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"News & Views"
The monthly newsletter for the
AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch
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Branch President's Message
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Welcome to Summer break!
It is hard to believe that we have completed another year of AAUW meetings and activities.
We learned about new subjects through all our guest speakers. We survived the movement of our meetings from Woodhaven to Wyandotte.
We have read books, we attended shows, joined
political activities, we discussed international topics at Great Decisions, and most important – cherished our friendships in AAUW.
We awarded all our scholarships from our Foundation. It was once again a wonderful evening meeting for the young women who received those scholarships.
I want to thank Kathleen Forrest for the hours she put in to organize the candidates’ scholarship applications. To the scholarship committee, thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to evaluate each application. Thank you Kathleen and Barb for emceeing the event in my absence.
We had another successful STEM conference. Thank you to Jackie Hector for all your organization skills that brought the students, counselors, and all of us together again this year. It was a success because of all you who spent working an every detail to make the conference run perfectly. Thank you.
Lastly, this is my last newsletter article and the June meeting will be my last meeting as President. Thank you all for the support of all the officers and all of you. I enjoyed the past two years. (Thanks for laughing at my jokes.)
Andrea Witkowski
2024-2026 President
| | SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PRESENTED IN MAY! | |
The annual scholarships offered by the foundation arm of the Wyandotte-Downriver branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) were presented and the recipients were honored at the branch’s annual Scholarship Awards event on Tuesday, May 12th, at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club.
A total of sixteen (16) scholarships were presented this year to applicants who met the requirements set forth by the Scholarship Committee of the local AAUW organization.
The Kathleen Bain Memorial Scholarship for two (2) Wyandotte Roosevelt High School graduating seniors, in the amount of $2,500.00 each, was awarded as part of the Honors and Awards Presentation at Roosevelt High School later this month. The winners of these scholarships were:
- Kate Buckley
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Ophelia Kochoian
The AAUWWD Academic Scholarship in the amount of $2500.00 was awarded to Ellie Kulick who is attending the University of Michigan.
The McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1000.00 was awarded to Madison Tyslicki who is attending Wayne County Community College.
The Shuerub Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1000.00 was awarded to Natalie Glass, who is attending the University of Toledo.
Eleven (11) additional scholarships of $1,000.00 each were awarded to the following recipients:
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Sloane Moutos, University of Toledo
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Zoe Stoltz, Eastern Michigan University
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Kiara Rroko, Wayne State University
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Melanie Veres, University of Michigan
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Jennifer Henegar, University of Michigan
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Sophia Varkas, Eastern Michigan University
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Ewelina Cieslar, Wayne County Community College
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Isabella Anderson, Wayne State University
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Monserrath Sanchez, Central Michigan University
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Erin Hoagland, Michigan State University
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Lila Pascuzzi, University of Michigan
| STEM SAVVY 2026 - A HUGE SUCCESS! | | |
Our 11th Annual STEM SAVVY event occurred this year on May 12th at the Wayne County Community College campus in Taylor, Michigan.
Nineteen Downriver middle schools participated in exploring the various workshops in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math which were provided by six amazing presenters and an awesome Keynote Address given by Dr. Alyssa Gaiser.
A HUGE thanks to all of our sponsors, presenters, and most of all, our STEM committee of dedicated volunteers who plan all year long to ensure that the students are excited and engaged in each STEM workshop they attend.
Enjoy the summer months and then we'll get right back into planning for the May 2027 STEM event when the committee reconvenes in September!
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Jackie Hector
STEM SAVVY Co-Committee Chair
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UPCOMING BRANCH MEETINGS/EVENTS:
"SAVE THE DATES"
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No Meetings in July or August!
Tues. Sept. 8th, 6:00pm, Branch "Welcome Back" Meeting,
Location: TBD
Any updates to above dates, times and locations will be sent to members via email in advance of the event.
