Our branch provides an opportunity for stimulating friendships with educated persons of different ages, races, occupations, and lifestyles; continuing intellectual growth; developing and practicing leadership skills; participating in projects that enrich and support our community; and discovering an outlet for talents and skills.
Along with the Harrisonburg (VA) Branch and the Greater Richmond (VA) Branch, we are members of the Northwest District of AAUW of Virginia. Our district representative is Sylvia Rogers (Harrisonburg).
Our Board Members
Elected Officers
President Pat Kadel
Membership Vice President Laurie Gaulke
Program Co-Vice Presidents Teresa Thome and Theresa Merkel
Treasurer Marsha Gochenour
Appointed Officers
Recording Secretary Julie Sayre
Newsletter Editor Martha Prusch
Local Scholarship Rosemary Green
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion contact for AAUW of Virginia Becki Bronson
Sunshine Committee Chair Jane Parrish
Facebook Manager Pat Kadel
Website Editor
Our History
On March 27-28, 1925, a group of delegates from existing branches in Virginia assembled in Williamsburg to form a Virginia State Division. There was great interest in working in the state for legislation to increase funds for state supported schools, an interest in the preschool age children, and in sponsoring international relations.
The Winchester Branch was organized from an informal gathering of college graduates at the home of Mrs. Herbert Larrick on February 21, 1931. Nineteen members were enrolled when the Winchester Branch joined the Virginia Division. During the first year, the programs were based on a study of Fine Arts and Modern Trends. The first Fellowship luncheon was held on January 11, 1933. The 70th Birthday Celebration of the Winchester Branch of AAUW was held on February 10, 2001. The Winchester Branch celebrated its 85th year in 2016 as the Association was marking 135 years of promoting education and equity for women.
Our minute books, yearbooks, scrapbooks, and the Status of Women survey are stored in the Stewart Bell, Jr. Archives of the Handley Regional Library. Members are encouraged to visit the Archives and browse through our past.
Woman of the Year
Each year during Women’s History Month, we celebrate a local woman who is outstanding in her field, family- and community-minded, an advocate for social justice and equality, and a positive role model for women in our area.
AAUW@SU
The AAUW Student Organization at Shenandoah University was founded in 2017. Activities include bagel breakfasts and s’mores roasts to raise awareness of the group. An etiquette dinner was held recently during which attendees practiced social and business decorum in a formal dinner setting.
Student board members promoted AAUW@SU at a recent Clubs and Organizations Fair at Shenandoah University, 2019.
This Student Organization is advised by Winchester (VA) Branch member Dr. Rosemary Green (Graduate Programs Librarian), Dr. Erika Francis (Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies), and Dr. Marguerite Landenburger (Director of Grants and Research).
Each year, the Winchester (VA) Branch tries to send a college student to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders.
Interest Groups
Book Group – Members discuss a book over a potluck supper in members’ homes. Organized by Marsha Gochenour, Book Group meets on the third Monday of the month at 6 pm. Our Book Group first met in 2010, where we discussed Meg Wheatley’s Turning To One Another.
CLEO (Classy Ladies Eating Out) – An informal gathering where members and friends enjoy a meal out on the town. CLEO is organized by Marsha Gochenour and meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 6 pm.