| Biography/History: |
The Spokane branch of the American Association of University Women was founded October 16, 1909 under the Association of Collegiate Alumnae and the group’s first education loan fund was established the next year. In 1921 the national ACA merged with the Southern Association of College Women to become the AAUW. The Spokane group hosted social events, contributed to charitable projects, and participated in national debates surrounding issues of women’s suffrage and disarmament. Membership reached a peak of 462 in 1933-35, but remained in the upper 300s for most of the following 60 years. The group continued its civic and philanthropic work for the rest of the century, maintaining its focus on education for women by providing scholarships for female college students, creating the Spo-Can-Read program, and providing funding to Expanding Your Horizons, a program aimed at encouraging young women to pursue math and science. Members also participated in social events and engaged in debate over political topics including the Equal Rights Amendment, affordable housing, and reproductive rights. |