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Summer 2026 Public Policy Report
In the past month, AAUW issued press releases on the following 3 topics:
1. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a devastating decision in Louisiana v. Callais, striking down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district and sharply narrowing protections under the Voting Rights Act.
AAUW stands for a democracy where every voter is heard, every community is counted, and every woman has the power to help shape our future. See https://bit.ly/430L62s.
Question for candidates: What steps will you take to ensure that elections are fair and accessible for all eligible voters?
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2. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is failing students at a historic rate. OCR is the primary federal safeguard for students facing sexual harassment, discrimination, and unequal treatment in education.
AAUW calls on Congress to fully fund OCR, enforce civil rights laws, protect students from discrimination, and hold institutions accountable. More at https://bit.ly/4dJgbg4.
Questions for candidates: How will you make sure schools respond to sexual harassment and assault in ways that keep survivors safe and supported?
How will you support explicit school protections for LGBTQ+ students based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression?
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3. The U.S. Department of Education finalized implementation of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act , eliminating Graduate PLUS loans and replacing them with borrowing caps. Only 5% of graduates in the most awarded advanced degree fields qualify for the higher “professional” cap.
AAUW fights for federal policy that expands, not restricts access to graduate education. More at https://bit.ly/3Pt7T41.
Questions for candidates: How will you increase need-based aid and investment in public colleges, so students aren’t priced out?
What is your approach to student loan repayment and borrower protections, so debt doesn’t become a lifelong barrier?
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AAUWMI Action Alert is AAUW of Michigan's new advocacy tool to alert our membership and public policy allies to take quick action on important pending legislation in the state of Michigan.
Instead of searching for email addresses for your elected officials or writing your own message, you can sign an AAUWMI–drafted petition and send it to your representatives in under a minute!
Instructions for the new AAUWMI Action Alert Guide are found at https://bit.ly/4wVdfpq
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Lastly, use the new 2026 AAUW (nonpartisan) Voter Guide to prepare for fall elections.
• Get informed on the issues that impact women and girls.
• Ask better questions at town halls, debates, and candidate forums.
• Start conversations with friends, family, and neighbors.
Access it at Its-My-Vote-2026-Voter-Issue-Guide.pdf
| | | | Watch for additional local opportunities to further our involvement in AAUW’s public policy agenda to advance women through political, nonpartisan measures, and forward suggestions to Diana Mente at: dmenteaauw@yahoo.com | | |
6/2: Andrea Witkowski
6/3: Laurel Blackwell
6/4: Marsha Bardoni
6/6: Kathleen Sullivan
6/17: Jan Piana
6/20: Krista Schafer
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7/1: Amelia Clary
7/7: Grace Baclawski
7/12: Janice Renko
7/15: Nancy Sutherland
7/21: Sharon Blackledge
7/25: Robin Brown
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8/2: Lisa Kinney
8/10: Melanie Orr
8/11: Carolyn Benitez
8/11: Kathy Callicoat
8/12: Deb Kennedy
| | NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES! | | | | RECRUITMENT & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER! | | |
One of the perks of our chamber membership is that any of our members who wish to attend an event can do so at member pricing. We can also take advantage of discounts on e-blasts, expo tables, newsletter articles, marketing opportunities, and other perks.
Just be sure to note that you are an AAUW-WD member when registering for any event!
| | To find the list of chamber events happening this month, please visit www.swcrc.com | | |
News from the State (AAUW-MI)
www.aauwmi.org
| | NEW AAUW OF MICHIGAN PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY TOOL AVAILABLE TO ALL! | | |
A brand new tool called the AAUWMI Action Alert, was rolled out at the state convention in Battle Creek.
If you are familiar with the "Two-Minute Activist" at the AAUW National level, this will be the same type of automated tool that will allow anyone to contact their elected STATE officials by sending a text message to allow you to take action on important pending legislation in the state of Michigan.
Instead of searching for email addresses for your state elected officials or writing your own message, you can sign an AAUW of Michigan drafted petition and send it to your representatives in under a minute!!
