American Association for University Women Records (DeKalb)

Mrs. Karl Adams organized the DeKalb Branch of the American Association of University Women on March 20, 1930. Forty-five women attended the first meeting. The purpose of the organization was to develop opportunities for higher education for women and to create and maintain high standards in those institutions admitting women students. Membership to the organization is limited to alumnae of colleges and universities which have been accredited by the national association. The organization’s membership increased progressively over the years with the largest increase in 1939 when the Northern Illinois State Teachers College was accredited. Throughout it’s history, the DeKalb AAUW sponsored benefit recitals, international fairs, and other fund-raising programs to support educational fellowships for young women of the community. The organization had informative programs presented by professors, club members, and community professionals at their monthly meetings. Within the organization, various sub-groups were formed including arts, education, social studies, international relations, and status of women to familiarize members with different facets of social concerns. At the April 27, 1996 meeting the board of directors was unable to identify a slate of elected and appointed officers to perform the duties as prescribed by the branch bylaws for the next two year term. Given that the branch was unable to continue to function, a motion was made and seconded that the board of directors meet prior to June 30, 1996 to plan the orderly dissolution of the branch, in accordance with branch and AAUW-Illinois, Inc. bylaws. A vote was taken and the motion passed, unanimously. On May 16, 1996, the board members met to discuss arrangements for dissolution. The alternative of functioning as a satellite of the Rockford or the St. Charles-Geneva branch was discussed and rejected. The board informed all members of their option to continue as AAUW members-at-large, and the procedures and costs for doing so. All branch assets and properties remaining after payment of all costs and expenses were turned over to the AAUW Educational Foundation, in compliance with AAUW-Illinois, Inc. bylaws. The final meeting of the members was held on June 22, 1996 at the home of Ruth Briles.

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