainers to prepare them to teach the workshop on campus.
Kathy Borck encouraged members to check out changes on the branch website involving interest groups and scholarships. April is the deadline for students to apply for Branch scholarships. She also reminded members that a collection for the Manhattan Breadbasket will be taken in April.
Mavis Fletcher distributed a list of addresses of members of Congress and Kansas legislators representing the Manhattan area. Joan Strickler encouraged members to attend the League of Women Voters candidate forums on Sunday, March 10, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the Fire Station on Denison and Kimball.
Tresa Landis announced the next meeting will be held Monday, March 11, at the First Congregational Church. Laurie Curtis, Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at KSU, will discuss “The Intersection of Science and the Arts: Music, Literacy and the Brain.”
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 may 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.