In addition to recalling specific accomplishments, nearly all of the presidents voiced an opinion that Dr. Beverly Paurazas expressed so well: "I will say that some of my dearest friends are part of AAUW. Women with like interests can do many important things to foster camaraderie as well as serving their community. We not only accomplish much; we have fun doing it." Several presidents also remarked on their conviction (often strengthened by participation at state and national conventions) that AAUW is a powerful organization with far-reaching influence, which begins at the local level.

AAUW OF ROCHESTER will soon be celebrating its 50th anniversary with many proud accomplishments. It is one of over 1,000 branches with 100,000 members of the American Association of University Women that are committed to advancing equity for all women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

The Rochester Branch, through the strong leadership of its members, has increasingly contributed to the impact of AAUW through its educational programs, community projects and local scholarships. Browse through the nearly 50 years of service and see what the Branch has accomplished.

1961-64 — Margaret Slingerland
1964-66 — Dorothy Kindinger
1966-68 — Barbara Solverson

• At the time of Barbara's term as president, the branch was still developing from its earliest form as a composite of members from Lake Orion, Troy, Oxford, Rochester, and Shelby Township
• By the late 1960s, portions of the membership broke away and formed new branches in their areas
• Our branch became more Rochester-oriented and involved in community events we were heavily involved in two major projects: Art & Apples Festival and the founding of a Children's Theatre Series

1968-70 — Wilma Chapman
1970-72 — Gladys Corbin

• Our community was considering a merger of Rochester and Avon Township, so the branch did studies pertaining to local government and, with the League of Women Voters, cosponsored Town Hall discussions
• We also sponsored the annual art show at Oakland University and did a study of the recycling program used in the Clarkston area
• Promoting the educational institutions in our community became a main focus, a tradition that continues to the present

1974-76 — Nancy Rice

• Nancy's board worked hard at increasing membership in the branch, achieving their goal of 100 members
• Another major project was the Children's Theatre--a change from acting in the plays to having child actors meant a concentration on directing, building sets, sewing costumes, selling tickets, etc.
• We contributed assistance to the fledgling Art & Apples Festival and Pioneer Days (which became the Heritage Festival

1976-78 — Janet Heuerman

• Community involvement was a major focus during Jan's term
• We participated in the Children's Theatre Series and Career Day at Oakland University
• The Picture Lady Program, in which volunteers visited classrooms and presented information about artists, was initiated at the Rochester elementary schools
• A grant was written for funds to establish the Heritage Festival

1978-80 — Diane Ebinger

• The main focus of Diane's term was membership and community action
• Many members were involved in statewide workshops and conferences
• We worked toward the conception and implementation of the first Heritage Festival, a significant community annual event

1980-82 — Deborah Griffis

• As Deborah began her presidency, the focus topics were "Families Facing Change" and "Taking Hold of Technology"
• A significant project was the growth of the Heritage Festival into a large-scale community project--AAUW assisted with a Branch Public Service Grant from the Educational Foundation, as well as many hours of service in planning, promoting and staffing the festival

1982-84 — Kristine Beckmann

• During Kris's term, a main issue was equity and education for women, with specific focus on "Taking Hold of Technology" and "Money Talks"
• We held our first Women's Workshop in 1983, which not only provided women with seminars on various topics by noted speakers, but became the branch's major fundraiser for EF; Lt. Governor Martha Griffiths was the keynote speaker at the first workshop
• Kris was a member of the founding committee for the Paint Creek Center for the Arts and the branch supported the opening exhibits with volunteers
• We continued to be major supporters of the Heritage Festival and Picture Lady Program

1984-86 —Audrey Kowalak 1986-88 — Beverly Paurazas

• Bev began the local scholarship for high-school senior girls in our community to support the efforts of local young women. It has grown in the dollar amount awarded and now includes a scholarship given to a student from Adult Education as well as each of the high schools
• To fund scholarships, we began selling Entertainment books; this has continued to be a successful fundraiser for 15 years

