Coastal-Georgetown AAUW branch celebrates 65 years

The Coastal-Georgetown branch of the American Association of University Women­ celebrated its 65th year with a luncheon Sept. 22 at Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach. AAUW is a 141-year-old national organization.

The local group honored women who have been members for 20 years or more and recognized its member of the year.

Branch President Sharon Stein presented certificates of honor to long-standing members Penny Deiner (52 years), Linda Fischer (50), Nadine Noble (48), Karen Allen (38), Mary Friedlander (35), Laura Troxell (30), Dawn Lekites (28), and Virginia Sullivan (22). Not present were Ann Alexander (45), Lucille Payne (28) and Lane Stone (20).

Deiner, the longest-tenured member of the branch, was working on her doctoral dissertation at Penn State when she applied for a national AAUW fellowship in 1971. Almost immediately, she joined CG-AAUW as a lifetime member, and she has been happily returning the favor of helping girls and women pay for their education with AAUW scholarship awards ever since. Deiner was branch president for four years and AAUW Delaware president for four years. She is currently AAUW state public policy chair, coordinating activities with other organizations such as the state League of Women Voters. Deiner is also an active proponent of legislation aimed at helping transgender and nonbinary student athletes, as well as addressing the area of women's health.

Cristi Gillean, Delaware AAUW president and past president of the CG-AAUW branch, gave a presentation highlighting the local group’s history.

“Though times have changed, our mission continues as we advocate for education, equity and public policy that reflects social justice,” said Gillean.

Continuing the celebration, Stein presented roses to recent past presidents Linda Fischer, Virginia Sullivan, Marty Johnson, Betsy Baumeister, Penny Deiner, Kathleen Thompson and Cristi Gillean. Not present were Linda Thetford and Sheri Borrin.

Carolyn Newcott, branch communications director, was named Member of the Year for her outstanding dedication to AAUW’s mission of reaching gender equality in education, economic security and leadership. Barb Shamp, scholarship chair and board member, said during her two terms as communications director, Newcott’s technical leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, was invaluable. Last year, Newcott piloted the program to put the branch’s scholarship application online. Especially in emergencies, Shamp said, Newcott approached each challenge with a spirit of competence and serenity. For her service, Newcott was presented with an engraved vase of daisies, symbolic of the Member of the Year honor’s traditional name, The Daisy Award.

Coastal-Georgetown AAUW welcomes new members. For details, email Membership Vice President Pat Sheehy at pqsheehy@comcast.net.