Local woman honored in Escanaba

The State Board of Directors of AAUW of Michigan presented the 2015 Liz Kummer Award to Josie Burke of Trenton, at the recent State Convention held in Escanaba last May. The award recognizes Josie for advancing the goals and ideals of AAUW (American Association of University Women) in an exceptional and significant manner. It is named for the late Elizabeth B. Kummer, a life-long member of AAUW and ardent advocate of the educational goals of AAUW. These goals include preservation of a strong system of public education at all levels.

Josie has served the Wyandotte-Downriver branch of the AAUW in many capacities since joining in 2002. These include being co-president of the branch, and also of the popular annual book sale, which is held at Southland Mall each fall. On the state level, she was Funds Director for 2 years. She recognized the importance of our 501(c)3 status, and spearheaded the formation of the branch’s Foundation. This enables us to further impact the surrounding communities by awarding more scholarships and providing more programming on vital topics such as campus safety, equal pay and other women’s issues for branch members and for the public.

She always acts as an ambassador of this active and vital group, promoting it to potential new members in our area.

AAUW’s mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Wyandotte-Downriver branch has implemented programs to educate the public and influence public policy to benefit women and girls since 1932. If you are interested, learn more at www.aauw.org and on facebook at AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch, MI.