AAUW Murfreesboro (TN) Branch



A History of the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Branch of the

American Association of University Women, 1913-2013

Compiled by Margaret Scott

March 2013

The American Association of University Women began in 1881 in Boston with the founding of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae. The Southern Association of College Women was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1903, the Nashville branch was formed in 1907, and the Murfreesboro branch in 1913. In 1921 the two organizations merged to become the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Since 2013 is the one-hundredth anniversary of the Murfreesboro Branch of AAUW, a history of the branch follows, highlighting memories and important activities. Much of this information was found in the Gore Center of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), some of it from several undated and undocumented sheets of paper, as well as from branch minutes and yearbooks. The more recent information has been obtained from yearbooks and documents saved by the author and other branch members.

Completed in 1945 was a Tennessee state history of AAUW. The following information came from a page concerning the establishment of the Murfreesboro branch, which organized in October 1913 as a branch of the Southern Association of College Women. The first officers were Dr. Emily Dutton, president; Miss E.L. Smith, vice-president; Miss Dorothy Printup, secretary; and Mrs. Lester Dunn, treasurer.

1920s

In October 1921 the branch affiliated with AAUW and Dr. Emily Dutton continued as president.

One of the early projects of the branch supported school lunches and milk to needy children. Another major project undertaken was concerned with a health unit for Rutherford County. A local paper of May 12, 1922, stated that the branch entertained thirty representatives of various local and county organizations at a “beautifully appointed” luncheon at the Woman’s Club and presented to them the need and possibility of a full-time health unit for Rutherford County. In 1924 the health unit became a reality with the Child Health Demonstration Unit when the Commonwealth Fund of New York placed one of its national programs in Murfreesboro.

The branch also sponsored Saturday morning story hours, art exhibits, and a resolution for teacher salary increases. For several years a tea was given to honor senior high school girls and to encourage them to attend college. Later a tea was held for women who were college seniors to urge them to further their education, as well as to join AAUW.

A brief undated remembrance from an unidentified member recounts monetary difficulties of the early days. In the early 1920s, the national AAUW organization was “buying the house on Eye [sic.] Street in Washington. Since Murfreesboro was a very small branch, it could not contribute very much to the building fund, so Dr. Dutton and Mrs. Fertig gave a contribution in the name of the Murfreesboro Branch. When Dr. Dutton was going to the national meeting, the branch could not pay her expenses but contributed what they could, sometimes as little as $5.00.”

When the AAUW State Division held its meeting in Nashville in 1926, Murfreesboro delegates took an active part. Miss Anne Ordway served on the Resolutions Committee and was elected vice-president of the state organization. Miss Harriet Dale Johnson, President of the Murfreesboro Branch, reported on the recent branch activities, which included supporting diphtheria immunization for Murfreesboro children and entertaining county high school senior girls. The branch had twenty-two members. One of the principal addresses of the meeting was given by Miss Mary Strain of Tennessee College.

1930s

On May 5, 1938, the Murfreesboro Branch of AAUW held an open meeting with the African American poet, Dr. James Seldon Johnson, then on the faculty of Fisk University. Dr. Johnson lectured on poetry and read several of his poems to “a large and appreciative audience.” A month later the poet was killed in a traffic accident.

During 1930-1940 programs of the branch centered on Southern personalities and activities.

1940s

There was little found in the archives for the forties except the mentioning of the following officers for 1945: Dr. Eva Burkett, president; Miss Mary Strain, vice-president; Miss Elizabeth Schardt, secretary, and Mrs. Hobart Davis, treasurer.

1950s

The 1950s are well documented because minutes exist—they are handwritten and somewhat faded but are not too difficult to read. In May 1951 the branch had a dinner meeting at McKnight’s Restaurant with thirty-three members and guests present. Invocation was given by Miss Mary Hall. Mrs. Hester Rogers showed slides of her European trip. [European travel was somewhat rare in the early fifties.]

The study topic in 1952 was “Crisis in Education.” The branch received permission to hold its meetings in the Student Union Building at Middle Tennessee State College [now the James Union Building] for 1952-53. The branch also hosted a tea that year on October 2 [purpose unknown].

In 1955 the branch (because of the significance of the program) invited the public to its meeting at Central High School. Dr. H.C. Brearly of Peabody College spoke on “Current Issues in Racial Integration in Education.”

