Two VGIF contributing members receive New Year Honours

QSO badge for women Two VGIF contributing members were honoured by New Zealand this past year: Lorraine Pya Isaacs QSO of Dunedin, was appointed as a “companion” (member) to the Queen’s Service Order for services to television, education, and women. Valerie Myrtle Dell QSM of Napier received the Queen's Service Medal for services to women and the community. Each year, New Zealand “says thanks and well done to those who have served and those who have achieved… such recognition is consistent with the egalitarian character of New Zealand society and enlivens and enriches it.”* The history of the honours system mirrors changes in the country’s constitution, from Crown Colony to Dominion, and from Dominion to a fully independent monarchy or realm. From 1848 to 1975 New Zealand shared in the British-based system. Between 1975 and 1996, the system was a mix of British and New Zealand honours. It became a totally New Zealand system when The New Zealand Order of Merit was introduced on 6 May 1996. VGIF thanks Lorraine and Valerie for their dedicated service to women and their communities. *(Report of the Prime Minister's Honours Advisory Committee, September 1995)

AAUW – New Mexico honors VGIF’s 40th anniversary

Each year AAUW - New Mexico holds its Winter Leadership Team meeting and Legislative Day in Santa Fe, the state capital. In honor of VGIF’s 40th anniversary, AAUW – NM voted to donate $1,000 to show its continuing support for VGIF’s “devoted work” in empowering women and girls in developing countries. Additional funds were also contributed by state members in attendance. Carol Ann Council, past president said: “We hope VGIF continues to be successful for many more anniversaries!” Want to host a house party for friends or a local organization? Ready-to-print invitations, a party checklist, and a new, 12½ minute DVD describing many active projects are all available. Check the web site: www.thegildersleeve.org/40th/40th_houseparty.shtml or contact Fay Kittelson in the New York office (vgif@vgif.org) for details and assistance Following a pot luck dinner, New Mexico state members celebrate VGIF’s 40th anniversary with cake and balloons.

VGIF celebrates its 40th Anniversary with the Annual Meeting held at Barnard College

VGIF enjoyed the hospitality of Barnard College for its 40th annual meeting. Dean Dorothy Denburg and Professor Rosalind Rosenberg greeted us, in addition to VGIF member and Barnard graduate, Carolyn Donovan. Meeting Highlights Approved 23 grants in 21 countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas Approved a grant of $15,000 to the International Federation of University Women (IFUW) to support travel for participants in the training program for national and local leaders at the IFUW Triennial Conference Elected Marcia Goffin (USA) and Antonia Wigbers (Germany) to the Board of Directors; Sumana Fernando (Sri Lanka), Dagmar McGill (USA), Karen McKee (USA), Rita Skillman (USA), Leslie Wright (USA), and Jack Young (USA) were elected to second terms Established the Virginia Crocheron Gildersleeve Society to honor individuals or groups making a contribution of $5,000 USD or more in any given year. Donald Colburn, the Oberg Family Trust, Doylestown United Methodist Church, and Carolyn and Arthur Donovan were honored at the Annual meeting Recognized seven countries whose members contributed $1,000 or more in 2009 - Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States Recognized 38 volunteers who completed assignments on the Board and Committees Following the meeting, members toured the campus and enjoyed tea in the Alumnae Center which includes the former apartment of Virginia Gildersleeve, Dean of the college from 1911 to 1947. To read more about her, refer to www.columbia.edu/~rr91/3567/sample_biographies/virginia_gildersleeve - bio.htm or read her memoirs “Many a Good Crusade.”

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