Walsh University Women's Committee

The Women's Committee of Walsh was founded in 1970, ten years after Walsh opened its doors to students. Br. Robert Francoeur, Walsh's newly appointed second president, requested the Advisory Board to consider the formation of a Women's Committee to be a liaison to the community.

Mildred Urbach, a member of the Advisory Board, initiated the request by forming a committee to discuss the procedure. In attendance were Br. Robert Francoeur; Edward Sauser, Director of Development; Ruth Towell, Louise Timken, Ginny Herbst, Ellie Lavin, Barbara Schreiber, and Jane Schirack.

Jane Schirak was appointed chairperson of a steering committee. She formed an initial group of women from the community whose purpose was to determine the objectives and goals of the organization. From September 1970 to February 1971, this group of women, sharing a common interest in the College, met to write a constitution to define goals and objectives.

The first formal meeting was held on February 10, 1971, in Lavin Lounge with twenty-eight members present. The constitution, goals, and objectives were accepted and officers where elected.

From the guide to the Women's Committee of Walsh, 1970-2003, (Walsh University Library)