88R30372 BK-D
By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 638
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Austin Branch of the American Association of
University Women is celebrating its 100th anniversary in November
2023; and
WHEREAS, AAUW was founded in 1881, when a small group of
female college graduates banded together with the goal of promoting
women's career advancement and encouraging more women to pursue
higher education; the organization's mission is to advance gender
equity through research, education, and advocacy, and it has
supported the academic achievements of many thousands of women
scholars throughout its history; and
WHEREAS, In 1923, the Austin Branch of AAUW was organized at
the Driskill Hotel by 15 women, including prominent leaders in the
civic, religious, and cultural life of the city; over the course of
a century, the Austin Branch has distinguished itself as a force for
good in the community by forming partnerships with organizations
such as the Austin Public Library Association, the Community
Council of Austin, the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood,
and the Texas Freedom Network and participating in such endeavors
as the March of Dimes campaign, the College Faculty Program, and the
environmental coalition We Care Austin; and
WHEREAS, Early in its history, the Austin Branch was involved
in the founding of the city's first public library, and it was
integral to the establishment of a Well Baby Clinic and the Chalmers
Nursery School; moreover, the branch's members have taken part in
charitable initiatives to provide food and clothing to residents in
need and to improve conditions at Brackenridge Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The Austin Branch created an endowment fund that has
been used to award fellowships to doctoral students at The
University of Texas, as well as an endowed scholarship for female
students enrolled at Austin Community College; the branch has also
sponsored Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics, a
conference for middle school girls, and a host of other symposia,
workshops, and events with the purpose of fostering dialogue on
important issues such as educational and pay equity; and
WHEREAS, AAUW's Austin Branch is aligned with its
trailblazing parent organization in its efforts to build a more
equitable society and to empower women in all walks of life, and it
is a pleasure to join its members in commemorating this special
milestone in the organization's proud history; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby commemorate the centennial of the Austin Branch of the
American Association of University Women and extend to all those
associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas Senate.