From the Presidents’ Pen Greetings!

One of the reasons I joined the American Association of University Women is its commitment to education for women. In Half the Sky Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn discuss the importance of emancipating and educating women as the “best strategy for fighting poverty” worldwide. Earlier this fall I had the chance to visit Ewha University, in Seoul, Korea. Ewha started in 1886 as a very small school to teach literacy to girls, and in 1925 became Korea’s only institution of higher education for women, nurturing ambitions and hope despite very dire conditions. Ellis and I have supported Ewha for many years, as Mamie Lee Finger, his mother, served as president of its International Foundation for 6 years. I first visited the university in 1996, and it was a thrill to return this year, meet with President Hyang-Sook Lee and her staff, and view a special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of its founding and its significance in the history of education and women. Ewha is now one of the world’s largest female universities (and does now welcome men for some special programs).

In early November several Easton AAUW branch members attended an inspirational celebration in honor of Frances Hesselbein and viewed a wonderful new documentary about her amazing life. She was a young Johnstown, PA housewife who agreed to take on the leadership of a Girl Scout troop, later became the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and for many years worked in partnership with Peter Drucker, the founding father of modern management. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and became the first woman to teach leadership at West Point. As she said, “When you see a roadblock or challenge as an opportunity, it is amazing how you are already halfway there.” We are thankful for our members and dedicated board members, welcome our new members, and wish everyone a happy and peaceful holiday season.

Warmly, 

Dr. Phyllis Finger

 

Phyllis and Christina