In 1956 the State Division of AAUW met on October 12 at Middle Tennessee State College. It carried a jubilee theme since it was the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae in Boston. The Tennessee Commissioner of Mental Health spoke. Study topics for that year were “Widening our Horizons” and “Translating our Legislative Program into Action.”

During 1957-58 Kay Pace was branch president. Program subjects were “The International Situation” and the “Status of Women.” There were fifty-one members with ten in a night study group.

During 1959-1961 the branch supported the following legislative programs: a bill for public kindergarten, the legislative program of the Tennessee Education Association, any and all desirable legislation for higher education, and legislation affecting health and welfare.

1960s

In 1960 AAUW of Murfreesboro received a certificate recognizing it for its contribution toward building of the AAUW Educational Center in Washington, D.C. Programs for 1960-61 included the following: Responsibilities of Women in Politics, Africa, Educational TV, Communism, Juvenile Delinquency, and the “The Boat for Higher Education is Missing.” There were sixty-three members in the branch. The Travel Program was established in 1961 whereby knowledgeable speakers from all over the state were made available to each branch upon request.

In 1965 the branch awarded a scholarship to Linda Jo Meyer of Central High School to attend MTSU. It is not clear when the branch started awarding the scholarship, but for many years to come, the branch awarded an annual scholarship to a worthy female student from Rutherford County.

By 1966 the branch had lost fifteen members, with a total now of forty-nine. A night study group comprised eleven members, while an Eagleville study group held two. Study topics for 1966-67 were “Education: An Antidote to Poverty,” “The Law and the Citizen,” “Revolution in Modern China,” and ‘Science: A Creative Discipline.”

In 1968-69 the themes of the programs were “The Politics of Public Education” and “Testing Values in a Changing Society.” John Bragg, a local state legislator, was guest speaker in June 1968. Dues were $12.00, with the national association receiving $6.50, the state $3.00, and the local branch $2.50.

Also in 1968-69 the Murfreesboro Branch hosted at the Woman’s Club a mid-Tennessee area action planning meeting for Clarksville, Cookeville, Columbia, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, and Nashville. Sixty-five women attended. Lunch cost $3.00. The State Implementation Chair for the study topic “The Human Use of Urban Space” moderated the program. Dr. Emogene L. Trexell (Association Professional Staff on Community Problems from Washington, D.C.) addressed the group on “Community Problems, Community Action, Current and Proposed.” After her remarks, all the branch presidents and vice-presidents gave reports on their cities’ existing laws concerning pollution and their programs and actions for addressing these problems. Murfreesboro branch president was Roberta Payne; Leola Fouts was vice-president.

1970s

During 1970-71 the Southeast Regional Conference was held in Nashville, with several Murfreesboro members attending. Branch membership had rebounded to sixty in number, with two groups, one meeting in the afternoon and one at night. The main money-making project was a card and game party called “Fun Night,” which funded the annual scholarship given to an MTSU female student. “Fun Night” tickets were $1.25 each and each member brought at least one prize, a card table, cards, games, and an item for the refreshment table.

In April 1972 the Murfreesboro Branch formed a Beautification Committee that met with the major to discuss plans for making Murfreesboro more beautiful. A Pollution Committee urged members to continue efforts to bring public attention to the need for cleaning up the environment. Members met at the Bonanza Steak House in the Mercury Shopping Center during 1972-73.

The branch had fifty-one members in 1972. From 1973-74 the membership held steady, fifty-one members with seven in the night study group. However by 1974 the branch had lost several members. It appears that this was the end of the night study groups. “Fun Night” was held at Central Middle School. Study topics were “Bioethics,” “Practical Applications of Computer Technology,” and “Math Anxiety in Women.”

In 1975 the branch hosted the AAUW Tennessee Division Convention at the Ramada Inn, April 11-12. “A Search for Direction” was the convention’s theme. The meeting also celebrated the International Women’s Year. Panel discussions included the following topics: Resources—Answers for the Future; Land Use; Education, The Creative Arts; and the Energy Crisis. The luncheon program was a slide show on India. Branch members provided tours of Oaklands and Studio S for convention attendees.