1988-90 —Bonnie Fantini

• The main focus of Bonnie's term was women's (and girls') equity issues and an effort to broaden our focus to include Michigan and national association issues
• We formed the Women in History and Herstory committee, which later produced the videos "Does a Scientist Live Next Door?" and a version of the same video for older girls and adults, "Women in Science: Personal Perspectives." These films, completed in 1991, introduced girls to women with careers in math and science.
• We began to make larger contributions to EF and specify named honorees from our branch

1990-92 — Barbara Bonsignore

• During Barbara's term, we focused on promoting individual liberties (civil rights, health rights, and international human rights) and critical and creative thinking skills, with emphasis on math and science careers
• We sponsored the Books for China/Asia Project after Opal Redman spoke of the need for English books in China in her presentation on women and education in China
• We hosted the Fall Workshop at Oakland University in 1991 (where our recently completed video on women scientists was first shown) and participated in a cluster meeting with five branches
• With the Grosse Pointe branch, we cosponsored a job search seminar at Wayne State University
• Our branch also assisted with an in-service workshop entitled "Women in Science and Technology: How Do We Change the Paradigm?"
• We were instrumental in the institution of March as Women's History Month by declaration of the mayors of Rochester and Rochester Hills
• Barbara also introduced and established the Great Decisions program for our branch

1992-94 — Dee Fordree

• During Dee's term, the Women in History and Herstory committee continued to do significant work for our branch--the committee marketed our video about women scientists and organized and directed a Women's History Month bookmark contest in the local schools in which elementary students designed bookmarks to honor famous women
• We received the AAUW Women Agents of Change in Michigan award and a Gold Star Award for first place in branch newsletters, as well as five-star status for increasing membership by 5% and the 1993 AAUW Visibility Award from AAUW of Michigan
• We held an open forum for girls in our high schools to inform them about the findings published in the AAUW "Hostile Hallways--Sexual Harassment in the Schools"

1994-96 — Mary Ann Reidinger

• Mary Ann's term saw a emphasis on the awareness of a lag in math/science achievement of girls, an increase in branch membership, and the effort to obtain a five-star branch award
• To bring middle-school age girls into familiarity with various careers and present hands-on projects, we initiated the Spring into Math, Science and Technology workshop, which became an annual event
• The Teacher Equity Award was originated during Mary Ann's term to recognize teachers who advanced the education of girls in some special way

1996-98 — Sandra Everill and Barbara Rosalik

• Sandy and Barbara's term was marked by a focus on "get out the vote" by registering voters, informing women of issues, etc. and a focus on fundraisers for EF
• We continued our involvement in the Spring into Math, Science, and Technology workshop and the Teacher Equity Award
• We participated in the 75th Anniversary of AAUW of Michigan Celebration we continued support of community events, contributing to displays at the library, a women's history timeline video for Older Person's Center, and working at the Handcrafter's Fair and Art & Apples
• Several members contributed to the Media Star television survey on the portrayal of women in the media

1998-2000 — Jane Kelly and Jean Smetana

• The branch concentrated on several issues: Title IX (the federal statute prohibiting sex discrimination in education); Sister-to-Sister (a program to promote dialogue between middle-school and high-school girls); diversity in the branch; and mentoring for future leaders at the local, state, and national level
• We continued our Spring into Math, Science, and Technology workshop
• When Dr. Gibson, Jean's professor at Wayne State University, began collecting books for a library in Romania, members of the branch generously supported the collection
• The Rochester branch started hosting a home as docents for the Holly Walk to benefit the Rochester Hills Public Library
• Our branch documented our accomplishments in a Star Report for AAUW at the national and state levels and we were awarded nine out of a possible ten stars

