The American Association of University Women – Bradford Branch met in September at the Church of the Nazarene.

After the group enjoyed a casual box picnic dinner, President Holly Spittler thanked the hospitality committee of Rebecca Ryan and Anita Herbert as well as the Church of the Nazarene.

Prior to the business meeting, Spittler presented three awards.

The recipient of the 2020 AAUW – Bradford Branch Scholarship was Sophia Oliver. Since Oliver was back in school at Slippery Rock University, her grandmother, Faye Parisella, accepted the award on her behalf.

Spittler presented Marietta Frank with the 2020 AAUW – Bradford Branch Woman of the Year Award. Frank recently served as president of the organization and is the director of Hanley Library at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Lee Ann Doynow, the recipient of the 2020 Gateway to Equity Award, accepted the award and talked about the women in the community who impacted and encouraged her development as a leader.

During the business meeting, Spittler welcomed new members Sandy Caprarotta and Linda Gault. Legislative Chairperson Dr. Anita Herbert shared information about the national AAUW website and its links related to voter information. Scholarship/Education Chairperson Terri Leven announced that Nancy Dryden is the newly appointed member of the Scholarship Committee. Membership Chairperson Diane Gardner distributed copies of the newly published AAUW – Bradford Branch booklets. Spittler thanked Gardner for all the time and hard work that she put into updating and formatting the booklets.

Many members commented on the joy of finally being able to meet in person again.

Madeline Miles reminded members to look on Sept. 11 at the Firemen’s Monument in Oak Hill Cemetery, where the monument will be illuminated for 343 minutes to signify and honor the lives lost on 9/11.

Spittler thanked members for bringing in items and donating cash to support the Bradford YWCA.

The Bradford Branch of AAUW was founded on April 16, 1921.