1980s

In 1980-81 the branch had forty-five members with Jerry Dement as president. During 1984-85, Margaret Scott was president. The branch had forty-seven members and continued to meet at the Bonanza. “Fun Night” was held at the Middle Tennessee Electrical Membership Corp. Programs included talks by Dr. Robert Sanders, County Health Director, by Mary Huhta on “Women in Elective Office,” and one on “Public Support for Public Education.”

The first meeting of 1985-86 was a covered dish supper at Marguerite Thackson’s home. Meetings changed to Saturday at 11:30 AM at the Western Sizzlin restaurant. Jeanie Randall (Sate President from the Clarksville Branch of AAUW) gave a program on “Comparable Worth.” Other programs included “Adult Literacy,” “Women and Legislation,” and “Outdoor Education.”

In April 1987 the branch held a coffee at the Sportscom for present and prospective members. In May the branch participated in the Murfreesboro Street Festival with a fund-raising booth. “Fun Night” was discontinued, and in its place branch members were selling hand-woven baskets. Branch membership was thirty-two.

Other activities during 1987-88 included a program by Deborah Johnson, Director of the Domestic Violence Center. A Christmas dinner was held in Dining Room B in the James Union Building at MTSU. In January branch members toured the Discovery House on Maple Street, and in February an Infection Control Nurse from the VA presented a program on AIDs. The branch also had a yard sale at Leola Fout’s home. “Women’s Health” and the “Governor’s Literacy Program” were topics of study. The branch began meeting at the new Bonanza on Church Street [later the Ponderosa].

1990s

In 1990 Dr. Nancy Rupprecht (MTSU History Department) presented a program on “When Women Wage War.” In April the branch sponsored a Career Day at the James Union Building, MTSU, for which women in various professions were invited to offer information and materials to highs school students. The branch sponsored the Career Day project for three years.

In 1990-91 the branch met at Sondra Wilcox’s home for a pot-luck supper. During 1991 branch members took several road trips. In October members toured the Governor’s mansion in Nashville. Also members went to Boaz, Alabama, to the Outlet Malls, and in April to Shaker Village in Kentucky. In May Career Day took place at Stones River Mall, and the branch had an information booth at the Murfreesboro International Street Fair. Dr. Sam Ingram, President of MTSU, spoke at a branch meeting on “New Approaches to Education.” At the June spring luncheon at the Front Porch, Dr. Jan Leone (MTSU History Department) gave a program on the history of AAUW. During 1992 the branch resurrected “Fun Night” at the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation.

1992-93 began again with a pot-luck supper at Sondra Wilcox’s home. Topics studied for the year were “Transforming the Curriculum: The MTSU Experience,” “Political Savvy,” “Leadership Challenges for the 90s,” “Contagious Diseases,” and “Diversity with a Mexican Flavor.” The branch also sponsored a workshop called “Women Helping Girls with Choices.”

On April 23-25, 1993, AAUW of Murfreesboro hosted the AAUW of Tennessee convention at the Garden Plaza Hotel. Barbara Bugg was Local Arrangements Chair with all members participating on various committees. Hazel Best was Branch President, State President was Margaret B (Peggy) Emmett, and branch member Margaret Scott was State Program Vice President. The convention luncheon speaker Dr. Jan Leone (MTSU History Department) spoke on “The Integration of the Washington, D.C. AAUW Branch.” National AAUW President Sharon Schuster was the dinner speaker; her topic was “How Schools Shortchange Girls.” The summer board meeting was also held at the Garden Plaza in August of 1993.

During Rebecca Salisbury Rice’s presidency (1993-95), the branch started catering its own meals with members contributing $5.00 at each meeting to go toward operating expenses. The branch met at the Tennessee Boulevard Church of Christ.

In September 1995 Jackie Littleton, Tennessee State President, spoke at the branch meeting. Other speakers for the year were notable local women. Dr. Mary Hoffschwelle was president for 1995-96.

By 1997 the branch was meeting at Ferguson Hall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Dr. Jan Leone was branch president for 1997-99.

During the 1990s the branch started co-sponsoring with MTSU the “Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) in Math and Science Conference for middle school girls, coordinated by Dr. Judith Iriarte-gross, MTSU Chemistry Professor. The conference has become very popular with girls and parents, and the branch has continued its sponsorship of the conference (which has expanded to include high school girls) to the present. The conference serves over 300 participants each year.

