Meeting planned for Sept. 26

The Tryon Area branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) was chartered in 1987 and will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. The mission of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Here are a few interesting facts about AAUW:

• AAUW was founded in 1881 and is open to all graduates (female or male) holding an associate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university

• In 1921, AAUW helped Marie Curie continue her research by purchasing a gram of radium for her use

• In 1940, AAUW raised money for the war relief fund

• In 1969, AAUW established the Coretta Scott King Fund to provide scholarships to African American women to study history, culture and peace

• In 1987, AAUW began in Tryon and shortly thereafter began sending girls from Polk County High School and Landrum High School to a summer college experience at Clemson University. That program exists today

• Over the years, the Tryon Branch has published a voter’s guide and hosted candidate forums to provide opportunities for the community to learn more about candidates for local, state and national government

• The Tryon Area Branch of AAUW sponsors the Eileen White Scholarship for non-traditional women desiring to further their education

AAUW meets in the fellowship hall of the Tryon Presbyterian Church on the fourth Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. All general meetings are open to the public and programs are publicized monthly in the Tryon Daily Bulletin. Speakers usually present topics in keeping with the goals of AAUW or issues of local interest.

AAUW extends an open invitation to all to attend our first meeting on Monday, Sept. 26. The program will feature presentations from the local young women who received scholarships from AAUW to attend the 2016 Clemson University Summer Scholars Program and from Principal Jason W. McGraw, discussing Landrum High School programs.

– article submitted by Priscilla Yeager