Past Presidents 1935-1904
We don’t have many pictures from this era of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae which changed it’s name to American Association of University Women in 1921. However, there are a number of stories you can read about these women by clicking on their names or on their pictures.
The Vote:
Women got the vote in Washington State in 1910 and nationally through the 19th Amendment in 1920. Seattle Branch supported both of these causes.
AAUW Seattle and the University of Washington:
In 1909 Seattle branch was interested in the growth of the University of Washington. The branch participated in the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition with a social welfare exhibit under the direction of Dr. Anna Louise Strong, an early socialist-activist in Seattle. Held on the University’s 600 acres, this event left the University with twenty new buildings.
One of Seattle’s founding members, Mrs. Mary Dibble Smith, made a goal of having the University of Washington accredited by the National organization. Originally UW did not qualify because it did not meet required academic standards and because it did not give sufficient recognition to women on its faculty. The entire branch gave its unstinting support to the creation of the office of dean of women, to the professional recognition of women scholars, and to their appointment to the faculty on a basis of equality with men. By 1914, the University of Washington was fully accredited. Seattle branch has since benefited with UW graduates becoming members as well as UW Deans and professors.
This was very important work because it made university life a little more comfortable for the women who would follow.
After perennial requests to the governor for a qualified female on the UW Board of Directors, Mrs. Ruth Carr McGee, a member of Seattle Branch, served as the first female on the Board of Regents 1917-1926.
Other Early Seattle Branch Projects:
In 1909, the branch found the Juvenile Court system to be unsatisfactory. In 1912, they secured the retirement of an undesirable probation officer, the appointment of a better one, and invited the Superior Court (in writing) to improve the handling of Juvenile cases. Desired reform resulted.
After the first World War, the branch, in 1919, worked among immigrant women where they conducted evening classes in English, afternoon sewing classes, and assisted at entertainments.
In 1921 the Association of Collegiate Alumnae became AAUW (the American Association of University Women). Seattle Branch contributed $33 toward the fund to purchase a gram of radium as a gift for Madame Curie.
Seattle Branch was active in raising money for scholarships and educational loans. They also offered many public lectures on political and educational subjects. These activities have continued as foundational themes for the branch.
On a social and international note, Seattle Branch in 1906 held a reception in honor of Mme. Sarah Bernhardt while she was appearing in Seattle.
Miss Gertrude Woodcock, a charter member of Seattle Branch, stated in 1954:
“The women who started AAUW may have had a vision of things to come, but they never could have foreseen the wonderful work it is doing, particularly through its scholarships for American women and international grants to foreign women. The variety and scope of it’s activities today are a far cry from its small beginnings.”
AAUW on the National Level During this Era:
Late 1800s: College Education for Women
AAUW was founded by women who envisioned an organization in which women college graduates band together to open doors of higher education to other women and find wider opportunities to use their training. The Committee on Educational Legislation was formed in 1898 to promote policies that further educational opportunities for women and girls.
Early 1900s: Pay Equity
One of AAUW’s early accomplishments was the fight for pay equity in 1913 with a report on US Civil service job classifications and compensation. Although pay inequity sill continues, this action over a century ago was the first step toward raising a woman’s earnings in to in 2020 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
For more information on our past presidents:
Past Presidents Present-1990
Past Presidents 1989-1962
Past Presidents 1961-1935