After members saturated Rutherford County and all family, friends, and acquaintances with baskets, the branch gave up this fundraising endeavor. For several years the branch raised money for the AAUW Education Foundation (EF) by holding “Dessert Extravaganzas” featuring homemade desserts made by members and held at various locations, including the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts and Oaklands Historic House and Museum. Also the branch started a used-book sale to fund the branch’s annual scholarship of $300 per semester. As previously noted, the branch began funding scholarship to a woman to attend MTSU as early as 1965. In the 1970’s the scholarship was renamed in honor of Ruth Houston (Branch President 1951-53) and was no longer limited to Rutherford County applicants.

During 1999-2000 the branch began holding its eight monthly meetings at the Farm Bureau Building on South Church Street. Meetings still began at 5:00 PM on the second Thursday of the month. Melinda Lickiss and Rebecca Taylor-Sturdivant were co-presidents. On October 7 Suzanne Prevost (NHC Chair of Excellence in Nursing, MTSU) presented a program on “Women’s Health Issues.” In February Dr. Gloria Bonner (Dean of the College of Education, MTSU) spoke on “Leadership in Education.” For a local outreach program, the branch adopted the Rutherford County Domestic Violence Program and the June Anderson Women’s Center at MTSU, and each month members donated either toiletries, paper products, or personal items for the Domestic Violence Center or beverage mixes for the Women’s Center.

All during the 1990s branch membership hovered around thirty-six members. Unfortunately some of the older members aged out about this time and membership numbers began to drop.

The 21st Century

Younger members began to undertake leadership roles in AAUW of Murfreesboro, but the biggest challenge for the new century was to increase membership. The branch continues to meet September through May, excluding January, at 5-7 PM and usually on the second Thursday of the month. The new year begins in September with the start-up fall meeting and ends the following May with the annual meeting and renewal of membership. Each new year the branch provides members with a Members’ Book, which lists contacts for each member and includes information about the national, state, and branch organization.

2000-2001

During 2000-2001 the branch claimed only thirty-one members. Programs focused on women: The League of Women Voters, Girls and Juvenile Court, Educating Gifted Girls, and Title IX. A successful book sale to benefit the Ruth Houston Scholarship was held in April.

2001-2002

The start-up meeting in September 2001 after the summer hiatus, which was a potluck, had the theme “Each One, Bring One” in order to attract potential members. Other activities for the year included sponsorship of EYH: Expanding Your Horizons in Math and Science Conference for middle school girls at MTSU in October and hosting a meeting during Women’s History Month at MTSU, inviting women students and faculty to attend. Marty Foster and Yuan-ling Chao were co-presidents. Membership dwindled to only twenty-five members. The branch continued to make monthly donations of item to the Domestic Violence Program and the June Anderson Women’s Center.

2002-2003

In fall 2002 the branch continued to sponsor EYH. Thanks to funds made at the Dessert Extravaganza, the branch gave two named gifts to the Education Foundation to honor Mattie Butler and Leola Fouts, both long-time members of the branch. The book sale held on March 31 and April 1, 2003, at the Keathley University Center, MTSU, yielded more than $1700.00 for the Ruth Houston Scholarship, and the scholarship amount was increased to $500.00 per semester. The branch also established a web site.

2003-2004

In February 2004 branch members attended a presentation of The Laramie Project presented by the Murfreesboro Ensemble Theatre at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts. The annual book sale was held April 5-6 at the Keathley University Center, MTSU.

2004-2005

In November 2004 Joann Perry (AAUW of Tennessee President) was the branch speaker. The branch continued to meet at the Farm Bureau. The 2005 book sale brought in $2,391.21.

2005-2006

The October 2005 branch meeting program centered on how to increase branch membership. In November Mary Schneider (Director of the Rutherford County Drug Court) was the program speaker. In December members enjoyed a holiday buffet with a Buffalo Auction to benefit AAUW Education and Legal Advocacy Funds. The idea of the auction was suggested by a member from Buffalo, New York, hence the name “Buffalo” Auction. On March 16, 2006, the branch hosted a panel “Because Equity Is Still an Issue: The American Association of University Women then and Now” as part of National Women’s History Month at MTSU. Marty Foster and Yuan-ling Chao continued as co-presidents. At the state meeting in Maryville in March, Dr. Chao was elected to state office as Second Vice-President for Membership; she had previously served as state Diversity Chair.

