Category Archives: Announcements

What’s Your Dignity Index? Register for In-Person Program Oct. 8

Graphic of two people facing each other and talking. Title "What's Your Dignity Index"Register Now

If you could help ease the divisions in America would you do it? Is our language treating the other side with contempt or dignity? 

Join AAUW Naperville Area for What’s Your Dignity Index?, an interactive session to learn how to use the Dignity Index. This free community program begins at 7 PM on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Naper Blvd Library, 2035 Naper Blvd, Naperville. Come early at 6:30 PM and join us for informal social time. Please register to save your spot – space is limited.

Originated by students and faculty at the University of Utah, and shared by our sister AAUW Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles branch, the Dignity Index shows that it is not our disagreements that cause division in our country; it’s what we do when we disagree. The Index is an 8 point scale that scores speech along a continuum from contempt to dignity.

2024-2025 Caff & Laff Meetup Schedule

Members and potential members are invited to AAUW Naperville Area’s Caff & Laff — an opportunity to meetup on a weekday morning in a casual and social setting. We get together from 10:30-11:45 AM on the first Thursdays of most months at different cafes and parks. Stop by and have a morning coffee with us! No RSVP necessary. To receive schedule updates and reminders, contact Estela,

Oct. 3, 2024 – Peet’s Coffee, 686 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville
Nov. 7, 2024 – Panera, 2775 Showplace Dr., Suite 123, Naperville
Dec. 5, 2024 – Sugar Milk Cafe, 1250 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville
Jan. 2 & Feb. 6, 2025 – No meeting
March 6, 2025 – Nature’s Best Cafe, 1904 Brookdale Rd., Suite 104, Naperville
April 3, 2025 – Sweetwater’s Coffee and Tea, 110 S. Washington, Naperville
May 1, 2025 – Sugar Milk Cafe, 1250 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville
June 5, 2025 – Jaycees Park, 401 S. Webster St., Naperville

Great Decisions 2025 – Discussion Groups Announcement

Are you interested in learning about and discussing U.S. foreign policy? Each year the Foreign Policy Association researches and presents Great Decisions study guides on eight international policy topics of importance to the United States.  AAUW Naperville Area sponsors two Great Decisions study groups, AM and PM, that meet weekly from mid-January through mid-March.

How to Participate

Discussions are open to AAUW and community members. If you signed up at the AAUW Autumn Meetup in September for either Great Decisions group, you are on the list for 2025. Anyone who participated in Great Decisions in the past also will remain on the list.

Briefing Book Pre-Orders

On October 7 we will start taking orders for the briefing book we use for discussions. You will receive an email with the approximate cost of the book and other details on that date. We purchase the books in bulk to receive a 20% discount. If you don’t receive the order email, please contact Lee, leeeastman44@gmail.com, to be included in the bulk order.

Seeking New Leader for Great Decisions PM Group

Do you enjoy the PM group? Please consider taking on the role of facilitator. Becky Glimco, our longtime leader, has many commitments this year and would appreciate a break. Please let Becky, beckyglimco@gmail.com, know if you are interested in taking on this role.

More Info

AAUW Naperville Area Great Decisions groups and topics.

Questions? Lee Eastman, leeeastman44@gmail.com.

Saturday, September 14 – Autumn Action and Morning Meetup

Illustration of colorful autumn leaves with announcement about AAUW September event called Autumn Action and Morning Meetup

The kids will be back in school and the weather will be turning. Join us for a refreshing morning of coffee, conversation and light breakfast at DuPage River Park Picnic Shelter, 808 Royce Road, Naperville, from 9:30 – 11:30 AM. There is no charge for this event but RSVPs are appreciated — please email Lee, leeeastman44@gmail.com.

Renew friendships and meet our new members. Potential new members are always welcome! We will hear plans for the coming year and AAUW’s nonpartisan focus on engaging and educating voters to turnout in November. At this event we will be writing postcards to encourage people to vote, and Susan Marshall, our I-ACT Chair, will be available to register people to vote in the state of Illinois.

Support Women and Girls Into the Future by Joining AAUW’s Legacy Circle

Including AAUW in your estate plan is a lovely way to leave an enduring legacy that will support women and girls long into the future. By making a planned gift to AAUW National, you become a member of the AAUW Legacy Circle and affirm your commitment to equity. These gifts — or bequests — are donations that you designate in your will, estate or trust.

