Advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy

American Association of University Women Austin, TX Branch

FY 25-26 Vol. 10 May 2026 Newsletter

We are rapidly coming to the end of our program year (wow, that was fast) and getting ready for our May meeting with the new AAUW Fellows. This meeting is a highlight of our year, so please don't miss this one. It will take place on Saturday, May 9 at 10AM at Balcones Country Club. The evite has been sent, but if you haven't responded yet, please do so here: RSVP Here. Reply by 5/1/26 and indicate your meal or beverage-only choice. See you then!

A Message from Co-President

Terry Whaley

At the end of our regular program year, we can reflect on this past year's successes and its culmination in the election of a new board to continue AAUW Austin's work. Sincere thanks to the current board for your hard work, and congratulations to the new board. The accomplishments of the branch are a direct result of leadership on all levels of the organization: elected board members, appointed board members, committee members, members who support fundraising activities, Interest Group leaders, and members who attend meetings to learn about our goals and the opportunities to participate in supporting branch priorities. In other words, you are all leaders. And the branch is thriving because of you.

Another end-of-year consideration is our Five-Star status. Five-Star is the national effort to align branches with national priorities. As a current Five-Star branch, it is our responsibility to continue to support these Five-Star goals:

Advancement: maintaining membership and raising funds
Public Policy: advocacy, voter registration, and education
Governance: leadership and sustainability
Programming: diverse programs that support AAUW goals
Communication: member engagement, collaboration, and information sharing.

We are on track to meet each of these goals thanks to all your efforts. Congratulations to every member who has contributed to this success. With excellent leadership, AAUW Austin will continue to meet the requirements and strengthen our ties to the national organization.

**Don't forget to do a little jewelry shopping in support of our Kendra Scott event on May 1st (see below for more info).

Have a wonderful summer!

Terry Whaley

Our branch leaders and members have not been shy about standing up for the core values and beliefs of AAUW. Pictured here at the "No Kings" events in March: Terry Whaley, above (in Round Rock); Shirlene Justice and Sarah Averill, below (in Austin).

April/May News Topics

**Kendra Scott Event**

Our next major fundraiser is the Kendra Scott event on May 1. You may shop in-store at 1701 S. Congress between 12pm-2pm, or order online with code: GIVEBACK-LIISH (between the hours of 12:01am-11:59pm) on 5/1/26. This event is timed perfectly for Mother's Day, Graduation, or other springtime gift-giving occasions.

Fundraising Status: Many thanks to members who bought See's candy over the past few months. We sold out at the April branch meeting and cleared a total of $907 for AAUW National's Greatest Needs fund. At the May branch meeting we will be collecting Change for Change. As this money stays in the branch, bring any spare change you wish to contribute to that meeting. The fundraising team will be meeting in person in June to make plans for next year. If you are interested in joining, contact Joyce at joycepulich@sbcglobal.net or Brenda at bwhahne@gmail.com.

We're still looking for new Bridge Players! The AAUW bridge group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 1-4 pm at the Senior Center on Lamar and 29th. We invite any interested bridge players to join us and welcome all player levels including beginners. You don't have to commit to play at each session but we do look forward to growing and adding some new faces. For more information and to join this group, contact epenn9915@gmail.com (Elaine Penn).

April Guest Speaker Recap

League of Women Voters: Keeping Us Informed for Over 100 Years by Larayne Dallas

“Professional volunteer” Jaci Collins described her work with the League of Women Voters as full of adventure. As an organization of volunteers, the League depends on its members to help implement their mission of informing and supporting voters. For Jaci, the League’s Voters Guide has been a focus since 2008, and she is the current Guide editor. That is in addition to being treasurer and a VOTE411 volunteer.

We learned from her just how much is involved in producing and distributing their Voters Guide. It entails countless contacts, many follow-ups, meeting the delivery truck at 4:00 am, and trips around town to drop off bundles of Guides. Once the primary election is over, they must gather information for the runoff and the next scheduled elections.

Jaci answered a question many of us have about why some candidate responses are noticeably absent in the Guide. She explained that although the Guide is non-partisan, the League is also an advocacy group. Their positions on various topics are seen as progressive, and for those wanting to be seen as anti-progressive it has become common practice to decline requests to participate in the Guide.

Shining through Jaci’s remarks were the value and rewards of being a volunteer for the League of Women Voters. She helped us think about the everyday power of volunteers and how her own mother’s League participation helped recruit her to the group and taught her that modeling voting behavior is important in bringing in new voters.

Meet our 2026-2027 Fellowship Recipients

Each year, our May meeting provides us with the wonderful, enlightening, and educational opportunity to meet, greet and learn from our newest branch fellowship recipients.

Our branch awards a minimum of 3 fellowships per year in the amount of at least $2,000 to doctoral candidates at the University of Texas-Austin. This award was established to assist individuals in completing their doctoral programs. In the 2026-2027 academic year, our five new recipients will receive $3,400 each. They will present their dissertation work at our upcoming branch meeting and leave us with tremendous respect and awe for their level of knowledge, skill, and presentation prowess. They will also make us both proud and humbled by their achievements. Here is a little more about this year's "class."