2006-2007

In September 2006 the fall start-up meeting place changed to the Forest Oaks I Clubhouse on East Northfield Blvd. (hereafter September, December, and May meetings were held at the clubhouse and other monthly meetings remained at the Farm Bureau). At the September meeting the branch hosted a “Shape the Future Membership Campaign” in conjunction with a Women’s Art and Crafts Auction to benefit AAUW Educational and Legal Advocacy Funds, raising $315.00. In October the branch co-sponsored the 10th EYH Conference in Math and Science with the Mid-Cumberland Girl Scouts and MTSU. Branch members served on the planning committee and worked registration for the conference. The branch also contributed $80.00 to the “Tennessee Legacy 80 Fund” in memory of Buleah Davis, a long-time member and former president of the AAUW of Murfreesboro. The branch bylaws were revised in December.

On March 23-24, 2007, the branch hosted the state convention at the James Union Building, MTSU. The theme was “Celebrating AAUW’s 125 Years: Past, Present, and Future Challenges.” Keynote speaker was Association President Ruth Sweetser who spoke on “Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing Our Future.” At the Saturday night banquet, the branch performed a skit, written by branch member Ayne Cantrell, entitled “Tennessee Women for the Vote: An Enactment of a Suffrage Rally, 1913.” Over ninety women attended the convention, rating the facilities and food very highly.

Also in 2007 Murfreesboro AAUW was recognized by the national association as a Phase One Winner for bringing in the highest percentage of new members in the nation for a branch of its size—an increase of 65%. The membership increased to forty-six members. Dr. Ayne Cantrell was branch president, and at the national convention she was recognized for bringing in the most new members of any member in the nation.

2007-2008

In October 2007 the branch again co-sponsored the EYH Conference at MTSU where Branch President Ayne Cantrell also presented a workshop for parents on gender issues. Fundraising again included a Women’s Art and Crafts Auction for AAUW Education and Legal Advocacy Funds, as well as the spring book sale in partnership with the MTSU Honors Students. The book sale generated over $2,000.00 to support the Ruth Houston Scholarship, now increased to one $1,000.00 award per semester for a deserving MTSU female student. In March 2008 the branch also received a $300.00 grant from MTSU’s National Women’s History Month Committee to fund reception and presentation on British Women Suffragists by branch member Dr. Nancy Rupprecht (MTSU History), which was held in the Tom H. Jackson Building.

In the spring of 2008 the branch sponsored Kristina Baker to represent MTSU as an Outstanding Student Leader to attend the Tennessee AAUW State Convention at Roane State Community College where Ayne Cantrell also presented a workshop on getting and retaining branch members. The branch nominee Monique Denny received a Tennessee AAUW scholarship to attend the 2008 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), for which the branch provided travel funds.

On April 22, 2008, the branch co-sponsored (with the MTSU Women’s Studies, June S. Anderson Women’s Center, and Murfreesboro Business and Professional Women) EQUAL PAY DAY at MTSU for which the branch received a $50.00 Tennessee AAUW public policy grant. The branch continued to support the Domestic Violence Program with monthly donations. Branch membership climbed to fifty-one members.

2008-2009

Branch officers were Dr. Ayne Cantrell, president; Nancy Rupprecht, vice president for programs; Cathy Crabtree, vice president for membership; Samantha Cantrell, treasurer; and Ann Funkhouser, secretary. On September 18 the branch held its third “Shape the Future: Women’s Arts, Crafts, and Foods” Silent Auction to benefit AAUW’s Educational and Legal Advocacy Funds, and members donated everything from homemade jam & tomato juice to knitted and crocheted shawls, to water-color & oil paintings, to original framed photographs. The year’s program speakers included Monique Denny (NCCWSL Scholar), Reyna Gordon (AAUW Fellow), Jane Marcellus (Associate Professor of Journalism, MTSU), and Mary Evins (Professor of History, MTSU). MTSU Junior Tara D. Nevill was the 2008-09 recipient of the branch scholarship for $1,000 per fall/spring semester. Again the branch sponsored the EYH Conference, National Women’s History Month, and Equal Pay Day—all at MTSU. The branch had fifty-six members.

