FUNDS THAT SUPPORT THE CLUB'S MISSION AND THE UNIVERSITY
The Woman's Club of Washington University has been involved in financially supporting the University since the 1920's. By 1925, Club members had pledged $7,935 for the Woman's Building Fund.
Woman's Club Centennial Scholarship
In honor of the Club's centennial year, the Woman's Club of Washington University is committed to establishing an endowed scholarship for students attending University College.
Our goal is to raise $50,000, which provides a $2,500 annual scholarship to a student enrolled in University College at Washington University. Members of the Woman's Club are impressed with former scholarship recipients who have received annual awards from the Club. These students have held jobs, met family responsibilities, and have maintained good grades while attending University College. Over 60 percent of students attending Washington University receive financial aid. It is our mission to make Washington University a financial reality for students. Scholarships lessen the financial obligation while also helping attract the best and brightest students. Permanently endowed scholarships live in perpetuity-providing ongoing financial assistance each year to a deserving student.
"The generosity of donors enables University College to offer merit and need-based scholarships to adult students in the St. Louis area, many of them first-generation college or the children of recent immigrants. These scholarships, and the education they make possible, are often transformative in the lives of individuals and families, and help to build up our city and region-much as the founders of the university envisioned more than 150 years ago." - Robert Wiltenburg, Dean of University College
If you are interested in making a gift to the Washington University Woman's Club Centennial Scholarship please contact:
Becky Hanrahan at 314-935-3609, becky.hanrahan@wustl.edu or mail your gift to Woman's Club of Washington University, Campus Box 1202, St. Louis, MO 63130. Click here to print a form.
The Ibby Danforth Butterfly Garden Fund
Washington University was soon to experience a milestone in 1995. Chancellor Danforth was retiring at the end of the fiscal year. Therefore, in October 1994, Jan Kardos and her committee submitted a plan to Special Events Chairman Magdalin Szabo, of a special gift for Ibby Danforth, who had supported the Club throughout many years and events.
A Butterfly Garden would be established near the Stix House. Its upkeep would be the responsibility of Club members. They could help work in the garden, donate items to the garden or donate to the fund. Funds would be raised by donations specifically to the Club for this purpose. At first a modest goal of $500 was set to help start the soil preparation, order an appropriate plaque and purchase recommended plants.
By March, 1995 a total of 120 people had made contributions to the Butterfly Garden, bringing in a total of $3,702 by the celebration luncheon.
On October 10th, 1996 the Butterfly Garden was formally dedicated when Ibby Danforth unveiled a plaque which read "Ibby's Garden." Ninety-nine people attended the reception, chaired by Millie Kaufman, in the McDowell home, with Sue Taylor and student Elizabeth McDouell providing harp and cello music.
By spring 1998, Jean Davis took over from Jan Kardos to co-chair the Butterfly Garden Committee with Tedi Macias.
Through the generous support of Maia Schultz and Bill Smith, the Butterfly Garden received a flagstone path throughout the garden, making it also accessible from Forsyth Blvd. The pathway was completed in October, 1999. A luncheon in the garden was held on October 29th to honor the contributors.
Contributions continue to be made every year.
The Annual Lecture Series Fund
In general 1984-85 was spent almost entirely preparing for the Club's 75th Anniversary Celebration. The primary emphasis was to honor the Woman's Club for its long presence on the campus. Since the Board directed the Celebration Committee to raise funds for a gift to the University, three main fund-raising activities were proposed: a) an historical house tour, co-chaired by Emilie Brandhorst and Ruth Selfridge, b) a Bazaar coordinated by Glenda Finnie and Lily Schwarzschild and c) a Dinner-Auction in Elizabeth Danforth's honor, chaired by Magdain Szabo. The main event was held March 16th, 1985 at the new Sports Complex with 400 people attending. Marcia Bernstein, as chairman of the 75th Year Celebration Committee, coordinated the event, which honored Elizabeth Danforth for her devotion and service to the Woman's Club. Over 75 women worked on the Auction which offered 115 items, donated by local vendors and Club members. A 75th anniversary quilt was designed by Fannie Marie Batt and Anne Nussbaum. Many women worked on this quilt throughout the year, which was the highlight at the raffle.
Following the close of the Silent Auction, a buffet dinner was served, after which Dina Feldman, Club President, gave the welcoming speech for Mrs. Danforth, followed by a slide show featuring highlights fom Mrs. Danforth's life. Dancing in the new gym to the Galaxy Band was enjoyed by a sell-out crowd.
The Celebration netted over $11,000 from the house tours, the bazaar, the Dinner Auction, the sale of food at the tour, the sale of tote bags and aprons, which bore the garland of flowers logo, designed by Mary Harford. The proceeds were deposited in a special university account from which the Club annually releases an amount as its donation to the Graham Chapel Assembly Series Lecture Fund.
The Club still collects contributions to this Fund today. Click here for a list of Woman's Club sponsored Annual Lectures.
The Olin Library Fund
At the close of 1963, the membership was 458, with the Executive Board numbering 25. Annual contributions to the Olin Library were started in memory of former members.
Today, Club members honor loved ones with contributions to this fund.
The Scholarship Fund
In 1990-91 the Executive Board established a Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship fund would come from surplus Club funds and/or donations, awarded annually to needy female students returning to university to upgrade their skills or complete a degree. Bob Benson helped set up this fund and President Szabo presented the first recipient, Donna C. Wahlig, a finance major, with $500 on May 3, 1991 at the Club's annual luncheon. Scholarships are given annually at the Spring Luncheon. Carol Ann Uetake Shapiro chairs the Scholarship Committee.
Club members are asked to consider this important fund as part of their annual giving.
General Operating Funds of the Club
Activities of the Woman's Club date back to its founding year of 1910. Members joining at the Centennial Sustaining Membership level of $100 donate funds to help the Club in its outreach activities to women newcomers and its support of current members. This is a non-tax deductible donation and there are no additional personal benefits.