The history of the American Association of University Women mirrors the progress of women in the United States. As the number of women graduating from college grew, so did our membership.
We’ve published hundreds of research reports, from an 1885 paper disproving a prevailing myth that college impairs a woman’s fertility to, most recently, a study documenting the economic impact of workplace sexual harassment. We have supported the academic achievements of many thousands of scholars, from scientist Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, to astronaut Judith Resnik, the second woman in travel in space.
Our advocacy efforts have propelled countless new laws, including the Equal Pay Act, first proposed in 1945 and finally passed in 1963; the Title IX amendment in 1972; the Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993; the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009; and the Paycheck Fairness Act, which was passed by the U.S. Representatives in 2019 but is awaiting action in the Senate.
We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. In many ways, the fight for gender equity is just getting started. Join us!
OWENSBORO AAUW CELEBRATES 70 YEARS!
Owensboro, Kentucky – February 21, 2024 – The Owensboro Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is thrilled to announce its upcoming 70th-anniversary celebration, marking seven decades of empowering women and girls through education and advocacy. Throughout the year, the Owensboro AAUW will host a series of monthly events starting in March.
The 70th-anniversary celebration will kick off with an exciting online poster contest in collaboration with Girls Inc., aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls to express their creativity and celebrate the accomplishments of local women throughout history. The contest promises to be a platform for young talents to shine while promoting the values of equality and education.
As a highlight of the celebration, on March 21st, 2024, at 5:30 pm, the Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) will host a featured event with esteemed guest speaker Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman. Lt. Governor Coleman‘s dedication to education and women’s empowerment resonates deeply with the mission of the AAUW, making her an ideal speaker for this milestone occasion. Attendees can expect an enlightening and inspiring address from Lt. Governor Coleman, highlighting the progress made in women’s education and opportunities over the past 70 years and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 70 years of empowering women and advancing equity for all,” said Mary Cupp, President of the Owensboro Chapter of AAUW. “Our anniversary events will not only commemorate our rich history but also inspire the next generation of women leaders. We are honored to have Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman join us for our featured event, and we look forward to a year filled with meaningful celebrations and impactful initiatives.”
Pictures from our 70th Anniversary Celebration!
An Honor from AAUW Nationals
AAUW is pleased to present your branch with the attached certificate in recognition of your 70th anniversary as an AAUW branch affiliate.
We hope that you will share this with your members and pass along our congratulations on behalf of the AAUW National office on this wonderful achievement.
Thank you for all that you do on behalf of the mission and our very best wishes for a safe and happy summer!
Angela M. Cooper (she/her/hers)
Sr. Manager, Connect and the Advancement & Partnerships Department
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Our Branch celebrated by launching a self-guided walking tour of Elmwood Cemetery in 2022. We honor nine local women whose lives continue to impact our community. Those honored are Mary Hale Dean, Mildred Summers Lucas, Francis Harrison Hays, Jessie Howard, Addie Talbott, Emma Edwards, Katherine Rudy, Elisabeth Gasser, and Louise Gasser Kirtley. Look for the brochure, available at Elmwood Cemetery, the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, and the Daviess County Public Library Kentucky Room. “Women Breaking Barriers” is complete with maps, profiles, and recorded narrative QR codes. AAUW members are available to lead tours or you may explore on your own. In addition, our Owensboro AAUW Facebook page celebrated Daviess County women whose actions contributed to our right to vote, learn, and participate fully in our community.
WOMEN’S HISTORY EVENT A SUCCESS
CELEBRATE WOMEN! was the theme of our Women’s History Month event. The National Women’s History Project 2015 theme “Weaving the Stories of women’s Lives” inspired us to invite high school and middle school girls from Girls Inc. and Girl Scouts to interview local women. All who attended gained from the sharing of women’s challenges, struggles and accomplishments.
The four AAAU members who attended Girls Inc.’s Annual luncheon were inspired and impressed. As always, the girls were the highlight of the event…leading an ecumenical blessing, introducing the speakers, and generally delighting the crowd. From kindergarten to high school, each girl addressed the crowd with confidence. Indeed, Girls Inc. is helping them to become “strong, smart, and bold“!
ATHENA AWARDS LUNCHEON…CONGRATULATIONS TO FINALIST KIT GALLAGHER
ALWAYS A WINNER IN OUR EYES
OWENSBORO AAUW CELEBRATES 60 YEARS!
Click the graphic above to read about how we got our start!
A group of very progressive women met in October of 1953 to consider forming a branch of AAUW in Owensboro. These included women from the community (teachers, school administrators, and a lawyer) and faculty and staff from Kentucky Wesleyan College. The groundwork they laid resulted in Owensboro AAUW being granted a charter from AAUW in February 1954. Since that time, our branch has been involved in a variety of projects, resulting in increased awareness of issues of equity.
We’ve been doing “get out the vote” campaigns and candidate forums since the early ‘60’s; investigated Title IX compliance in the ‘80’s, presented trainings on acquaintance rape in the mid ‘80’s and conducted a child care needs study in 1990. Our collaboration with Girls Inc. began with Eleanor Roosevelt’s birthday celebrations and has grown to include commemoration of Women’s Equality Day and Women’s History Month.
On Saturday, October 4th, we gathered with members, supporters, and friends to honor the families of our founders. We were pleased to share our history with the families of Louise Gasser Kirtley, Elizabeth Gasser, Shirley Meacham, Kathy Smith, Augusta Hager, and Doris Campbell.
ELIZABETH GASSER, OUR FIRST BRANCH PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Gasser (1905-1999) was the first president of Owensboro AAUW in February 1954. She was valedictorian of Owensboro High School’s class of 1922 and graduated from Smith College with a degree in French Literature. She taught French and Latin at Daviess County High School for more than 40 years. An avid supporter of women’s rights, she taught Senator Wendell Ford and supported her sister Louise’s political career. The accompanying picture demonstrates her continued involvement in women’s issues. It was taken at the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the women’s vote in 1995. She was a beloved teacher and bridge player, known affectionately as “Aunt Boo”.