About

AAUW is the American Association of University Women. The purpose of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

This website is for the AAUW Springfield, IL Branch which is an affiliate of AAUW. As an affiliate we promote equity, education, and development of opportunities for women and girls that enable them to realize their full potential. We are one of the largest and most active branches in Illinois with more than 100 members.

You may read our bylaws here.

Jump to: Executive Board Members, Board Members, Committee Chairs, COVID-19 Guidance, Board Meetings, AAUW Funds, Local Scholarships, Public Policy, Branchline, Raising Awareness for Change and Equity (RACE) Discussions

July 2023 – June 2024 Executive Board Members

  • Co-Presidents, Kathyy Battee-Freeman and Julie Krehbiel
  • Membership Vice President, Grace Wenz
  • Program Vice President, Kristi Katcher
  • Recording Secretary, Terri Hempstead
  • Treasurer, Mary Burns

July 2023 – June 2024 Board Members

  • AAUW Funds Director, TBD
  • College/University Relations Chair, Cynthia Thompson
  • Communications Director, TDB
  • Diversity Equity & Inclusion Director, Deanie Brown
  • Interest Group Coordinator, Susan Wood
  • Parliamentarian, Marcia Wherry
  • Public Policy Co-Directors, Amy Green and Becky Grummon

July 2023 – June 2024 Committee Chairs

  • Auditor, Susan Shea
  • Branchline Editors, Cheryl Wycoff & Kristin Croenne
  • Branchline Mailer, Carol Kerins
  • Corresponding Secretary, Connie Frankenfeld
  • Directory Editor, Susan Wood
  • Garage Sale Chair, Mary Burns
  • Historian, TDB
  • Night at the Symphony Chair, TDB
  • Nominating Committee Chair, Pat Braun
  • Quilt Raffle Sale Chair, Marcia Wherry
  • Silent Auction Chair, Katie Joshu
  • Also see Chairs listed under Interest Groups

COVID-19 Update

On May 11, 2023 the public health emergency and the national state of emergency for COVID-19 were declared over by both President Biden and Governor Pritzker. Our branch will continue to have a mix of in-person and zoom events throughout the year to allow opportunities for everyone to participate. Although masks are no longer required as of publication date of this statement, all members are welcome to wear masks at in-person events and are encouraged to  proceed within their own comfort level at Branch activities.

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held at 5:15 pm on the first Tuesday of each month (except July). This year’s meetings are scheduled to be held virtually via video conferencing. Any member may attend, with prior notice to a Co-President. Chairs may be asked to attend Board meetings for specific reasons. See the Branchline for the date each month.

AAUW Funds

AAUW Funds provide support for recipients as they conduct research, earn degrees, fight gender discrimination, and advance professionally. The AAUW Springfield Branch strongly supports AAUW Funds with proceeds from several annual fundraising events, which usually include a Silent Auction, Garage Sale, Quilt Raffle, Illinois Symphony Orchestra performance, See’s Candy Sale and Afternoon Tea or other Spring fundraiser. Near the end of the program year, a Funds Committee meets and recommends to the Branch Board the distribution of the fundraising proceeds among programs that support the AAUW Mission.

Local Scholarships

Over many years the Springfield Branch has established eight local scholarships: five undergraduate and one graduate (nursing) at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS), one at St. John’s College (nursing), and one at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC). The schools award the scholarships to students who meet the following criteria: they must be women returning to school in degree programs, and they must live in Sangamon County or in a nearby county without an AAUW branch. Four scholarships at UIS and one at LLCC are now fully endowed. The branch has also awarded funds to help young women attend the AAUW-sponsored National Conference of College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL).

Public Policy

Public Policy informs branch members of relevant new or continuing state and federal legislation; encourages branch members to support AAUW’s public policy and to follow bills deemed legislative priorities; and alerts members when input to legislators would be most effective.

Branchline

The Branchline, our monthly newsletter, is distributed by e-mail. Members with no e-mail will receive the newsletter by U.S. mail. If you do not receive your newsletter by the first week of the month (August – June), please contact Cheryl Wycoff & Kristin Croenne (e-mail) or Carol Kerins (U.S. mail). The Branchline deadline is usually the 15th of the month, July through May; the next month’s deadline will be published in each issue. Submit all material in writing by e-mail or mail to the editors, Cheryl Wycoff & Kristin Croenne, at aauwbranchline@gmail.com or 1338 W. Glenn Awe, Springfield, IL 62704. Materials must reach Cheryl Wycoff & Kristin Croenne by the deadline in order to be included.

Raising Awareness for Change and Equity (RACE) Discussions

Let’s give life and purpose to AAUW’s mission of Equity Now and Equity for All! Deanie Brown, AAUW Springfield, IL Branch Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is available to lead courageous conversations about race, including by selecting current issues or topical reading materials for virtual discussion. Please contact aauwspringfieldil@gmail.com for more information.