From AAUW BOWLING GREEN BRANCH
The Bowling Green Branch of the American Association of University Women had a theme of Community for the year. They have worked to advance equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy since 1938.
“It has been a bit of a transition year,” said first-time branch president Kacee Ferrell Snyder at the year-end awards luncheon. “I think we have found some things that have worked and some things that haven’t. And, we have some ideas for how we might reinvigorate the chapter for next year.
The Great Decisions Lecture Series, which the branch organizes, was successful, with great attendance and conversations. The return of the Chili Cook Off at the revived Bowling Green Winterfest also proved to be a hit, she said.
For the coming year, Ferrell Snyder hopes the chapter can address “the assault on women’s rights and gender equity.It’s been really challenging to find the motivation and get the momentum to attend events and then still get the kids to school or figure what’s for dinner or schedule that next meeting,” she said.
As she and the branch look ahead to “figuring that out” next year, she said, “I think we could all do with a bit more community.”
The community theme was part of the awards presentations during the luncheon. “The awards are presented to share the outstanding achievements with the greater community of local individuals. During the luncheon at Kiseki Restaurant, the branch honored six individuals for their contributions to the organization and the community.
The following awards were announced:
- Dr. Katie Morris was named Outstanding Member of the Bowling Green Branch. She participated in and made outstanding contributions to branch activities and projects. An assistant professor in the Human Development and Family Science program at BGSU and a marriage and family therapist, Morris cares deeply about the quality of relationships in her clients’ lives. Her research interests revolve around cultivating healthy relationships, particularly among sexual and gender minority couples. She is exploring self-compassion as an interesting intrapersonal process that has interpersonal implications. This emphasis is seen in her clinical work, research, and teaching, said her nominator Deborah Wooldridge.
- Loni Stouffer was honored as the Outstanding Emerging Student Leader. She made significant contributions and demonstrated the potential for leadership and service. Stouffer has been involved with the branch for several years, leading lively book discussions and as the organizer for “BG Should Run,” a communitywide event encouraging people, especially women, to become more civically and politically engaged. She works full-time at BGSU Firelands and is completing her Ph.D. in higher education. “Her dissertation further demonstrates her commitment to the incredibly important work of making sure our stories are not forgotten and how vital gender equity work is,” said Ferrell Snyder.
- Laura Sheets received the Outstanding Emerging Leader Award for making significant contributions to the branch activities and special projects. “Laura jumped right into AAUW leadership as an active member of the executive team this year, taking on projects that have made a significant difference to our operations and membership,” Ferrell Snyder said. As branch membership chair this year, Sheets ensured the branch communication was streamlined and consistent. She is “dedicated to gender equity through her service to AAUW and as a faculty member in the BGSU Libraries, where she is currently co-writing a book on feminist citation practices, “which is way more important than most of us probably realize,” Ferrell Snyder said.
- Dr. Alexis Klassen won the Outstanding Community Leader Award for her service to the community as owner and dentist at Alexis Klassen and Associates DDS. “Her woman-owned, veteran-owned practice serves the greater BG community with kindness, compassion, and the utmost care,” said her nominator, Kori Koschalk-Newmister. The BGSU alumna, who chose to serve in the U.S. military after the 911 attacks, has served as a member of the BG Chamber of Commerce, Bowling Green Exchange Club, and the BGSU Pre-Professional Advisory Board. “She initiated and organized a dental health fair and Toothbrush Trio Relay to raise funds to help build the inclusive playground at Carter Park.” She provides free dental care to any active duty, retired, separated, or reserve service member in northwest Ohio and is an active advocate for children with autism and special needs.
- Maureen Barry was presented with the Outstanding Educator Award for her exceptional contributions to the enhancement of women through education. As BGSU’s Student Success Librarian, Barry’s focus is always student-centric. “Whether it’s teaching, library spaces, or her campus service committees, Maureen always has students at the front of her mind,” said nominator Laura Sheets. “She consistently updates and reviews her learning materials to meet her students’ needs. She is a supportive and collaborative colleague who seeks out the feedback and perspective of her fellow librarians and instructors. She is a dedicated and thoughtful teacher.”
- Julie Carle received the BG AAUW Advocate Award, given to recognize advocacy for women within the community. “Her advocacy shows up in her stories as a reporter for the BG Independent News, as she writes about local roadblocks and successes in the community for those who have struggles in life,” said John Zibbel, reading from a statement written by BG Independent Editor Jan McLaughlin. “Julie also tells the stories of people who work against great odds to reach success. She celebrates their accomplishments with the community.”