Learn More

Welcome Our New Board Members!

Twelve smiling women sitting on an indoor staircase - members of the AAUW Naperville Area incoming and outgoing board, May 2024

AAUW Naperville Area incoming and outgoing board members at a joint meeting, May 2024

We are thrilled to announce the members of our incoming AAUW Naperville Area board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. As we continue to work toward gender equity for women and girls through our various programs and initiatives, we are confident that these board members will help steer our organization toward even greater success. We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision of a more equitable and inclusive society.

President: Nikki Batsch
President-Elect: Becky Glimco
Program Co-Vice Presidents: Julia Dvorak & Lee Eastman
Membership Co-Vice Presidents: Diana Torres Hawken & Barb Vernon
Co-Secretaries: Ashley South & Julie Cunnigham
Finance Officer: Todra Oken

Our heartfelt thank you to these board members who are completing their terms on June 30:

President: Lee Eastman
Program Co-Vice President: Anne Swanson

2024 Used Book & Media Sale “One for the Books”

Tables full of books for sale in a school gymnasium with shoppers making selections

Volunteers preparing used books for sale

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 2024 AAUW Naperville Area Used Book & Media Sale our most successful sale ever! From collecting and organizing thousands of items, to the sell-out crowd who attended the First Look event, to all the volunteers, shoppers and charities who participated — we couldn’t have done it without you.

A big thank you to sales chairs Kath Camasto and Anne Swanson. We also appreciate the following organizations for their support:

School District 203 administration and staff
Anderson’s Bookshop
Knox Presbyterian Church
Monolith Moving Co.
Open Books
Ultimate Treasures

Proceeds from the sale will advance equity for women and girls. In addition, educators saved 50% during Educators’ Appreciation Night, charities received free books at the end of the sale, and thousands of used books will be enjoyed by new readers.

Diana Rangel named 2024 Angeline Gale Scholarship recipient

Photo of Diana Rangel

Diana Rangel

AAUW Naperville Area is please to award the 2024 Angeline Gale Scholarship to Diana Rangel. Diana is a woman of remarkable determination and compassion. Currently serving as a Certified Medical Assistant at Northwestern Immediate Care in Wheaton, Illinois, Diana demonstrates strong commitment to her profession and community. In addition to her work, Diana is a dedicated student at Rasmussen University in Romeoville, where she is fervently pursuing her dream of becoming a Surgical Technologist. She is set to graduate in December 2024.

As a single mother of two wonderful boys, Diana finds solace and joy in their shared moments, embracing the simple pleasures of outdoor walks, fishing, and movie nights. Diana hails from a proud Hispanic heritage. Her journey is a testament to the resilience and unity of immigrant families.

With aspirations to become a traveling Surgical Technologist and offer her expertise where it’s most needed, Diana embodies the spirit of service and compassion, inspiring us all to reach for the stars and make a difference in the world.

About the Angeline Gale Scholarship

The Angeline Gale Scholarship, established in 1971 in memory of educator and AAUW Naperville founder Angeline Gale, encourages women to pursue higher education, even when their progress has been interrupted. The 2024 scholarship was funded through the AAUW Naperville Area annual book sale, AAUW Naperville bridge group and J. McLaughlin fundraisers.

Magda Walsh receives 2024 Michael S. Hollman Scholarship

Photo of Maggie Walsh

Maggie Walsh

Magda (Maggie) Walsh is a soon-to-be graduate of the College of DuPage whose journey embodies resilience and determination. As she prepares to embark on a double major in Accounting and Finance at Northern Illinois University, Maggie’s passion for financial integrity shines through. As a first-generation college student, she has overcome numerous challenges, emerging stronger with each hurdle.

Driven by her desire to excel in Public Accounting, Maggie’s academic achievements reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond her studies, she finds balance as a devoted mom and supportive wife, drawing strength from her family as she pursues her dreams. Maggie’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s passions.

About the Michael S. Hollman Scholarship 

The 2024 Michael S. Hollman Scholarship, funded by AAUW member Donna Yule and an anonymous donor, honors Michael S. Hollman, a seven-year member of the AAUW Naperville Area Branch who serves on the scholarship committee and has generously supported numerous AAUW Naperville Area scholarships. This scholarship recognizes women who demonstrate leadership in their schools and communities and encourages them to pursue higher education despite interruptions in their progress.