American Association of University Women. Texas Division. Bryan-College Station Branch.

The Bryan-College Station Branch of the American Association of University Women originated in 1948 with seventy-one charter members under the leadership of Mrs. Omar Sperry. Since its inception the branch has been actively involved in many civic improvement projects for the cities of Bryan and College Station. This branch created a Friends of the Public Library organization in 1955, began the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural Science in 1961, developed local day care centers in the 1960's, and created a coalition of organizations through a "women's conference" in 1978.

From the description of Records, 1947-1988. (Texas A&M University). WorldCat record id: 49868346

The Bryan-College Station Branch of the American Association of University Women originated in 1948 with seventy-one charter members under the leadership of Mrs. Omar Sperry . Since its inception the branch has been actively involved in many civic improvement projects for the cities of Bryan and College Station, Tex. Among the activities which have highlighted their history are creating a Friends of the Public Library organization in 1955; beginning the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural Science in 1961; developing local day care centers in the 1960's; and creating a coalition of organizations through a women's conference in 1978.

The American Association of University Women was created over a century ago when seventeen college alumnae met in Boston, Mass. to discuss the possibility of forming an organization for women college graduates . The intent of this organization was to expand the range of professional opportunities available for female college graduates, and to enable more women to pursue higher education in the future.

In 1882, one year after this original meeting, the Assocation of Collegiate Alumnae was formed. It consisted of sixty-five graduates from eight different colleges and universities. By 1884, local branches were being added to the parent organization, and in 1889 a membership policy was codified which specified certain standards to be met by its members.

Since those early years, the organization, now called the American Association of University Women, has become nationwide. In 1882 it celebrated its 100th anniversary with over 140,000 members. Significantly, since 1987 these members have included men.

The AAUW has, however, achieved much more than just membership growth. Its services to higher education and the community in general have been great. Hospitality programs for foreign students, graduate fellowships for women scholars, educational legislation committees, adult education programs and current issue workshops are a few of these outstanding accomplishments.

From the guide to the Inventory of The American Association of University Women, Bryan-College Station Branch Records Texas MSS 00039., 1947-1988, (Cushing Memorial Library)