The Ludington Branch celebrated its 80th Anniversary in 2016.
HISTORY
The Ludington Area American Association of University Women (AAUW) is currently comprised of 25 women between the ages of 30 to 80. We are all graduates of colleges from all over the United States. Our group has been in existence for 88 years. The national AAUW organization is 142 years old and the State of MIAAUW is 102 years old.
Why join AAUW? Get involved in your community and make a difference by supporting our mission! We’re seeking passionate younger adults to join our AAUW community! Your energy and fresh perspectives can make a real difference as we work together to empower women and promote equity. Join us in making a positive impact and shaping the future! Joining AAUW opens the door to leadership opportunities that empower you to grow personally and professionally. Connect with like-minded individuals, develop essential skills, and gain insights from inspiring speakers, all while advocating for gender equity and making a lasting impact in your community. Experience the power of collaboration and become a leader in the movement for women’s rights and education!
Our group meets on the 2nd Monday of the month in the evening for an educational or fun program and our big fundraiser is the Used Book Sale.
We have given scholarships to Four-Year University Students for $1,000 since 1992. The scholarship funds were all earned through Antique Shows and Used Book Sales. We have had book sales since 1964. Our last sale in June of 2024 was the best sale in our history. People are still buying books!
The Antique Show was discontinued after 25 years due to the use of internet sales and dealers were no longer interested in doing live shows when they could use their computer to sell their items!
Our Ludington Branch was established in 1936, with 10 women who paid $2 to the National Office and Nina Callaghan (Stanford) was the first president. In 1938, Ludington AAUW sponsored their first play. There were several more plays sponsored during the 1940’s. In 1949, Ludington AAUW conducted Children’s Hours at the local library and every Wednesday gave the Children’s Story Hours for WKLA. In 1955, the TWIG, our membership newsletter, was born and received an award for the “Best Activity in the State of Michigan” in 1956. In 1960, Ludington AAUW upgraded the Junior High Library to standards of National Library Association and received the “Award for Action in Education” given by the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. In 1962, we sponsored the “Travel and Adventure” series that ran for 12 years. In 1963, we purchased blue and gold collars for National Honor Society members graduations. In 1964, the first USED BOOK SALE was held! In 1966, we helped to promote the formation of West Shore Community College. In 1973, we gave our first scholarships to WSCC students. We supported the “Art Train” in 1980, 1987 and 2005. In 1979, we revived the children’s plays with our membership doing all of the acting, sales, costume designing and making the sets. In 1990, we sponsored the first “Antique Show and Sale”.
We have given $104,000.00 in scholarship funds to high school graduates attending 4 year universities starting in 1992 through 2024. We also have given $35,000 to West Shore Community College Students between 1973 and 2018.