Album: AAUW celebrates 125 years 

By Ruth Rafello

The Half Moon Bay Branch of the American Association of University Women gathered at the Methodist church in Half Moon Bay to celebrate its 125th birthday on Monday, Nov 20.  A huge vanilla cake blazed in the glow of 125 candles, and the occasion was toasted with sparkling cider and a special slide presentation of the AAUW’s history and impact on women’s rights. 

Started by 18 women college graduates in Boston in 1881, the Association now had more than 150,000 members. AAUW is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations dedicated to women’s rights. Founded Nov. 28, 1881, AAUW has developed a rich tradition of leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and action. AAUW has over 100,000 members nationwide with over 20,000 members in 155 branches in the California district. 

The celebration continued with guest speaker Adeline Salloy from France who is now studying at Stanford University on an AAUW fellowship. Adeline inspired attendees with her passion for the work she does in nuclear energy and financial modeling.  She receives her Masters Degree next month and hopes to do her first year internship in San Francisco.  Her goals include helping policymakers with decisions on the use of energy resources. She also will focus on how environmental events affect strategic decision-making in the energy industry and in public organizations.  

The Association works for obtaining equity for women and girls in all areas of society and is the largest source of fellowships exclusively for women.  For more on the AAUW or to join the Half Moon Bay Branch go to: http://www.hmb-aauw.org/