2009-2010

The 2009-2010 year began with a potluck dinner and “Shape the Future: Books by and About Women Auction,” again to benefit AAUW Educational and Legal Advocacy Funds. The program for October was entitled “Financial Planning for Women” presented by Jennifer Sexton and Elaine Lytle of Sexton and Associates, followed by their presentation on “Planning Retirement” in November. In February former branch president Dr. Yuan-ling Chao (MTSU History) with Dr. Gloria Hamilton (MTSU Psychology) presented a program on problems facing Chinese women. For the March 2010 National Women’s History Month meeting and reception at MTSU, branch member Dr. Jan Leone (MTSU History) spoke about “Women on the Home Front during World War II.” The branch continued to sponsor the EYH Conference at MTSU and to support the Rutherford County Domestic Violence Program with monthly donations. The book sale was held on March 29-30. On April 20, the branch again co-sponsored an Equal Pay Day information booth at MTSU with other women’s groups. The branch had fifty members at this time, and Dr. Ayne Cantrell continued as president.

2010-2011

Fall 2010 began the year with a “Shape the Future Silent Auction” to support AAUW Educational and Legal Advocacy Funds. In November Kamryn Warren shared her experience at the 2010 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. The branch co-sponsored the EYH Conference in September and undertook the book sale supporting the Ruth Houston Scholarship in April. During National Women’s History Month in March, the branch hosted a reception and meeting at MTSU for which it received a $300.00 grant. Dr. Jan Leone was moderator for a panel entitled “A Century of Women’s History: The 100th Anniversary of Women’s Day 1911-2011.” Presenters were history professors Dr. Nancy Rupprecht and Dr. Mary Hoffschwelle and Director of the June Anderson Women’s Center Terri Johnson—all members of the branch. The branch bylaws were changed to better reflect current practices; for example, titles for elected officers were changed to president, vice president for programs, vice president for membership, finance officer, and communications officer.

2011-2012

During 2011-2012 the branch continued its usual fund-raising projects. At the National Women’s History Month meeting at MTSU in March 2012, branch member and MTSU History professor Cathy Crabtree presented a program on “Women and Quilts of the Civil War.” In April 2012 the branch started meeting some of the time at the Central Christian Church on East Main Street. Sharon DeBoar, Director of the Child Advocacy Center was the speaker in April. Laura Schlesinger was branch president; Deborah Johnson, vice-president for programs; Melissa Lobegeier, vice-president for membership; Samantha Cantrell, finance officer, and Ayne Cantrell, communications officer.

2012-2013

In May 2012 Tanya Peres Lemons was elected branch president, and Jennifer Sexton was elected financial officer. President Peres Lemons signed AAUW of Murfreesboro up on facebook () and continues to monitor the site, while Meredith Dye oversees the new branch site at national (). As of February 2013, AAUW of Murfreesboro has forty members, including five MTSU graduate students. A relative new category of AAUW membership is the E-Student Affiliate member. Undergraduate students at AAUW College/University Partner institutions may become affiliate members at no cost. Middle Tennessee State University is an AAUW Partner. Twenty students at MTSU are E-Student Affiliate members. Dr. Jan Leone oversees university relations for the branch.

Active since 1913, the Murfreesboro Branch of AAUW is one of the oldest branches in Tennessee. As this chronicle indicates, the branch has a longstanding history of supporting the goals of the national association that serve to improve the quality of life for girls and women.

Well into the 21st century, Murfreesboro-AAUW has and continues to

• Host fundraising events to benefit the AAUW Educational Foundation and the AAUW Legacy Advocacy Fund

• Award the Ruth Houston Memorial Scholarship for students to attend Middle Tennessee State University. Recent recipients are Ginny Lucas (2011-2012) and Rita Jones (2012-2013).