2000-2002 Council Presidents

• Monthly council presidents replace two year president
• Teacher K-12 equity award expands to university level
• 2001 Sixth Annual Spring in Math/Science Career Workshops for Girls
• Dr. Diane Kasunic, The Corporate Cult, presents program
• 10 Star Branch Award from MI-AAUW
• “Give A Grad A Gift” program begins
• District 7 Coalition Meeting-Rochelle Riley of Detroit News speaks
• Members participate in “Hidden Treasures Sale” and “Holly Walk”
• 2002 Sundaes and Science – Mothers and Daughters Grades 5-8 - An Evening with Cranbrook at Avondale Middle School
• Designed March History display case at Rochester Hills Library
• Voter Registration of students at local high schools
• Three scholarships awarded at RHS, AHS & Adult Ed
• Branch 40th Anniversary (1962-2002) Dinner at Rivercrest

2002-2004 Council Presidents

• “Afghanistan: A Perspective” and “Child Labor is Not Cheap” programs presented at the Branch’s general meetings
• Public Policy Issues: pay/health equity and vouchers/charter schools
• Fundraisers: Spring Garage Sale, Monet Garden Walk, Tea Thyme
• 2003 Sundaes and Science – Polymers
• Branch dresses an “AAUW Scarecrow” for Village of Rochester Hills
• www.rochesteraauw.org becomes Branch website
• Pay Equity Day - Women are paid 67cents for every dollar men make
• Money Matters – financial study group begins
• “Faces of AAUW” video available for membership recruitment
• Vouchers ballot proposal defeated
• Book Clubs reads Nickel and Dimed: (not) Getting By in America ( Plight of minimum wage women)
• Auburn Hills Library hosts Sundaes and Science/History Month displays
• 2004 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Space
• Lynette Brown (MI-AAUW) portrays Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• 8th Grade Essay Contest: “A Woman of Significance to Me” begins
• Branch sells diversity pins by Lucinda at home and on the web
• By-laws updated by Branch committee
• Presentation of Sundaes and Science at MI-AAUW Convention

2004-2006 – Council Presidents

• Dialogue begins on changing degree requirements for membership
• Apple Walk, Parisian Charity Sale and Garage Sale Fundraisers
• “What Schools Can Do: Success with Science and Sundaes” article published in magazine MIDDLE MATTERS
• “Meet Mother Jones” aka Gladys Mc Kenney speaks about our foremothers fighting for the right to vote
• AAUW public policy ranges from Title IX to judicial nominees
• 2005 Sundaes and Science – An Evening with Animals
• Rochester Branch hosts the hospitality suite for MI-AAUW convention
• $35,000 AAUW National Research Grant completed by Rochester Branch
• Members assist at registration for “Women in Transition” conference
• Women who have associate degree now qualify for AAUW membership
• 2006 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Engineering
• Co-sponsoring RCH’s “It’s Your Deal” card party earns free meeting room

