SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 638
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 State of Texas, 88th
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
from the Texas Senate.
Eckhardt
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 24, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate