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.

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.

AAUW Naperville Area members and guests gathered at Bolingbrook Country Club on a beautiful spring day, Saturday, May 4, 2024, to honor awardees, install officers, and celebrate branch accomplishments. President Lee Eastman emceed the event.

Becky Simon

The branch honored Becky Simon, Naperville activist and president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, as 2024 Woman of the Year. In her remarks, Simon urged the audience to take action on public policy matters affecting voting and good governance.

Scholarship recipients Maggie Walsh (left) and Diana Rangel (second from right) with scholarship committee members Joan Schaeffer, Alice Snelgrove and Marge Marek

Magda Walsh received the Michael S. Hollman Scholarship and Diana Rangel received the Angeline Gale Scholarship. Each woman received $5,000 to pursue their higher education goals.

Several members were recognized as well. Joan Schaeffer received the 2024 Branch Service Award for her ongoing commitment to AAUW’s mission and her dedicated service as president and scholarship chair. Members Lynn Franger and Elaine Fisher received certificates of appreciation for stepping up to manage branch communications during the absence of the branch’s communications lead.

Mike Hollman

Joan Schaeffer, receiving the 2024 Branch Service Award from Nikki Batsch, branch president elect

Lynn Franger and Elaine Fisher

Branch President Lee Eastman

Branch I-ACT lead Susan Marshall (left) receives a rose from President Elect Nikki Batsch

President Lee Eastman recognized officers, team and group leads, and installed new officers to serve on the board that will be led by Nikki Batsch who assumes branch leadership on July 1.

Tues., March 12, 7 PM; Lisle Library, 777 Front St., Lisle IL
Beacons in the Darkness (Hope and Transformation Among America’s Community Newspapers)

Across the U.S. community newspapers are closing or being swallowed by larger city-based papers. Dave Hoekstra, Naperville Central grad and Chicago-based Journalist, will shine a light on the local newspapers that have managed to not only survive but flourish in this new era of social media and hedge fund owned newspapers.

Dave Hoekstra worked for the Chicago Sun-Times as a staff writer and critic for 30 years. He was awarded the Studs Terkel Community Media Award in 2013 for his columns and critiques. He was the writer-producer for the award-winning 2018 musical documentary ” The Center of Nowhere (The Spirit and Sounds of Springfield, MO.) Additionally, he has written four books his most recent being, Beacons in the Darkness (Hope and Transformation Among America’s Community Newspapers.)

My STEM Journey: Tales from the Life of a Female Social Neuroscientist
Feb. 2024 Presenter: Karen J. Parker, Ph.D.

Program recording link:

Dr. Parker shared her unconventional path to becoming a social neuroscientist and discussed her experience of being a woman and a mother in the field of STEM. Dr Parker is the inaugural Truong-Tan Broadcast Endowed Professor, Chair of the Major Laboratories Steering Committee, and Associate Chair for Research Strategy and Oversight, in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.Dr. Parker was born in Boulder, CO, raised in Naperville, IL, received her undergrad and graduate degrees from University of Michigan and completed her postdoctoral training at Stanford University and joined the Stanford faculty thereafter.

Members, spouses and friends invited

Enjoy treats and hot beverages followed by a jolly trolley ride to see holiday lights on Dec. 12, 2023, starting at 6:30 PM.

Tickets $25 – please RSVP by Dec. 5

Join us for a festive event starting at the North Central College Coffee Lab at the Larrance Academic Center. Connect with AAUW members and friends and indulge in delicious treats, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Then hop aboard a holiday trolley. Enjoy the holiday mood as we explore the charming streets of Naperville, adorned with twinkling lights and decorations.

Share the Spirit

We invite you to bring items for Family Shelter Service, a local nonprofit that transforms lives by offering help and hope to those affected by domestic violence.

Donations needed (new, not gift wrapped):

Razors, soap, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste (adults and kids), travel size shampoo, conditioner and lotion, personal care items (tampons, pads, liners)