2006-2008 - Council Presidents

• Membership Luncheon at the “new” Royal Park Hotel in Rochester
• Great Decisions participate in “Building Bridges to Islam” at the Arab American Museum in Dearborn, MI
• Fundraisers include Entertainment Books and Dutch bulbs
• Members attend Oakland Univ Women’s Film Festival on “Self Image”
• 2007 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Earth’s Energy For the Future
• Local author Nancy Marchenia On SevenMile Road visits book club
• Barb Rosalik, member, donates women history books to local libraries for Women’s History Month
• Branch members support One United Michigan’s affirmative action plan
• Tech Babes and Chix Flix interest groups form
• “Feminism in Film” presentation at September Potluck meeting
• Dinner and a Little Night Music hears 1st Rochester Symphony Concert
• Kaleidoscope sees “Respect”- a musical about women over the ages
• AAUW Juniors start for Branch members under 40 yrs
• Rochester AAUW has membership table at RHPL’s Organization Fair
• AAUW celebrates its 125th birthday
• Discussion on “What Do AAUW Members Value?”
• Romeo/Rochester AAUW hold joint meeting at Brabb House in Romeo
• First woman to become Speaker of the House – Nancy Pelosi
• Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm wins second term
• Library Directors – Christine Hage (RHPL) and Karrie Waarala (AHPL) present 8th grade essay awards to winning students
• “Walk in These Famous Women’s Shoes” history display designed by Branch members for Auburn Hills Library
• Evening Book Club participates in “Everyone’s Reading - 2007” Arc of Justice - (Black doctor/race issues/Detroit 1930’s)
• Gladys McKenney nominated by Rochester Branch for “Our Fabulous Foremothers” award for her portrayal of women fighting for right to vote
• “Fresh Faces of AAUW” (DVD) presented at MI-AAUW convention
• Golf interest group has first outing
• AAUW National Convention in Phoenix proposes to combine the Educational Foundation and AAUW into one organization
• Barb Bonsignore, member and former MI-AAUW president, serves on convention panel: “Running campaigns on ballot measures/initiatives”
• District 7 & 8 host conference/Sundaes and Science highlighted
• Cruisin’ Cruisine hosts a Rochester Junior Women’s Lobster Fest
• For 1st time girls win top awards at Siemen’s Science Contest
• LAF adopts new plaintiffs re: sexual harassment/unequal pay
• “Me Run for Office” hosted by MI-AAUW
• 2008 Sundaes and Science - The World of Water
• Mind, Body and Soul magazine article “To Work or Not To Work” features AAUW Junior members
• AAUW Educational Foundation turns 50 years
• Branch’s monthly NEWSLINE goes online (1/08)
• MI AAUW President and Vice-President visit member luncheon
• AAUW’s “Beyond the Pay Gap” report on NBC Nightly with Brian Williams/ B. Bonsignore’s - “Pay Gap Problem” editorial in Rochester Eccentric
• Kim Enders receives the First Annual Young Leader’s Award/Branch receives the 21st Century Bridge Award at MI AAUW Convention(Detroit)
• Kroger money cards sold as fundraiser for local scholarships
• Annual Garden Party – “Victorian Rose Rhapsody”

2008 –2009 Council Presidents

• Judge Julie Nicholson speaks to “Women in the Courts”
• AAUW proposes changes re: open membership, sending dues directly to AAUW, one member, one vote and optional conventions
• Bulbs, Entertainment Books, Parisian Charity Sales, Diamonds and Divas /Harvest Hearts card parties - Branch fundraisers
• Kaleidoscope visits Plymouth Historical Museum to see “First Ladies Inaugural Gowns” and sponsors “Gone With the Wind” speaker
• AAUW wins $249,000 grant to study “Why Female Participation in Science, Math and Engineering is Low”
• 2009 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Medicine
• Great Decision’s presents: Women for Women International “Changing the World, One Woman at a Time” at general meeting
• Equal Pay Day – “Keep the Change Until Women Have Real Change”
• 8th Grade Essay Contest Co-Sponsored with local libraries/schools
• AAUW 2009 Convention votes on proposed organizational changes in St Louis
• Rochester Branch’s web page re-designed by member, Mary Anne Kennedy Haney, as www.aauw-rochester-michigan.org