Please read the instructions below on how to sign up for this tool and how to take ACTION, how to RESPOND and also how you can use this on your computer instead of your phone if that is preferable for you!
This tool can be SHARED with everyone you know - you DON'T have to be an AAUW member to utilize this tool or to take action on important legislation in the state of Michigan!
There will also be a webinar on how to sign up for and utilize this tool. Date and time is Saturday, May 30th at 9:00 a.m. ET.
You can register for this webinar here.
Have questions? Attend the May 30th webinar or reach out to branch member and state president-designate Barb Duran at barbduranaauw@gmail.com or 313-300-1710.
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AAUW of Michigan
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Click HERE to access the AAUW of Michigan Instagram page.
Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE our posts!
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AAUW of Michigan
on Facebook
Click HERE to access the AAUW Michigan Facebook page. Be sure to LIKE and Share our posts!
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SUBSCRIBE to the AAUW of Michigan channel
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the AAUW of Michigan YouTube channel for access to webinars, videos, book discussions and more.
Click HERE to access and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
| | Branch & Affiliate Annual Report Now a Requirement - Must Include Branch Financial Reports - due June 30th, 2026! | | | | | |
Take just 2 minutes of your time on the internet using the AAUW Two-Minute Activist tool to influence legislators on important issues for women and girls.
Click HERE to access AAUW's Two-Minute Activist Site.
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Check out AAUW action, experts and research making headlines! Access articles & stories about AAUW published in the national spotlight here.
| | Interest Groups & Activities | | |
Daytime Book Club
June 5, 1:00pm:
Fever in the Heartland
by Timothy Egan -
Venue: Olive Garden, Southgate
July 10, 1:00pm:
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins - Venue: TBD
Aug 7, 1:00pm:
The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable - Venue: TBD
Sept 4, 1:00pm:
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir - Venue: TBD
Please RSVP to Jan Ingle at janingle40@gmail.com to confirm your attendance each month for restaurant headcount!
Everyone is welcome to read the books and join in our discussions.
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MOVERS, SHAKERS, & MUSIC MAKERS
A Tribute to Six Michigan Women Who Changed History
Sat. July 11th, 2:00pm
Myra K. Wolfgang, labor union organizer. Grace Lee Boggs, philosopher and activist. Laura Smith Haviland, abolitionist and conductor on the underground railroad, and others.
Featuring “This Little Light of Mine,” “Oh! What a Beautiful City,” this 45-minute show will leave you inspired by the legacy of women activists in Michigan and hopeful about building a better world right in your own backyard.
NOTE: This show is part of a day of one woman shows with Kamryn Marck - see the others below.
Tickets are $20 for each show, or $50 for all three (discount will be added when tickets to all three shows are in your cart)
Click HERE for tickets!
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WOMEN OF THE WATCH
Michigan’s Inspiring Lighthouse Keepers
July 11th, 4:00pm
An uplifting 45-minutes of music, laughter, and simple honest storytelling.
The play follows Kamryn as she relives family trips to lighthouses in Michigan, which leads to a discovery of several spectacular stories of various female lighthouse keepers of the Great Lakes.
As she steps into these brave women’s shoes, she uncovers the tragedy of the hardships they faced and the beauty of their spirits.
Click HERE for tickets!
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THERE'S A PLACE FOR US
Women Who Built Safe Places
July 11th, 7:00pm
At a tearoom on Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village, a converted church in Toronto, a home in Detroit, women rolled out rugs and brought in chairs.
They built places - sanctuaries: for queer people, for artists, for friends, for lovers. They did it before rainbow flags and marriage equality.
Some did it loudly, some quietly. How did they build those spaces?
How did they know who to open the door for? Kamryn follows their stories to discover how to build safe places in real time.
Click HERE for tickets!
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Wednesday Afternoon
Bridge Group
The Wednesday afternoon Bridge group meets every other Wednesday. The playing generally lasts until 3:30 or 4:00pm.