Danielle Sanchez, a history graduate student, will present "Law and Order: the Ku Klux Klan and the Texas Rangers, 1915-1930"
Carly Young, a sociology graduate student, will talk about "Inside the Anti-abortion Movement: A comparative Study of Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Texas and California Post-Dobbs"
Hannah Rempel, Marine Science, will discuss "Evaluating the trophic roles of coral reef herbivores across ecological and anthropogenic gradients"
Seyong Gyeong Park, Educational Leadership and Policy, will present "Understanding Newcomer Parental Engagement in United States Schools"
Jiyeon Rachel Jeon, Government, will discuss "Activism and Nonmarket Governance in International Investment Regimes"

2026-2027 Fellowship Awardees

*Top: Danielle Sanchez; Carly Young; Seyong Gyeong Park

*Bottom: Hannah Rempel; Jiyeon Rachel Jeon

*Mobile: Sanchez, Hempel Young (top); Park, Jeon (bottom)

Public Policy Issues, Actions and Opportunities

Education Subcommittee - Mary Ellen Scribner

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”

-Andy Warhol

Only two more months remain in the 2025-26 public policy year, but those are critical for the education team. The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) will hold its quarterly meeting in Austin on June 22-26. In the ongoing campaign to destroy public education in Texas, two key final votes will likely be taken during this meeting, one on the revised K-12 Social Studies TEKS and the other on a mandatory list of books that all public schools will teach starting in 2030. Both of these documents are seriously flawed in process of formation and content primarily because they were created by unqualified people and were tailored to a Christian zealot agenda. AAUW joins the many educators, religious institutions, organizations, parent and community groups, and a number of politicians who recognize the harm being perpetrated on Texas public school students and their parents. Over the next two months watch your Inbox closely for Advocacy Alerts from the branch education team which will inform and enable you to join us in action opposing both the curriculum revision and a mandated reading list. The next Advocacy Alert will also bring you up to date on the state of book banning in the U.S. In the meantime, consider that “In 2025, 92 percent of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers, up from 72 percent in 2024. Less than 3 percent of challenges originated from individual parents.” [ALA] "

The AAUW Texas Spring Meeting Just Concluded in San Antonio

AAUW Austin Showed Up!

April 25, 2026

The 12 of us pictured above and many of you who tuned in virtually were treated to an informative and thought-provoking meeting held in San Antonio on April 25th. From Dr. Valerie Jones in North Texas to Meghan Kissell with AAUW National we were challenged to be disruptive, inclusive, committed and persistent in promoting AAUW's core goals and values. At the heart of our in-person group activities and online presentations was the incitement for us to be actively watchful of governmental actions -- especially those related to Title IX and Voting Rights -- that can chip away our hard-won rights and opportunities. Additionally, we were guided in ways to cultivate and expand our communities of like-minded members as we work to become the Five Star Branches we should aspire to be. Many thanks to the AAUW Texas board members who developed the day's program and managed the technology involved, and for the inspirational enthusiasm of State President Malinda Gaul and other members of her board for their energy and dedication to AAUW.

Welcome New Member Anne Epstein

Our wonderful new member, Anne Epstein (2nd from the right in the photo above) has already joined with us at our most recent wine group tasting at Joyce Pulich's home. Here is some brief biographical information about her.

Anne Epstein joined AAUW after learning about it from her friend, Lynn Gambrill. She was drawn to the organization because of its support of equity and education. Anne enjoys meeting new people and looks forward to joining several of the interest groups.

Anne graduated with a B.A. from the Plan II Honors program at UT Austin. She then attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. After medical school, she completed two residencies, in Internal Medicine and Dermatology, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Anne moved back to Austin in 1994 where she practiced Dermatology until her retirement a few years ago.

Anne lives in central Austin with her miniature poodle, Stella. Her interests include the outdoors/nature, hiking, birds, the arts, architecture/design, food and wine, and music. She also enjoys playing Mahjong.

Membership Matters

This has been a great year for new members joining and strengthening our Branch. Our vibrancy as a group grows with each new face and we are so happy to have you here. Our membership committee would love to increase our efforts to attract, engage and retain new members through organizing and hosting the Summer Social and by initiating a mentor program for the coming year. If you are interested in being part of the committee please let me know - lbgambrill26@gmail.com.

It’s coming up on renewal time for most of our members so be on the lookout for an email from National to renew online, or you can print the renewal form and send it along with a check to Cynthia Roberts. Please note that National dues have risen by $2, but state and Austin branch portions remain the same for a total of $105. You can pay with a credit card by logging into your account at myaauw.org. You can also download the renewal form here, then print, complete and mail it to Cynthia at the address shown on the form. Thanks!