2009-2010 Council Presidents

• JULY 2009
•“Lavender and Lace” Garden Party hosted by Sylvia Gallagher and chaired by Joanne Blaszkowski and Rebecca Oetjens.
• SEPTEMBER 2009
• Potluck dinner with AAUW-MI speakers discussing the AAUW DVD -“Breaking Barriers”.
• Cruising Cuisine takes a culinary tour in Royal Oak.
• “Hidden Treasures” garage sale for Branch activities at Linda Pasternak’s.
• Rochester and Pontiac/Waterford Branches share lunch and author Sue Carter & her book-Ordinary Women:An Arctic Adventure.
• OCTOBER 2009
• Kroger cards, spring bulbs & entertainment books are Branch fundraisers.
• Oktoberfest Card Party held at Streamwood Clubhouse.
• Tech Babes meet at Best Buy to enhance technology knowledge.
• Maureen Esther presents “Great Women in History” at general meeting. NOVEMBER 2009
• AAUW-MI’s Fall Conference – “Ready or Not” held for members.
• Branch celebrates Eleanor Roosevelt’s 125th Birthday (1884).
• Fall and Spring Parisian community sales for Branch scholarships are coordinated by Scholarship Chair Dr. Beverly Paurazas.
• AAUW calls for passage of Paycheck Fairness Act.
• President Obama signs his first bill –“The Lily Ledbetter Act” to end pay discrimination for women.
• DECEMBER 2009
• Holiday Party with “Santa” theme at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
• AAUW sponsors “Give a Grad A Gift” = free membership for one year.
• JANUARY 2010
• Women in Transition Conference held at Baker College hosted by AAUW Birmingham Branch. AAUW Rochester members assist.
• Five women win Nobel Prizes in Economics, Lit, Chemistry & Medicine.
• Members tutor at Will Rogers Elementary School in Pontiac.
• AAUW supports issues not candidates, be politically active!
• Member Brunch at Auburn Hills Library with Director Karrie Waarala presenting the workshop “Write in the New Year”.
• FEBRUARY 2010
• Lunch/Evening Book Clubs/Bridge, Money Matters and Great Decisions continue as study groups.
• Members support Career Dress (Lighthouse in Pontiac) with women’s clothes and accessories for job interviews.
• “Pain Free and Fit for Life” program presented by Branch members.
• Great Decisions sponsor an Afghan woman through Women for Women International.
• MARCH 2010
• Sundaes and Science: A Mother/Daughter Evening Explores Health and Wellness at Avondale School.
• St. Pat’s Pot of Gold Card Party at Streamwood Clubhouse.
• Branch sends contributions to Pennies for Peace – Central Asia Institute.
• Kaleidoscope goes to see “Enchanted April” at Meadowbrook Theatre.
• Branch does “Her History” display at AHPL for Women’s History Month.
• 8th Grade Essay Contest winners read their “A Woman of Significance to Me” winning essays at the Branch general meeting.
• Barb Rosalik donates, yearly, a woman’s history book to both libraries.
• APRIL 2010
• Equal Pay Day – When women’s yearly pay catches up to men’s.
• Dinner and a Little Night Music study group attends RSO concerts.
• Detroit’s University Prep School inspire members with its presentation “Detroit’s Great Hope” at general meeting.
• Branch bylaws revised to coordinate with national AAUW’s bylaws.
• MAY 2010
• Annual Branch May Dinner at La Sala Banquet Center with speaker Denise Coughlin’s “Journey into Light: A Project for Peace”. Four local Scholarships and a memorial scholarship to honor member Mary Ann Naito are given.
• “Tosca” matinee and “Lavender Tea Tour” are Kaleidoscope events
• JUNE 2010
• “Hidden Treasures” garage sale at Mary Anne Kennedy-Haney’s to benefit Branch activities.

