University Women mark 80 years with achievements

VanMall — The American Association of University Women Vancouver Branch celebrated its 80th anniversary Nov. 12. During the celebration, past presidents and longtime honorary members were honored. AAUW works to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. In 1957, this branch of AAUW distinguished itself for its groundbreaking advocacy to include women’s names in the phone directory along with their spouse’s in Washington, which eventually expanded nationwide. The group provides an annual scholarship for a student attending Washington State University Vancouver or Clark College; offers mentors for the “Young Women in Action,” a fifth-grade mentoring program; adopts a family for the holidays; and sponsors a reception to honor high school juniors who excel in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — classes at school.