On November 12, 1975 the Poughkeepsie Branch held a dinner at the Vassar Alumni House to commemorate the International Women's Year and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of our branch. Eight women were honored for outstanding service to the residents of Dutchess County. Since that time, the Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW has selected a local woman to honor as our Woman of the Year. These women exemplify the goals stated in AAUW's mission statement:
The American Association of University Women advances equity
for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
We invite you to nominate candidates for consideration of this honor using the form linked below to print, fill in and mail. Your nomination will be in consideration for two years from the date you submit the form to one of the Woman of the Year Committee Co-Chairs: Margaret Ouart, 26 Broad St, Fishkill, NY 12524 or Gail Sisti, 313 Forest Rd, Wallkill, NY 12589
Woman of the year Nomination Form>>
From The Branch, March 1990:
"If you give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, you will feed him for a lifetime." This saying exemplifies the career and life of our 1990 AAUW Woman of the Year, Marion "Chad" Patterson. She has devoted her life to helping ensure that each person receives, not only an education, but a joy for learning. She is a master at encouraging and getting others involved, thus weaving the talents of others into the fabric of life.
Over the years in Poughkeepsie, Mrs. Patterson has held a multitude of community service positions. Among them are President and counsel for the George Washington Carver (Scholarship) Fund, President of the Poughkeepsie PTA Council and District Director of the tri-county Taconic District PTA Council. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Poughkeepsie Children's Home, Grace Smith House, Mental Health Association, and the Dutchess County Girl Scouts.
As a woman who most definitely demonstrates AAUW's principal goals of equity for women, education and self-development over the life span, and positive societal change, we salute Marion "Chad" Patterson as 1990's Woman of the Year.