2010-2011 Council Presidents

• July 2010
• “CHOCOLATE CHERRIES, BERRIES, BLOOMS & DELIGHTS” GARDEN PARTY HELD AT ROCHESTER COMMUNITY HOUSE. CHAIRS: JOANNE BLASKOWSKI/REBECCA OETJENS
• SEPTEMBER, 2010
• “HATS OFF TO AAUW” POTLUCK DINNER; LEAGUE OF WOMEN’S VOTERS AS SPEAKERS
• MONEY MATTERS HAS GUEST PORTFOLIO MANAGER, MARISA LENHARD OF SIMA INVESTMENTS.
• NEW LUNCH BOOK CLUB, “PAGE TURNERS” BEGINS
• AAUW OF MI RECEIVES IMPACT GRANT FOR 2010-2011 TO INCREASE PUBLIC POLICY ACTIVISM IN THE STATE.
• OCTOBER, 2010
• AAUW GARAGE SALE HELD AT JODY SHEVIN’S
• MARIE’S HAIR SALON HOLDS “HAIR-A-THON” FOR AAUW LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
• 2011 ENTERTAINMENT BOOK REACHES HALF-WAY GOAL OF SELLING 130 BOOKS FOR THE AAUW EDUCATIONAL FUND
• DIA SPEAKER PREVIEWS THEIR EXHIBIT, “MYSTERIES, FAKES AND FORGERIES”
• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER , 2010
• ANNUAL BRANCH “ROYAL” HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AT ROYAL PARK HOTEL
• MEMBERS SHOP THE PARISIAN’S COMMUNITY DAY SALE FOR AAUW LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS.
• DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN TUTORING A CHILD AT WILL ROGERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN THE PONTIAC SCHOOL DISTRICT.
• ANNUAL HOLLY WALK HOME TOUR, BENEFITING THE ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY, IS STAFFED BY BRANCH MEMBERS
• AAUW LEADS COALITION TO PASS THE PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT.
• DINNER AND A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC STUDY GROUP SUPPORTS THE ROCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT AT ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH
• JANUARY, 2011
• MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULED A TOUR OF THE ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH DIRECTOR CHRISTINE HAGE FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AT THE SHEHRZAD MEDITERRANEAN GRILL.
• FEBRUARY, 2011
• “SOCIAL MEDIA 101” PRESENTED BY SALLY DOTY, PRESIDENT AAUW-MI AND JANET WATKINS, WEBMASTER, AAUW-MI
• GREAT DECISIONS STUDIED “REBUILDING HAITI.”
• PARISIAN COMMUNITY DAY SALE WHICH BENEFITS AAUW LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP
• MARCH, 2011
• KALEIDOSCOPE ATTENDED “ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” AT THE MACOMB CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
• SODAS AND SCIENCE, “DESIGN IT!”, FOR MOTHERS AND MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS AT VAN HOOSEN MIDDLE SCHOOL. PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY DEB FORDREE AND DIANE KOSUDA
• MEMBERS ATTENDED LUNCHEON ON THE AISLE AT MEADOW BROOK THEATRE TO SEE “SHOUT@ THE MOD MUSICAL”
• 8TH GRADE ESSAY CONTEST, “ A WOMAN OF SIGNIFICANCE TO ME” CO-SPONSOSRED BY AAUW LINDA PANNUTO AND ROCHESTER HILLS AND AUBURN HILLS LIBRARIES. WINNING ESSAY BY SOFIA POKRZYWA
• WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH DISPLAY CASE, “HATS OFF TO FAMOUS WOMEN,” AT AUBURN HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
• APRIL, 2011
• “CRUISING THE DANUBE” PRESENTED BY SCOTT HUNTER AT GENERAL MEETING
• NAMED HONOREES – KAREN CRAVEN, KATHY MCCOSKEY, AND CAROLINE TAYLOR.
• MAY, 2011
• “HATS OFF TO MICHIGAN WEEK” – MAY DINNER MEETING AT GREAT OAKS COUNTRY CLUB; PRESENTED FIVE LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
• KALEIDOSCOPE ATTENDED “RIGOLETTO” MATINEE AT DETROIT OPERA THEATRE.
• JUNE, 2011
• “HIDDEN TREASURES” GARAGE SALE AT PAULA PETERS’ HOME.
• ANNUAL POTLUCK PLANNING MEETING AT SHARON POSTNIEKS’ HOME.
• SHARON POSTNIEKS AND PHYLLIS RELYEA ATTENDED AAUW NATIONAL CONVENTION, WASHINGTON, DC “BREAKING THROUGH BARRIERS” “ONE MEMBER, ONE VOTE”
• ROCHESTER BRANCH PARTNERS WITH OAKLAND UNIVERSITY