We are in need of substitute bridge players. If you would be interested in subbing, please call Grace Baclawski at 734-341-0643.
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Afternoon Literature
Jun. 16, 2:30pm:
“Becoming Madam Secretary” by Stephanie Dray
Venue - Southgate Library
A book selection get-together will occur over the summer to make the 2026-2027 book selections.
An email will go out to all of the members with the details.
Book discussions are on the 3rd Tuesday (every other month) - with exception of December - from 2:30-4:00pm - at the Southgate Library, with optional restaurant afterward. Everyone is welcome to join us.
If you have book selections or would like to lead any of the 2025-26 evening book club discussions, please reach out to Jean Carnahan for the year. 313-382-1914.
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Great Decisions
Scheduled Readings:
June 23,” U.S. China Relations…”
All meetings will be at the Southgate Library, 2:30 to 4:00 on the 4th Tues. of the month.
NOTE THE CHANGE IN MEETING TIME!
Everyone is welcome to join us.
For information call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914.
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There are many opportunities to gather together over the summer months.
If any of these sound interesting to you, please reach out to Diana Mente for details:
- Egyptian Kitchen, new restaurant in Garden City.
- Palmer Park Art Fair
June 6-7.
- Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden through
June 6 and 7.
- Lantern Festival in Grand Rapids through June 14.
- Hands On Mushroom Workshop in Temperance on June 30.
- Berthe Morisot & Manet exhibit in Cleveland through July 5.
- Taste of Gulyas - July 18 at Hungarian Culture Center on Goddard.
- Escher show in Flint through fall.
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Stay Tuned for any Travel Opportunities HERE in future newsletters!
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Detroit Symphony
If you are interested in future plans for this group, contact Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914.
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Fisher Theater Playgoers
This season is finished but the current subscribers have all renewed for next season plus two more will be joining us.
If you are interested in joining the Fisher group you can go on line for all the information.
We welcome all AAUW members to join our group.
Our season tickets are for the first Sunday matinee.
If you are interested in joining us, call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914.
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Correspondence
Please let Barb Duran know of any surgeries, illnesses, accidents, deaths, congratulations, etc., or any occasion that would warrant a note or card from us, as a community of concerned & supportive women.
You can reach her by e-mail at barb@easy2sendcards.com or call 313-300-1710.
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| Ongoing Branch & Foundation Fundraising | | |
Kroger Community Rewards makes fundraising easy. All you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!
Link here for all the details on Kroger’s website and select organization number TP885 for the AAUW WYANDOTTE-DOWNRIVER FOUNDATION INC.
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Mission Statement
We support leadership, education, equity and economic security for women through scholarships, training and political advocacy.
Vision Statement
AAUW will be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls.
Branch Goals
- Positive Impact
- Relevance and Visibility
- Leadership Development
& Succession Planning
- Funding & Membership
- Sustainability
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Branch Board of Directors/Chairs:
Effective 7/1/25 - 6/30/26
President:
Andrea Witkowski
President Elect:
OPEN
Past President:
Terey DeLisle
Foundation President/Chair (Ex-officio): Melanie Orr
Vice President of Finance:
Sue Stoll
Recording Secretary:
Marsha Bardoni
Corresponding Secretary:
Barb Duran
EI (Equity/Inclusion) Committee Chair:
OPEN
Fundraising Committee Chair:
OPEN
Historian:
Patricia Cox
STEM Committee Chair(s):
Jackie Hector
Andrea Witkowski
Membership Committee Chair:
Barb Duran
Program Committee Chair:
Lee Ann Shade
Public Policy Committee Chair:
Diana Mente
Nominating Committee Chair:
Andrea Witkowski
Scholarship Committee Chair:
Kathleen Forrest
College/University Liaison:
OPEN
Communication Committee Chair:
OPEN
Webmaster/mistress:
OPEN
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