• Co-sponsor the annual EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS in Science and Mathematics (EYH): A Hands-on Science and Mathematics Conference for middle and high school girls at Middle Tennessee State University

• Offer programs at monthly meetings to educate members about public policy issues that affect women and girls and about community organizations that benefit and support women and girls

• Stage public policy events, such as voter registration booths and Equal Pay Day activities

• Support the Domestic Violence Program through monthly shelter donations

• Cooperate on matters of mutual concern with women’s groups and programs at MTSU and in the community

Under the guidance of Branch President Dr. Tanya Peres-Lemons, AAUW of Murfreesboro Branch is celebrating its centennial in 2013. Plans for celebrating the anniversary include

• Writing a history of the 100 years of the branch

• Creating a bookmark as a souvenir of the celebration

• Hosting a branch meeting, reception, and program for National Women’s History Month at MTSU, March 21

• Co-sponsoring Lilly Ledbetter as keynote speaker, MTSU Women’s and Gender Studies Conference, April 5

• Hosting the annual meeting of AAUW of Tennessee, April 6

In addition, the branch members are wearing celebratory T-shirts that say, “Breaking Through Barriers for women and Girls in Middle Tennessee—AAUW Murfreesboro since 1913”on the front and “Women are Natural Leaders—You are Following One Now” and celebratory teal-white-silver earrings and pendant, especially designed for the branch by MTSU student Rachael Smith. The branch also has asked Mayor Tommy Bragg to declare March 21 as “AAUW of Murfreesboro Day.”

Author’s Note

This brief history was compiled to trace our beginnings in 1913 to today, March 21, 2013. From the records it is obvious that the early members were interested in and supported community activities, education, health, and subjects of national interest. We have inherited a great legacy which has grown into AAUW becoming even more involved in promoting access and opportunities for women and girls in all areas.

It was impossible to list all of our activities and programs over the years, but I hope there is enough description to indicate the scope and interests of our branch. Because not all past presidents could be mentioned by name, a complete list is attached. Special thanks should go to all members who served as officers and provided leadership to our branch.

If anyone cares to do additional research, you may consult the AAUW archives at the MTSU Gore Center. The records contain yearbooks, minutes, photographs, newspaper clippings and miscellany to supplement this narrative.

Finally, much thanks to Ayne Cantrell for adding details of recent branch history and retyping and editing this manuscript.

Margaret Scott

March 21, 2013

Presidents of Murfreesboro-American Association of University Women

1913-2013

Southern Association of College Women

Dr. Emily Dutton 1913-1921

American Association of University Women

Dr. Emily Dutton 1921-1922

Mrs. L. S. Gillentine 1922-1925

Miss Mary Strain 1925-1926

Miss Harriet Johnson 1926-1927

Miss Ann Ordway 1927-1929

Miss Elizabeth Schardt 1929-1931

Dr. Ethel Norton 1931-1933

Miss Agnes Little 1933-1935

Miss Mary Strain 1935-1937

Miss Ann Ordway 1937-1939

Mrs. C. W. Lewis 1939-1941

Miss Sara Reeves 1941-1943

Dr. Eva Burkett 1943-1945

Mrs. R. E. Strain 1945-1947

Mrs. H. C. Wacks 1947-1949

Miss Mary Hall 1949-1951

Mrs. Ruth Houston 1951-1953

Mrs. J. D. McFarlin 1953-1955

Mrs. E. L. Miller 1955-1957

Mrs. Kenneth Pace 1957-1959

Mrs. William Falleaf 1961-1963

Miss Buleah Davis 1963-1965

Miss Mary Hall 1965-1967

Mrs. Marie DeHoff 1967-1969

Mrs. Roberta Payne 1969-1971

Mrs. Leola Fouts 1971-1973

Ms. Sondra Wilcox 1973-1974

Mrs. Leola Fouts 1974-1975

Dr. Shirley LaRouche 1975-1977

Miss Sarah Belle Cooke 1977-1979

Mrs. Geraldine Dement 1979-1981

Mrs. Fran Brandon 1981-1983

Ms. Margaret Anderson 1983-1985

Ms. Catherine Butler 1985-1987

Mrs. Barbara Bugg Zack 1987-1988

Ms. Barbara Bugg 1988-1990

Ms. Hazel Best 1990-1992

Ms. Rebecca Rice 1993-1995

Dr. Mary Hoffschwelle 1995-1997

Dr. Janice Leone 1997-1999

Ms. Melinda Johnson-Lickiss &

Ms. Rebecca Taylor-Sturdivant 1999-2001

Ms. Melinda Johnson-Lickiss 2001-2002

Dr. Marty Foster &

Dr. Yuan-ling Chao 2002-2006

Dr. Ayne Cantrell 2006-2011

Ms. Laura Schlesinger 2011-2012

Dr. Tanya Peres Lemons 2012-2013

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