May Interest Group Activities 2026

ART TOUR

When: May 6, First Wednesday

Time: 10 am

Theme: Art Tour Planning

Host/Where: Susie Angel, 220 Silver Charm Drive, Austin, TX

Contacts: Pat Beal: patrbeal@gmail.com 512.762.9924

Devon Austin: devonaustin@msn.com 562.225.7681

BRIDGE GROUP

When: May 7 and May 28, Second and Fourth Thursdays

Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: North Lamar Senior Activity Center 29^th, North Lamar

Contact: Elaine Penn: epenn9915@gmail.com 512-328-3100

CENTRAL BOOK GROUP

When: Monday, May 11

Time: 10:30 am

Where: La Madeleine, 5493 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX

Book: “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother,” Author James McBride

Facilitator: TBD

Contact: Linda Quintanilla: quintalin@gmail.com 713.202.8525

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

When: First Monday, May 4 (meets on Zoom)

Time: 7 pm

Where: Zoom

Book: “There are Rivers in the Sky”

Author: Elif Shafak

Facilitator: Mary Ellen Scribner

Contact: Mary Ellen Scribner: maryescribner@gmail.com 512.698.5539

CREATIVE STITCHERY

When: Wednesday, May 20

Where: Lunch-Restaurant TBD

Contact: Beverly Locklin: bklocklin@outlook.com 512.633.2902

CULTURE AND CUISINE

When: Thursday, May 14

Time: 6 PM

Theme: Planning for 2026-27 and Pot Luck

Host: Ann Gibbs

Where: 5200 Rambling Range, Austin, TX

Contact: Ann Gibbs: agibbs5200@gmail.com, 512.250.1203

HIKING

No meeting planned; will receive sign-up sheet

for next year's hikes via email.

MAHJONG

When: Every Thursday

*Thursday, May 7

*Thursday, May 14

*Thursday, May 21

*Thursday, May 28

Time: 1-4:00 pm

Where: N. Lamar Senior Activity Center 2874 Shoal Crest Ave (29th and North Lamar) Austin, Tx.

Contact: Connie Munoz, comunoz1@yahoo.com 361.813.8012

Bring your 2025 updated mahjong card.

We are joining other ladies that play every Thursday and if more than 4 players show up, we help fill other tables.

MYSTERY INTEREST GROUP

When: Tuesday, May 26

Time: 11:00 AM

Book: Author that is “New to You.”

Place: BJ's Brewhouse. The Shops at Arbor Walk, 10515 N. Mopac Expy Austin

Contact: Pam Wolfe: piwolfe@yahoo.com 512.925.7865

OUT TO LUNCH

When: Tuesday, May 19

Time: 11:15 AM

Where: Santa Rita Mexican

Planner: Milli Segal

Contact: Elaine Penn: epenn9915@gmail.com 512-328-3100

PEARS

When: Saturday, May 16

Time: 5:30 PM

Where: Gusto

Contact: Milli Stecker: mstecker@austin.rr.com 512-468-1088

SOUTHWEST BOOK GROUP

When: Monday, May 11

Time: 10:30 – 12:30 pm

Theme: Calendar Finalization/Planning 2026-27

Facilitator: Debbie Starr

Host: Lisa Sura, 11902 Cedar Crest Cove, Austin, Tx.

Contact: Brenda Hahne: bwhahne@gmail.com 832.233.4254

WINE TASTERS

When: Sunday, May 17

Time: TBD

Theme: Planning Meeting 2026-27

Host: Elaine Penn, 912 Dartmoor Dr., Austin Tx.

Contact: Elaine Penn: epenn9915@gmail.com 512-328-3100

It's 5:00 Somewhere and Wellness 2026 will advise interested members of meeting times/dates via evite or email. For more info contact Shirlene Justice (It's 5:00) or Fai Chan (Wellness).

In Memoriam -- We extend our deepest sympathy to the friends and family of branch member Judy Bergum. Born on 10/20/35, Judith Ellen Bergum died on April 14, 2026 at the age of 90. She grew up in Chicago and met her future husband Bruce while attending Northwestern University. She earned her PhD in Psychology at Texas A&M University in 1979. Judy worked as a psychologist, volunteered at Mike’s Place, traveled the world, and was an avid reader. She loved Mexican culture, floating in the pool, politics and cuddling with her cat, but mostly loved a party with good friends. We will dearly miss her at our AAUW activities.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to bestfriends.org

Directory Changes

Please note the following additions or corrections to our current Yearbook listings:

Anita Knight -- New address is 1034 Liberty Park Dr. Apt #113, Austin, TX 78739

Janet Lawson -- Correct address is 5380 Austral Loop, Austin, TX 78739

Anne Epstein -- Email is alderman@aol.com

Enjoying the good life with AAUW

Above and around:

Jaci Collins from the LWV at April meeting; Sarah asking about LWV voter guide; Hiking group at the Violet Crown Trail near the Wildflower Center; views along the trail, including sensitive plants; another photo of group members.