Business and Professional Women's Club of North Alamo City (San Antonio, Tex.)

The North Alamo City Business and Professional Women's Club (B&PWC) was established in 1968, an official chartered club of the Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women and National Federation of Business and Professional Women. The club began with 22 members. Among the club's achievements was the establishment of their Career Awareness Program, the first inaugurated by a state club. Additionally, the club presented annual scholarships and hosted annual educational seminars for women.

From the description of North Alamo City Business and Professional Women's Club records, 1953-1992 (bulk 1968-1992). (University of Texas at San Antonio). WorldCat record id: 241380132

The North Alamo City Business and Professional Women's Club (B&PWC) was established in September 1968, an official chartered club of the Texas and National Federations of Business and Professional Women. The club was sponsored by the Business and Professional Women's Club of San Antonio. The club's first president, Katherine Bischel, was presented with the club's charter at the Woman's Pavilion at HemisFair, the 1968 world's fair in San Antonio. The club began with 22 members, with 30 members by the end of its first year.

North Alamo City B&PWC was a member of District 2 of the Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women. It should be noted that the state federation reorganized its districts in 2003 from fifteen districts into seven regions. The club won a District 2 Award in 1973, and three North Alamo B&PWC members were selected as District 2 Woman of the Year (Katherine Bischel in 1972, Alice Bonsignore in 1974, and Marie Kelleher in 1980). Two members were elected District 2 Director: Patricia Grant in 1973-1974, and Doris Raforth in 1975-1976 and 1976-1977. The club achieved statewide recognition with two members' being selected as Woman of the Year for the State (Lt. Col. (Ret.) Patricia E. Grant in 1971, and Col. Marian Tierney in 1972); additionally, the club won the State Torch Awards in 1974. In 1977, North Alamo City B&PWC received recognition for holding a twenty-four hour prayer vigil at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (San Antonio, Tex.) in support of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Among the club's achievements was the establishment of their Career Awareness Program, the first inaugurated by a state club. The program sponsored Career Awareness Days at two San Antonio high schools: Burbank High School and East Central High School. The program also involved the presentation of two scholarships annually, one to a young high school graduate and one to an older woman who wished to re-enter the business world. Additionally, the club would sponsor an annual inspirational, educational and fun seminar as part of the program.

There is no information in the collection regarding the club's disbandment, but the dates of the materials suggest that the club may have disbanded around 1992.

Source: North Alamo City Business & Professional Women's Club History, 1968-1985 and undated (Folder 1:11), North Alamo City Business and Professional Woman's Club Records, 1953-1992, MS 55, Archives and Special Collections, University of Texas at San Antonio Library.

From the guide to the North Alamo City Business and Professional Women's Club Records MS 55., 1953-1992 (bulk 1968-1992), (University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections)