Updated: 11-5-2007
The American Association of University Women promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.
In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.
Our Cortland Branch newsletter is published during the year. If you would like to receive a copy, please contact the the editor, Ellen Wright, requesting our latest issue and including your name and mailing address.
The seed for a Cortland branch of AAUW began in 1952 with correspondence between SUNY Cortland and AAUW national. Cortland State president Donald Smith requested that the local college be put on the AAUW qualified list. Many letters in our files attest to the determined efforts of SUNY Cortland faculty and administration to be “accepted” by AAUW National. Finally, a letter dated November 18, 1963 to Donovon Moffett, president of SUNY Cortland, from Blanche Dow, AAUW president, stated “Your institution has been put on the ‘AAUW qualified list and women graduates, including those graduating before this ruling, are now eligible for membership’.”
On August 17, 1964 , six women met for lunch with two Binghamton AAUW members and made plans for a local branch. On Monday, October 5, 1964 an organization meeting was held at the YWCA with alumnae from 25 different colleges and universities. The following women were elected to serve until permanent officers could be nominated: Sandra Meade, chair; Barbara Kuhlman, secretary; Lois Osborn, treasurer; and Mrs. Edward Telling, membership secretary. In the Spring of 1965, Eleanor Blodgett was elected president. Two members of our branch, Grace Bentley and Sandra Decker, are Charter members of the Cortland branch.
An annual scholarship is awarded in honor of our first president, Eleanor Blodgett, to a Cortland County resident who is pursuing a four-year degree. Eleanor Blodgett was a bright, actively involved member of AAUW and the Cortland community until her death in 1990 at the age of 94.
You can reach the branch by contacting Ellen Wright, 607-749-2949.