National Association of University Women: Serving the community for over 100 years

Life changed for the better last Saturday for two Tallahassee teens. 

It happened during the National Association of University Women’s annual Mother-Daughter Celebration program, where scholarships were presented to Tia Huie, a senior at Goby High School, and Alexis Frazier, a graduating student from the LPN program at Lively Technical Center.

“Coming from a single parent household it’s hard preparing for college financially. I don’t want my mother to stress, which is why I’m so happy and grateful to be accepting this scholarship! This is my first scholarship I applied for actually, but it won’t be my last,” Huie said.

NAUW, the organization responsible for the scholarships has a rich history. 

Mary Church Terrell, Sara Brown, Fairfax Brown and Mary Cromwell organized the College Alumnae Club in Washington, D.C. in March 1910. 

It wasn’t until 1924 that the permanent organization was established and in November of that same year it was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia.

On Aug. 9, 1974, the association accepted its updated charter and became known as the National Association of University Women. The association from its beginning has been based on service and education.

Bernyce H Clausell organized the Tallahassee branch in February 1957. 

An informational meeting was held at the home of Lillie Davis, an instructor at Florida A&M University, to introduce the women who attended to the purpose and future possibilities of the organization.

Thirteen women attended the organizational meeting. They went on to become the chartering members. 

Today, the Tallahassee branch has about 60 active members. Angelia Rivers, a FAMU graduate, currently serves as the Tallahassee branch president.

The organization aims to stimulate young women to achieve professional excellence, to exert influence in various movements for the public good, and to promote an intellectual fellowship among other professional women.

Bonita Williams, an active member of the organization, has been serving in the Tallahassee community since 2014.

“Our mission is to serve women, youth and the disadvantaged in our communities and in developing countries by addressing educational issues, advancing the status of women's issues, and strategically partnering with allied organizations,” said Williams.

The organization promotes and conducts various educational activities that are designed to provide community outreach services to learners at every level of development. Promote and enthusiastically conduct educational activities that are designed to provide community outreach services to learners at every level of development. They provide fellowships, grants and scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies to those in need within their community.

Frazier, one of the scholarship recipients last Saturday, was overwhelmed.

 “Although I’m currently certified nurse’s assistant my plan is to continue my education. This scholarship will help me pay back students loans, which I’m beyond thankful for. Because now I can focus on continuing my education,” she said.

Hule will be attending FAMU in the fall majoring in health sciences. Frazier plans to eari her BN in nursing.

NAUW has collaborated with national, local, social, and economic programs throughout the years. Such as, the National Council of Negro Women, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and United Negro College Fund just to name a few.

These women currently celebrate 100 years of service. They pay homage to all those who have served before them and those who will serve after. The National Association of University women was created during a time were women especially those of color had no voice and little to no rights. Besides those rights granted to them by men. Today they are serving to create new opportunities for all women.

For more information on how to be a part of the changes they are making within the community visit www.nauw1910.org